Class 8 is a significant milestone in a student's academic life. It serves as a transition between middle school and high school, with the difficulty in the subjects slowly rising. The question most students and parents ask is the same: Which is the hardest subject in Class 8? The same is not true of everyone. What one student finds hard might be easy for another student.
Why Do Students Feel Some Subjects Are Harder Than Others?
The idea of the hardest subject is a subjective one. Some students are naturally logical and numerically gifted, and Mathematics will come naturally to them, and those who are more of a reader and creative will find English easier. The perceived difficulty is based on:
• Student curiosity and ability.
• Learning style and concept clarity.
• Access to study materials, including class 8 books and practice materials.
• Habits of revision and self-study.
An example of this is when a student who studies with a CBSE class 8 question bank practices regularly, Science or Mathematics will not be a problem to him/her compared to a student who only studies during examinations.
Is Mathematics the Most Difficult Class 8 Subject?
Mathematics is the subject that is referred to as the hardest subject by many students. The reason is that Mathematics is a subject that needs practice and logical reasoning. In contrast with other topics where memorization may be useful, accuracy and conceptual understanding are important here.
The jump from Class 7 to Class 8 in Mathematics introduces students to higher concepts like linear equations, geometry, and mensuration. The formulas and problem-solving steps can overwhelm students who lack regular practice. This is where a workbook for class 8 becomes important, as it provides step-by-step problems to build confidence.
Is Science More Difficult Than Mathematics?
Although Mathematics is thought to be the most difficult, Science also takes its toll in Class 8. It exposes the students to ideas that form the basis of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the upper classes. The issues such as force and pressure, reproduction in animals, and synthetic fibers can be confusing without the necessary explanation.
Scientific study is not only rote learning; it involves knowledge of processes, diagrams, and practice. A CBSE question bank in class 8 can play a good companion role in this, as they will have different questions that will be used to check conceptual clarity.
Read More: What is the Best Timetable for Class 8?
Subject-Wise Difficulty Level in Class 8
To understand the difficulty better, let’s analyze the major subjects one by one:
Subject |
Why Students Find It Hard |
How to Make It Easier |
Mathematics |
Requires logical thinking, formulas, and problem-solving. |
Regular practice with workbook for class 8. |
Science |
Involves technical terms, diagrams, and real-world applications. |
Using CBSE class 8 question bank to revise concepts. |
Social Science |
Lengthy chapters with historical dates, geography maps, and civics laws. |
Dividing syllabus into smaller sections. |
English |
Focus on grammar, comprehension, and creative writing. |
Reading class 8 books regularly for fluency. |
Hindi/Sanskrit |
Memorization of grammar rules, literature, and vocabulary. |
Daily reading and writing practice. |
Is Social Science the Hardest Subject in Class 8?
A few students feel that Social Science is the most difficult subject since it is very broad and involves memorizing facts, dates, and events. In contrast to Mathematics or Science, where concepts can be understood and applied, Social Science tends to rely on rote learning. It is easy to forget the Indian history chapters or the geography explanation in detail.
But Social Science may be kept in a steady revision. It can be less stressful when chapters are broken into timelines and summaries. Reading class 8 books each day allows students to remember important points.
Comparison of Difficulty Between Subjects
To understand how different students perceive difficulty, here’s a comparative table:
Subject |
Perceived Difficulty (Out of 10) |
Type of Effort Required |
Mathematics |
9/10 |
Practice & logical application. |
Science |
8/10 |
Understanding & diagram practice. |
Social Science |
7/10 |
Memorization & map skills. |
English |
6/10 |
Grammar practice & creativity. |
Hindi/Sanskrit |
6/10 |
Vocabulary & literature reading. |
This table shows that while Mathematics and Science are widely regarded as tough, Social Science is not far behind because of its lengthy syllabus.
Which Subject Requires the Most Practice in Class 8?
Mathematics is doubtlessly the most practiced one. You cannot memorize and write exams as in the case of Social Science or English. You must use concepts in the right way. Class 8 workbook is a necessity because it enables the student to work out step-by-step problems of a basic to complex nature.
The same applies to Science; there must be practice as well, particularly with diagrams and chapters that are based on numbers. CBSE class 8 question bank exposes them to different kinds of problems which makes them prepared to take exams.
The Role of Class 8 Books in Reducing Difficulty
In whatever subject one finds the most difficult, the basis is the regular class 8 books. The books are well structured to address the syllabus, expound ideas in simple terms and offer practice exercises. Even the most difficult subject can be handled when students read properly and revise on a regular basis.
However, many students skip exercises at the end of chapters. This makes them less confident during exams. If they combine their reading with a workbook for class 8 or CBSE class 8 question bank, the difficulty reduces significantly.
Does Learning Style Affect the Hardest Subject?
Yes, learning style plays a big role. Some students are visual learners, who understand better through diagrams and charts—so Science may feel easier to them. Others are logical learners who thrive in Mathematics. But for students who prefer reading and storytelling, Social Science or English might be their comfort zone.
When the learning style doesn’t match the teaching style, the subject feels hard. That’s why self-study with class 8 books and personalized practice with a workbook for class 8 can help students learn in their own way.
Long-Term Impact of the Hardest Subject in Class 8
The subject that feels hardest in Class 8 often indicates which areas need more attention in higher classes. For example:
-
If Mathematics feels hard in Class 8, it may continue to challenge the student in Class 9 and 10, where concepts get more advanced.
-
If Science feels difficult now, Physics and Chemistry in classes 9 and 10 may feel even tougher.
-
If Social Science seems hard, board exams might become stressful because of the lengthy chapters.
That’s why Class 8 is the right time to strengthen basics using the CBSE class 8 question bank and regular practice.
Subjects vs. Student Struggles
Subject |
Common Student Struggles |
Solutions |
Mathematics |
Algebra, linear equations, geometry theorems. |
Solve problems daily with the workbook for class 8. |
Science |
Remembering processes, drawing diagrams, solving numerical. |
Revise with the CBSE class 8 question bank for better clarity. |
Social Science |
Mugging up historical dates, long answers. |
Create timelines & write short summaries. |
English |
Grammar errors, essay writing, and comprehension. |
Read class 8 books and practice grammar daily. |
Hindi/Sanskrit |
Shlokas, grammar, and vocabulary. |
Write and recite regularly. |
How Can Students Overcome Fear of the Hardest Subject?
Fear can only be overcome through practice and building confidence. Here’s how:
1. Start Small- You do not need to start with challenging chapters; start with some simpler exercises of class 8 books.
2. Use Question Banks - A CBSE class 8 question bank gives the students exposure to exam-style questions.
3. Practice Daily - Sometimes, particularly in Mathematics, Accuracy in solving problems is developed by solving problems every day.
4. Review Often- Revision helps lower stress and is better at recalling.
5. Ask a Question - In case of doubt, clarity can be sought by teachers and other students.
Final Thoughts
So what is the most difficult topic in Class 8? The answer varies. To others, Mathematics is the greatest obstacle; to others, it is Science or Social Science. The key point to keep in mind is that there is no hard subject, just one that becomes hard when students do not practice it on a regular basis.
Students can make even the most difficult subject their best one with proper study techniques, constant revision, and class 8 revision aids such as a workbook, CBSE class 8 question bank, and standard class 8 books.
Class 8 is the foundation year. Provided that students work hard at this point, the upper classes will be a lot easier to deal with. Rather than being afraid of the most difficult subject, use it as a chance to become a better student.