The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully conducted the Class 10 Science Board Exam 2025 on February 20, 2025. The examination started at 10:30 AM and concluded at 1:30 PM, taking place across various centres in India and abroad. This year, approximately 44 lakh students participated, underscoring the significance of the exam.
Feedback from students indicated varied experiences, with many finding the paper to be well-balanced and manageable. Teachers noted the exam’s design, which effectively assessed students' knowledge and application of scientific principles. Parvathy V, academic coordinator at Jain International Residential School (JIRS) in Bengaluru, observed, “The Class 10 CBSE science paper was well-structured and balanced, with all questions strictly adhering to the prescribed syllabus. Students who were thoroughly prepared with the textbook content were well-equipped to tackle the paper.”
The paper featured five distinct sections, comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answers, long answers, and case-based queries. According to the exam’s structure, Section A included 16 MCQs along with four assertion-reasoning questions, all worth one mark each. Section B contained six short answer questions worth two marks each, followed by Section C with seven questions at three marks each. Section D included three long answer questions, accounting for five marks, whereas Section E had three case-based questions worth four marks each. This structure ensured students could demonstrate both their recall and analytical abilities.
According to educators, the distribution of difficulty levels was commendable. Deepika Sharma, head of the science department at Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, remarked, “The Class 10 Science board exam paper effectively assessed students’ comprehension through a balanced mix of competency-based and direct questions. The inclusion of application-based scenarios encouraged students to think critically and move beyond rote memorization.”
Students expressed contentment with parts of the exam, particularly with the sections focusing more on theoretical knowledge. Shiven Raj, a Class 10 student, noted, “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.” This reflects the CBSE's approach to creating exams aimed at encouraging high-order thinking skills rather than memorization.
While many students found confidence through substantial preparation using NCERT textbooks and previous years' questions, they also acknowledged certain challenges. For example, Saurabh Shukla, PGT Physics at Global Indian International School, Noida, stated, “The numerical section was easy, featuring direct questions, but the assertion-reasoning questions required more conceptual clarity.” This sentiment was echoed by students who encountered sections they deemed tricky, particularly within physics and chemistry segments.
Another common observation among students was the clarity of the questions. A student remarked, “Overall the paper is quite attemptable and clear,” with minimal confusion arising from the language or intent of the questions. This clarity aided students' ability to navigate the exam effectively, ensuring they had sufficient time to review their responses thoroughly before submission.
Teachers praised the paper for fostering analytical skills over rote learning. Renu Tewari, head of the science department at Vidyagyan School, Bulandshahar, noted, “The inclusion of application-based scenarios particularly encouraged independent thinking and problem-solving skills.” This aligns with the educational trends pushing for competency and application rather than mere factual recall.
Interestingly, the overall average score among students who reported their experiences gauged around 70 out of 100 marks, indicating the exam was of moderate difficulty. Students commented on the effective balance of conceptual knowledge required across subjects, with biology perceived as the more straightforward component compared to the more complex nature of chemistry.
After the exam, students also had the opportunity to analyze their performances with peers, sharing thoughts on specific questions and topics they found challenging. This collaborative reflection is anticipated to inform future study strategies as they prepare for upcoming exams. With the next significant examination scheduled for February 25, students remain focused on enhancing their comprehension across subjects.
Overall, the CBSE Class 10 Science paper appears to have struck a commendable balance between testing conceptual clarity and ensuring accessibility for students. With emphasis on diverse question types, the exam has set the bar for upcoming assessments, and students who prepared well were positioned to excel.