The CBSE board is about to start using multiple choice questions (MCQs) predominantly in their Class 10 papers to transition to competency-based assessments. In 2024-25, 40-50 percent of the marks for the assessment were based on objective formats such as MCQs and true/false questions. The remainder of the assessment was based on descriptive answers and map or case studies. In Science, Class 10, there are 39 questions. There are twenty 1-mark MCQs to start, followed by descriptive answers. Social Science is consistent in its structure; students go from 1-mark MCQs to 5-mark essays and map work.
So, can MCQs be used to obtain good scores in examinations? The answer is no. MCQs will test students’ recall of knowledge, their ability to interpret information and quickly apply this knowledge. However, the board marks also allocate up to half of the marks for the clear diagrams, explanations or arguments that pupils can craft. The bottom line is that combining objective, strategic preparation with regular writing and practice is the safest be better approach, and surprisingly easier in managing your time.
Why MCQs are important
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Speed & Coverage: MCQs allow students to revise many facts in a short time and demonstrate weaknesses quite readily.
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Concept checks: MCQs that are well-designed often disguise theory in real-life contexts, which is precisely what CBSE is looking for with its competency agenda.
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Confidence boost: Completing 20 1-mark questions with full marks increases students’ confidence quickly.
Yet MCQs rarely test diagram skills, step-wise reasoning or map interpretation. A student who practises only tick-mark questions may freeze when asked to “Explain the role of the placenta” or “Describe factors responsible for the location of iron and steel plants in India”.
Creating the Right Balance
A good starting point is having a 30-30-40 ratio:
30%- concept reading of the NCERT with one other additional resource to reinforce understanding.
30%- MCQ's and other objective practice to reinforce automaticity of facts and formulae
40%- writing practice- short answers, long answers, case studies, map work.
1. Concept before.
Read the NCERT in sentence by sentence fashion, and keep a slim reference book that breaks long paragraphs into key points to help in the process of memorization. A study guide, like Disha 360 Social Science that summarizes each NCERT chapter into graphs, and charts, all in colour. The beauty of this colloquial resource is the organization of NCERT questions and competency-based questions. Since the concepts, MCQs, and long answer formats are all rolled together, you don't have to flip between books - especially needed at the time of revision.
2. Objective Practice
Once you know a topic well, time yourself doing either a set of MCQs or sets of assertion-reason pairs. Track the scores for pairs of chapters that score under 80%. Take Science and Maths, each chapter in the WiNR Score 100 question bank has a concept map, two levels of subjective questions per chapter and a third exercise that is filled with objective questions which contains multiple choice questions, statements based on cases and assertion-reason practice - over 2000 possibilities in science alone!
3. Writing Muscle
Create a 90-minute slot two times a week for you to practice 3-mark and 5-mark questions in rough board-sheet format. To start, look at past-year papers; they will be a better indication of current blueprints than coaching hand-outs.
Subject-Wise Tweaks
Science: Long answers will almost always require labelled diagrams (human eye, electrolytic cell) and derivations. Aim to draw one labelled diagram a week; drawing them will enhance your retention and provide you with speedy marks.
Social Science: Five-mark answers reward well-structured arguments. Use the case-study-style "introduction-point-explain-example-conclusion" formula seen in the two-point-covered case studies in Disha 360. For geographical maps, practice at least ten minutes a day so that you are not panicking at the last minute.
Weekly Plan at a Glance
Monday - Wednesday - Concept Reading + MCQs (1 Hour)
Thursday - Full writing practice set (90 Minutes)
Friday - Review errors, create flash-cards for any new vocabulary (30 min)
Saturday - Mixed mock - 15 MCQs in 60 min + one long response from each subject
Sunday - Light revision / rest to avoid burn-out
Final Weeks Before Boards
Transition away from the chapter-wise work to attempt full-length sample papers. Attempt two full Science, and two SST papers under exam conditions (no peeking!). Mark scripts the same day so that any mistakes don't settle and fossilise in your mind. Keep a last-minute notebook for formulae, dates and map locations; then flip through and revise it on every morning of the exam week.
Takeaway
MCQs are a useful tool but merely a piece of the scoring puzzle. Mix them with constant subjective writing, and you will manage whatever mix CBSE serves you. Resources that combine the two such as a concept-rich guide like Disha 360 SST for subjective and multiple-choice, and an exam-style, prep pack like the WiNR Score 100 Science and Maths combo, make it easy to harmonise both types of assessment because they provide the theory content, MCQs and descriptive work under one binding without being a total advertisement. Use them along with NCERT, stick to a consistent regiment, and see the increase in your confidence (and your marks).
FAQs
Q.1 Is MCQs enough to score 95% in Class 10 Science and SST?
Ans. No, MCQs are not enough to score 95% in Class 10 Science and SST. MCQs account for 40-50% of weightage of the 'subject' in a CBSE Class 10 exam. You can cover the rest 50-60% with subjective questions that include short-answer questions, long-answer questions, and map work. If you want to score 95%, you should have a balanced study approach which includes 30% concept reading, 30% MCQ practice and 40% writing practice on subjective questions.
Q.2 How do I practice subjective questions for Class 10 Science and SST?
Ans. Allocate a 90 minutes study session to writing practice twice a week by tackling board exam style 3-mark questions and 5-mark questions. Write the 5-mark answers in the introduction-point-explain-examples-conclusion pattern like the SST exams. For Science questions, include the labelled diagrams and explain in a step-wise derivation manner. Do practice the past-year question papers and sample papers to understand how marks are assigned and what key words both objective and subjective questions require.
Q.3 How can I increase my speed for MCQs but retain accuracy?
Ans. To speed up your MCQ proficiency while retaining accuracy, you need to practice your timed mock tests in a regular manner. It is important, in MCQs, for students to read the questions first before looking at the options.
Q.4 What chapters are important for Class 10 Science and SST MCQs?
Ans. For Class 10 Science, follow the chapters of higher weightage; Life Processes, Control and Coordination, Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Electric Current, and Chemical Reactions. For SST, prioritize: Nationalism in India, Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Agriculture, Power Sharing, and Sectors of Indian Economy.
