CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus 2026-27: Marks & Pattern
This page gives you the verified CBSE Class 10 Maths syllabus 2026-27, checked against the official CBSE curriculum document on 2026-07-13. The 80-mark theory paper splits across seven units, with Algebra holding the highest weight at 20 marks, and a separate 20-mark internal assessment brings the total to 100 marks.
For this session, Class X students continue under the existing Basic (241) versus Standard (041) scheme. The board is phasing this out, so read the changes section carefully if you are a Class IX student planning ahead.
Course Structure and Marks Distribution
The theory exam carries 80 marks, spread across seven units. The table below reproduces the exact unit-wise marks from the official curriculum document (page 3). When you plan revision time, give the most hours to the units with the highest marks.
| Unit Number | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Number Systems | 06 |
| II | Algebra | 20 |
| III | Coordinate Geometry | 06 |
| IV | Geometry | 15 |
| V | Trigonometry | 12 |
| VI | Mensuration | 10 |
| VII | Statistics and Probability | 11 |
| Total | 80 | |
The split tells you exactly where to focus. Algebra (20 marks) and Geometry (15 marks) together account for nearly half the theory paper. Trigonometry and Statistics and Probability follow, while Number Systems and Coordinate Geometry hold the smallest shares.
Chapter Links and Unit Details
Chapter-wise study material for every unit above:
| Ch. | Chapter | Study material |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Numbers | Notes |
| 2 | Polynomials | Notes |
| 3 | Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables | Notes |
| 4 | Quadratic Equations | Notes |
| 5 | Arithmetic Progressions | Notes |
| 6 | Triangles | Notes |
| 7 | Coordinate Geometry | Notes |
| 8 | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes |
| 9 | Some Applications of Trigonometry | Notes |
| 10 | Circles | Notes |
| 11 | Areas Related to Circles | Notes |
| 12 | Surface Areas and Volumes | Notes |
| 13 | Statistics | Notes |
| 14 | Probability | Notes |
Each unit groups specific topics and competencies. The breakdown below lists what you must cover under each unit, based on pages 3, 5, and 7 of the official document.
Unit I: Number Systems
- Real Numbers: Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, including proofs of irrationality for \( \sqrt{2} \), \( \sqrt{3} \), and \( \sqrt{5} \).
Unit II: Algebra
- Polynomials: Zeros of a polynomial and the relationship between zeros and coefficients of quadratic polynomials.
- Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables: Graphical method, consistency and inconsistency, algebraic conditions for number of solutions, and solution by substitution and elimination methods, including simple situational problems.
- Quadratic Equations: Standard form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0, (a \neq 0) \), solving by factorization and the quadratic formula, and the relationship between the discriminant and the nature of roots.
- Arithmetic Progressions: Derivation of the nth term and the sum of the first n terms, with application in daily life problems.
Unit III: Coordinate Geometry
- Coordinate Geometry: Review of concepts, the distance formula, and the section formula for internal division.
Unit IV: Geometry
- Triangles: Definitions and examples of similar triangles. You must prove the Basic Proportionality Theorem (a line parallel to one side divides the other two sides in the same ratio) and state (without proof) its converse and the three similarity criteria.
- Circles: Tangent at the point of contact. You must prove that the tangent at any point is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact, and that tangents drawn from an external point are equal in length.
Unit V: Trigonometry
- Introduction to Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios of an acute angle, values at \( 0^\circ \) and \( 90^\circ \), specific values for \( 30^\circ \), \( 45^\circ \), and \( 60^\circ \), and relationships between the ratios.
- Trigonometric Identities: Proof and applications of the identity \( \sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1 \). Only simple identities will be given.
- Heights and Distances: Angle of elevation and depression. Problems use no more than two right triangles, and angles are restricted to \( 30^\circ \), \( 45^\circ \), and \( 60^\circ \).
Unit VI: Mensuration
- Areas Related to Circles: Area of sectors and segments. Segment problems restrict the central angle to \( 60^\circ \), \( 90^\circ \), and \( 120^\circ \).
- Surface Areas and Volumes: Combinations of any two solids among cubes, cuboids, spheres, hemispheres, and right circular cylinders or cones.
Unit VII: Statistics and Probability
- Statistics: Mean, median, and mode of grouped data. Bimodal situations are to be avoided.
- Probability: The classical definition of probability and simple problems on finding the probability of an event.
Exam Pattern and Question Paper Design
Both the Standard and Basic papers carry 80 marks and run for 3 hours. They differ in how the marks sit across question typologies. Standard expects more higher-order thinking, while Basic leans on remembering and understanding. The data below comes from pages 8 and 9 of the official curriculum document.
