CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern 2024| Prepare your Exams Easily
The CBSE Class 10 exams are a significant milestone in a student’s academic life, and understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. In 2024, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made some refinements to the Class 10 paper pattern to enhance the exam experience for students.
In this article, we will delve into the CBSE Class 10 paper pattern for 2024, helping students familiarize themselves with the structure, types of questions, and marking scheme for each subject.
Why Understanding the CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern is Important

Before diving into the preparation, students must grasp the paper pattern as it allows them to:
- Organize Their Study Plan
Knowing the structure of the exam helps students prioritize topics and allocate time efficiently for revision. - Reduce Exam Anxiety
Familiarity with the exam pattern reduces stress and boosts confidence, as students are aware of what to expect on the exam day. - Optimize Performance
With a clear understanding of the question types and marks distribution, students can answer questions more effectively and improve their overall score.
Overview of the CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern 2024
The CBSE Class 10 paper pattern is designed to assess a student’s understanding of the subjects, application skills, and problem-solving abilities. Below is a breakdown of the CBSE Class 10 paper pattern for various subjects:
1. Mathematics (Standard/Basic)
Mathematics is a critical subject for Class 10 students, and the exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for internal assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: 20 questions (Objective type: Multiple Choice Questions, True/False, Matching) – 1 mark each.
- Section B: 6 questions (Short Answer Type 1) – 2 marks each.
- Section C: 6 questions (Short Answer Type 2) – 3 marks each.
- Section D: 4 questions (Long Answer Type) – 5 marks each.
Key Focus Areas: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, and Probability. The question paper includes both practical and theoretical problems.
2. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Science exams are divided into three distinct sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The paper evaluates conceptual knowledge and practical application.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for practical assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: 20 questions (Objective type: MCQs, Match the following, Assertion and Reason) – 1 mark each.
- Section B: 5 questions (Short Answer Type 1) – 2 marks each.
- Section C: 6 questions (Short Answer Type 2) – 3 marks each.
- Section D: 3 questions (Long Answer Type) – 5 marks each.
Key Focus Areas: Students are expected to have a clear understanding of the concepts, such as Laws of Motion (Physics), Chemical Reactions (Chemistry), and Life Processes (Biology). Diagrams and equations are an essential part of the exam.
3. Social Science (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics)
Social Science papers evaluate a student’s understanding of historical events, geographical phenomena, political systems, and economic theories.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for internal assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: 20 questions (Objective type) – 1 mark each.
- Section B: 5 questions (Short Answer Type 1) – 2 marks each.
- Section C: 5 questions (Short Answer Type 2) – 3 marks each.
- Section D: 3 questions (Long Answer Type) – 5 marks each.
Key Focus Areas: Focus on key topics like India and the Contemporary World, Contemporary India, Democratic Politics, and Economic Development. Maps and definitions also play a crucial role in this subject.
4. English (Language and Literature)
The English exam evaluates students’ comprehension skills, language proficiency, and writing abilities.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for internal assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: Reading Comprehension – 20 marks (MCQs, Short Answer, and Long Answer questions based on unseen passages).
- Section B: Writing Skills – 20 marks (Letter writing, Notice writing, Article writing, etc.).
- Section C: Literature – 40 marks (Questions based on the prescribed textbook and supplementary reader).
Key Focus Areas: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (such as essays and letters), and Literary Devices. A well-structured approach to answering the literature questions can help maximize marks.
5. Hindi
The Hindi exam is designed to assess students’ writing, comprehension, and language skills in Hindi.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for internal assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: Reading Comprehension – 10 marks (Passages followed by questions).
- Section B: Writing Skills – 10 marks (Letter writing, Essay writing, etc.).
- Section C: Literature – 60 marks (Questions based on the prescribed Hindi textbooks).
Key Focus Areas: Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, and Writing Skills. Students are also required to understand literary texts from their prescribed Hindi literature books.
6. Other Languages (Sanskrit, French, etc.)
For students taking additional languages like Sanskrit or French, the exam follows a similar structure to Hindi, focusing on comprehension, grammar, and literature.
- Total Marks: 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for internal assessment.
- Time Duration: 3 hours
- Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: Comprehension – 10 marks
- Section B: Writing Skills – 10 marks
- Section C: Literature – 60 marks
Key Focus Areas: Grammar, Sentence Structure, Reading Comprehension, and Knowledge of Literature.
Marking Scheme for CBSE Class 10 Exams
- Objective Type Questions: 1 mark each
- Short Answer Questions (Type 1): 2 marks each
- Short Answer Questions (Type 2): 3 marks each
- Long Answer Questions: 5 marks each
The marking scheme is designed to test a range of skills, including memorization, application, reasoning, and problem-solving. Long-answer questions require a structured response, often with examples, diagrams, and explanations.
Tips for Effective Preparation According to the CBSE Paper Pattern

- Practice with Sample Papers: CBSE provides sample papers and previous years’ question papers. Practicing these papers will help you get familiar with the question types and time management.
- Focus on Time Management: Allocate time wisely during your exam. Answer objective questions first, then move to short-answer questions, and save long-answer questions for last.
- Understand the Weightage: Focus more on high-weightage topics and sections, especially in subjects like Mathematics and Science.
- Revise Regularly: Consistent revision of all subjects, especially the ones with more complex content, is crucial for securing good marks.
- Stay Calm and Confident: A clear mind and positive attitude are key to performing well in the exam. Be confident in your preparation.
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 paper pattern for 2024 is structured to assess a student’s knowledge and skills across various subjects. By understanding the question paper structure, time distribution, and marks allocation, students can develop a strategic approach to their studies and maximize their performance.
A well-planned preparation strategy that incorporates the paper pattern will go a long way in helping students achieve success in their CBSE Class 10 exams.