CBSE Class 10 Maths 2026: Must-Practice Questions & Simple Guide for Exam Day

The 2026 CBSE Class 10 Maths exam begins on February 17, and students need strong practice with the new mix of competency, MCQ, and reasoning questions. The most important questions revolve around real numbers, polynomials, probability, and case-based problem solving, and solving them early gives a clear idea of the expected difficulty.

Understanding Why CBSE Maths 2026 Feels Tough Yet Scorable

This exam looks tricky at first glance because it mixes 50% competency questions that test thinking more than memorizing. Many students often feel stressed because maths can look heavy, but this pattern actually makes scoring easy if your basics are sharp. Short questions, real-life cases, and clear reasoning matter more now than long detailed solutions.

The paper runs from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM, and this timing gives enough space to think without rushing. Students who plan chapters in small daily chunks usually end up feeling more confident. Even if maths feels hard, practicing the exact type of questions CBSE released will clean up doubts that stay unnoticed during school tests.

Real Numbers: Why These Questions Are Important for 2026

CBSE has placed strong weight on number properties and reasoning around factors, prime relations, and patterns. Questions like “2 to the power n not divisible by 6” or “prime factor of n cannot divide n+1” check if students think logically instead of only memorising rules. These types of questions often appear in the short-answer section and are scoring if you read them calmly.

The exhibition-based question involving grouping students from Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur branches tests LCM–HCF understanding, but in a real-life context. This style is exactly what CBSE wants: application instead of formula dumping.

Polynomials: Simple Concepts but Questions Can Trick

Polynomial questions usually look simple, but graphs and zero-based reasoning create confusion. The 2026 practice set has a question on whether the curve intersects the negative x-axis at −1/3 or −1/2. Here students must check the sign change idea visually, not by solving blindly. That’s why practising graph sense is more helpful this year than solving too many big equations.

Another key question is whether a polynomial with exactly two zeroes must always be quadratic. This checks conceptual clarity more than solving ability. These are common questions CBSE repeats in new forms every year.

Probability: Small Chapter but High Accuracy Weight

The coin question in the practice sheet looks extremely basic, yet students often misjudge it. Picking enough coins to guarantee a pair sounds simple but tests understanding of worst-case situations. CBSE always includes probability questions that appear easy but can cost marks if rushed.

This part usually contains MCQs or short answers, and is considered one of the safest scoring areas if students read the question twice.

Surface Areas & Volumes: Concept Check Instead of Heavy Calculations

The question comparing cylinder and cone volumes with equal radii looks innocent, but students mix formulas easily. CBSE expects simple reasoning here. You do not need long calculations, only ratio thinking. This chapter becomes scoring when you remember relationships instead of memorizing formulas half-heartedly.

In 2026, CBSE is focusing on concept-based explanation rather than big numerical problems, so even weak students can gain marks here.

Why Competency Questions Matter the Most This Year

CBSE’s 50% competency pattern means students must get used to case stories, school situations, charts, and small real-life setups. These are repeated across subjects. For maths, it means reading questions slowly and imagining what is happening. Students who jump to formulas before understanding the scenario lose marks.

The board has also introduced 20% MCQs, which are heavily based on small but precise concepts. Practising MCQs daily improves accuracy quickly.

How Students Should Revise Maths Before February 17

The simplest strategy is revising formulas chapter-wise in short daily sessions. Do not learn everything in one go. Solve at least a few questions from each CBSE practice volume released this year. These include Vol-2, Vol-3 and Vol-4, all carrying updated question patterns. Even weak performers can improve fast with these because the questions show exactly what will come.

The maths exam is always thought to be tough, but it becomes manageable when you split chapters and solve a mixed bag of MCQs, case-based, and short reasoning questions every day. Clarity grows slowly but stays stable once built.