CBSE 10th Science Exam: Key topics, Preparation Tips and Time Management tricks

The 10th Standard Science Board Exams is a pivotal event which checks your understanding of fundamental concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. With correct preparation strategy and time management, your dream results are attainable. 

The following are tips and tricks to ensure that you do well in the science board exam.

Understanding the Exam Pattern

The CBSE Class 10 Science exam carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment, thus totaling 100 marks. Theoretically, the paper is divided into many sections as follows:

Section A: 20 MCQs (each of 1 mark) = 20 marks

Section B: 6 Short Answer Questions (each of 2 marks) = 12 marks

Section C: 7 Short Answer Questions (each of 3 marks) = 21 marks

Section D: 3 Long Answer Questions (each of 5 marks) = 15 marks

Section E: 4 Case Study Questions (each of 3 marks) = 12 marks

Time allotted: 3 hours + 15-minute reading time.

Key High-Weightage Topics

Physics (Natural Phenomena & Effects of Current)

Chemistry (Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour)

Biology (World of Living)

Preparing Subject-Wise

Preparing for Physics

• Concentrate on numerical problems and conceptual understanding. 

• You should practice ray diagrams on mirrors and lenses regularly, as regular questions from this area will be asked. 

• Then learn the important formulas.

Chemistry Preparation

• Give equal importance to balancing chemical equations and understanding reaction types. 

• Prepare a separate sheet containing all chemical formulas and reactions for quick revision. 

• Practice writing chemical equations on the basis of observations and conditions.

Biology Preparation

• Give importance to diagram drawing and proper labeling. 

• Understand the biological process and do not blindly mug them up. 

• Take great care regarding spellings and terminologies.

Time Management Strategies

During Preparation

Prepare a study timetable with fixed time allotted to each subject, following this model routine, for example:

• In the morning (times: 5:30-7:30 AM): Study difficult subjects like Physics and Chemistry

• In the afternoon (times: 2:00-5:30 PM): Do sample papers and previous year questions

• Evening (7:00-10:30 PM): Revision-light study

During the Exam

Time allocation strategies:

• Section A (MCQs): 20-25 minutes

• Section B: 15-20 minutes

• Section C: 25-30 minutes

• Section D: 20-25 minutes

• Section E: 15-20 minutes

• Final review: 10-15 minutes

Answer Writing Tips 

Structure Your Answers

• Write points and not in long paragraphs

• Leave adequate space between answers so that each answer is clear

• Use bullet points or numbered lists for better readability

• Make sure your diagrams are well-labeled

Show Your Work

For numerical problems:

• Write the formula first

• Clearly replace values

• Show calculations in every step

• Use proper units in final answers

Important Study Resources

To develop a deep understanding of concepts and practice your learning, you should consider study materials that provide simplified theory, with varieties in question types. For social science, resources like Disha 360,  have NCERT based content enriched with question banks and sample papers that help with conceptual clarity.

For abundant and adequate practice, with exam-type questions, the WinR series has chapter-wise question banks with fully solved competency-based questions drawn from the latest CBSE pattern and these resources are great to develop your problem-solving skills.

Final Revision Plan

Last Month before Exam 

• Practice previous year papers 

• Revise your formulas every day, using another set of formula sheets

• Practice your diagrams frequently enough, for speed and accuracy

• Solve sample papers to learn the Question types

Last Week Preparation

• Use all available time on the more important High-Weightage Topics

• Revise important definitions or key concepts

• Practice writing the answers within word limit

• Create mind maps to revise easily and quickly 

Day before Exam 

• Do a light revision of important formulas and concepts

• Practice a few diagrams to relax your mind

• Avoid learning new topics 

• Get good sleep and stay positive

Success Mantras

Never forget, practice is one of the most critical components of your success in science. Concentrate on understanding rather than memorizing. Visuals, such as charts or diagrams, will best help you comprehend the subjects you learn. Most importantly, it is essential to remain confident and calm during the exam.

With good planning, managing time well, and answering each question appropriately, you could score well on your CBSE Class 10 Science exam. The trick is to start early, practice frequently, and maintain a balanced approach to all three subjects. Good luck with the preparations.

FAQs

Q.1 How should I improve my presentation? Are any marks given for good presentation?

Ans. No separate marks are given, but your answers should be neat, well organized with important points underlined.

Q.2 Is whitener allowed in board exams and can we use gel pens?

Ans. Use of whitener is not permitted. Yes, Blue or royal blue ink gel pens can be used.

Q.3 Do examiners deduct marks for exceeding the word limit and spelling mistakes, especially in the language papers?

Ans.No marks are deducted for exceeding the word limit. Marks for spelling mistakes and other errors are deducted in the Language Papers.

Q.4 Is it compulsory to write the answers in the same sequence as in the question paper?

Ans. No, you may attempt those questions in the beginning which you know best Make sure that you write the correct answer number to each question.