Latest CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2025-26 – Get the official syllabus with a chapter-wise breakdown, marking scheme, and expert study tips. Download the official PDF at the end!
Overview of CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2025-26
The Class 10 CBSE syllabus for Science is crucial for board exams and sets the foundation for higher classes. The 2025-26 syllabus includes competency-based questions, increased focus on application-based learning, and internal assessments.
Board | CBSE |
Class | 10 |
Session | 2025-26 |
Subject | Science |
Content-Type | Syllabus/Curriculum |
Official Website | https://cbseacademic.nic.in |
Course Structure: Class X (2025-26)
Annual Examination
Time: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment) = 100
Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
---|---|---|
I | Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour | 25 |
II | World of Living | 25 |
III | Natural Phenomena | 12 |
IV | Effects of Current | 13 |
V | Natural Resources | 05 |
Total | 80 | |
Internal Assessment | 20 | |
Grand Total | 100 |
Detailed Syllabus
Unit I: Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour (25 Marks)
Theme: Materials
1. Chemical Reactions and Equations
- What are chemical reactions?
- Writing and balancing chemical equations.
- Types: Combination, Decomposition, Displacement, Double Displacement, Precipitation.
- Energy changes: Exothermic, Endothermic.
- Oxidation and Reduction.
2. Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Acids and Bases: H⁺ and OH⁻ ions, identifying with indicators.
- Properties, examples, and uses.
- Neutralization and pH scale (simple concept).
- Importance of pH in daily life.
- Preparation and uses of: Sodium Hydroxide, Bleaching Powder, Baking Soda, Washing Soda, Plaster of Paris.
3. Metals and Non-metals
- Properties of metals vs. non-metals.
- Reactivity series.
- Ionic compounds: Formation and properties.
- Basic metallurgy.
- Corrosion and prevention.
4. Carbon and its Compounds
- Covalent bonding and properties.
- Why carbon is versatile.
- Hydrocarbons: Saturated (alkanes) and Unsaturated (alkenes, alkynes).
- Homologous series and naming (functional groups: halogens, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes).
- Reactions: Combustion, Oxidation, Addition, Substitution.
- Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid: Properties and uses.
- Soaps and Detergents.
Unit II: World of Living (25 Marks)
Theme: The World of the Living
5. Life Processes
- What makes something "living"?
- Nutrition, Respiration, Transport, and Excretion in plants and animals.
6. Control and Coordination
- Plants: Tropic movements, Plant hormones.
- Animals: Nervous system (voluntary, involuntary, reflex actions), Hormones.
7. Reproduction
- Asexual and sexual reproduction in plants and animals.
- Reproductive health: Family planning, Safe sex, HIV/AIDS, Women’s health.
8. Heredity and Evolution
- Heredity and Mendel’s laws.
- Traits inheritance and sex determination (basic idea).
Unit III: Natural Phenomena (12 Marks)
Theme: Natural Phenomena
9. Reflection and Refraction of Light
- Reflection by spherical mirrors: Image formation, Mirror formula, Magnification.
- Refraction: Laws, Refractive index, Lenses (image formation, lens formula, magnification).
- Power of a lens.
10. Human Eye and Applications
- How the eye works, Vision defects (e.g., myopia), Corrections.
- Uses of mirrors and lenses in daily life.
11. Dispersion and Scattering
- Refraction through a prism.
- Dispersion and scattering of light (real-life examples).
Unit IV: Effects of Current (13 Marks)
Theme: How Things Work
12. Electric Current
- Potential difference, Current, Ohm’s Law.
- Resistance and Resistivity: Factors affecting resistance.
- Series and Parallel circuits: Applications.
- Heating effect and Electric power (P, V, I, R relationship).
13. Magnetic Effects of Current
- Magnetic fields: Field lines, Current-carrying conductors, Solenoids.
- Force on a conductor (Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule).
- AC vs. DC: Advantages, Domestic circuits.
Unit V: Natural Resources (5 Marks)
Theme: Natural Resources
14. Our Environment
- Ecosystems and environmental issues.
- Ozone depletion, Waste management.
- Biodegradable vs. Non-biodegradable substances.
Practicals
Practical work goes hand-in-hand with theory lessons. Here’s the list of experiments:
- pH Testing: Test pH of HCl, NaOH, Ethanoic acid, Lemon juice, Water, etc.
- Properties of Acids/Bases: Reactions with litmus, zinc, sodium carbonate.
- Types of Reactions: Combination, Decomposition, Displacement, Double Displacement.
- Reactivity Series: Zn, Fe, Cu, Al with salt solutions.
- Ohm’s Law: Voltage vs. Current graph, Resistance.
- Resistors: Series and Parallel combinations.
- Stomata: Temporary leaf peel mount.
- Respiration: Show CO₂ release.
- Ethanoic Acid Properties: Odour, solubility, litmus test, reaction with NaHCO₃.
- Soap Cleaning: Soft vs. Hard water.
- Focal Length: Concave mirror and Convex lens.
- Refraction: Light through a glass slab.
- Reproduction: Binary fission (Amoeba), Budding (Yeast, Hydra).
- Prism: Path of light.
- Dicot Seed: Identify embryo parts (e.g., pea).
Question Paper Design (Theory)
Total Marks: 80
Competency | Percentage |
---|---|
Knowledge and Understanding | 50% |
Application of Knowledge | 30% |
Analyze, Evaluate, Create | 20% |
- Question Types: Objective (MCQs), Assertion-Reasoning, Short Answer (SA), Long Answer (LA), Case-based questions.
- Internal Choice: About 33% of the paper.
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Periodic Tests: 5 + 5 = 10 marks
- Practical Work: 5 marks
- Portfolio: 5 marks
Prescribed Books
- Science Textbooks (Class X) – NCERT
- Laboratory Manuals (Class X) – NCERT
- Exemplar Problems (Class X) – NCERT
- Assessment of Practical Skills (Class X) – CBSE
Best Study Tips for CBSE Class 10 Science
Stick to NCERT – Most board exam questions are from NCERT.
Understand Key Concepts – Focus on clarity, not just memorization.
Solve PYQs – Practice previous year questions for pattern insights.
Revise Regularly – Make quick notes for last-minute revision.
Bonus: CBSE Class 10 Science Important Questions & Answers
Download CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click the button below to download the official CBSE syllabus PDF for 2025-26.
📂 Download CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus PDF
🔍 Related Guides
- CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature Syllabus 2025-26
- CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Syllabus 2025-26
- CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2025-26
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are practicals mandatory for Class 10 Science?
Yes, practicals are a key part of the syllabus and should be conducted alongside theory classes. They contribute 5 marks to the internal assessment through subject enrichment activities.
Is there anything in the NCERT textbook that won’t be tested?
Yes, information in the boxes within NCERT textbooks is for conceptual clarity and won’t be assessed in the final exam.
What books should I use to prepare for Class 10 Science?
Recommended books include:
NCERT Science Textbooks (Class X)
NCERT Laboratory Manuals (Class X)
NCERT Exemplar Problems (Class X)
CBSE Assessment of Practical Skills (Class X).
What are competency-based questions in Class 10 CBSE 2025 syllabus?
These are application-based questions like case studies, MCQs, and assertion-reasoning questions.