CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 are the fastest way to improve your board exam score because they train you to attempt the paper in the exact exam pattern and time limit. Even students who complete the syllabus often lose marks due to weak time management, poor answer presentation, and lack of practice with competency-based questions. This page gives you CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 2025-26 PDF for all major subjects—Mathematics, Science, Social Science (SST), English, and Hindi—along with solutions, answer keys, and a clear overview of the marking scheme.
When you solve Class 10 sample papers with solutions, you learn how to choose the right questions first, write correct steps, use keywords, and avoid common mistakes that reduce marks. Sample papers also help you identify weak chapters early, improve speed and accuracy, and build the confidence needed on the final exam day. Use the subject-wise tables below to access practice sets, and follow the strategy sections to get maximum improvement in the last 8–10 weeks. All content is aligned for the 2025-26 exam preparation cycle.
Key Highlights of CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers (2025-26)
- All Subjects Covered: Maths, Science, SST, English, Hindi
- With Solutions: Complete answer keys included for self-check
- Marking Scheme: CBSE-style marking guidelines explained
- Latest Pattern: 2025-26 exam pattern aligned practice
- Free PDF Download: Quick access for offline revision
- Previous Year Papers: Bonus practice for real board trends
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. Why CBSE Sample Papers Are Essential for Board Preparation
- 2. CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Maths 2025-26
- 3. CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Science 2025-26
- 4. CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Social Science 2025-26
- 5. CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 English 2025-26
- 6. CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Hindi 2025-26
- 7. CBSE Marking Scheme 2025-26
- 8. How to Use Sample Papers Effectively
- 9. Time Management Strategies for Board Exams
- 10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12. Additional Resources
Why CBSE Sample Papers Are Essential for Board Preparation
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 are essential because they simulate the real exam experience. They teach you how to manage time across sections, how to interpret MCQs and case-based questions, and how to present answers for maximum step marking. Sample papers also improve your reading speed and help you build a clear attempt strategy: which section to start with, how much time to give to each question, and how to avoid getting stuck on a single problem.
Another major advantage is mistake analysis. When you solve a paper under time pressure, your real weak points appear—concept gaps, calculation errors, missing keywords, incomplete steps, and silly mistakes. If you correct these quickly, your score can jump within 2–3 weeks. This is why toppers treat sample papers as daily practice in the last phase of preparation.
Use sample papers in three stages: first, to understand the question pattern; second, to increase speed; third, to perfect presentation. Combine this practice with NCERT textbooks, revision notes, and a few previous year papers for best results.
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Maths 2025-26
Mathematics becomes scoring when you practice in the board pattern and write complete steps. Solve each CBSE Class 10 Maths sample paper in 3 hours, then re-check steps for formula application, sign mistakes, and skipped working. After every paper, note the chapter-wise mistakes (quadratic equations, trigonometry, geometry, statistics) and revise that chapter immediately.
| Paper | Year | Type | With Solutions | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Paper 1 | 2025-26 | CBSE Official | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 2 | 2025-26 | Practice Paper | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 3 | 2024-25 | Previous Year | Yes | Download PDF |
Maths Paper Practice Checklist
- Attempt order: MCQs first, then short answers, then long answers.
- Presentation: write formulas clearly and show steps for step marking.
- Diagrams: draw geometry diagrams neatly with labels.
- Accuracy: re-check calculations and sign changes.
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Science 2025-26
Science includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, so sample paper practice is important for balancing all three. Solve papers with a focus on numericals, diagrams, and reason-based answers. After every paper, revise the exact topics where you lost marks—chemical equations, ray diagrams, electricity numericals, life processes, heredity, and environmental questions.
| Paper | Year | Type | With Solutions | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Paper 1 | 2025-26 | CBSE Official | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 2 | 2025-26 | Practice Paper | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 3 | 2024-25 | Previous Year | Yes | Download PDF |
Science Paper Practice Checklist
- Chemistry: balance equations and write products correctly.
