Study Material for CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026

Study Material for CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026

Hello, future scientists and innovators! The CBSE Class 10 Science exam is just 12 days away, and we at BoardsWallah are here to help you ace it. Science is a crucial subject, and thorough preparation can make a significant difference in your marks. In this guide, we will provide you with detailed notes, solved examples, and practice exercises for all the chapters in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus. Let's dive in!

CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus and Marks Weightage

The CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus is divided into five units, each carrying a specific weightage of marks. Understanding the weightage can help you allocate your study time effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the units and their marks weightage:

Unit	Chapters	Marks Weightage
I. Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour	Chemical Reactions and Equations, Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-metals, Carbon and its Compounds, Periodic Classification of Elements	25
II. World of Living	Life Processes, Control and Coordination, How do Organisms Reproduce?, Heredity and Evolution	23
III. Natural Phenomena	Light - Reflection and Refraction, Human Eye and Colourful World	12
IV. Effects of Current	Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Electric Current	13
V. Natural Resources	Sources of Energy, Our Environment, Management of Natural Resources	7

The total marks for the theory paper are 80, and the internal assessment is 20 marks. This internal assessment includes practicals, project work, and periodic tests. Make sure you’ve completed all your practicals and project work before focusing solely on the theory.

Detailed Notes and Solved Examples

Unit I: Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour

Chemical Reactions and Equations: This chapter covers the basics of chemical reactions, types of reactions, and writing chemical equations. Key points to remember include the law of conservation of mass, balancing chemical equations, and understanding the different types of reactions such as combination, decomposition, displacement, and double displacement.

Solved Example: Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron oxide.

Solution: \( 4Fe + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2Fe_2O_3 \)

Acids, Bases and Salts: This chapter delves into the properties and uses of acids, bases, and salts. Understand the pH scale, the concept of neutralization, and the preparation of salts from acids and bases. Key experiments include the reaction of metals with acids and the properties of acids and bases in water.

Solved Example: Explain the pH scale and how it helps in determining the nature of a solution.

Solution: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic. The scale helps in determining the acidity or basicity of a solution. For example, a solution with a pH of 2 is more acidic than a solution with a pH of 5.

Metals and Non-metals: This chapter focuses on the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals, their reactivity series, and the extraction of metals. Key points include the displacement reactions, the reactivity series, and the uses of metals and non-metals in daily life.

Solved Example: Arrange the following metals in the order of their reactivity: Iron, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium.

Solution: Magnesium > Zinc > Iron > Copper

Carbon and its Compounds: This chapter is all about the versatile nature of carbon and its compounds. Understand the concepts of catenation, isomerism, and functional groups. Key topics include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, and their reactions.

Solved Example: Write the general formula for alkenes and alkanes.

Solution: Alkanes: \( C_nH_{2n+2} \) (e.g., \( CH_4 \), \( C_2H_6 \))
Alkenes: \( C_nH_{2n} \) (e.g., \( C_2H_4 \), \( C_3H_6 \))

Periodic Classification of Elements: This chapter introduces the periodic table and the classification of elements based on their properties. Key concepts include the modern periodic table, periodic trends, and the valency of elements.

Solved Example: What is the basis for the arrangement of elements in the modern periodic table?

Solution: The modern periodic table arranges elements in the order of increasing atomic number. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties, and the table shows periodic trends in properties such as atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity.

Unit II: World of Living

Life Processes: This chapter covers the essential processes that sustain life, including nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. Key points include the structure and function of the human digestive system, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system.

Solved Example: Describe the process of digestion in humans.

Solution: The process of digestion in humans starts in the mouth where food is mechanically broken down and mixed with saliva. It then moves to the stomach where it is mixed with gastric juices and partially digested. The partially digested food then moves to the small intestine where it is further broken down by enzymes from the pancreas and the liver. Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, and the remaining waste is moved to the large intestine for the formation of faeces.

Control and Coordination: This chapter explains how living organisms control and coordinate their activities. Key topics include the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the coordination in plants.

Solved Example: What is the role of hormones in the human body?

Solution: Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands. They play a crucial role in regulating various body functions such as metabolism, growth, and development. For example, insulin helps in regulating blood sugar levels, and thyroid hormones control metabolism.

