Class 10 is one of the most important milestones in a student’s school education. The CBSE, Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum prepares students for the board exam as well as paving the way for the stream choice in Class 11. Understanding the number of subjects in Class 10 of CBSE helps students to make study plans, manage assignments, and prepare for new challenges in college.
In this blog, we have everything you need to know about Class 10 CBSE subjects, from the number of compulsory subjects you have to take along with the optional subjects available, the importance of the subject structure for your future, and the smart way to prepare using the right resources, such as CBSE books for Class 10, NCERT Exemplar book Class 10, etc.
How Many Subjects Are Compulsory in Class 10 CBSE?
The Class 10 curriculum, as prescribed by the CBSE, offers all students a grounding in the fundamental academic disciplines of languages and sciences, as well as in mathematics and social studies. As per the CBSE rules, students have to study these five core subjects:
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Language I – normally English or Hindi, usually their language of communication.
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Language II – a second language, which may be either Hindi, English, Sanskrit, or any regional/foreign language that the school may offer.
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Mathematics – offered at two levels: Standard Mathematics – for students wishing to continue with Mathematics, and Basic Mathematics – for students who want a base level course.
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Science – a combined subject of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, built upon a firm foundation of core sciences.
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Social Science – composed of History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics, to provide students with a well-rounded view of society and government.
There are also assessments in Work Experience, Health & Physical Education, and Art Education, as well as co-scholastic and internal areas. Schools also give scope to pursue optional skill subjects such as Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Home Science, Painting, Music, etc. These are not required, but do provide useful experience and may enhance career-oriented skills.
Read More: How Many Days Gap Between Board Exams Class 10?
Summary Table: CBSE Class 10 Subjects
|
Category |
Subjects Included |
|
Compulsory Subjects (5) |
Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Science, Social Science |
|
Internal/Co-scholastic |
Health & Physical Education, Work Experience, Art Education |
|
Optional Skill Subjects |
IT, Artificial Intelligence, Home Science, Painting, Music, NCC, Sanskrit, etc. |
In brief: CBSE Class 10 students study 5 compulsory subjects, an optional subject, along with co-scholastic areas.
Why Compulsory Subjects in Class 10 CBSE Matter
The five core subjects you take in Class 10 are not just to fulfill requirements; they determine your scoring capabilities in board examinations as well as which streams you will have access to in Class 11. Here’s why they all matter:
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Languages (English/Hindi/Regional)
Languages may appear simpler, but when it comes to percentages, they can be make or break. The emphasis is on comprehension, grammar, and creative writing; things for which students tend to lose marks for simply not practicing sufficiently. When you prepare according to the Class 10 CBSE books, you are guaranteed to write answers in the format that is expected by the examiners.
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Maths
Math is a filter for higher studies or higher education. Standard Math ensures that all options remain open for students pursuing Science and Commerce, while Basic Math is a logical choice for students who are not going to pursue math further. For the different types of questions, the NCERT Exemplar book Class 10 is an absolute necessity because it also has HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) and will sometimes have tricky questions that appear on board exams.
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Science
With Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined, Science is the longest subject. Its real challenge lies in case-based and application-oriented questions, which have become more frequent in recent exams. Practicing with a science Class 10 sample paper 2026 is the best way to train for time-bound problem-solving across all three sections.
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Social Science
Many students call this the “memory subject,” but it’s also one of the most scoring—if you prepare strategically. Timeline charts, keyword-based notes, and NCERT answers help you frame responses exactly as examiners expect. A question bank Class 10 all subjects, adds value by giving exposure to case studies, assertion-reasoning questions, and map work, all of which carry high weightage.
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Internal & Co-scholastic Areas
Though not written exams, activities like Art, Health, and Physical Education contribute to the overall grade. They’re an easy way to secure extra marks and balance out tougher subjects like Maths and Science.
In short, these subjects are compulsory not just for academic balance but also for shaping your Class 10 score and Class 11 stream options. With the right mix of NCERT books, exemplars, question banks, and sample papers, they can be turned into scoring assets.
How to Manage All 5 Compulsory Subjects in Class 10 CBSE
Contrary to the common perception, balancing all five subjects of Class 10 CBSE is not as intimidating as it seems, if organized well. Students can tackle any subject with confidence if it is planned steadily and provided with appropriate resources.
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Build a Timetable
Devise a straightforward schedule so that each subject is addressed. Mathematics and Science require longer problem-solving periods, but Social Science and Languages are more amenable to short bursts of review as needed.
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Use the Right Resources
CBSE books for Class 10 are the most dependable source material because the questions are mostly NCERT-based. To exceed the essentials, the student should: Practice complicated questions from the NCERT Exemplar for class 10 subject-wise: Maths, and Science. Solve a science Class 10 sample paper 2026 every week to build exam stamina. The Class 10 revised Class 10 question bank for all subjects swiftly contains important chapters of the syllabus.
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Balance Theory and Practice
Rotate your subjects—a heavy reading subject such as Social Science or English today, followed by problems in maths or science tomorrow. This maintains the activity of learning and prevents boredom.
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Revise Regularly
A cram session at the end can’t achieve the same positive effects that periodic short works can accomplish during the entire week. Writing formula reminders, timelines, and grammar rules can be useful for quick reference before the exam.
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Stay Consistent
Achieving success in Class 10 requires systematic study and consistency, not last-minute efforts. Even two or three hours a day, spread out over the subjects, can make a big difference in test results.
Conclusion
CBSE syllabi for Class 10 include five subjects required for all students: two languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Collectively, these subjects provide a solid foundation for educational attainment and positively influence choices starting with Class 11. Though students may study elective subjects corresponding to the skills, it is the mandatory subjects that determine board exam success.
You don’t need to be overwhelmed by managing all five. A regular study schedule, consistent revision, and intelligent utilization of resources like CBSE books for class 10, NCERT exemplar book Class 10, or question bank Class 10 all subject can ease the preparation.
Ultimately, class 10 is more than just clearing boards—it is more about instilling confidence and equipping students with skills that they will apply in the upper classes. Students turn compulsory courses into scoring opportunities if they are focused, balanced, and pursuing the right study strategy.
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FAQs
Q1. Which are the compulsory subjects in class 10 CBSE?
There are five compulsory subjects: two languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
Q2. Is it possible to not study Mathematics or Science in CBSE Class 10?
No, they are both mandatory. In Mathematics, however, students have the option to choose between the Standard level and the Basic level according to future plans.
Q3. Is there a compulsory Skill Subject for Class 10 CBSE?
Skill-based subjects, like IT, Artificial Intelligence, or Home Science, are not compulsory. These are in addition to the five core subjects.
Q4. Which are the best books for Class 10 CBSE preparation?
Start with CBSE books for Class 10 (NCERT textbooks). For extra practice, use the NCERT Exemplar book Class 10, Science Class 10 sample paper 2026, and a question bank Class 10 all subject.
