CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Science 10th paper 'easy to moderate' in difficulty, physics tough

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has conducted the Class 10 Science board exam 2026 today, February 25 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. The CBSE Class 10 Science paper was split into three sections – physics, chemistry, and biology – for the first time.

Students are provided an additional 15 minutes to read the CBSE Class 10 question paper carefully. This year, the board has changed the Class 10 science exam 2026 paper pattern. Students can download their CBSE admit card on the official website of CBSE at cbse.gov.in.

In the new exam pattern, the science theory paper is held for 80 marks and consists of 39 compulsory questions separated into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each section has questions of various difficulty and format, including MCQs, assertion-reasoning, short answer, long answer, and case-based questions.

Also read CBSE Class 10 second board exam 2026 only for subjects with 50% external assessment; officials clarify FAQs

This year, over 25 lakh students have registered for the Class 10 exam, out of which approximately 14 lakh are boys and 10.9 lakh are girls.

CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science paper analysis

According to Shikha Sharma, Head of Science Department, Silverline Prestige School, the CBSE Class 10 Science exam 2026 was easy to moderate, and Physics was tough; Biology was easy. The 3-hour, 80-mark question paper had a mix of skill-based and moderate questions, mostly based on CBSE model question papers.

Some of the questions were straightforward and easy, while the MCQs and skill-based questions were somewhat tricky. Overall, the students were able to complete the CBSE Class 10 Science paper on time and were satisfied with the difficulty level.

CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science Exam: Passing criteria

To qualify for the CBSE board exams 2026, students must obtain a minimum of 33% in all subjects, including theory, practicals, and internal evaluations. They must earn at least a Grade D in areas that entail a practical assessment and complete both the theory and practical components independently.

CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science Exam: Marking scheme

The CBSE Class 10 science exam weightage distribution is as follows.