Download the complete NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF chapter-wise for the 2025-26 academic session to strengthen your conceptual foundation and excel in CBSE board examinations.
The NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science is a specialised resource developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training to challenge students beyond standard textbook exercises. Unlike regular NCERT books that focus on building foundational understanding, the exemplar series presents Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions that require students to analyse, evaluate and apply scientific concepts to real-world situations. This makes it an indispensable resource for students aiming to score above 90 per cent in their board examinations.
Class 10 Science integrates three major disciplines—Physics, Chemistry and Biology—making it one of the most comprehensive subjects in the secondary curriculum. The exemplar problems are carefully designed to test your understanding of interconnected concepts, whether it involves calculating resistance in electrical circuits, balancing complex chemical equations, or explaining physiological processes in living organisms. Students preparing for this subject can also benefit from exploring NCERT Exemplar Class 9 Science PDF to revise foundational concepts that are built upon in Class 10.
NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF Chapter-Wise Download
The chapter-wise organisation of the NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF allows students to practise systematically after completing each topic from their regular textbook. This approach ensures thorough revision and helps identify weak areas that require additional attention. The exemplar covers all 16 chapters prescribed in the CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 academic session, with questions ranging from objective-type MCQs to detailed long-answer problems.
Why This Matters: CBSE board examiners increasingly include application-based questions similar to exemplar problems. Students who practise from the exemplar develop the ability to tackle unfamiliar question formats confidently, giving them a significant advantage over peers who rely solely on textbook exercises.
The Chemistry section (Chapters 1-5) begins with Chemical Reactions and Equations, where students encounter problems involving identification of reaction types, balancing equations and predicting products. The Acids, Bases and Salts chapter includes questions on pH calculations, indicator colour changes and industrial applications. Metals and Non-metals covers extraction processes and reactivity series applications, while Carbon and its Compounds explores organic chemistry fundamentals including naming conventions and isomerism. The Periodic Classification of Elements chapter tests understanding of trends and element properties.
The Biology section (Chapters 6-9 and 15-16) covers Life Processes with detailed questions on nutrition, respiration, transportation and excretion in plants and animals. Control and Coordination includes problems on nervous system functioning and hormone actions. How Do Organisms Reproduce tests understanding of both asexual and sexual reproduction mechanisms. Heredity and Evolution presents challenging questions on Mendelian genetics, probability calculations and evolutionary concepts. The environmental chapters—Our Environment and Management of Natural Resources—focus on ecological concepts and sustainable development practices.
| Ch. | Title | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemical Reactions and Equations | Open |
| 2 | Acids, Bases and Salts | Open |
| 3 | Metals and Non-metals | Open |
| 4 | Carbon and its Compounds | Open |
| 5 | Periodic Classification of Elements | Open |
| 6 | Life Processes | Open |
| 7 | Control and Coordination | Open |
| 8 | How do Organisms Reproduce? | Open |
| 9 | Heredity and Evolution | Open |
| 10 | Light – Reflection and Refraction | Open |
| 11 | The Human Eye and the Colourful World | Open |
| 12 | Electricity | Open |
| 13 | Magnetic Effects of Electric Current | Open |
| 14 | Sources of Energy | Open |
| 15 | Our Environment | Open |
| 16 | Management of Natural Resources | Open |
| Sample Question Paper Set I | Open | |
| Sample Question Paper Set II | Open | |
| Answers (Key) | Open Answers |
The Physics section (Chapters 10-14) includes Light – Reflection and Refraction with numerical problems on mirror and lens formulae. The Human Eye and the Colourful World covers optical defects and atmospheric phenomena. Electricity presents circuit analysis problems involving Ohm’s law and power calculations. Magnetic Effects of Electric Current includes questions on electromagnetic induction and motor-generator principles. Sources of Energy discusses conventional and non-conventional energy sources with their environmental implications.
Sample Exemplar Questions with Solutions
Understanding the pattern and difficulty level of NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science questions helps students prepare more effectively. Below are representative problems from different sections demonstrating the analytical approach required.
Sample Chemistry Question (Chapter 1): A student adds dilute hydrochloric acid to a test tube containing zinc granules. He observes the evolution of a gas with a ‘pop’ sound when a burning matchstick is brought near the mouth of the test tube. Identify the gas evolved and write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
Solution Approach: The gas producing a ‘pop’ sound is hydrogen (H₂). This is a characteristic test for hydrogen gas. The balanced equation is: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑. This is a displacement reaction where zinc displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid because zinc is more reactive than hydrogen in the reactivity series. Students must note that such questions require identification of reaction type, product prediction and proper balancing—all tested in board examinations.
Sample Physics Question (Chapter 12): An electric heater of resistance 8 Ω draws 15 A current from the service mains for 2 hours. Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Solution Approach: The rate of heat development is the power of the heater. Using P = I²R, we get P = (15)² × 8 = 225 × 8 = 1800 W or 1.8 kW. The exemplar tests whether students can distinguish between total heat produced (H = I²Rt) and rate of heat production (P = I²R). This conceptual clarity is essential for solving numerical problems correctly in examinations.
Sample Biology Question (Chapter 8): In a pea plant, the trait of tall stem (T) is dominant over dwarf stem (t). When a heterozygous tall plant is crossed with a homozygous dwarf plant, what will be the phenotypic ratio of the offspring?
Solution Approach: The cross is Tt × tt. Using a Punnett square: offspring genotypes are Tt and tt in equal proportion (1:1). Phenotypically, Tt plants are tall and tt plants are dwarf. Therefore, the phenotypic ratio is 1:1 (tall:dwarf). This type of question tests application of Mendelian inheritance principles and ability to predict outcomes of genetic crosses—a frequently examined topic in CBSE board examinations.
