CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 2026-27: Official PDFs, Pattern & Analysis
CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 2026-27: Official PDFs, Pattern & Analysis
Download the official CBSE sample paper Class 10 set for the 2027 board exam, subject by subject, with a section-wise breakdown of every major paper so you know exactly how marks are split.
Table of Contents
CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 2026-27: What Was Released
The CBSE sample paper Class 10 set for the 2026-27 session is now live on the official CBSE Academic website. CBSE released the Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Class 10 and Class 12 on 21 September 2026, and these are the papers every school uses to set its pre-boards for the 2027 board exam.
The single most important line is printed at the bottom of every page of these papers: "There is no change in the Question Paper Design and Assessment Pattern for Academic Session 2026-27." So the structure you see below is the structure you will face in the board exam.
On this page you get the direct PDF of each main paper and a clear breakdown of sections, question types and marks for Science, Maths (Standard and Basic), Social Science and both English papers.
Quick Highlights: CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 2026-27
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Released by | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Release date | 21 September 2026 |
| Session / Exam | Academic session 2026-27, board exam 2027 |
| What is released | Sample Question Paper (SQP) + Marking Scheme (MS) for each subject |
| Official website | cbseacademic.nic.in |
| Change in paper design | No change for 2026-27 (as printed on every SQP) |
| Theory marks / Duration | 80 marks, 3 hours (main subjects) |
| Internal assessment | 20 marks (main subjects) |
| Board attempts | Two: Phase 1 compulsory, Phase 2 optional for improvement |
CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 2026-27 PDF Download (Subject-Wise)
Tap any button to open the CBSE sample paper Class 10 PDF. For marking schemes and the other subjects, use the official CBSE page at the end of the table.
| Subject (Code) | Questions | Marks / Time | Sample Paper PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science (086) | 39 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| Mathematics Standard (041) | 38 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| Mathematics Basic (241) | 38 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| Social Science (087) | 38 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| English Language & Literature (184) | 11 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| English Communicative (101) | 12 | 80 / 3 hrs | Download PDF |
| Other subjects and languages | Official CBSE Class 10 SQP page | ||
How to download the CBSE sample paper Class 10 from the official website
- Go to cbseacademic.nic.in and open "Sample Question Papers" for Class X 2026-27.
- Find your subject in the list. Each subject has two links: SQP (question paper) and MS (marking scheme).
- Click SQP to open the PDF, then MS for the matching answer key. Save both to your phone or print them.
CBSE Sample Paper Class 10: All Papers at a Glance
We went through each official CBSE sample paper Class 10 set. Here is how the six main papers compare in one table.
| Paper | Questions | Sections | 1-Mark Questions | Case / Source Based | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science | 39 | 3 (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) | 20 (MCQ + A-R) | 3 x 4 marks | 80 |
| Maths Standard | 38 | 5 (A to E) | 20 (18 MCQ + 2 A-R) | 3 x 4 marks | 80 |
| Maths Basic | 38 | 5 (A to E) | 20 (18 MCQ + 2 A-R) | 3 x 4 marks | 80 |
| Social Science | 38 | 4 (History, Geography, Pol. Science, Economics) | 20 MCQ | 3 x 4 marks + map 5 | 80 |
| English Lang. & Lit. | 11 | 3 (Reading, Writing & Grammar, Literature) | Mostly within passages | 2 reading passages | 80 |
| English Communicative | 12 | 4 (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Literature) | Grammar items | 2 reading passages | 80 |
Class 10 Science Sample Paper 2026-27: Section-Wise Pattern
The Science paper has 39 compulsory questions split subject-wise: Section A is Biology, Section B is Chemistry and Section C is Physics. Internal choice is given in some questions.
| Section | Question Nos. | 1 Mark | 2 Marks | 3 Marks | 4 Marks | 5 Marks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A: Biology | 1 to 16 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 30 |
| B: Chemistry | 17 to 29 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 25 |
| C: Physics | 30 to 39 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 25 |
| Total | 39 | 20 Qs (20) | 6 Qs (12) | 7 Qs (21) | 3 Qs (12) | 3 Qs (15) | 80 |
Class 10 Maths Sample Paper 2026-27: Standard and Basic
Both Maths papers follow the same five-section design with 38 compulsory questions. The difference lies in the depth and difficulty of the questions, not in the structure.
| Section | Question Nos. | Question Type | Marks Each | Total Marks | Internal Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 to 20 | 18 MCQs + 2 Assertion-Reason | 1 | 20 | None |
| B | 21 to 25 | Very Short Answer (VSA) | 2 | 10 | In 2 questions |
| C | 26 to 31 | Short Answer (SA) | 3 | 18 | In 2 questions |
| D | 32 to 35 | Long Answer (LA) | 5 | 20 | In 2 questions |
| E | 36 to 38 | Case Study (sub-parts 1 + 1 + 2) | 4 | 12 | In the 2-mark sub-part |
| Total | 38 | 80 |
Maths Standard vs Basic: which one should you take?
| Point | Maths Standard (041) | Maths Basic (241) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper structure | 38 Qs, 5 sections, 80 marks | 38 Qs, 5 sections, 80 marks |
| Difficulty | Higher, more multi-step reasoning | Moderate, more direct application |
| Rules for calculators and π | No calculator, take π = 22/7 unless stated | No calculator, take π = 22/7 unless stated |
| Best for | Students planning Maths (PCM) in Class 11, JEE aspirants | Students not planning Maths in Class 11 |
Class 10 SST Sample Paper 2026-27: Section-Wise Pattern
Social Science has 38 compulsory questions in four sections of 20 marks each. Map questions carry 5 marks in total: 2 in History (Q9) and 3 in Geography (Q19).
