CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Sample Papers 2026-27
This page offers 4 free CBSE Class 10 Maths sample papers for the 2026-27 session, 2 for Maths Basic and 2 for Maths Standard, each built to follow the exact CBSE question paper design and marking scheme for the subject. These are not official CBSE sample papers; they are original practice papers prepared in-house to mirror the pattern, difficulty level and marks distribution that CBSE follows, so that you can use them as realistic practice material ahead of your boards. Every sample paper is paired with its own detailed answer key and marking scheme, so you can self-check your working and understand exactly how marks are awarded for each step.
Maths Basic and Maths Standard share the same syllabus and the same overall question paper design; the difference lies in the difficulty level and complexity of questions asked. Pick the set that matches the paper you are registered for.
Exam Pattern (Basic and Standard)
The question paper design below applies to both Maths Basic and Maths Standard, since CBSE uses an identical paper structure for both; only the difficulty level of questions differs between the two.
Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Question |
Section A | MCQs (Q1-18) | 18 | 1 mark each |
Section A | Assertion-Reason (Q19-20) | 2 | 1 mark each |
Section B | Very Short Answer, VSA (Q21-25) | 5 | 2 marks each |
Section C | Short Answer, SA (Q26-31) | 6 | 3 marks each |
Section D | Long Answer, LA (Q32-35) | 4 | 5 marks each |
Section E | Case Study Based (Q36-38) | 3 | 4 marks each |
Total | 38 questions |
| 80 marks |
Total duration: 3 hours. There is no overall choice, though internal choices are provided in select questions across Sections B to E. Questions are based on Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analysing, Evaluating and Creating typologies, with a strong emphasis on competency-based and case-study questions.
Download Mathematics Sample Papers
Each PDF below contains the full sample paper followed by its complete solution and marking scheme, in a single file.
Level | Sample Paper | |
Basic | Sample Paper 1 | |
Basic | Sample Paper 2 | |
Standard | Sample Paper 1 | |
Standard | Sample Paper 2 |
Unit-wise Weightage
This weightage applies to both Maths Basic and Maths Standard, since both follow the same syllabus and unit distribution.
Unit | Marks |
Number Systems | 6 |
Algebra | 20 |
Coordinate Geometry | 6 |
Geometry | 15 |
Trigonometry | 12 |
Mensuration | 10 |
Statistics and Probability | 11 |
Total | 80 |
How to Prepare
• Start with the NCERT Mathematics textbook for Class 10, working through every exercise chapter by chapter before moving to sample papers.
• Build a chapter list against the current syllabus and note which chapters carry the highest unit weightage, so your revision time is spent where the marks are.
• Keep a formula notebook for Algebra, Trigonometry and Mensuration, and revise it every few days rather than only before the exam.
• Practise Geometry proofs and constructions on paper with a ruler and compass, since presentation matters for full marks.
• Attempt at least one full-length sample paper a week under timed, exam-like conditions once your syllabus is mostly covered.
• After each attempt, go through the marking scheme question by question and note recurring mistakes rather than only checking the final score.
Tips to Score Well
• Show complete working for every question; Maths is marked step-wise, so method marks are available even if the final answer is wrong.
• Attempt Section A (MCQs and assertion-reason) first to secure quick, confident marks before moving to longer questions.
• Read case-study questions in Section E carefully; the sub-parts are often interlinked, so an early mistake can affect later marks.
• Use the internal choices wisely; read both options before starting a question rather than committing halfway through.
• Draw neat, labelled diagrams for Geometry and Mensuration questions, since unlabelled or rough figures can cost marks.
• Keep 10-15 minutes at the end to revise MCQ answers and check calculation errors, especially in Statistics and Trigonometry questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these official CBSE sample papers?
No. These are not official CBSE sample papers. They are original practice papers created in-house, designed to match the official CBSE question paper pattern, marking scheme and difficulty level as closely as possible.
What is the difference between Maths Basic and Maths Standard?
Both follow the same syllabus and the same question paper design, but Maths Standard questions are set at a higher level of difficulty than Maths Basic. Students who do not intend to take Maths in Class 11 usually opt for Basic, while those planning to continue with Maths opt for Standard.
How many sample papers are provided, and do they come with solutions?
There are 4 sample papers in total, 2 for Basic and 2 for Standard. Each PDF contains the full sample paper followed by its complete solution and marking scheme.
Which textbook should I refer to alongside these sample papers?
The NCERT Mathematics textbook for Class 10 remains the primary reference. These sample papers are best used after you have worked through the relevant NCERT chapters and exercises.
How should I use these sample papers before my board exam?
Attempt each paper in one sitting under a strict 3-hour timer, then check your answers against the marking scheme provided. Use the unit-wise weightage table to prioritise revision of high-mark chapters in the time you have left.