The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully concluded the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for February 17, 2026. The exams were conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across India and in 26 countries abroad. On Tuesday, Class 10 students appeared for the Mathematics (Basic and Standard) examination, while Class 12 students took Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand papers. More than 46 lakh students are appearing for the CBSE Board Exams 2026 this year.
Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2026: Difficulty Level
According to subject experts, the Class 10 Mathematics paper was rated moderate to difficult.
Expert Review
Nishant Kumar Singh, Subject Matter Expert at Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools, stated that the paper maintained a balanced structure combining:
- Conceptual understanding
- Foundational knowledge
- Analytical reasoning
The question paper closely followed the NCERT syllabus, allowing well-prepared students to attempt most sections confidently.
Section-Wise Analysis
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Mostly straightforward and concept-based, though some assertion–reason questions required deeper interpretation.
- 2 & 3 Mark Questions: Accessible yet analytical, testing clarity of concepts.
- Long Answer Questions: Demanded structured presentation, logical steps, and strong conceptual clarity.
- Case Study-Based Questions: Focused on application of concepts in real-life scenarios and required careful reading and time management.
The final questions in the paper reportedly tested higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), aligning with CBSE’s competency-based approach.
Exam Day Highlights
- Students were required to reach centres before 10:00 AM.
- Entry gates were closed after 10:00 AM.
- Exams were conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
Overall Impression
The Mathematics paper reflected CBSE’s emphasis on competency-based assessment, balancing fairness with academic rigor. Students with consistent practice and strong conceptual preparation were better positioned to score well.Meanwhile, Class 12 Biotechnology and other subject papers were conducted smoothly, with detailed subject-wise analysis expected shortly.Students are advised to stay updated through official channels for further exam updates and upcoming paper analyses.