CBSE has released the Class 10 sample papers for the 2025-26 session on the CBSE Academic website. If you are preparing for boards, start with these papers before jumping into random practice sets. They show the kind of paper style, question mix, and answer-writing discipline you should practise.
This page keeps the core subject PDFs in one place and explains how to use them without getting confused. Download the paper first, solve it honestly, then check it with the marking scheme. That simple routine is more useful than collecting ten PDFs and not finishing any of them.
On This Page
- Download CBSE Class 10 sample papers
- How to solve the first paper
- How to use the marking scheme
- 7-day practice plan
- FAQs
Start Here
- First download the sample paper for your subject.
- Keep the marking scheme closed while solving the paper.
- Set a three-hour timer if you are doing a full attempt.
- After finishing, check the marking scheme line by line.
- Write down where you lost marks: concept, step, keyword, diagram, map, grammar, or time.
Download CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers 2025-26
| Subject | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Science | English / हिंदी | English / हिंदी |
| English Language & Literature | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
| Hindi A | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
| Hindi B | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
| Mathematics Basic | English / हिंदी | English |
| Mathematics Standard | English / हिंदी | English |
| Social Science | English / हिंदी | English / हिंदी |
All links in this table point to official CBSE Academic PDF files for the 2025-26 session.
What These Papers Actually Help With
Sample papers are not prediction papers. They are practice tools. Their real value is that they show you how a full paper feels when all chapters, sections, and time pressure come together.
Many students revise chapters separately and feel prepared, but then struggle in the full paper because they spend too much time on MCQs, write long answers where short answers are enough, or forget how to present steps. A sample paper helps you catch these issues early.
Parents and teachers can also use these papers for a calmer revision check. Instead of asking "Is Science complete?", ask "Can you solve the Science sample paper and then explain where you lost marks?" That gives a much clearer picture.
How To Solve The First Paper
Choose one subject and solve only that paper first. Do not try to download everything and start everything on the same day.
Sit in a quiet place. Keep water, pen, pencil, ruler, and rough sheets ready. Put your phone away. Start the timer and attempt the paper like a real exam. If you do not know an answer, still write what you can. This habit matters because partial answers can sometimes earn marks when the method or key point is correct.
After the paper, take a short break. Then open the marking scheme. Do not just tick right or wrong. Check how marks are split. In Maths and Science, see whether your steps are complete. In Social Science, check whether your points match the expected ideas. In languages, notice format, grammar, and word limit.
How To Use The Marking Scheme Without Wasting It
The marking scheme is not only an answer key. Treat it like a teacher's checking guide.
For Maths, check whether you wrote the formula, substitution, calculation, and final answer clearly. For Science, look at keywords, diagrams, equations, and reasoning. For Social Science, check if your answer has enough points and whether map or source-based questions need a different approach. For English and Hindi, focus on format and clarity.
Make a small correction list after every paper. Keep it simple:
- I knew this but wrote it badly.
- I did not know this concept.
- I lost marks because I missed steps.
- I lost time in this section.
This list becomes your next revision plan.
If You Have Only 7 Days
Day 1: Download the PDFs and read the structure of all core papers. Do not solve yet.
Day 2: Attempt Maths Basic or Maths Standard, whichever applies to you. Check it the same day.
Day 3: Fix weak Maths areas. Redo the questions where you lost marks.
Day 4: Attempt Science. After checking, revise diagrams, numericals, equations, and key terms.
Day 5: Attempt Social Science. Focus on map work, source-based questions, and point-wise answers.
Day 6: Attempt English or Hindi. Watch grammar, format, reading comprehension, and time.
Day 7: Review your mistake list. Do not start a new heavy topic unless it is absolutely necessary.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not solve the marking scheme before the paper. It gives a false sense of preparation.
Do not collect too many PDFs. One honestly solved paper is better than ten saved files.
Do not ignore presentation. Marks can be lost because the answer is correct but unclear.
Do not skip checking. The checking part is where the real improvement happens.
For Parents And Teachers
If a student scores low in the first sample paper, do not treat it like a final result. Treat it like a diagnosis. Ask where the marks were lost. Was it knowledge, speed, handwriting, steps, keywords, or panic?
A calm review after one paper can help more than simply telling the student to study harder.
FAQs
Are these the final board exam questions? No. These are sample papers. They help students understand paper style and practise better.
Should I solve all papers in one week? Only if your syllabus is already revised. If not, solve one paper, check mistakes, revise, and then move to the next.
Should I use Maths Basic or Maths Standard? Use the paper that matches the Maths option selected for your board exam.
Can I check the marking scheme before solving? Avoid that. First attempt the paper honestly, then use the marking scheme for checking.
Where should I verify final updates? Always verify final documents and updates from the CBSE Academic website.
Official Source Disclaimer
PrincipalSaab.com is an independent student guidance website and is not affiliated with CBSE. The sample papers and marking schemes referenced here are based on documents released on the CBSE Academic website. Students should verify final documents and updates from the official CBSE Academic portal: https://cbseacademic.nic.in.