- Physics: write formulas, units, and steps in numericals.
- Biology: use keywords and draw diagrams neatly with labels.
- Reasoning: answer “why” questions with concept + example.
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Social Science 2025-26
Social Science (SST) becomes easy when you practice writing answers in points with keywords. Sample papers help you handle case-based questions, source-based questions, and map-related items efficiently. While checking, focus on missing keywords, incomplete points in long answers, and weak time management in lengthy questions.
| Paper | Year | Type | With Solutions | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Paper 1 | 2025-26 | CBSE Official | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 2 | 2025-26 | Practice Paper | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 3 | 2024-25 | Previous Year | Yes | Download PDF |
SST Paper Practice Checklist
- Answer format: write in points and use headings for long answers.
- Keywords: include NCERT terms (federalism, nationalism, resources, development).
- Maps: practice neat labeling and correct placement.
- Sources: answer using evidence from the passage and avoid extra writing.
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 English 2025-26
English sample papers improve your reading speed, writing structure, and accuracy in grammar. Solve papers focusing on reading comprehension, writing tasks (formal letter, analytical paragraph, story-based writing where applicable), and literature answers with proper references. Always check word limits and write crisp, clear answers.
| Paper | Year | Type | With Solutions | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Paper 1 | 2025-26 | CBSE Official | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 2 | 2025-26 | Practice Paper | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 3 | 2024-25 | Previous Year | Yes | Download PDF |
English Paper Practice Checklist
- Reading: underline keywords and answer strictly from the passage.
- Writing: follow format, word limit, and include proper tone.
- Grammar: attempt quickly and re-check for errors.
- Literature: include key points and reference the text context.
CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Hindi 2025-26
Hindi sample papers strengthen reading comprehension, grammar accuracy, and writing skills. Practice with a focus on अनुच्छेद लेखन, पत्र लेखन, व्याकरण, and literature answers. Use simple, clear language and follow the required format and word limit to score higher.
| Paper | Year | Type | With Solutions | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Paper 1 | 2025-26 | CBSE Official | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 2 | 2025-26 | Practice Paper | Yes | Download PDF |
| Sample Paper 3 | 2024-25 | Previous Year | Yes | Download PDF |
Hindi Paper Practice Checklist
- पठन कौशल: प्रश्न का उत्तर अनुच्छेद से ही दें।
- लेखन: प्रारूप, शब्द-सीमा और भाषा की शुद्धता पर ध्यान दें।
- व्याकरण: नियम याद रखें और उत्तर की पुनः जाँच करें।
- साहित्य: बिंदुवार उत्तर लिखें और मुख्य भाव स्पष्ट करें।
CBSE Marking Scheme 2025-26
The marking scheme helps you understand how marks are awarded. In Maths, Science, and SST, marks are often given for steps, key points, and correct reasoning. In languages, marks depend on reading comprehension accuracy, writing format, content, grammar, and presentation. Use this table as a quick reference while practicing sample papers.
| Subject | Total Marks | MCQs | Short Answer | Long Answer | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 (1 mark each) | 25 marks | 35 marks | 3 hours |
| Science | 80 | 20 (1 mark each) | 25 marks | 35 marks | 3 hours |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 (1 mark each) | 25 marks | 35 marks | 3 hours |
| English | 80 | Reading + Writing + Grammar + Literature | – | – | 3 hours |
| Hindi | 80 | Reading + Writing + Grammar + Literature | – | – | 3 hours |
How to Use Sample Papers Effectively
Solving CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 gives maximum benefit only when you follow a method. Random paper practice without analysis wastes time. Use this step-by-step plan to improve marks quickly.
- Step 1: Finish the syllabus first, then start full-length papers.
- Step 2: Solve each paper in exam conditions: 3 hours, no distractions.
- Step 3: Use the first 10–15 minutes to scan sections and plan attempt order.
- Step 4: Check answers using solutions and marking scheme, not just final answers.
- Step 5: Make an error log: concept error, calculation error, presentation error, time error.
