CBSE • Class 10
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam: Subjects, Marks Distribution & Passing Criteria
A concise, parent‑ and student‑friendly guide to CBSE Class 10 subjects, exam pattern, internal assessment, and updates.
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Compulsory & Optional Subjects
Compulsory (Five Main Subjects)
- Language 1 (English/Hindi/Regional Language)
- Language 2 (Hindi/English/Other Elective Language)
- Mathematics
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — combined)
- Social Science (History, Geography, Political Science/Civics, Economics)
Optional / Sixth Subject
Students may opt for one additional subject. Common choices include Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Applications, Painting, Music, Home Science, Yoga, etc. Availability depends on the school’s offerings.
Marks Distribution (Per Subject)
| Subject Type | Theory (Board Exam) | Internal / Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Languages | 80 | 20 (Internal Assessment) | 100 |
| Skill‑based Optional (e.g., IT, AI, etc.) | 50 | 50 (Practical/Project) | 100 |
Internal Assessment (20 marks) typically includes Periodic Tests (10), Notebook/Portfolio (5), and Subject Enrichment Activities (5). Skill‑based subjects commonly follow a 50‑50 split (theory–practical).
Total Marks & Result Display
- Five main subjects × 100 = 500 marks.
- Optional subject is evaluated separately. Many institutions display results using a “best five” approach; CBSE itself publishes marks, not percentage.
- As per CBSE’s replacement provision, a skill subject may replace a failed subject in the result as applicable under the current rules.
Passing Criteria
Students must score at least 33% in each subject, considering theory and internal/practical, as applicable.
Important Update (From 2026)
CBSE has indicated a two‑session board exam format from the 2026 cycle:
- Session 1: February–March
- Session 2 (Optional): Around May
The marks distribution pattern remains unchanged (core subjects: 80+20; many skill subjects: 50+50).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the compulsory subjects in CBSE Class 10?
Two languages (usually English and Hindi), Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. A sixth subject is optional and often skill‑based.
How is the 20‑mark internal assessment split?
Typically Periodic Tests (10), Notebook/Portfolio (5), and Subject Enrichment (5). Exact components are subject‑specific.
Does the optional subject count toward percentage?
CBSE releases marksheets; percentage displays are generally a school practice. Many schools compute a “best five” that may include the optional subject, in line with CBSE’s replacement provision for skill subjects.
Is the exam pattern changing?
From 2026, CBSE has indicated two sessions (Session 1 and an optional Session 2). The marks distribution pattern remains the same.
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