CBSE Class 10 Science 2026: Most Scoring Chapters

CBSE 10th 2026 ( CBSE 10th )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 17 Feb '26 - 11 Mar '26

Updated on Jan 19, 2026 16:42 IST
Students can check here the CBSE Class 10 Science chapters, which will help them, score high in the board exams. Check CBSE Class 10 Science scoring chapters here for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Also, check out the CBSE Class 10 Science marking scheme and more…

Students can check here the CBSE Class 10 Science chapters, which will help them, score high in the board exams. Check CBSE Class 10 Science scoring chapters here for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Also, check out the CBSE Class 10 Science marking scheme and more…

CBSE Class 10 Science: Most Scoring Chapters – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 between February 17 and March 11, 2026 in pen and paper format. The CBSE 10th Science exam 2026 is scheduled on February 25, 2026.

Students preparing for the CBSE 10th Science exam 2026 must go through the CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026 for Science. This article shares the most scoring chapters in CBSE 10th Science subject. Students can check out the distribution of marks to various Science chapters (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and plan a preparation strategy on finishing the chapters with high weightage first. However, they must remember that to ace the exams, they must study all the topics and chapters mentioned in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

Also read: Check detailed Phase 1 CBSE Class 10 exam dates 2026

CBSE Class 10 Science Marking Scheme 2026

Students can check the marking scheme followed in CBSE Class 10 Science exam 2026 in the table below.

Section A: Objective-type Questions (20 Marks)

  • This section contains 20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each worth one mark.
  • The total weightage for this section is 20 marks.
  • To test understanding of key concepts from various units of the Science syllabus, testing basic knowledge.

Section B: Short-Answer-Type Questions-I (12 Marks)

  • This section includes six questions, with each question carrying two marks.
  • These questions in this section focus on the ability to recall important facts, explain basic concepts, and solve straightforward problems from syllabus.

Section C: Short-Answer-Type Questions-II (21 Marks)

  • This section contains seven questions, each valued at three marks, giving a total weightage of 21 marks.
  • The questions in this section are designed to assess deeper understanding and ability to apply scientific principles in a more detailed manner.

Section D: Long-Answer-Type Questions (15 Marks)

  • This section includes three questions, with each question carrying five marks. The total weightage for this section is 15 marks.
  • These questions will test the comprehensive understanding of the topics and analytical abilities.
  • Detailed explanations and examples will be required in the answers.

Section E: Source-Based/Case-Based Questions (12 Marks)

  • This section consists of three questions, each worth four marks.
  • The questions are aimed at evaluating the ability to analyze and interpret data, as well as apply scientific knowledge to real-life scenarios and case studies.

Also read: CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Are there any changes made in the CBSE 10th exam pattern for the academic year 2026?
A: 

Yes, the board has made certain changes in the CBSE exam pattern 2026. For CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026, question papers will include 40% MCQs (multiple choice questions). 20% will be competency-based questions and the remaining 40% will be subjective or short/long answer type questions. CBSE Class 10 Science and SST ques papers will also be divided into different sections and students need to answer them accordingly.

Q:   What is CBSE Class 10 new exam pattern 2026?
A: 

This year, CBSE has introduced major changes in the pattern of CBSE 10th 2026 exam. According to the revised structure, the Board will conduct the exam in two phases. The question paper for Science and Social Science will be divided into two sections. Science will carry subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Social Science comprises History, Geography, Political Science, Economics. Students will have to answer section-wise. Evaluation will be done by subject- specific teachers.

Q:   What is the new CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026?
A: 

CBSE has introduced major changes in the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern. From this year, the exam will be conducted in two phases. This reduces the exam stress and provides improvement opportunities within the same academic cycle. The Social Science and Science question papers will be divided into sections. 

  1. Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
  2. Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics Students will answer section-wise, and evaluation will be done by subject- specific teachers.

CBSE Class 10 Science: Most Scoring Chapters

For CBSE Class 10 Science, the most scoring chapters, based on high weightage (approx.25+) marks each for Chem/Bio) and direct questioning, are Life Processes, Metals and Non-metals, Light - Reflection and Refraction, and Electricity. Focusing on these, along with Acid, Bases & Salts and Magnetic Effects, ensures maximum marks efficiently. 

Given below are the highest-scoring chapters in CBSE Class 10 Science.

Key Scoring Chapters (Unit-wise Weightage): 

Unit 1: Chemical Substances-Nature and Behaviour (approx 25 Marks)

  • Metals and Non-metals: High scoring due to direct, factual questions.
  • Acids, Bases and Salts: Focus on pH, common salt, and chemical formulas.
  • Chemical Reactions and Equations: Focus on balancing and types of reactions.

Unit 2: World of Living (approx 25 Marks)

  • Life Processes: The most important, high-weightage chapter; focus on diagrams (nutrition, respiration, excretion).
  • Control and Coordination / How do Organisms Reproduce: Important for diagrams and processes.

Unit 3: Natural Phenomena (approx 12 Marks)

  • Light – Reflection and Refraction: High-weightage, numerical-heavy, and key ray diagrams.

Unit 4: Effects of Current (approx 13 Marks)

  • Electricity: Focus on Ohm's law, numerical problems, and circuit diagrams.
  • Magnetic Effects of Electric Current: Important for understanding motors/generators and magnetic field lines. 

CBSE Class 10 Science: Most Scoring Chapters: Preparation Tips 

  • Prioritize Diagrams: Life Processes and Light chapters heavily favor diagram-based questions.
  • Chemistry Equations: Practice balancing and the reactivity series.
  • Numerical Practice: Focus on Electricity and Light numericals.
  • NCERT Exemplar: Solve to tackle higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions. 
  • Do not skip solving CBSE 10th Sample papers and previous years' ques papers

Read More:

Know how to get CBSE 10th Admit Card 2026

About the Author

Jasleen Kaur Taneja is an education editorial expert at Shiksha.com. She prepares content for school board exams. She has written 1,800+ articles with 2.8 crore reads.
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