CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Basic Previous Year Questions 2025

Worried about Math Basic being too easy to score well or too difficult because of calculation mistakes? Many Class 10 students choose Math Basic thinking it's simpler, but then struggle with real-life application problems and case studies that need practical thinking. The secret to excelling in Math Basic lies in understanding that it focuses on everyday math skills and building strong calculation accuracy rather than complex theoretical concepts.

Math Basic isn't just about easier calculations - it's your gateway to developing practical mathematical skills you'll actually use in daily life, from managing money to understanding data and solving real-world problems. This subject builds confidence in handling numbers and mathematical reasoning for students who want solid math foundations without advanced complexity. 

CBSE Class 10 Maths Basic PYQs 2025

Practicing Math Basic through previous year question papers gives you the perfect strategy to understand application-based questions and score consistently well.

Download the PDFs from the table given below:

‍

Smart Time Management Schedule for Maths Basic Exam 2026

The CBSE Math Basic paper focuses on practical applications with 38 questions across five sections, each testing different mathematical skills. Here's how successful students manage this application-heavy exam:

a) Section-wise Time Strategy That Actually Works:

• Section A: MCQs (20 marks = 25 minutes) - These test basic concepts and formulas. Don't overthink - trust your first instinct if you know the concept. Spend maximum 1 minute per question to save time for calculation-heavy sections.
• Section B: Very Short Answers (10 marks = 15 minutes) - Quick 2-mark problems needing simple calculations. Use choices wisely - pick the calculation type you're most comfortable with when options are available.
• Section C: Short Answers (18 marks = 30 minutes) - These 3-mark problems involve step-by-step solutions. Show all working clearly as partial marks are available. Internal choices help you avoid difficult calculation types.
• Section D: Long Answers (20 marks = 40 minutes) - Detailed 5-mark problems requiring multiple steps and clear reasoning. These often involve real-life applications, so read questions carefully before starting calculations.
• Section E: Case Studies (12 marks = 25 minutes) - Real-world scenarios with mathematical applications. Read the case study completely before attempting any questions, as information builds progressively.
• Final Review: 5 minutes - Check calculations, ensure all steps are shown clearly, and verify that answers make practical sense.

b) The Winning Three-Phase Strategy:

• Phase 1: Quick Start (First 40 minutes) - Begin with Section A (MCQs) and Section B for quick confidence building. These sections give you 30 marks with mostly direct applications of formulas and basic calculations.
• Phase 2: Strategic Execution (Next 70 minutes) - Handle Sections C and D when your calculation skills are sharp. Use internal choices in longer problems to pick calculation types you're strongest in.
• Phase 3: Final Sprint (Last 30 minutes) - Complete case studies carefully, as these test your ability to apply math to real situations. Double-check all calculations and ensure answers are reasonable and practical.

Why Class 10 Math Basic Previous Year Papers Are Your Best Study Tool?

Here's why practicing these papers are best for this comprehensive exam:

a) Understanding the Exam Pattern:

• Practical Focus - Unlike advanced math, Basic emphasizes real-world applications like banking, measurements, statistics, and everyday calculations that you'll actually use in life.
• Calculation Accuracy - Success depends more on careful calculations and clear working than on complex concept understanding. Partial marks reward proper methods even if final answers have minor errors.
• Choice Benefits - Internal choices in very short answers, short answers, long answers, and case studies let you pick calculation types and topics you're most confident about.
• Progressive Difficulty - Questions start with basic formula applications and build to practical problem-solving, allowing you to gain confidence before tackling complex applications.

b) Building Essential Skills:

• Calculation Speed - Practice basic arithmetic, percentage calculations, and formula applications until they become automatic. Speed with accuracy is crucial for completing all sections.
• Problem Reading - Learn to identify what mathematical concept each real-life problem is testing. Math Basic often disguises simple concepts in practical scenarios.
• Step-by-step Solutions - Master showing clear working for partial marks. Even if your final answer is wrong, proper method steps can earn you most of the marks.
• Real-world Connections - Understand how mathematical concepts apply to banking, shopping, construction, data analysis, and other everyday situations featured in case studies.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Basic previous year papers are essential tools for mastering this practical, application-focused exam that emphasizes mathematical literacy over theoretical complexity. The unique paper structure requires strong calculation skills combined with the ability to apply basic math concepts to real-world situations.

Make Math Basic PYQs your preparation foundation to develop the practical mathematical skills, calculation accuracy, and problem-solving confidence needed for board success and real-life mathematical competency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the most important topics to focus on for the Basic Maths exam?

Ans. The most important topics, based on previous years' papers, typically include Statistics and Probability, which usually contain straightforward, formula-based questions. Chapters in Algebra such as Polynomials, Linear Equations, and Quadratic Equations are also high-scoring. Mensuration, with its questions on surface areas and volumes, and key concepts from Trigonometry (Basic ratios and applications) are also crucial for the Basic Maths paper.

Q2. Is the Basic Maths paper much easier than the Standard paper, and where should I focus my practice?

Ans. Yes, the Basic Maths paper is designed to be easier and more direct. The questions are generally more straightforward and formula-based, unlike the Standard paper which contains more complex and application-based problems. For practice, focus primarily on the NCERT textbook. Thoroughly practicing all examples and exercises from the NCERT book is highly recommended, as a large number of questions are directly based on them.

Q3. How do I effectively practice case study questions for the Basic Maths exam?

Ans. To practice case study questions, first, carefully read the given scenario to understand the context. Then, identify the underlying mathematical concepts from the syllabus (e.g., Probability, Trigonometry, or Geometry) that apply to the case. Practice solving the sub-parts of the case study questions from previous years' papers and sample papers to get a feel for the format and how to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Q4. Do board questions repeat? How many years of PYQs should I solve for Basic Maths?

Ans. While exact questions are rarely repeated verbatim, the types of questions and core concepts frequently appear in subsequent exams. Practicing PYQs helps you identify these recurring patterns. It is recommended to solve at least the last 5 years of Basic Maths PYQs. This will give you a solid understanding of recent trends and ensure you have covered the full range of question types.

Q5. What is the latest exam pattern for Basic Maths, and how do PYQs help with it?

Ans. The latest Basic Maths exam pattern, based on recent PYQs, includes a mix of question types. This usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions, long answer questions, and case-based questions. Practicing with recent PYQs helps you get comfortable with this specific pattern, allocate your time effectively for each section, and become familiar with the format of MCQs and case-based questions.