How do Organisms Reproduce?: This chapter covers the methods of reproduction in living organisms. Key points include asexual and sexual reproduction, the reproductive system in humans, and the life cycle of flowering plants.

Solved Example: Explain the process of binary fission in bacteria.

Solution: Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction in bacteria. The bacterial cell grows and duplicates its genetic material. The cell then divides into two identical daughter cells, each with a copy of the genetic material.

Heredity and Evolution: This chapter explores the mechanisms of heredity and the theory of evolution. Key concepts include Mendel’s laws of inheritance, the structure of DNA, and the evidence for evolution.

Solved Example: What are Mendel’s laws of inheritance?

Solution: Mendel’s laws of inheritance are the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment. The Law of Segregation states that during gamete formation, the two alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete receives only one allele. The Law of Independent Assortment states that the alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during gamete formation.

Unit III: Natural Phenomena

Light - Reflection and Refraction: This chapter covers the behavior of light, including reflection and refraction. Key concepts include the laws of reflection, the refraction of light, and the formation of images by lenses and mirrors.

Solved Example: State the laws of reflection.

Solution: The laws of reflection are: (1) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and (2) the incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal at the point of incidence lie in the same plane.

Human Eye and Colourful World: This chapter explains the structure and function of the human eye and the phenomenon of dispersion of light. Key topics include the structure of the eye, the function of the iris and the pupil, and the causes of defects in vision.

Solved Example: What causes the defect of myopia, and how can it be corrected?

Solution: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is caused by the excessive curvature of the cornea or the elongation of the eyeball. This results in the image being formed in front of the retina. Myopia can be corrected by using concave lenses, which help to focus the image on the retina.

Unit IV: Effects of Current

Electricity: This chapter covers the basics of electricity, including electric current, potential difference, and resistance. Key formulas include Ohm’s law (\( V = IR \)) and the power formula (\( P = VI \)).

Solved Example: Calculate the resistance of a wire if the potential difference across it is 12V and the current flowing through it is 3A.

Solution: Using Ohm’s law, \( R = \frac{V}{I} = \frac{12V}{3A} = 4\Omega \)

Magnetic Effects of Electric Current: This chapter explains the magnetic field produced by electric current and its applications. Key concepts include the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor, Fleming’s left-hand rule, and the working of an electric motor.

Solved Example: State Fleming’s left-hand rule.

Solution: Fleming’s left-hand rule states that if you hold the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of your left hand at right angles to each other, the thumb points in the direction of the force on the conductor, the forefinger points in the direction of the magnetic field, and the middle finger points in the direction of the current.

Unit V: Natural Resources

Sources of Energy: This chapter covers various sources of energy, including conventional and non-conventional sources. Key topics include solar energy, wind energy, and the efficiency of energy sources.

Solved Example: What are the advantages of using solar energy?

Solution: Solar energy is renewable, non-polluting, and available in abundance. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps in the conservation of natural resources. Solar panels can be installed in remote areas and require minimal maintenance.

Our Environment: This chapter focuses on the environment and the interdependence of living organisms. Key concepts include the food chain, the food web, and the role of decomposers in the ecosystem.

Solved Example: Explain the concept of the food chain and give an example.

Solution: A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each organism feeds on the previous one. For example, grass → grasshopper → frog → snake → eagle. Each organism in the food chain occupies a trophic level, and energy is transferred from one level to the next.

Management of Natural Resources: This chapter discusses the sustainable management of natural resources. Key topics include the conservation of forests, wildlife, and water resources, and the role of the government and communities in resource management.

Solved Example: What are the steps taken by the government to conserve forests?

Solution: The government has implemented various steps to conserve forests, including the establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the implementation of forest conservation laws, and the promotion of afforestation and reforestation programs. Community participation is also encouraged to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.

Practice Exercises

To help you practice and reinforce your understanding, here are some exercises for each unit:

Unit I: Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour

• Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and water.
• Explain the process of rusting and how it can be prevented.
• What is the importance of carbon in organic chemistry?
• Describe the periodic trends in atomic size and ionization energy.

