CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2027 — Subject-Wise Marks
CBSE Class 10 marking scheme for 2027: 80 marks theory + 20 internal assessment per subject, how step marking works, and the pass rule explained.
CBSE Class 10 board exams are marked out of 100 per subject — 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal assessment. Examiners follow a step-wise marking scheme. Knowing how marks are awarded helps you pick up marks you might otherwise lose.
The same scheme applies to both Class 10 board exams in 2027: the compulsory February–March main exam and the optional May exam for up to three subjects. Each theory paper is 50% competency-focused questions, 20% MCQs and 30% short and long answers, and CBSE publishes an official marking scheme with every sample paper on cbseacademic.nic.in.
Subject-Wise Marks Distribution
| Subject | Theory (Board Exam) | Internal Assessment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| English | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Hindi / Second Language | 80 | 20 | 100 |
Internal Assessment Breakdown (20 Marks)
| Component | Marks | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Assessment | 5 | Pen-paper tests during the year |
| Multiple Assessment | 5 | Quizzes, projects, oral tests, group work and other activities |
| Portfolio | 5 | Classwork, assignments, reflections and achievements |
| Subject Enrichment | 5 | Practical work (Science), lab activities (Maths), listening & speaking (languages), project work (SST) |
How Step Marking Works — With Examples
CBSE examiners do not just check the final answer. The marking scheme allocates marks to steps. The splits below are illustrations; the official marking scheme for each paper gives the exact allocation.
Maths — 3-Mark Question (illustration)
| Step | What Examiner Checks | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Correct formula written | 1 |
| 2 | Correct substitution of values | 1 |
| 3 | Correct final answer with units | 1 |
In a split like this, writing the correct formula and substituting correctly but making a calculation error would still earn 2 out of 3 marks.
Science — 5-Mark Question (illustration)
| Step | What Examiner Checks | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition or concept stated | 1 |
| 2 | Diagram drawn | 1 |
| 3 | Diagram labelled correctly | 1 |
| 4 | Explanation with examples | 1 |
| 5 | Application or conclusion | 1 |
Common Mistakes That Cost Marks
| Mistake | Why It Costs Marks | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not writing the formula before solving | The formula step often carries its own mark | Always write the formula first, then substitute |
| Missing units (cm, m, kg, N) | Can cost the answer mark | Write units in the final answer |
| Unlabelled diagrams | Labels often carry part of the diagram marks | Label all parts immediately after drawing |
| Paragraph answers for list questions | The examiner may miss your points | Use bullet points or numbered lists |
| Leaving questions blank | You lose every mark for that question | Always attempt — partial answers can earn step marks |
| Not balancing chemical equations | An unbalanced equation can lose its mark | Count atoms on both sides before writing the answer |
Practise with the marking scheme in mind
Super Tutor has exam answer templates, revision notes and practice quizzes for every CBSE Class 10 chapter.
Start freeTips to Maximise Marks in Each Subject
Mathematics
- Show every step — formula, substitution, calculation, answer
- Draw a figure for geometry questions — it helps you and the examiner
- Write "Given", "To Find", "Solution" for word problems
- Verify answers by substituting back where possible
Science
- Draw and label diagrams for every relevant question
- Write balanced chemical equations with states (s, l, g, aq)
- Include conditions above the arrow (heat, catalyst, pressure)
- For numericals: formula → substitution → answer with units
Social Science
- Use dates, names, and specific facts — not vague statements
- For map questions, mark neatly and label clearly
- Answer in points, not paragraphs — examiners scan for keywords
- Include examples for "explain" and "discuss" questions
English
- Follow the word limit — examiners do not give extra marks for longer answers
- Use the format for letters, notices, and articles (marks allocated for format)
- For reading comprehension, answer in your own words — do not copy the passage
- Grammar questions have one correct answer — no partial marks
Based on the CBSE Secondary Curriculum 2026-27 and the official marking schemes published with CBSE's sample papers.
Turn this into exam marks
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
Do CBSE Class 10 examiners give step marks?
Yes. CBSE's marking scheme gives marks for the steps of a solution, not just the final answer. In a 3-mark Maths question, for example, marks are typically split across the method, the working and the final answer. Even if the final answer is wrong, correct steps earn their marks. The official marking schemes published with CBSE's sample papers show the exact split.
How is CBSE Class 10 internal assessment calculated?
Internal assessment (20 marks per subject) has four parts of 5 marks each: Periodic Assessment (pen-paper tests), Multiple Assessment (quizzes, projects, activities), Portfolio (classwork, assignments, reflections) and Subject Enrichment (practical work in Science, lab activities in Maths, listening and speaking in languages, project work in Social Science). Schools submit these marks to CBSE.
What is the passing mark for CBSE Class 10?
You need at least 33% in each subject. CBSE relaxed the separate-pass rule in 2018, but its 2026-27 curriculum says 33% must be secured separately in external and internal components. Until CBSE clarifies, play safe: aim for at least 27/80 in theory and 7/20 in internal assessment.
Can I get marks for wrong answers in CBSE Class 10?
There is no negative marking in CBSE Class 10 board exams. If your answer is wrong, you get zero for that part — but correct steps before the error still earn marks. This is why you should always attempt every question and show all working, even if you are unsure of the final answer.
How are CBSE Class 10 Science practicals marked?
In Class 10, Science is 80 marks theory + 20 internal assessment, and practical work is part of the internal assessment (Subject Enrichment, 5 of the 20 marks). Your school's Science teacher assesses it. Class 12 science subjects are different: they have a separate 30-mark practical exam.
Does presentation matter in CBSE Class 10 board exams?
Presentation does not carry separate marks, but it directly affects whether examiners can find and award your marks. Neat handwriting, labelled diagrams, proper headings, underlined keywords, and bullet points make it easier for the examiner to identify correct steps. Messy answers risk missing step marks.