CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025–26
CBSE Class 10 — Science (NCERT)
Academic session: 2025–26 • Official CBSE syllabus (condensed for WordPress)
Question Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme — Key Points
Source: CBSE official Science syllabus document for Classes IX–X (2025–26). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Complete Syllabus — Class X Science (2025–26)
Syllabus structured by CBSE themes and units. Chapters are aligned with NCERT Class X Science textbook. Practical list and internal assessment details follow CBSE guidance. Primary source: CBSE syllabus PDF (2025–26). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
| Unit | Chapter / Topic | 1–2 line summary / learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Unit I — Chemical Substances: Nature & Behaviour (25 marks) | Chemical reactions & equations | Understand types of chemical reactions, writing & balancing chemical equations; identify endothermic/exothermic and redox processes. |
| Acids, bases and salts | Definitions in terms of H+ and OH–, indicators, neutralisation, pH (qualitative), and everyday applications (NaOH, NaHCO3, CaO, etc.). | |
| Metals and non-metals | Physical/chemical properties, reactivity series, ionic compound formation, basic metallurgy and corrosion prevention. | |
| Carbon and its compounds | Covalent bonding, versatile nature of carbon, hydrocarbons (saturated/unsaturated), functional groups, and important compounds like ethanol and ethanoic acid (properties & uses). | |
| Unit II — World of Living (25 marks) | Life processes | Basic concepts of nutrition, respiration, transport and excretion in plants and animals; comparative life processes. |
| Control & coordination | Nervous system and hormones, reflex action, tropic movements in plants and role of plant hormones. | |
| How do organisms reproduce? | Modes of reproduction (asexual/sexual), human reproductive health, reproductive choices, and basics of reproductive technologies (conceptual). | |
| Heredity and evolution | Mendelian inheritance, variation, sex determination, and an introduction to evolution and natural selection (conceptual). | |
| Unit III — Natural Phenomena (12 marks) | Light: Reflection & Refraction | Reflection by curved surfaces; mirror & lens formula (image formation), refraction, refractive index, dispersion, scattering and optical applications (lens in human eye). |
| The Human Eye & Colourful World | Structure & functioning of the eye, defects and corrections; atmospheric scattering & natural optical phenomena (rainbow, blue sky — exclusions noted in CBSE doc). | |
| Unit IV — Effects of Current (13 marks) | Electricity: Current, potential difference & Ohm's Law | Relationship between V, I and R; series & parallel circuits, resistivity, heating effect of current, electric power and domestic circuits (practical applications). |
| Magnetic effects of current | Magnetic fields due to currents, force on current-carrying conductor, Fleming’s left-hand rule, solenoid/coil fields and advantages of AC over DC (basic concepts). | |
| Unit V — Natural Resources (5 marks) | Our Environment & Natural Resources | Ecosystems, environmental problems (pollution, ozone depletion, waste management), biodegradable vs non-biodegradable materials and sustainable practices. |
Internal Assessment (20 marks) — breakdown
Periodic Assessment: 5 marks (average of best two of three periodic tests). Diverse methods (short tests, oral, quizzes, projects, enquiry-based investigations): 5 marks. Practical/lab work (continuous assessment & record): 5 marks. Portfolio (classwork & sample work): 5 marks. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Primary source: CBSE — Science syllabus for Classes IX & X (2025–26). NCERT Class X Science textbook aligns with these chapters. For verbatim syllabus language and full practical list consult the official PDF. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
