CBSE Class 10th Science Exam Analysis: What was the difficulty level of paper today? | Education News

Good balance of diagrams and numericals

A good balance of diagrams and numericals was maintained, academic coordinator added that the time allocated for completion was sufficient, allowing students to thoughtfully answer the questions.

“The paper presented the majority of direct questions. The conceptual questions require students to demonstrate a fairly deep understanding of the subject matter. Overall, the paper was student-friendly.  The competency-based questions in physics insisted on a thorough knowledge of concept as often the students would overlook a few nuances. The numerical involved direct application of concepts learnt,” she added.

As per Deepika Sharma, HoD science at Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, the Class 10 Science board exam paper effectively assessed students’ understanding through a well-balanced mix of competency-based and direct questions.

Easy and enjoyable

Shiven Raj Class 10 student of Jain International Residential School said: “The exam we wrote today was easy and enjoyable to answer. Some competency-based questions made us think harder. Overall, the paper had a good mix of challenging and easy questions.”

As per Saurabh Shukla, PGT Physics, Global Indian International School, Noida, the difficulty level of the CBSE Class 10 science was moderate, with a few tricky questions. “The numerical section was easy, featuring direct questions, while the assertion-reasoning questions were quite basic,” Shukla added.

Fewer lengthy numerical problems

A student from Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad said: “It is appreciated that there were fewer lengthy numerical problems, which often make me nervous. Instead, the focus on competency-based questions really made me think critically and apply what I learned to real-life situations.”

The student further added: “Section D, with the longer answer questions, allowed me to elaborate on topics. Section E, with the case-based questions, was the most interesting part. It really tested our ability to analyze information and draw conclusions, and it was a welcome change from just memorizing facts.”

According to two siblings who are appearing in the CBSE 2025 Class 10 board exams this year – Shubham Jha and Pooja Jha, from Raghubir Singh Modern School, Delhithe science exam was of medium level. There were a lesser number of numerical questions in the paper. The paper comprised of questions on balance chemical questions, carbon and compound bound questions and precipitation reaction from chemistry. In physics, the siblings said, horseshoe magnet, magnet field direction, ray diagram and questions on lenses were also asked. They found chemistry the toughest. The paper was competed 30 minutes before the end of exam, the siblings added.

Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills

The inclusion of application-based scenarios in various sections, particularly in the competency-focused questions, encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving beyond rote memorisation, Sharma said.

“The paper successfully minimized the emphasis on complex numerical calculations, allowing students to demonstrate their conceptual understanding of scientific principles. The division into five sections (A to E) provided a clear and organized structure, with a gradual increase in complexity from objective-type questions in Section A to detailed answer questions in Section E,” Silverline Prestige School science HoD said, adding that the paper’s overall design facilitated a comprehensive evaluation of student’s knowledge and application of the syllabus, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts rather than mere formulaic recall.

“The inclusion of diagram-based questions also helped in assessing the visual understanding of students. The language used was clear and concise, ensuring accessibility for all students. Overall the paper is quite attemptable and clear,” the HoD said.

According to Renu Tewari, Department Head- Science, Vidyagyan School, Bulandshahar, section A had a good mix of understanding and skill based MCQs. Section B comprised of 5 reasoning-based questions. Section C was very analytical and required critical thinking. Section D was designed to check conceptual knowledge. Section E was case study based.

A student, Nikki, of the same school was very positive as she found the paper in line with CBSE sample paper. She said that design of the questions in the two papers was quite similar. Students Vidyagyan School, Bulandshahar, also claimed that they found the biology portion easier as compared to physics and chemistry.

Shift from rote learning to applying concepts

Meenu Kanwar, principal, Amity International School, Mayur Vihar, Delhi, while analysing the paper said: “The question paper was moderately challenging with several questions testing students’ grasp of core scientific principles as in a reasoning assertion question in Biology from reproduction being tricky. The question paper was framed in such a way that it required a shift in the student’s approach from rote learning to applying concepts to newer situations as depicted in a 3 marker data based question of physics on resistivity, 5 marker question of physics on finding magnetic field direction.

“It encouraged critical thinking, pushing students to connect theoretical knowledge to practical examples wherein they demonstrate not only their memorization skills but also their ability to analyse and solve problems question of chemistry as in question on displacement reaction, which requires a deeper understanding of the subject,” Kumar said.

Confusing but manageable

Diksha, from Shiv Nadar School, said, “Only one or two assertion-reasoning and MCQs were a bit confusing but manageable with some effort. The rest of the questions were covered in our school revision classes and pre-board exams. However, the speed of light value in a physics MCQ was incomplete, missing the value 108 in all options.”

NCERT-based

The paper, according to Dr. Nisha Sharma, Science Teacher at KIIT World School, Gurgaon, was based on the NCERT curriculum, which helped students stay focused on the prescribed text and concepts. The structure of the paper ensured that both knowledge and application-based questions were included, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding effectively.

Chinar Banga, head, senior years, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad and Shaifali Bhatia, Educator, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, also said that the Science paper met expectations and that students would likely perform well since all questions were within the NCERT syllabus.

Tejas, a student appearing from Shiv Nadar School said: “The paper was easy to attempt, and I was relieved there were no diagrams to draw.”