Important: When solving exemplar problems, always write complete stepwise solutions with proper units. CBSE marking schemes award marks for correct approach even if the final answer contains minor calculation errors. Practising this habit during preparation ensures maximum marks in board examinations.
NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science Hindi Medium PDF
For students studying in Hindi medium schools, the NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF is available in Hindi (विज्ञान) with identical content and question quality. The Hindi medium exemplar maintains the same chapter structure and difficulty level, ensuring that language preference does not affect preparation quality. All scientific terminology is provided with appropriate Hindi translations alongside English terms, helping students understand concepts in their preferred language while remaining familiar with technical vocabulary.
The Hindi medium PDFs are particularly beneficial for students from CBSE-affiliated schools in Hindi-speaking states who find it easier to comprehend complex scientific concepts in their mother tongue. Teachers in these schools can use the exemplar problems for classroom discussions, weekly tests and revision assignments. Students who have built their foundation using NCERT Exemplar Class 7 Science PDF in Hindi medium will find the transition to Class 10 content smoother.
| अ. | शीर्षक | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | रासायनिक अभिक्रियाएँ एवं समीकरण | Open |
| 2 | अम्ल, क्षारक एवं लवण | Open |
| 3 | धातु एवं अधातु | Open |
| 4 | कार्बन एवं उसके यौगिक | Open |
| 5 | तत्वों का आवर्त वर्गीकरण | Open |
| 6 | जैव प्रक्रम | Open |
| 7 | नियंत्रण एवं समन्वय | Open |
| 8 | जीव जनन कैसे करते हैं | Open |
| 9 | आनुवंशिकता एवं जैव विकास | Open |
| 10 | प्रकाश – परावर्तन एवं अपवर्तन | Open |
| 11 | मानव नेत्र तथा रंगबिरंगा संसार | Open |
| 12 | विद्युत | Open |
| 13 | विद्युत धारा के चुंबकीय प्रभाव | Open |
| 14 | ऊर्जा के स्रोत | Open |
| 15 | हमारा पर्यावरण | Open |
| 16 | प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का संपोषित प्रबंधन | Open |
| प्रश्न पत्र प्रारूप सेट I | Open | |
| प्रश्न पत्र प्रारूप सेट II | Open | |
| प्रश्न पत्र प्रारूप सेट III | Open |
The availability of exemplar resources in both languages reflects NCERT’s commitment to inclusive education. Students should choose the medium they are most comfortable with, as understanding concepts clearly is more important than the language of instruction. Many students also benefit from cross-referencing both versions when preparing difficult topics.
How to Use NCERT Exemplar for Board Exam Preparation
Effective utilisation of the NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF requires a strategic approach rather than random problem-solving. Following a structured method ensures comprehensive preparation and optimal time management during the crucial months before board examinations.
Step 1: Complete the NCERT Textbook First – Before attempting exemplar questions, ensure you have thoroughly read the relevant chapter from your NCERT textbook. Understand all concepts, diagrams, and solved examples. Complete the textbook exercises and verify your answers. The exemplar is designed to build upon textbook knowledge, not replace it.
Step 2: Attempt Exemplar Questions Chapter-Wise – After completing each textbook chapter, download the corresponding exemplar PDF and attempt all questions. Start with MCQs to test basic understanding, then progress to short answer questions and finally attempt long answer problems. This gradual increase in difficulty helps build confidence.
Step 3: Analyse Your Mistakes – When checking solutions, do not merely note the correct answer. Understand why your approach was incorrect and identify the conceptual gap. Maintain an error log noting the topic, mistake made and correct method. Review this log before examinations to avoid repeating errors.
Why This Matters: CBSE often includes modified versions of exemplar questions in board papers. Students who have solved these problems recognise the underlying concept quickly and can adapt their approach even when question wording differs. This adaptability is the key difference between average and excellent performers.
Step 4: Time Your Practice Sessions – As board examinations approach, practise exemplar questions under timed conditions. Allocate time per question based on marks (approximately 1 minute per mark) and train yourself to complete problems within these limits. This prevents time management issues during actual examinations.
Students preparing systematically can also explore NCERT Exemplar Class 6 Science PDF for quick revision of basic concepts that form the foundation for Class 10 topics, especially in areas like electricity, light and living organisms.
Benefits for Competitive Examination Preparation
The NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science serves as an excellent foundation for various competitive examinations that students may attempt during or after Class 10. The analytical question pattern aligns with the requirements of multiple entrance tests and scholarship examinations.
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE): The Stage 1 and Stage 2 examinations of NTSE include science questions that test conceptual depth rather than rote memorisation. Exemplar problems develop exactly this type of understanding, making them invaluable for NTSE aspirants. The analytical approach required for exemplar questions mirrors the NTSE question pattern closely.
Science Olympiads: Various Olympiad examinations conducted by organisations like SOF, Unified Council and Silverzone include questions requiring application of concepts. Regular exemplar practice sharpens the problem-solving skills essential for achieving ranks in these competitions.
Foundation for NEET and JEE: Students aspiring for medical or engineering entrance examinations benefit significantly from early exposure to HOTS questions. The Class 10 Science exemplar covers topics that are expanded upon in Class 11 and 12 syllabi. Building strong fundamentals now reduces the learning burden in higher classes. For continued preparation, students can progress to NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science PDF advanced problem sets available for further practice.
Key Insight: According