


Are you preparing to sit for the CBSE 10th examination? It’s a turning point in every student’s academic journey. It determines their strengths and weaknesses, their stream for 12th, and the rest of their career.
Hence, a few invaluable CBSE 10th preparation tips 2026 can be extremely helpful!
While it may feel overwhelming, scoring above 95% in CBSE Class 10 is entirely achievable, but only with the right strategy. That’s why this blog has put together the perfect CBSE 10th exam preparation strategy 2026!
It includes subject-wise tips, a detailed study timetable, time management techniques, last-minute revision advice, and insights from toppers.
So, don’t let anything restrict you from achieving success and ensuring a bright future after your 10th exam!
It’s important to note that success in Class 10 doesn’t come from cramming; it comes from smart, structured, and consistent preparation.
If you’re wondering how to score 95+ in CBSE class 10, top-performing students share three core practices: they understand the syllabus thoroughly, maintain a disciplined routine, and revise effectively.
You must familiarise yourself with the CBSE Class 10 syllabus and exam pattern. That’s because competency-based questions, reasoning-based problems, and real-life applications form a significant part of the paper.
Hence, focusing on these aspects while preparing will make your study time more productive.
Also Read: Top Exam Preparation Tips: How to Prepare for Success
NCERT is the backbone of CBSE Class 10 exams. Hence, you should focus on understanding every chapter, in-text question, and example thoroughly.
Although reference books and sample papers can enhance your preparation, however, they should not replace your NCERT books.
It’s highly recommended to avoid marathon study sessions because they can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Instead, you can divide your day into focused study times with short breaks in between.
Remember, consistency over intensity will ensure your brain retains all the concepts with minimal stress.
Also Read: Best Tips To Help You Prepare For Board Exams
Before you start following the exam preparation tips, you must take some time to understand the CBSE 10th board exam pattern 2026. This will help you allocate your study time efficiently and strategise for high scores.
Each subject consists of a theory paper worth 80 marks and an internal assessment of 20 marks. The latter includes projects, periodic tests, and practical work. Thus, internal marks play an important role in your overall percentage.
The board papers feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions, long answer questions, and case-based questions. These are meant to assess both your conceptual clarity and analytical thinking.
Each exam lasts for 3 hours. That’s why you need to prioritise sections with higher weightage, such as numericals in Maths and Science. This will maximise your scoring potential!
Also Read: How to Reduce & Manage Exam Stress: Best Tips for Students
Now, obviously, you can’t apply the same strategy for every subject. However, these subject-wise preparation tips for Class 10 can be useful:
Mathematics is about understanding and practising regularly. Hence, you must complete the NCERT exercises first because they form the core of the exam. You should also maintain a formula notebook for quick revision.
If you practice word problems and numerical exercises daily, it enhances your accuracy and speed. Nothing will stop you from getting high scores if you’re consistent enough!
Science is easier to retain when you focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote memorisation. For Physics, you need to understand derivations and practice numericals.
In Chemistry, you should focus on reactions, equations, and important diagrams. For Biology, diagrams, terminologies, and NCERT examples are your primary tools.
It’s highly recommended to write short notes while revising to strengthen your memory.
English can significantly boost your overall score! Hence, you need to focus on reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar. You can also practice writing answers in your own words and refine your ability to structure essays, letters, and paragraphs.
If you want to improve your vocabulary and writing fluency, you should try reading editorials or short articles or books, listening to music, and watching age-appropriate movies.
SST can be quite scoring if you study strategically. You need to understand historical events, concepts in Civics, and geographical facts with the help of stories and real-life examples.
Moreover, map work for Geography, cause-and-effect links in History, and examples in Economics will help you retain concepts for longer! Answers for SST can be quite lengthy; hence, it’s recommended to practice writing while studying.
For Hindi, consistent writing practice is key. At the same time, you need to revise grammar rules, practice essay writing, and learn poetry and prose with comprehension.
Writing structured, clear, and concise answers in your own words will actually help you score well because it demonstrates your understanding rather than rote memorisation.
Also Read: CBSE 12th Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan & Topper Secrets
But none of these tips will work if you don’t have a CBSE Class 10 study timetable 2026. So, here’s a sample plan to help you get started:
You should begin your day by revising formulas, definitions, or key concepts. Morning hours are perfect for memorising and focusing.
