CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 Analysis: Physics Toughest, Say Teachers

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• Updated on 25 Feb, 2026, 6:09 PM, by Arman Kumar

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 was conducted on February 25. Teachers termed the paper balanced and syllabus-based, with Physics being the most challenging section.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 on Tuesday, February 25, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across centres in India and abroad. As per the revised examination pattern, the question paper was divided into three separate sections – Physics, Chemistry and Biology—a first for the Class 10 Science exam. Students were given 15 minutes of reading time before the exam began, allowing them to understand the structure of the paper and plan their answers effectively.

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Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 Pattern and Structure

The theory paper was conducted for 80 marks and consisted of 39 compulsory questions. Each section included a balanced mix of:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Assertion–Reasoning questions
Short- and long-answer questions
Numericals and diagram-based questions
Case-study and competency-based questions

The paper followed the prescribed NCERT syllabus closely, focusing on conceptual clarity and application-based learning rather than rote memorisation.

Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 Teachers’ Review: Overall Difficulty Level

Subject experts and educators rated the overall difficulty level of the CBSE Class 10 Science paper as easy to moderate. According to Vineeta Kadwane, subject expert at Lancers Army Schools, the paper was well-balanced and fair. She noted that Physics required stronger conceptual understanding, with some questions demanding careful numerical and analytical application. However, students with regular practice and clarity of fundamentals would have managed it comfortably.

Section-Wise Analysis

Physics

Most teachers agreed that Physics was the toughest section. It included numericals, ray diagrams and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions. According to Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder of LEAD Group, nearly half of the Physics marks tested analytical ability and application of formulas.

Chemistry

Chemistry was described as comprehensive but student-friendly, with questions directly based on NCERT chapters. Standard reactions, conceptual questions and experiment-based items dominated the section.

Biology

Biology emerged as the most scoring section. Teachers highlighted that diagram-based and case-study questions were familiar and largely textbook-driven. Many questions tested understanding rather than memory.

Student-Friendly Design and Internal Choices

Educators also appreciated the availability of internal choices, which helped reduce exam pressure. The subject-wise division of the paper made it easier for students to manage time and maintain focus throughout the exam. Sarita Singh, Head of the Science Department at DPS Sector 45, stated that students who thoroughly revised NCERT textbooks and sample papers are likely to score well.

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