Class 10th

Tips for Smashing Your CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2025

The world’s still a bit of a mess with the lingering effects of the pandemic, and let’s be real, studying and exams aren’t what they used to be.

Pushpender Yadav

Feb 15, 2022 — 6 min read

Tips for Smashing Your CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2025

Yo, Class 10 squad! The world’s still a bit of a mess with the lingering effects of the pandemic, and let’s be real, studying and exams aren’t what they used to be. The CBSE board exams for 2025 are just around the corner, and with dates shifting like quicksand due to ongoing health concerns, it’s crunch time. Whether you’re with CBSE, ICSE, or a state board, this post is your go-to guide for acing those exams. Forget stressing about the chaos—let’s focus on what’ll get you those 90+ scores. Here’s my take, updated for 2025, with all the tips you need to shine.

1. Big Picture: How to Prep Like a Pro

The key to killing it in your Class 10 boards? Stay sharp and steady. Here are eight must-dos:

Kick Off Early: Your prep starts the second you step into Class 10. Don’t wait for the last minute.
Plan It Out: Make a study schedule that gives every subject some love.
NCERT Is Your Bible: These books cover everything you need. Read ‘em like your life depends on it.
No Cramming: Slow and steady beats panic-studying any day.
Stay in the Loop: CBSE loves tweaking rules. Check their website for updates on exam patterns or dates.
Balance Life and Study: Get enough sleep, ditch the drama, and keep your phone on silent.
Ignore the Haters: Toxic vibes? Nope. Focus on you and your books.
Go All In: Remember the turtle and rabbit story? The turtle won ‘cause he kept going. Give 100%, and don’t obsess over results.

2. Reference Books: Keep It Simple

One Book Per Subject: Don’t hoard books—they all say the same stuff in fancier words. Pick one with clear explanations and solid practice questions.
It’s About Learning, Not Collecting: Doesn’t matter how many books you’ve got; it’s what you’ve learned that counts.
Mock Tests Are Gold: Most reference books have practice tests or “hot questions.” Solve ‘em to get ready for tougher exams down the road.

3. Sample Papers: Your Secret Weapon

Sample papers aren’t just for show—they’re a game-changer if you use ‘em right. Here’s the deal:

Know the Vibe: They show you how the exam’s structured and what the marking scheme looks like.
Speed Up: Solving papers regularly makes you faster and sharper.
Build Confidence: The more you practice, the less you’ll freak out on exam day.
How to Use ‘Em:
- Time yourself like it’s the real deal.
- Don’t wanna buy? Use the mock tests in your reference books or free ones online from CBSE’s site.
- Check your mistakes and fix ‘em.

2025 Update: CBSE’s tweaked the exam pattern slightly this year to focus more on application-based questions. Grab the latest sample papers from cbseacademic.nic.in to stay ahead.

4. Marking Scheme: Know It, Win It

The marking scheme is your cheat code for scoring big. Here’s why it matters:

Choose Wisely: Running out of time? Go for high-mark questions first.
Don’t Overwrite: For 1-2 mark questions, keep it short. Teachers won’t read your novel.
Step-Wise Marks: Math and Science reward you for formulas and steps, not just the final answer.
Where to Look: CBSE’s 2025 sample papers have the latest marking schemes. Download ‘em and study up.

Pro Tip: This year, CBSE’s emphasizing clarity in answers. Write neatly and stick to the point to avoid losing marks.

5. “Important Questions”? Nah, Don’t Fall for It

Every Class 10 kid’s obsessed with “important questions,” but here’s the tea: there’s no such thing.

All Questions Matter: Every topic in your NCERT or course books could show up. Skipping stuff is a trap.
Don’t Beg Teachers: Relying on “hot picks” makes you lazy and leaves holes in your prep.
What to Do: Study the whole syllabus. Practice every question in your NCERT and reference books. That’s how you avoid surprises.

6. Basic Math vs. Standard Math: Pick Your Fighter

CBSE’s still offering two Math options for 2025:

Basic Math: Easier, perfect if you just wanna score high and move on.
Standard Math: Tougher, great if you’re eyeing competitive exams or Math-heavy streams in Class 11.
How to Prep: Start with NCERT, then hit your reference book for extra practice. Solve questions daily, no excuses.

2025 Update: Basic Math now includes slightly more real-world application questions, so practice problems on percentages and ratios. Standard Math has upped the ante with tougher algebra and geometry.

7. Time Management: Don’t Let the Clock Win

With five subjects—English, Hindi, Math, Science, Social Studies—you gotta juggle like a pro. Here’s how:

Equal Love for All Subjects: Don’t ditch Hindi for Math. Balance your study time.
Daily Practice: Solve mock tests or questions every day to stay sharp.
Don’t Compare: Checking how your friend’s doing? Bad idea. It’ll either stress you out (if they’re ahead) or make you cocky (if they’re behind). Focus on your grind.
Sleep Is Non-Negotiable: Pull all-nighters, and your brain’s toast. Aim for 7-8 hours.
Cut the Noise: Skip endless scrolling or gossip. Your exam’s more important.

8. Subject-Specific Hacks for 2025

Each subject’s got its own vibe. Here’s how to nail ‘em:

Math:
- Step-wise marking is king. Show your work—formulas, steps, everything.
- Practice numericals daily to avoid silly errors.
- Don’t repeat answers; it’s a time-waster.
- 2025 Tip: CBSE’s added more word problems. Practice real-life scenarios like profit-loss or distance-time.
English:
- Handwriting’s a big deal. Messy? You’re losing marks.
- Stick to word limits. Overwriting gets you nada.
- Keep answers clean—no scribbles or cross-outs.
- Practice essays, letters, and comprehension passages.
- 2025 Tip: New focus on creative writing. Brush up on story prompts.
Social Studies:
- Write in points. It’s clearer and scores higher.
- Don’t ramble. Short, sharp answers win.
- Check the latest sample papers for the 2025 marking scheme.
- 2025 Tip: More weight on map-based questions. Practice mapwork for Geography.
Science:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology—all follow step-wise marking, especially for numericals.
- Keep answers to the point. No fluff.
- Practice diagrams (like circuits or plant cells) and numericals (like the lens formula).
- 2025 Tip: CBSE’s pushing sustainable development themes in Biology. Revise ecosystems and conservation.

9. Extra Nuggets of Wisdom

Stay Consistent: Solve questions daily. It’s better than binge-studying.
Level Up Study Skills: Summarize chapters, make flashcards, revise weekly.
Own the Exam Hall: Plan your time—don’t spend 10 minutes on a 2-mark question.
Mindset Matters: Don’t stress about results. Like the turtle, keep moving forward, and you’ll cross the finish line.

2025 Update: CBSE’s introduced a hybrid exam option for some regions due to pandemic concerns. Check if your school’s offering online or offline exams and prep accordingly.

10. Final Pep Talk

The 2025 boards are tough with all the pandemic chaos, but you’ve got this. Stick to NCERT, grind those sample papers, know your marking scheme, and manage your time like a boss. Ditch the toxic vibes, trust your hustle, and give it everything. Slow and steady wins the race, and I’m betting on you to score 90+.

For the latest CBSE updates, hit up cbseacademic.nic.in. Wanna connect? Comment below.

Here are other articles you must read: