Mathematics is a subject that most students have a love-hate relationship with. It’s either seen as a scoring paradise or a daunting nightmare. For class 10 CBSE students, maths holds the power to make or break their overall CGPA! How to prepare for the CBSE class 10 maths exam is a question many students grapple with.
Lets face it, most students take either of these two ways to prepare for maths. You either procrastinate and start at the last moment skipping challenging chapters or avoiding practice altogether. On the other hand, some might involve cramming every formula throughout the year without actually grasping the concepts, making it harder to think clearly during the exam.
The key is finding a balanced approach. Understand the subject’s structure, practise regularly, and focus on clarity over quantity. So, how do you conquer this seemingly daunting subject? Let us break down the CBSE class 10 maths study plan in a detailed, fun, and effective way that works for you.
Importance of Maths in Overall CBSE Class 10 Results
Maths isn’t just another subject; it’s a scoring subject. Why? Because unlike other subjects where answers can be subjective, maths is black and white. If your solution is correct, you get full marks. Period. Not just that, the CBSE board also allows for step marking making easier to score.
Balanced preparation in maths also positively impacts other core science subjects. For example, the logical skills you develop solving geometry or algebra can help with physics numerical or even chemistry equations. Maths is like a gym for your brain—the more you train, the stronger it gets!
Understanding the Maths Paper Structure
The CBSE class 10 maths question paper is designed to test both your understanding and application skills. Here’s a quick breakdown of the paper structure:
Section | Question type | Question No. | Marks per question |
A | Multiple choice questions | 1-18 | 1 mark each |
Assertion Reason questions | 19-20 | ||
B | Very Short Answer type questions | 21-25 | 2 marks each |
C | Short Answer type questions | 26-31 | 3 marks each |
D | Long Answer type questions | 32-35 | 5 marks each |
E | Case study-based questions | 36-38 | 4 marks each |
The total marks?
80 (excluding the 20 internal assessment marks).
Time allotted?
3 hours.
Knowing this structure helps you plan your preparation and manage time efficiently during the exam.
How to Prepare for Class 10 Maths CBSE Exam?
Here comes the big question: How do I prepare for class 10 maths without pulling my hair out? Let’s dive into some best strategies for class 10 maths CBSE exam that work.
1. Syllabus Focus
Start by downloading the official CBSE class 10 maths syllabus. Highlight topics like quadratic equations, trigonometry, and probability—these are your scoring zones. Break the syllabus into smaller chunks and set weekly goals. For example:
- Week 1: Focus on polynomials and arithmetic progressions.
- Week 2: Move to coordinate geometry and circles.
This step-by-step approach makes the vast syllabus feel manageable. Remember, these steps are essential when curating your class 10 maths exam preparation guide.
2. Mastering NCERT Textbooks
NCERT is your ultimate guru. All important topics for CBSE class 10 maths exam is based on NCERT Books concepts. Master the solved examples first; then move to the exercise problems. And don’t skip the miscellaneous exercises—these often contain tricky questions that can appear in exams.
Pro Tip: If you’re stuck on a question, refer to Oswal Publishers’ class 10 question bank. It provides clear explanations and additional practice questions.
3. Utilising Question Banks, Samples, and Previous Year’s Papers
Solving previous years’ question papers is like opening a treasure chest. You get to see patterns, frequently asked questions and difficulty levels. Don’t just solve them—analyse your mistakes and work on improving them.
Sample papers, like those provided by Oswal Publishers, are lifesavers. They give you an idea of what to expect and help you practise time management. Set a timer, solve the paper, and review your performance critically. This strategy is vital for anyone asking how to score full marks in class 10 maths.
4. Consistent Practice
Maths is like a sport—the more you practise, the better you get. Dedicate at least 2 hours daily to maths. Try different tricks to solve CBSE class 10 maths problems and find what works for you. Alternate between chapters to keep your preparation balanced. For instance:
- Day 1: Solve 10 problems from trigonometry.
- Day 2: Practise 5 HOTS questions from probability.
Make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward. Every problem you solve builds your confidence.
5. Effective Time Management in Exam
Here are some simple CBSE board exam maths time management tips:
- First 15 minutes: Read the paper carefully. Mark the questions you’re confident about.
- Next 1 hour: Solve the easy questions. This boosts your morale.
- Next 1.5 hours: Tackle the lengthy and tricky ones.
- Last 15 minutes: Review your answers. Check for calculation errors.
Practising this routine with mock tests can work wonders.
Important Topics for Scoring High in Maths Exam
Choose smart work instead of hard work. Examine what units hold more weightage and curate personalised effective study techniques for class 10 maths. Here’s a detailed table showing the weightage of various topics:
Units | 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 |
From the table, you can see that algebra and geometry carry the most weight, so they deserve extra focus. Topics like trigonometry and statistics and probability also play a significant role, as they together contribute 23 marks. Prioritise these topics while keeping in mind the other chapters for a well-rounded preparation.
Remember, it’s not just about solving questions but solving them accurately. Keep a formula sheet handy for quick revision.
Conclusion
To ace the CBSE class 10 maths exam, you need a combination of smart work and hard work. With the right approach and consistent effort, you can turn maths from a nightmare into your favourite subject. Start early, practise consistently, and use resources like NCERT and Oswal Publishers’ question banks for a competitive edge. Maths has the potential to elevate your overall score significantly, so make it your ally. Remember, every problem solved is a step closer to excellence.
FAQs on How to Prepare for the CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam
Q1. How many hours should I study maths daily?
Ans – Aim for at least 2 hours daily. Focus on weak areas first and practise consistently.
Q2. Are NCERT books enough for CBSE class 10 maths?
Ans – Yes, NCERT is crucial, but supplement it with question banks like Oswal Publishers for additional practice.
Q3. How do I improve my speed in solving maths problems?
Ans – Practise timed mock tests and previous years’ question papers to build speed and accuracy.
Q4. What is the best way to revise maths before the exam?
Ans – Use a formula sheet, solve sample papers, and focus on important topics or topics that you find tougher. Make sure to go through NCERT questions as they are most likely to appear in the exams.
Q5. Can I skip any chapter for the maths exam?
Ans – It’s not advisable to skip any chapter. Every topic has weightage, and questions can come from anywhere.