CBSE 10th Class Exams 2026 Today (Feb 25): Science Paper Today, Student Sees New Question Paper Format

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education conducted the Class 10 Science board examination on February 25 across examination centres in the country. The exam began at 10.30 am and concluded at 1.30 pm in a single shift, with around 25 lakh students appearing for the paper this year.

Along with the Class 10 Science examination, CBSE also conducted Class 12 papers for Beauty and Wellness, Typography and Computer Application today.

Revised Question Paper Pattern Introduced

In a major change introduced for the 2026 board exams, CBSE has revised the Class 10 Science question paper format. For the first time, the paper has been divided into three separate sections covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology to ensure equal focus on all three subjects.

As per the updated pattern, the Science theory examination was conducted for 80 marks and consisted of 39 compulsory questions. Each section included a variety of question types such as multiple choice questions, assertion reasoning questions, short answer questions, long answer questions and case based questions.

Students were also given an additional 15 minutes before the start of the examination to read the question paper. This reading time allowed candidates to understand the structure of the paper and plan their responses effectively before beginning to write.

Important Chapters In Focus

Educators had earlier highlighted that chapters such as Electricity and Magnetic Effects of Electric Current in Physics, Carbon and Its Compounds in Chemistry, and Life Processes in Biology were among the most challenging topics for students preparing for the examination.

Students were advised to write formulas clearly while solving Physics numericals, balance chemical equations accurately in Chemistry, and draw neat labelled diagrams in Biology, as diagrams and flowcharts carry separate marks.

Exams To Continue Till March And April

According to the CBSE schedule, Class 10 board examinations will conclude on March 10, while Class 12 board exams will continue until April 10. Around 18.5 lakh students are appearing for Class 12 examinations this year across thousands of centres.

From 2026 onwards, CBSE has also made it mandatory for all students to appear in the first board examination. Direct entry into the second examination will not be permitted.

The revised Science paper pattern marks an important step in the CBSE assessment system, aiming to improve conceptual clarity and ensure comprehensive evaluation of students across core subject areas.