- Step 6: Revise the weak chapter the same day and reattempt similar questions.
Time Management Strategies for Board Exams
Time management is a hidden factor in board scores. Two students with the same knowledge can score differently based on how they attempt the paper. Use a simple strategy: attempt easy questions first, avoid spending too long on one question, and reserve final time for revision.
Subject-Wise Time Allocation (Practical Plan)
- Maths: 45–55 min for MCQs + short answers, 110–120 min for long answers, 10–15 min final check.
- Science: 40–50 min for MCQs/very short, 120 min for short/long, 10–15 min for diagram/numerical re-check.
- SST: 40–50 min objective/case-based, 120 min writing answers, 10 min map/check keywords.
- English/Hindi: Reading first with strict time (40–50 min), writing tasks next (40–50 min), literature/grammar last with revision time.
Tip: practice this allocation in every sample paper. If you follow the same plan repeatedly, your exam-day performance becomes stable and confident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most students lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Fix these errors during sample paper practice and your final score will improve without extra study hours.
- Not solving papers with a timer: leads to poor exam stamina and slow speed.
- Skipping answer presentation: missing steps/keywords reduces marks even if concept is correct.
- Ignoring solutions and error analysis: repeats the same mistakes in every paper.
- Spending too long on one question: causes incomplete paper and panic.
- Not revising weak topics immediately: delays improvement.
- Leaving MCQs for the end: increases time pressure and silly mistakes.
- Missing units and statements: common in numericals and science answers.
- Writing long paragraphs in SST: reduces clarity; write in points instead.
- Not following word limits: in English/Hindi writing tasks.
- Not reserving revision time: final 10 minutes can save many marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CBSE sample papers are a strong resource because they reflect the latest blueprint and question styles. For best results, solve sample papers along with NCERT textbooks and a few previous year papers to understand board trends and improve confidence.
Try to solve 10–15 full-length sample papers per subject in the final phase of preparation. If time is limited, solve at least 5 papers per subject with proper analysis and correction, because analysis creates the biggest improvement.
Official CBSE sample papers are typically released through CBSE academic resources and shared by schools. On this page, you can access subject-wise sample paper sections and download links for quick practice.
Improve speed by solving papers under a strict timer, attempting easy questions first, and following a fixed time plan for each section. After every paper, note where you spent extra time and practice those question types again.
Start small practice tests after finishing each unit, but solve full-length sample papers only after completing the syllabus. Full-length papers help most when you can attempt the entire question paper and build exam stamina.
Maths, Science, and SST typically follow an 80-mark theory paper with MCQs, short answers, and long answers in a 3-hour exam. English and Hindi evaluate reading, writing, grammar, and literature. Use the marking scheme to understand where step marks and keywords matter most.
Analyze mistakes by category: concept error, calculation error, presentation error, and time pressure. Write corrected answers, revise the chapter, and reattempt similar questions. This method improves marks faster than solving more papers without analysis.
Yes, the sample paper sets shared on this page include solutions or answer keys. Always attempt the paper first, then check solutions to learn correct steps, keywords, and answer presentation.
Sample papers are practice sets based on the latest exam pattern, while previous year papers contain questions asked in earlier board exams. Use sample papers for pattern practice and previous year papers to understand repeated topics and trends.
Give the full exam duration (usually 3 hours) and keep an extra 30–45 minutes for checking solutions and analyzing mistakes. The improvement happens during analysis, so do not skip the review step after attempting the paper.
Additional Resources
Use these related resources to strengthen your board exam preparation along with CBSE Sample Papers Class 10:
- NCERT Solutions for Class 10
- CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Maths
- CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Science
- CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Social Science
- CBSE Previous Year Papers Class 10
- NCERT Books for Class 10
- CBSE
To score higher, follow a simple rule: solve one sample paper, analyze mistakes, revise weak topics, and repeat. This method improves speed, accuracy, and confidence. Bookmark this page for quick access to CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 2025-26 and keep practicing until your score becomes consistent.