Mathematics Standard (041) Paper Design
| Typology | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | 43 | 54% |
| Applying | 19 | 24% |
| Analysing, Evaluating, and Creating | 18 | 22% |
| Total | 80 | 100% |
Mathematics Basic (241) Paper Design
| Typology | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | 60 | 75% |
| Applying | 12 | 15% |
| Analysing, Evaluating, and Creating | 8 | 10% |
| Total | 80 | 100% |
Internal Assessment Breakdown
Internal assessment contributes 20 marks to your final Maths total. The split applies to both Standard and Basic levels. The exact division is listed on pages 8, 9, 26, and 28 of the curriculum document.
| Internal Assessment Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Pen Paper Test and Multiple Assessment (5 + 5) | 10 |
| Portfolio | 05 |
| Lab Practical (from prescribed books) | 05 |
| Total | 20 |
The broader internal assessment framework includes periodic tests, multiple assessments, portfolio work, and subject enrichment activities. However, the final Maths internal marks settle exactly as 10, 5, and 5. You can explore general Class 10 study materials or our wider CBSE notes hub for support across subjects.
Prescribed Books for Maths Class 10
CBSE prescribes four specific texts and manuals for Class 10 Maths, as listed on page 10 of the curriculum document. Stick to these to avoid studying off-topic material.
- Mathematics – Textbook for class X – NCERT Publication
- Guidelines for Mathematics Laboratory in Schools, class X – CBSE Publication
- Laboratory Manual – Mathematics, secondary stage – NCERT Publication
- Mathematics exemplar problems for class X – NCERT Publication
Changes and Deletions in the Syllabus
The 2026-27 session brings a structural shift in how CBSE will offer Mathematics, but not for current Class X students. The official document on page 19 states the changes clearly.
From the 2026-27 session, the existing two-level scheme of Mathematics Basic and Mathematics Standard is discontinued. However, Class X students in 2026-27 continue under the existing scheme and may still opt for Basic. The change applies to the incoming Class IX cohort.
Class IX (2026-27) introduces Mathematics Advanced as an optional paper. It carries 25 marks, runs for 1 hour, and contains only higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions. Class X from 2026-27 onwards will see Standard Maths plus the optional Advanced Maths paper. The Advanced marks will not be added to the aggregate score.
For the current 2026-27 Class X syllabus, the official document does not list any fresh chapter or topic deletions. The unit structure and textbook remain the same, so you can proceed with the seven units listed above.
Basic vs Standard Maths: Which One to Choose
Mathematics Basic (241) and Mathematics Standard (041) cover the exact same seven units. The difference is paper difficulty, driven by the typology weightage.
| Feature | Mathematics Standard (041) | Mathematics Basic (241) |
|---|---|---|
| Same syllabus? | Yes, all seven units | Yes, all seven units |
| Remembering and Understanding | 43 marks (54%) | 60 marks (75%) |
| Analysing, Evaluating, and Creating | 18 marks (22%) | 8 marks (10%) |
| Target student | Planning to study Maths in Class 11 and 12 | Not continuing with Maths after Class 10 |
Choose Standard if you intend to pursue Mathematics at the higher secondary level or for competitive exams. Choose Basic if you do not plan to study Maths beyond Class 10, as it asks more direct questions and carries fewer tricky, application-based problems. You can find chapter-specific help in our Class 10 Mathematics notes to prepare for either level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CBSE Class 10 Maths syllabus changed for the 2026-27 session?
No. For Class X students taking the exam in 2026-27, the syllabus, unit structure, and textbook remain the same. The major change regarding the discontinuation of the Basic and Standard scheme applies to future batches, starting with Class IX in 2026-27.
What is the difference between Maths Basic (241) and Maths Standard (041) in Class 10?
Both cover the same seven units. The Standard paper (041) allocates 22% of its marks to higher-order thinking skills (Analysing, Evaluating, Creating), while the Basic paper (241) allocates only 10% to these skills and keeps 75% for Remembering and Understanding.
What is the new Mathematics Advanced paper introduced by CBSE?
Mathematics Advanced is a new optional paper introduced for Class IX in 2026-27 and Class X in 2026-27. It carries 25 marks, lasts 1 hour, and contains only higher-order thinking skills questions. The marks do not count toward the overall aggregate.
How are the 100 marks divided in CBSE Class 10 Maths?
The final 100 marks divide into an 80-mark theory board exam and a 20-mark internal assessment. The 20 internal marks split into 10 marks for Pen Paper Test and Multiple Assessment, 5 marks for Portfolio, and 5 marks for Lab Practical.
Which chapters carry the highest marks in the Class 10 Maths syllabus?
Algebra carries the highest marks at 20 out of 80. Geometry follows with 15 marks. Trigonometry holds 12 marks, and Statistics and Probability hold 11 marks. Focus your revision time proportionally.
Reference: CBSE Class 10 Mathematics curriculum document, session as stated on cbseacademic.nic.in.