CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2026-27
Subject Code: 086 | Academic Year: 2026-27
The CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus 2026-27 integrates Physics, Chemistry and Biology into five thematic units. Aligned with NCF-SE 2023, it emphasises inquiry-based learning, real-world connections and scientific reasoning. The curriculum builds a strong conceptual base for students aiming for science streams in Class 11 and competitive exams like NEET and JEE.
Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Chemical Substances — Nature and Behaviour | 25 |
| II | World of Living | 25 |
| III | Natural Phenomena | 15 |
| IV | Effects of Current | 15 |
| V | Natural ResourcesAssessed through internal assessment only | IA |
| Theory Total | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 | |
Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I: Chemical Substances — Nature and Behaviour
25 marks- Chemical Reactions and Equations — types of reactions, balancing equations
- Acids, Bases and Salts — properties, neutralisation, pH scale, salts
- Metals and Non-metals — properties, reactivity series, extraction of metals
- Carbon and its Compounds — covalent bonds, functional groups, important reactions, soaps and detergents
Unit II: World of Living
25 marks- Life Processes — nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion in plants and animals
- Control and Coordination — nervous system (human), reflex action, plant hormones
- How do Organisms Reproduce? — asexual and sexual reproduction, human reproductive system
- Heredity — Mendel's laws, sex determination, evolution and its evidences
Unit III: Natural Phenomena
15 marks- Light — Reflection and Refraction — laws of reflection, mirrors (concave/convex), lenses, refractive index, prism
- Human Eye and the Colourful World — defects of vision, atmospheric refraction, dispersion of light
Unit IV: Effects of Current
15 marks- Electricity — Ohm's law, resistance, series and parallel circuits, heating effect, electric power
- Magnetic Effects of Electric Current — magnetic field, electromagnet, Fleming's rule, AC vs DC, domestic wiring
Unit V: Natural Resources
IA- Sources of Energy — conventional and non-conventional sources, fossil fuels, solar, wind, nuclear
- Our Environment — ecosystem, food chains, ozone layer, waste management
- Management of Natural Resources — conservation of water, forests, coal, petroleum
Exam Pattern
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Board Exam (Theory) | 3 hours | 80 |
| Periodic Assessments | Best of 3 tests by school | 10 |
| Student Enrichment / Practical | Lab work, projects | 5 |
| Portfolio | Classwork, assignments | 5 |
Recommended Reference Books
- ★Science Class X — NCERT (primary textbook, mandatory)
- ★Science Exemplar Problems Class X — NCERT (HOTS questions)
- ★Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur Science Class 10 — excellent chapter-wise practice
- ★S. Chand Science for Class X — good for diagrams and numerical problems
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How many units are in CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus 2026-27?▾
There are 5 units: Chemical Substances, World of Living, Natural Phenomena, Effects of Current, and Natural Resources.
What is the marks distribution for CBSE Class 10 Science?▾
Theory exam carries 80 marks and internal assessment (practicals, projects, periodic tests) carries 20 marks, totalling 100 marks.
Which unit carries the highest marks in CBSE Class 10 Science?▾
Chemical Substances - Nature and Behaviour (Unit I) and World of Living (Unit II) each carry 25 marks, making them the highest-weightage units.
Is practical included in CBSE Class 10 Science exam?▾
Yes. Internal assessment (20 marks) includes practical work, periodic assessments, student enrichment activities, and portfolio.
What are the important topics in CBSE Class 10 Science for board exams?▾
High-weightage topics include Chemical Reactions and Equations, Life Processes, Light (Reflection and Refraction), Electricity, and Heredity and Evolution.
What are the best books for CBSE Class 10 Science?▾
NCERT Science Class X is the primary textbook. For extra practice, NCERT Exemplar Problems, Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur, and S. Chand Science are recommended.
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