The CBSE Class 10 board exams are likely to begin from February 17, 2026, and most students fine-tune their preparation in the last two months and still achieve their goal of getting over 90%. The introduction of the two-phases examination process for 2026 provides students with new opportunities but at the same difficulty level. This guide will help you plan your studies efficiently and get the best results in the board exams.
First, Understanding the Exam Structure for 2026
The CBSE Class 10 exams for 2026 will run in two phases: the first phase scheduled for February 17 to March 6, 2026; the second phase, an optional one, will be conducted from May 5 to May 21, 2026. All students are expected to take the first phase while the second phase will give them an opportunity to improve their scores in up to 3 subjects. This new system, executed under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to eliminate exam stress by giving students several opportunities to showcase their learning.
|
Theory Marks |
80 |
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
Month 1: Laying the Groundwork and Full Coverage
Weeks 1-2: Subject-Based Groundwork
Begin with the higher weightage subjects based upon the marks allocated to the topics and units in the syllabus. In Mathematics, concentrate on Algebra (20 marks), Geometry (15 marks), and Trigonometry (12 marks). These three subtopics make up 47 marks out of 80 in the exam; hence, by assimilating and mastering these subtopics, you can manage a 90+ score.
In Science, work on the units: Chemical Substances-Nature and Behaviour (25marks), and World of Living (25 marks). These units including Chemical Reactions and Equations (Chemical Substances-Nature and Behaviour), Life Processes (World of Living), Control and Coordination (World of Living), and carry the highest weightage.
Develop a preparation schedule and study plan to allocate 7-8 hours per day, as follows: Mathematics (2-3 hours), Science (2 hours) and Social Science (1.5 hours).
Weeks 3-4: Chapter Coverage
Cover the entire syllabus in a systematic format. In Social Science, be sure you have focused on and completed the topics in History ("India and the Contemporary World-II"), Geography ("Contemporary India-II"), Political Science ("Democratic Politics-II"), and Economics ("Understanding Economic Development"). Each unit carries 20 marks, so make sure you give equal attention to each topic.
In weeks 3-4, you need to study with integrated study materials. The Disha 360 Social Science provides a simplified NCERT theory text where the complex theory is simplified from the NCERT and the provided mixed question formats help you practice NCERT theories. They can save your precious time as you can understand complex theories while simultaneously testing your knowledge.
Month 2: Strategic Practice and Mastery
Weeks 5-6: Subject-Specific Mastery
Mathematics needs development in accuracy and speed. Focus on Triangles (8 marks), Introduction to Trigonometry (8 marks) and Surface Areas and Volumes (7 marks). Complete numerical problems from the Electricity and Light chapters from Physics as these Chapters will contain questions for board examinations.
When preparing for Science, place emphasis on practicing diagrams and applying concepts. Drawing labelled diagrams every day will help the students develop a useful skill set as diagrams can earn instant marks in Biology chapters.
Social Science requires writing as a practice. When writing for 5-mark questions, follow this format- "introduction-point-explain-example-conclusion".
Weeks 7-8: Intensive Mock Testing and Revision
Mock Test yourself using 2-3 sample papers on a weekly basis, mimicking examination conditions. It'll help to develop time management in questions, as well as exposing weak areas of preparation. The WiNR series will provide plenty of practice with more than 2,000 Science questions across a multitude of topics using various difficulty scales.
Smart Study Techniques to Maximize Retention
Active Learning Techniques - Make flashcards that contain definitions, important formulas, and key dates. Flashcards are extremely valuable, allowing students to increase long-term retention and quick revision of key concepts.
Visual Learning Techniques - Use mind maps to visually highlight the links between the concepts.
Health and Well-being During Preparation
Ensure that you get 7-8 hours of daily sleep. Adequate rest is crucial for memory consolidation and concentration. Take short breaks every hour to prevent mental fatigue and maintain focus throughout study sessions.
Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. Regular physical activity, even a 15-minute walk, improves concentration and reduces stress levels.
Final Week Strategy
The focus should be on revising key information and topics, rather than learning new ones. Use the last week to review the high-weightage chapters of the subject and practice questions. Prepare a last minute revision notebook containing important formulae, dates, and key points.
Maximizing resource utilization
The strategic selection of resources is essential for exam success. NCERT textbooks will provide the base and with the appropriate resources, you could easily save hours of study effort. The Disha 360 Social Science textbook does extensive work in that sense as it has a simplified presentation of theory and a variety of question types relevant here. The WiNR series provides an extensive range of practice questions that match the patterns of the real board exam.
Conclusion
It is possible to aim for a score of 90+ in the (CBSE) Class 10 board exams coming up in 2026 if you strategically plan to study consistently, persistently, and with the resources you have now. The two main pointers to stress are the exam pattern (so you know the layout of exam structure) and to work through the greater weightage items and practice regularly for exam experience. The secret is to have a preparation balance that has thorough conceptual understanding but comes with a volume of practice of extensive content. Remember: Success in board exams results from studying smarter, not longer.
FAQs
Q.1 When will the CBSE 10th exam result 2026 be announced?
The CBSE 10th exam result is usually released around 1-2 months after the exams. For 2026, with exams scheduled in two phases, results for the first phase are expected by May, and for the second phase, around June
Q.2 Are there official 10 class sample papers for board exam practice?
Yes, CBSE releases 10th class sample papers and subject-specific model papers each year. Practicing these sample papers for Science, Maths, and Social Science helps you get familiar with the latest exam pattern.
Q.3 What are the main subjects included in the CBSE class 10 syllabus?
The main subjects as per the CBSE class 10 syllabus are Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Hindi, and English. Optional and skill subjects are also available according to school offerings.
Q.4 Where can I download the official CBSE class 10 syllabus for 2025-26?
You can download the latest CBSE class 10 syllabus 2025-26 PDF for Science, Mathematics, Social Science, English, and other subjects from the official CBSE website- http://www.cbseacademic.nic.in/
