CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper 2026 | Free PDF Download

UPDATE: CBSE has officially released the Class X Science Sample Paper for 2025–26 on 30 July 2025. The official sample papers (along with detailed marking scheme) are now available for download.

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With the introduction of the two-exam system (February & May) for the 2025-26 session, these official Science sample papers are essential for mastering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology concepts, understanding scientific problem-solving techniques, and effectively solving both theoretical and practical questions in scientific applications.

This blog covers everything you need: official exam pattern details, release information, and most importantly, free PDFs of sample papers and marking schemes for Science to help you excel in both board exam attempts.

a) Download Year-wise CBSE Official Sample Papers and Solutions

Students can refer to the official CBSE sample papers from 2014 to 2025 to understand the question paper pattern, marking scheme, and important topics. These FREE PDFs cover the whole syllabus for board exams and include all the important questions that might be asked in the science board exam 2026 along with their allotted marks, which is again very important to know to excel in your exams.

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b) How to Check Official Sample Papers 2025-26?

Follow these simple steps to get the official Science sample papers:

Visit the CBSE Academic Website → Sample Question Papers → SQP 2025-26 → Class X → Science

For effective preparation, make sure you're familiar with the official Class 10 Science Syllabus 2025–26 as well.

c) CBSE Class 10 Additional Practice Papers

CBSE Science Class 10 additional sample papers were released to help students prepare as per the revised exam pattern. These sample paper class 10 science with solution included competency-based questions and a marking scheme for more effective preparation. Students are advised to solve these official papers to understand the exact exam pattern and practice authentic exam-level questions.

<red> ➜  <red> Class 10 Science Set 1 SQP  + Marking Scheme

<red> ➜  <red> Class 10 Science Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme

Understanding the Official Class 10 Science Exam Paper

The official Class X Science Sample Paper follows the latest CBSE exam pattern; this will help you understand the exact exam format and types of questions you will receive in the actual board exams.

a) Key Features of the Class 10 Science Exam Pattern (2025–26)

The official Science paper pattern has been designed with the dual-board structure. Here's how you need to align your preparation with the specific term pattern (Feb and May).

Here's the official breakdown for Science Class 10:

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The theory paper is officially divided by subjects as:

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b) Science Official Paper Pattern 2025-26 - Section-wise

The official Science paper follows a comprehensive pattern covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with both theoretical understanding and practical applications, emphasizing scientific reasoning and analytical thinking.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (20 marks)

• 20 MCQs covering all three subjects with 1 mark each
• Topics include fundamental physics concepts, chemical reactions, biological processes, and scientific applications

Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (12 marks)

• 6 questions worth 2 marks each
• Quick scientific explanations, formula applications, and basic scientific interpretations

Section C: Short Answer Questions (24 marks)

• 8 questions worth 3 marks each
• Scientific problem-solving, experimental procedures, and detailed scientific explanations

Section D: Long Answer Questions (20 marks)

• 4 questions worth 5 marks each
• Complex scientific problems, detailed experimental analysis, and comprehensive scientific reasoning

Section E: Case Study Questions (4 marks)

• 2 case-based questions with sub-parts (2 marks each)
• Real-life applications of scientific concepts in everyday situations and environmental contexts

Key topics include: Light - Reflection and Refraction, Human Eye and Colourful World, Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Electric Current, Acids Bases and Salts, Carbon and its Compounds, Metals and Non-metals, Life Processes, Control and Coordination, How do Organisms Reproduce, Heredity and Evolution, Management of Natural Resources, and Our Environment.

How Official Sample Papers Help in Studying Science?

• Mastering scientific concepts across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with integrated understanding
• Understanding experimental procedures, scientific methods, and practical applications of scientific principles
• Improving speed in solving numerical problems in physics and chemistry while managing descriptive biology questions
• Building confidence in explaining scientific phenomena with proper terminology and logical reasoning
• Developing analytical skills for scientific data interpretation and experimental analysis across all three subjects
• Getting familiar with time management across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology sections within the exam duration

How to Use Sample Paper Class 10 Science Effectively?

• Practice in timed conditions: Especially for numerical problems in Physics and Chemistry while managing Biology descriptive answers
• Focus on scientific accuracy: Use correct scientific terminology, proper units, and accurate scientific explanations
• Refer to official marking schemes: To understand expected level of detail in scientific explanations and experimental procedures
• Master all three subjects systematically: Ensure balanced preparation across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with equal emphasis
• Practice scientific notation: Use proper scientific units, chemical equations, and biological terminology consistently
• Use sample papers to strengthen conceptual understanding: Practice connecting theoretical concepts with practical applications and real-world scientific phenomena

In conclusion, regular practice with the official Class 10 Science sample papers is key to mastering the dual-exam format and excelling in both board exams. These papers help you build scientific thinking, refine your analytical problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in tackling both theoretical concepts and practical applications across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. With the official sample papers 2025–26 now released, make the most of these authentic resources along with trusted materials from Educart to secure success.

Also explore:

• CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Basic Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers 2025–26

Stay tuned for latest updates and all the best for your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the official exam structure and marking scheme for Class 10 Science?

Total Marks: 80 (theory) + 20 (internal assessment) Duration: 3 hours Official Question Distribution:

Subject-wise weightage: Physics (25 marks), Chemistry (25 marks), Biology (30 marks)

Internal assessment includes practical work, project work, and periodic assessments.

Q2. How should I manage time between Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the exam?

Allocate time based on marking weightage: spend approximately 60-65 minutes on Biology (30 marks), 50-55 minutes each on Physics and Chemistry (25 marks each), with remaining time for revision. Practice section-wise timing during sample paper attempts to develop efficient time management strategies.

Q3. Which are the most important topics for Class 10 Science based on official weightage?

High-yield topics as per official pattern:

• Physics: Light (Reflection & Refraction), Electricity, and Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
• Chemistry: Acids Bases and Salts, Carbon and its Compounds, and Metals and Non-metals
• Biology: Life Processes, Control and Coordination, and How do Organisms Reproduce

These topics consistently appear in board exams with higher weightage.

Q4. How many official sample papers should I solve for Science preparation?

Solve the official CBSE sample paper multiple times (at least 4-5 attempts) plus 6-8 additional practice papers covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology comprehensively. Begin intensive practice 2 months before board exams after completing the entire syllabus to focus on integration of concepts, time management, and thorough revision.

Q5. How should I approach case study questions in Science effectively?

Read carefully: Analyze the given scientific scenario or data thoroughly before attempting sub-questions. Connect concepts: Link the case study to theoretical concepts from Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. Use scientific terminology: Apply proper scientific language and reasoning in your responses. Practice regularly: Solve case studies from various scientific contexts to build familiarity with different question patterns and real-world applications.