| Section | MCQ (1) | VSA (2) | SA (3) | LA (5) | Case Based (4) | Map | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A: History | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 marks | 20 |
| B: Geography | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 marks | 20 |
| C: Political Science | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | None | 20 |
| D: Economics | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | None | 20 |
| Total | 20 Qs (20) | 4 Qs (8) | 5 Qs (15) | 4 Qs (20) | 3 Qs (12) | 2 Qs (5) | 80 |
Word limits you must follow
| Question Type | Marks | Word Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Very Short Answer (VSA) | 2 | Up to 40 words |
| Short Answer (SA) | 3 | Up to 60 words |
| Long Answer (LA) | 5 | Up to 120 words |
| Case Based (CBQ) | 4 | Up to 100 words (3 sub-questions) |
Class 10 English Sample Paper 2026-27: Both Courses Explained
English Language and Literature and English Communicative are two different courses with different section designs. Check which one your school follows before you practise.
English Language and Literature (184): 11 questions
| Section | What It Contains | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Reading Skills | 2 unseen passages of 10 marks each | 20 |
| B: Writing and Grammar | Grammar: any 10 of 12 items (10), formal letter (5), analytical paragraph (5) | 20 |
| C: Literature | 2 extracts (5 + 5), short answers 4 x 3 and 2 x 3, two long answers of 6 marks | 40 |
| Total | 80 |
English Communicative (101): 12 questions
| Section | What It Contains | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Reading Skills | 2 passages (12 + 10) | 22 |
| B: Writing Skills | Application (3), factual description (4), letter to the editor (7), article (8) | 22 |
| C: Grammar | Gap filling (3), omission (4), do as directed (3) | 10 |
| D: Literature | Extracts 2 x 4, short answers 5 x 2, one long answer of 8 | 26 |
| Total | 80 |
Subject-Wise Tips From the CBSE Sample Paper Class 10
Here is what the 2026-27 papers reward, subject by subject, and where students usually lose marks.
Science
- Biology is the biggest section at 30 marks. Life processes, reproduction, heredity and the environment chapters need line-by-line NCERT reading.
- The Chemistry 1-mark block has 8 questions, so reactions, salts, carbon compounds and everyday chemistry facts must be at your fingertips.
- Physics has three 3-mark questions. Practise ray diagrams and numericals on electricity and power with units.
Maths
- Section D alone carries 20 marks through four 5-mark questions. Full, neatly written steps matter because marks are given step by step.
- Case study questions (Section E) mix two or three concepts. Practise reading the situation slowly before choosing a method.
- No calculators are allowed, so speed in calculation comes only from practice.
Social Science
- Each of the four sections is worth exactly 20 marks, so no part of the syllabus can be skipped.
- Map work is 5 easy marks. Practise the listed map items for History and Geography every week.
- Economics has three 3-mark questions. Keep answers within 60 words and use terms from the NCERT book.
English
- Reading passages carry 20 to 22 marks. Practise one unseen passage every day with a timer.
- Writing tasks follow fixed formats (letter, analytical paragraph, article). Learn the format once and practise content.
Two Board Exams for Class 10: What It Means for You
Class 10 now follows the two-exam system that started with the 2025-26 session. The first exam is compulsory for every student. The second exam is optional and can be used to improve marks in up to three subjects among Science, Maths, Social Science and languages. Internal assessment happens only once and counts for both attempts.
The CBSE sample paper Class 10 set released now follows the board exam format, so one set of practice covers both attempts. Always confirm the final dates from the CBSE date sheet when it is released.
Phase 1
Compulsory main board exam for all subjects. Your first and most important attempt.
Phase 2
Optional improvement attempt in up to three main subjects. The better score is kept.
Internal Assessment
Done once during the year. The same 20 marks apply to both attempts.
How to Use the CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 the Right Way
Solving a CBSE sample paper Class 10 once is not enough. Use it as a test of your preparation, then as a guide for revision.
A simple 4-step method
- Finish the NCERT chapter first. Every question in the CBSE sample paper Class 10 is built on NCERT concepts. Attempting the paper before finishing the syllabus only shows gaps you already know about.
- Solve in exactly 3 hours. Sit at a table with a timer, no phone, no book. Write full answers, not just the method.
- Check with the marking scheme. Compare step by step. The marking scheme shows where each half mark or one mark is given, which teaches you how to write answers.
- Make an error list. Note every mistake by chapter. Revise those chapters, then attempt the paper again after two weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the 1-mark questions for "later" and then rushing them in the last 10 minutes.
- Writing 200 words where the limit is 120 in SST or English. Extra length does not earn extra marks.
- Ignoring diagrams and labels in Science and maps in SST. These are quick, reliable marks.
- Not using the internal choice wisely. Read both options before you start writing.
NCERT books to revise with the CBSE sample paper Class 10
Social Science
Contemporary India II, Democratic Politics II, India and the Contemporary World II, Understanding Economic Development
English
First Flight and Footprints Without Feet, chapter-wise PDFs
Planning for JEE after Class 10?
The two years of Class 11 and 12 decide your JEE rank. Starting with the right course from day one of Class 11 makes the biggest difference.
- Structured Class 11 JEE course by senior faculty with 18 to 25 years' experience
- Board and JEE preparation together
- Regular tests with detailed analysis
