CBSE Class 10 board exam preparations are one of the key milestones in the life of a student. The pressure is real with more than 18 lakh students taking the exam annually, yet the opportunity to shine exists. The trick to scoring high is to prepare smart, subject-wise, practice using CBSE books of class 10 and manage time regularly.
We will take apart preparation strategies of each of the major subjects in this detailed guide and also answer some of the most common questions that students and parents have along the Class 10 board journey. So, let us get into it.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Overview
Subject |
Full Marks |
Theory Marks |
Internal Assessment |
Mathematics |
100 |
80 |
20 |
Science |
100 |
80 |
20 |
Social Science |
100 |
80 |
20 |
English |
100 |
80 |
20 |
Hindi |
100 |
80 |
20 |
The pattern of the revised competency-based questions is applied to all the subjects, and there is more emphasis on conceptual clarity, case-based questions, and analytical thinking.
Read More: Why are Some Chapters More Challenging than Others in CBSE Class 10 Subjects?
Preparation tips subject-wise
1. Mathematics
• Learn ideas rather than memorizing formulae. The derivation of every formula--that is the best hold.
• Problem-solving questions of all levels of difficulty particularly HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills).
Hint: Create a formula revision chart and revise it every day.
2. Science
• Split your preparation into Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• In Physics, concentrate on numerals and derivations. Make up flashcards of formulas.
• Chemistry requires clarity of concepts in reactions. Write and balance equations on a regular basis.
• Biology involves diagrams and terminologies. It is common to be asked labelled diagrams.
To simplify complex processes, use diagrams and flowcharts to have visual memory.
3. Social Science
The subject that scores the most when it is well structured.
• Divide your study into History, Geography, Civics and Economics.
• Create History timelines and Civics mind maps.
• Geography map work-this has guaranteed marks.
Chart and flow diagram learning. It assists in last minute revision.
4. English
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Practice reading comprehension every week.
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For the writing section, focus on letter, report, and analytical paragraph formats.
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Literature should be prepared with theme, character sketches, and value points.
Highlight key dialogues and poetic devices from literature chapters.
5. Hindi
-
Grammar carries significant weightage—practice consistently.
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In writing, understand the structure of essays, letters, and notices.
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Literature should be understood in context—don’t just memorize answers.
Use NCERT-based explanations to understand poem meanings and prose tones.
Weekly Study Planner for Class 10
Day |
Morning Session |
Afternoon Session |
Evening Session |
Monday |
Mathematics Practice |
Science – Physics |
English – Grammar |
Tuesday |
Social Science – History |
Hindi – Literature |
Science – Chemistry |
Wednesday |
Mathematics – HOTS |
English – Writing |
Hindi – Grammar |
Thursday |
Science – Biology |
Social – Civics |
English – Literature |
Friday |
Geography Map Practice |
Mathematics – Doubts |
Social – Economics |
Saturday |
Sample Paper Solving |
Revision Tests |
Oral Recitation & Flashcards |
Sunday |
Combined Mock Paper |
Fun learning activity |
Watch educational videos |
How many hours should a Class 10 student study daily?
It is not a fixed rule, but in the best case, a student of Class 10 is to study 5-6 hours a day with full concentration. The important thing is quality rather than quantity. Separate the time into 2 hour sessions and 15 minutes breaks between them.
• Morning: 2 hours of theoretical studies such as Social Science or English.
• Afternoon: 2 hours of numerical subjects such as Math or Physics.
• Evening: 1-2 hours of revisions and light topics.
In addition, practice the papers of the class 10 PYQ book at least once a week to develop confidence in the exam.
Is solving previous year question papers enough to score 90+?
Question papers of the last year are very helpful to solve but are not sufficient. It provides you with some information on the trends of questions, yet you should also:
• Read CBSE books of class 10 to gain clarity of concepts.
• Test multi-chapter comprehension by trying combined sample paper class 10.
• Practice various patterns of questions using the best question bank of class 10.
Thus, the previous year papers are important but it is more effective when it is supplemented with mock tests, NCERT-based revision, and concept-based learning.
What are the tips on time management in Class 10 board exam?
Time management in board exams is a practice. You have to learn to:
• Read the paper in the first 5 minutes.
• Set time: e.g. 1 mark = 1.2 minutes, 2 marks = 3 minutes.
• Save the final 15 minutes to review and correct foolish errors.
Regular practice of a class 10 PYQ book and complete syllabus mock tests will help you in monitoring your writing speed and time division skills.
Which is the hardest subject in Class 10 CBSE?
This depends on the student-to-student. But Maths and Science can be said to be the most difficult because of the depth of concepts and problem-solving.
To make them easier:
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Start with the basics from CBSE books for class 10.
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Practice a variety of questions using the best question bank for class 10.
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Solve mixed questions using the combined sample paper class 10 format.
Understanding concepts and consistent revision can turn your weakest subject into your strongest one.
What’s the ideal time to complete the Class 10 syllabus?
The syllabus should be completed by November–December if you want enough time for revision. The remaining months should be used for:
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Practicing mock tests.
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Solving papers from class 10 PYQ book.
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Focused revision of weak areas.
Starting early helps reduce stress, and you can fine-tune your preparation with confidence.
Tips to Score Above 95% in Class 10 Boards
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Maintain a daily revision plan.
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Use visuals like diagrams, mind maps, and flowcharts.
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Don’t skip the internal assessments. They contribute 20 marks.
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Write practice tests using combined sample paper class 10 for all subjects.
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Keep your CBSE books for class 10 handy. Don’t neglect basics.
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Always evaluate your test papers to avoid repeating mistakes.
Bonus: How to Stay Consistent & Motivated?
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Set daily achievable goals.
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Avoid distractions like social media during study hours.
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Celebrate small wins like completing a chapter or scoring well in a mock test.
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Discuss doubts with friends or teachers regularly.
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Watch motivational student success stories for inspiration.
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Conclusion
CBSE Class 10 board exams are not just about hard work, but smart strategy. Focus on concept-based learning, use tools like the best question bank for class 10, and test yourself frequently with the class 10 PYQ book and combined sample paper class 10 formats. Keep your CBSE books for class 10 as the foundation, and build your preparation on top of them with consistency and discipline.
Success in Class 10 is not about last-minute studying—it's about planning, persistence, and practice. With the right approach, scoring above 90% is well within your reach.