You must divide study sessions into 90-120 minutes for each subject. This allows you to focus without experiencing burnout. However, it’s highly necessary to take short breaks in between. This will help you maintain energy and mental clarity.
Also Read: How to Make the Best Time Table for Study for Students
You can’t do it all at the same time. That’s why you should break the syllabus into weekly targets. For instance, if you complete two chapters of Science and one of SST each week, you will be able to ensure steady progress and reduce any last-minute pressure.
It’s important to dedicate some time to solving sample papers or previous year questions in the evening. You should identify weak areas and work on them diligently.
Regardless of how much you have to study, you have to include physical activities and hobbies in your day to rejuvenate your mind. A well-rested student retains more and performs better in exams!
Also Read: How To Avoid Sleep While Studying?
However much or less you study, the eleventh hour should always be reserved for revision and mentally preparing for the exam. So, here are some last-minute tips for CBSE Class 10 board exams to help you prepare better:
It is important to revise the chapters you are less confident about first. Then you can continue with your strong topics.
Secondly, there’s no need to cram your head with new material at this time. Instead, you must focus on short notes, mind maps, and formula sheets rather than new material. This will allow you to revise quickly and effectively.
Thirdly, you must attempt at least one full-length sample paper daily while maintaining all the necessary exam conditions. This will help you analyse your mistakes, and it’s also one of the most effective time management tips for class 10 students.
Also Read: What is a Mock Test & How Does it Benefit Students?
Finally, you should never compromise on your health while preparing for your exams. Rather, you need to sleep well, eat balanced meals, and avoid excessive stress. A calm mind actually performs significantly better than an exhausted one.
Even well-prepared students can lose marks due to avoidable errors. But being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid them:
NCERT examples and exercises are often directly included or rephrased in board papers. Hence, skipping them can cost easy marks.
Guides can be extremely helpful while preparing for your exams, but they cannot replace NCERT. Hence, you should only refer to guidebooks after mastering the NCERT material.
Since internal assessments carry less marks, many students overlook their importance. However, these marks can actually make a significant difference in your overall percentage. That’s why you should perform sincerely in your projects, periodic tests, and practicals.
You must solve practice papers at home within fixed time limits. You should rather try to attempt all questions, even partially, than leave them blank.
Also Read: How to Overcome Exam Fear and Focus on Studies?
CBSE 10th topper study plan highlights the importance of planning, self-evaluation, and balance:
Consistency from mid-year onwards will help you revise multiple times. It also reduces last-minute pressure and panic.
It’s important to review mistakes in each practice paper. Self-evaluation is highly recommended if you want to keep improving.
Toppers recommend healthy sleep, nutrition, and mental relaxation during the exam season. That’s because a healthy lifestyle guarantees an excellent performance.
Lastly, your confidence is a byproduct of preparation. Hence, you must focus on your plan rather than comparing with your classmates.
Also Read: CBSE vs State Board: Key Differences & Which is Best for Kids
The class 10 examination is an important milestone in every student’s life. Hence, these CBSE 10th preparation tips 2026 will definitely come in handy. Moreover, since it’s the first big examination of their life, it’s natural to panic.
However, any stress can be avoided if they start early and follow the CBSE 10th exam preparation strategy 2026. Scoring 95%+ may not be easy, but it’s not impossible either. Just do your best and have faith in yourself!
You can crack the CBSE Class 10 exam with smart strategies and the perfect support system at JBM Global. The institution has a record of producing the smartest minds with the brightest futures! Now, it’s your turn to discover why JBM Global School is ranked the best CBSE school in Noida. Enrol your child today!
Also Read: Which Stream Is Best After 10th in India? Science, Commerce or Arts
Ans: You can start as early as June-July. This will allow you to get thorough coverage, practice, and multiple revisions. However, if you still haven’t started, it’s time to buckle up and make a plan to optimise your preparation!
Ans: Don’t worry, you don’t have to study all day to score 95%+. All you need is around 5-6 focused hours daily. These hours should include a mix of reading, writing practice, and revisions.
Ans: It’s highly recommended to start with NCERT textbooks. You can then move on to exemplar problems, Oswaal sample papers, and Arihant practice books.
Ans: There is no shortcut to this other than practising daily. You must solve full-length papers under timed conditions and focus on writing clear and structured answers.
Ans: During last-minute revision, you should revise formulas, definitions, key diagrams, and previous year questions. It’s highly recommended to avoid new topics in the final week.