Important Tricks to Avoid Losing Marks in CBSE Class X Board Exams 2026

POSTED ON January 21, 2026 BY Rachna Sagar

CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026 demand smart, section-wise preparation in Science and Social Science—write answers in the correct sections, stick to word limits, choose options wisely, manage time well, and note the rescheduled March 3 exam to March 11 for maximum scoring.

CBSE Class X Board Exams 2026 are around the corner and once again, we’re here to talk about the important changes in the exam pattern, especially in Science and Social Science subjects. The sectional divisions in Social Science and Science, students need to prepare with smart strategies to avoid losing marks. 

• Science: Physics, Chemistry & Biology
• Social Science (SST): History, Civics, Geography

In this blog, we’ll break down the changes and share top tricks to maximize your scores in CBSE Board exams 2026. Understanding the New Exam Pattern and section-wise structure for Science & Social Science, CBSE has divided the subjects into specific sections. Each section will now be evaluated separately and hence, students are supposed to answer each of the question in the correct section in your answer booklet otherwise, you will not get marks for them.

Date Changes You Must Know

CBSE has rescheduled a few Class 10 exams that were originally planned for March 3, 2026 due to administrative reasons. These papers will now be held on March 11, 2026 for Class 10 students. All other exam dates remain unchanged in the timetable. Keep checking your admit card and official CBSE updates to avoid last-minute confusion. To add to your practice get ‘Together with’ reference books for Class 10 FREE on every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. 

Common Student FAQs (and Smart Answers)

Q 1. Will students get marks if they attempt a Civics question in History section? 

Ans. It advisable to write the answers in the correct section, to avoid the unnecessary marks deduction and get the marks awarded correctly. CBSE is strict about section-wise grouping, so make sure you write History only under the History section & others respectively. Use bookmarks to easily flip to the correct section while writing your answers. 

Q 2. Does long answers actually helps in fetching more marks? 

Ans. No, writing long answers does not fetch extra marks. CBSE evaluates papers as per the word limit and its accuracy. Going beyond the word limit or adding unnecessary sentences may lead to loss of marks. Students need to ensure that the answers are attempted in a concise & clear manner. 

Q 3. Choices are given in questions- if students attempt all options, how will marks be allocated? 

Ans. CBSE will evaluate only the first attempted option. If a student writes both choices, only the first attempt will be graded; the second will NOT be considered. So choose wisely, and answer only the option, you are confident about. 

To perform your best in the 2026 examinations, follow these tried-and-tested Tricks to Avoid Losing Marks in CBSE Board Exams 2026: 

1. Master Section-wise Study Plans: Since Science and Social Science are now sectional. Make detailed study notes, Allocate revision slots in your timetable and practice section-specific model papers to build confidence.

2. Write each Answer in the Correct Section: Get familiar with the section layout in the answer booklet before exam day. Write the section title clearly above your answers, Avoid writing answers randomly because misplaced answers may not be evaluated. 

3. Stick to Word Limits: Read the marking scheme carefully, never ever verbose, just write the complete answers. Use diagrams, tables & flowcharts wherever required, as good presentation grabs marks faster.    

4. Time Management: Students often run out of time, leading to incomplete answers. Divide your time for each section wisely, attempthigh-weightage questions first and keep last 10 minutes for revision. 

5. Attempt Questions You Know- In the questions with choice, decide which option you know best, before writing. Avoid too much of guessing work and ensure clear, neat presentation to get best outcomes.

6. Revise Smartly with Sample Papers: Solve CBSE sample papers and previous year questions 2026. This way, you can time yourself to build speed and accuracy. Identify your weak areas and revisit them early.

Final Key Takeaways

✔ CBSE Class 10 Science & Social Science Board exams 2026 are now sectional papers. ✔Always answer in the correct section. 

✔ Writing long answers beyond word limit, doesn’t guarantee marks. 
✔ In choice questions, only the first attempt is evaluated. 
✔ Exam supposed to be conducted on March 3, 2026 has been rescheduled to March 11, 2026, no changes to the rest. 

✔Practice as much as you can, learn the exam pattern from 10 Year PYQs and attempt Mock Tests. 

These are the simple yet powerful strategies, following which, will lead you to success. Plan section-wise studies, give each chapter a thorough revision, understand the pattern, avoid careless mistakes and you’ll be on the path to secure more marks in CBSE Class X Board Exams 2026.

All the best!