As students prepare for the CBSE Class 10 board exams in session 2025-26, the Science sample paper (Code 086) is one of the most essential tools in your study kit. It doesn’t just test what you know; it tells you how to prepare, where to focus, how to time your answers, and what the examiners expect. Let’s break it all down.
1. Why the Science Sample Paper Is So Important
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Blueprint of the actual exam: shows you how the paper is divided (Biology / Chemistry / Physics), what types of questions come, how many marks etc.
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Marking scheme & weightage info: what topics get more weight, how many marks per question type. Helps you prioritize.
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Exam practice under real-conditions: solving sample papers simulates the pressure of time & format, helps with speed & accuracy.
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Reveal weak zones: if certain topics or question types always take you time or you get them wrong, those become your revision targets.
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Reduce surprises: sample paper is official, so you’ll know what to expect. No last-minute shocks in format.
2. Exam Pattern & Key Features for Science Sample Paper 2025-26
From the official CBSE sample paper for Science, here are the structural details.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject Code | Science — Code 086 |
| Total Marks | 80 marks |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Sections | Three subject sections: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. All questions compulsory, though some internal choices. |
Division & Question Types
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Section A (Biology): Questions 1-16
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Section B (Chemistry): Questions 17-29
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Section C (Physics): Questions 30-39
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All questions are compulsory, but internal choice is provided in some questions.
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Types of questions: mixture of very short answer / MCQ type, short answer, longer answer, diagram-based in some, etc.
3. Topic / Weightage Highlights
While CBSE doesn't always publish exact weightage for each topic in advance, from the sample paper you can infer the following rough breakdown and what to focus on.
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Biology tends to carry significant weight, and many questions ask for definitions, processes, life science diagrams.
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Chemistry often tests reactions, chemical properties, periodic table, metals/non-metals etc.
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Physics includes basic phenomena (light, electricity, etc.), laws, calculations etc. Diagrams are often involved.
Also, CBSE emphasizes competency-based and application-oriented questions besides theory. So conceptual clarity is more important than just memorisation.
4. What’s New / What Remains the Same
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No major pattern change: CBSE has confirmed that for 2025-26 the exam pattern & marking scheme for Science continue as per the recently released sample question paper.
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Sample paper & Marking Scheme available in Hindi & English.
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Internal choices in some questions remain, but no overall choice. You must attempt all sections.
5. How to Use the Science Sample Paper Effectively
Here are strategies to get the maximum benefit:
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Start after finishing the syllabus
Once all topics are covered, solve the sample paper under exam-like conditions. -
Simulated practice
Time yourself strictly for 3 hours, follow all rules (no prohibited aids), draw diagrams cleanly etc. -
Check with marking scheme / answer key
After solving, go through the official marking scheme. See how points are awarded, what level of detail is needed. -
Identify weak areas
Maybe diagrams are weak, or you make frequent mistakes in Physics numericals, or your Biology definitions miss accuracy. Note them out. -
Revise in parts
Don’t wait to revise only at the end. Keep short revision sessions per topic: carry flashcards, diagrams, important reactions etc. -
Practice diagrams well
In Science, good diagrams with correct labels can easily give you marks. Practice drawing them neat, proportionate, correct. -
Balance theory with application
Because sample papers contain application / competency-based questions, not just theory. Try to apply concepts in unseen situations (for example, environmental issues, experiments, etc.) -
Use previous years / mock papers
Along with the sample paper, solving past board papers or good quality mocks helps you get variety & notice pattern trends.
6. Suggested Study / Revision Plan Using the Science Sample Paper
Here’s a 4-week (or however long before exams) plan that integrates the sample paper into your revision.
| Week | Tasks |
| Week 1 | Go through all Biology chapters: Life Processes, Control & Coordination, reproduction etc. Make concise notes, revise diagrams. |
| Week 2 | Chemistry focus: chemical reactions, acids-bases-salts, metals/non-metals, periodic table etc. Practice chemical equations, write balanced reactions. |
| Week 3 | Physics topics: Light, Electricity, Magnetism etc. Focus on derivations, laws, numerical problems, diagrams. Also revise all NCERT exemplar questions. |
| Week 4 | Full sample paper(s): attempt the official sample paper, then another mock. Review every answer vs marking scheme, correct & re-learn mistakes. Final revisions: important definitions, reactions, formulae, diagrams. |
Common Pitfalls in Science & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Memorising without understanding | Always ask “why” for each concept; try to relate to experiments or daily life. If you can explain something simply, you know it. |
| Poor diagrams / labelling | Practice drawing diagrams; label parts; ensure clarity; don’t cram diagrams last-minute. |
| Weak concept application | Do sample papers and application-based questions; try to imagine new scenarios; answer ‘what if’ type questions. |
| Not reading questions carefully | Especially in sections with multi-part or assertion-reason type or internal choice. Underline all parts. |
| Spending too long on one tough question, neglecting others | Practice pacing; first do easier / known parts then tougher ones; leave time to return to choices. |
| Neglecting chemical equations / numerical practice | Make sure to do enough questions of these types; revise balancing, units, etc. |
8. How Much Practice Is Enough?
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At least one full official sample paper under timed conditions (3 hours) at least twice before the exam.
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Several subject-wise mock papers / past papers (preferably 2-3 or more) to get exposure to different styles.
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Frequent short quizzes / flash tests for definitions, reactions, formulae to keep memory fresh.
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Diagrams: keep practising until drawing & labelling becomes nearly instinctive.
9. Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper 2025-26 is much more than a test: it’s a roadmap. It shows you where marks come from, what kinds of questions are likely, how to organise your time, how to craft answers that earn full marks (especially in diagrams, experiments, and application-based questions).
If you use it as a tool—not just for testing, but for planning, revising, and improving—you’ll go into your exam equipped not just with knowledge, but with confidence.