Unit II: World of Living

• Explain the process of photosynthesis and its importance.
• What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?
• Describe the life cycle of a mosquito.
• Explain the concept of genetic drift and its impact on evolution.

Unit III: Natural Phenomena

• What is the critical angle, and how is it related to total internal reflection?
• Explain the phenomenon of dispersion of light and its practical applications.
• What is the function of the cornea in the human eye?
• Describe the structure of a simple microscope and its magnification.

Unit IV: Effects of Current

• Calculate the power dissipated by a resistor of 10 ohms when a current of 2A flows through it.
• Explain the principle of an electric motor and its applications.
• What is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit?
• Describe the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.

Unit V: Natural Resources

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy?
• Explain the concept of the ozone layer and its importance.
• What are the steps taken by communities to manage water resources?
• Describe the role of decomposers in the ecosystem.

Tips for Effective Preparation

1. Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you are familiar with the entire syllabus and the marks weightage of each unit. This will help you prioritize your study time effectively.

2. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each unit and stick to your schedule. Ensure you have breaks and time for relaxation to avoid burnout.

3. Refer to NCERT Books: NCERT books are the primary source of information for CBSE exams. They provide clear and concise explanations of all concepts and are aligned with the CBSE curriculum. NCERT Books

4. Solve Sample Papers: Solving sample papers and previous year question papers will give you a good idea of the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. It will also help you manage your time better during the exam.

5. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial to retaining information. Make short notes and flashcards for quick revision. Focus on important formulas, definitions, and diagrams.

6. Practice Diagrams: Science exams often include questions that require you to draw and label diagrams. Practice these regularly to ensure you can do them accurately and quickly.

7. Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Regular exercise can also help you stay focused and reduce stress.

CBSE Science Exam Statistics

These statistics are a testament to the hard work and dedication of students and teachers. However, it’s important to remember that while a high pass percentage is encouraging, individual performance is what truly matters. Focus on your preparation and aim to understand the concepts thoroughly.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to prepare for the CBSE Class 10 Science exam?

   The best way to prepare is to start early, understand the syllabus and marks weightage, and create a study schedule. Regularly refer to NCERT books, solve sample papers, and practice diagrams. Make short notes and flashcards for revision and stay healthy by maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine.

2. How can I manage my time effectively during the exam?

   Start by reading the entire question paper and marking the questions you find easy or difficult. Answer the easy questions first to build confidence, then move on to the more challenging ones. Allocate time for each section and ensure you have enough time to review your answers at the end. Practice time management with sample papers to get a feel for the exam duration.

3. What are the most important chapters in CBSE Class 10 Science?

   Based on the marks weightage, the most important chapters are: Chemical Reactions and Equations, Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-metals, Carbon and its Compounds, Periodic Classification of Elements, Life Processes, Control and Coordination, How do Organisms Reproduce?, and Heredity and Evolution. However, all chapters are important, and a balanced preparation is key.

4. How can I improve my practical skills for the internal assessment?

   To improve your practical skills, attend all laboratory sessions and actively participate in experiments. Take detailed notes of each experiment, including the procedure, observations, and conclusions. Practice drawing diagrams and writing lab reports. If possible, perform the experiments at home or with friends to reinforce your understanding.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid during the exam?

   Some common mistakes include: not reading the question paper thoroughly, rushing through easy questions, and not managing time effectively. Avoid these by taking your time to understand each question, answering systematically, and allocating time for review. Also, ensure you write legibly and clearly label all diagrams.

6. How can I reduce exam stress?

   To reduce exam stress, maintain a balanced study routine, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet. Take regular breaks and engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Stay positive and believe in yourself. Discuss any concerns with your teachers or parents to get support and advice.

7. What resources are available for CBSE Class 10 Science preparation?

   The primary resource is the NCERT Class 10 Science textbook. Additionally, you can refer to supplementary books, online study materials, and video tutorials. BoardsWallah offers comprehensive study materials, previous year question papers, and sample papers for free. Make use of these resources to enhance your preparation.

We hope this guide helps you in your preparation for the CBSE Class 10 Science exam. Remember, consistent effort and a positive attitude are the keys to success. Best of luck!