The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Class 10 Mathematics examination tomorrow for both Mathematics Standard (Code 041) and Mathematics Basic (Code 241). With the exam just hours away, students should now focus on structured revision rather than starting new chapters. The CBSE Sample Question Papers for the academic year 2025-26 have been designed in such a way that the weightage pattern, types of questions, and most tested concepts are clearly defined. Starting from MCQs and Assertion-Reason questions to Case Study-based questions, this paper requires clarity in concepts and correct representation of the same. Students can check the official sample papers for CBSE class 10 mathematics below: Below is a topic-wise revision guide strictly based on the latest CBSE sample papers.
CBSE class 10 math paper pattern 2026
The sample papers show that the question paper carries 80 marks and is divided into five sections:
- Section A: 20 MCQs (including 2 assertion-reason questions)
- Section B: 2-mark very short answer questions
- Section C: 3-mark short answer questions
- Section D: 5-mark long answer questions
- Section E: Case study-based questions (4 marks each)
There is no overall choice, but internal choices are provided in selected questions. Calculators are not allowed. Students must write complete steps in 3-mark and 5-mark questions to secure full marks.
High-focus chapters in CBSE Mathematics Standard (041)
Students appearing for Mathematics Standard should revise the following areas carefully:1. Algebra
- LCM and HCF by prime factorisation
- Quadratic equations, roots, equal zeroes
- Word problems on quadratic equations (train speed kind of problems)
- Arithmetic Progression (nth term and sum of terms)
2. Geometry
- Similarity of triangles and ratio properties
- Proof, based questions from triangles
- Properties of tangents and circle
- Coordinate geometry: distance formula, midpoint
3. Trigonometry
- Standard values (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°)
- Identities such as sin²A + cos²A = 1
- Proving trigonometric identities
- Heights and distances case-based problems (like the India Gate example)
4. Mensuration and Statistics
- Surface areas and volumes of cone, cylinder and hemisphere
- Mean, median, mode and empirical relation
- Probability based on dice and coins
Practice at least one full 5-mark question from mensuration and one proof from triangles before the exam.
Important areas in CBSE Mathematics Basic (241)
For Mathematics Basic, the sample paper exhibits direct and formula, based questions. Students have to revise:
- Prime factorisation and divisibility
- Linear equations in two variables (word problems on ticket revenue)
- Quadratic equations and discriminant
- Arithmetic Progressions (sum formula)
- Basic coordinate geometry
- Simple trigonometric identities and values
- Surface area and volume formulas
- Basic probability concepts
Case-study questions are practical and scoring, especially those based on coordinate geometry and sector area.
Smart exam-day strategy
With the exam just hours away, students should concentrate on accuracy, presentation and time management. The sample papers clearly show that marks are often lost due to small calculation errors, incomplete steps or incorrect interpretation of assertion-reason questions. A calm and structured approach inside the examination hall can make a significant difference in the final score. Keep the following points in mind while attempting the paper:
- Attempt MCQs carefully and avoid guesswork in assertion-reason questions. Read both statements fully before selecting the correct option.
- Write complete steps in all 3-mark and 5-mark answers, even if the final answer appears simple. Marks are awarded for method.
- Draw neat and properly labelled diagrams wherever required in geometry and mensuration questions.
- Use π = 22/7 unless the question specifies otherwise.
- Keep the last 10–15 minutes to recheck calculations and review unanswered parts.
At this stage, students should revise formulas once more and practise a few representative questions from major chapters instead of starting anything new. Clear presentation, correct formula application and systematic working will help maximise marks. Stay composed and confident.
