CBSE Class 10 Maths sample paper 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CBSE Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for the academic session 2025-26. These sample papers are available for both Class 10 and Class 12 students on the CBSE academic website — cbseacademic.nic.in.As per the official notification, the assessment scheme for the academic year 2025-26 remains unchanged. It follows the same format and structure as the 2024-25 academic session. The purpose of releasing these SQPs and MS is to serve as a guide to ensure uniformity and comprehensive coverage of the prescribed curriculum.Purpose of SQPs and MS explained by CBSEAccording to the Board, the SQPs and MS are designed to provide a broad template that schools and teachers can use to align classroom teaching with board exam expectations. These documents offer an overview of the question paper design and are intended to promote the application of concepts in real-life situations. The sample papers are to be used as tools for classroom teaching and learning, focusing on understanding and concept clarity.CBSE Maths SQP includes four high-weightage questionsThe Class 10 Mathematics SQP includes several questions that carry significant marks and are considered essential for scoring well in the board examination. Based on the paper pattern and marking scheme, students should pay particular attention to the following four types of high-weightage questions:1. Case-based problem-solving question from Geometry: This question involves a real-life scenario requiring the application of concepts related to circles or constructions.2. Algebra-based long-form question: Typically from Quadratic Equations or Arithmetic Progressions, this question carries high marks and requires detailed steps and justification.3. Trigonometry application question: A question based on the use of trigonometric identities in solving real-life height and distance problems.4. Statistics or Probability question: A 4-mark question based on cumulative frequency tables, mean, or theoretical probability involving a multi-step solution.No changes in assessment scheme for 2025-26The Board has confirmed that there is no change in the assessment scheme for the 2025-26 academic year. It remains the same as in the academic session 2024-25. The SQPs and MS are part of CBSE’s initiative to provide clarity and standardization in the examination process.Feedback invited from stakeholdersAny queries or feedback related to the sample question papers or marking schemes can be submitted to the CBSE via email at cbsesqp@cbseshiksha.in, as stated in the official notice issued by Dr. Praggya M. Singh, Director (Academics).High-weightage sample questions students should practiceSection – DSection D consists of 4 questions of 5 marks eachQuestion 32. A train travels at a certain average speed for a distance of 63 km and then travels a distance of 72 km at an average speed of 6 km/h more than its original speed. If it takes 3 hours to complete the total journey, what is the original average speed? [5 marks]Question 33. Prove that if a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle to intersect the other two sides in distinct points, the other two sides are divided in the same ratio.Hence, in ΔPQR, prove that a line ℓ intersects the sides PQ and PR of a ∆PQR at L and M respectively such that LM || QR. If PL = 5.7 cm, PQ = 15.2 cm and MR = 5.5 cm, then find the length of PM (in cm). [5 marks]Question 34. (Attempt any one)(A) From a solid right circular cone, whose height is 6 cm and radius of base is 12 cm, a right circular cylindrical cavity of height 3 cm and radius 4 cm is hollowed out such that bases of cone and cylinder form concentric circles. Find the surface area of the remaining solid in terms of π.OR(B) An empty cone of radius 3 cm and height 12 cm is filled with ice-cream such that the lower part of the cone which is (16\frac{1}{6})th of the volume of the cone is unfilled (empty) but a hemisphere is formed on the top. Find the volume of the ice-cream. [5 marks]35. (Attempt any one)(A) If the mode of the following distribution is 55, then find the value of x. Hence, find the mean.
| Class Interval | 0–15 | 15–30 | 30–45 | 45–60 | 60–75 | 75–90 |
| Frequency | 10 | 7 | x | 15 | 10 | 12 |
OR(B) A survey regarding heights (in cm) of 51 girls of class X of a school was conducted and the following data was obtained:
Find the median height of girls. If the mode of the above distribution is 148.05, find the mean using the empirical formula. [5 marks]Direct link to check CBSE class 10 Maths sample paperTOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
