​CBSE Board Exam 2026 Highlights: Class 10 Mathematics paper difficult, check complete analysis here

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Karan Pal, TGT Mathematics, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow shared his review.

Mathematics (Standard): The Grade 10 Mathematics examination presented a balanced yet demanding paper. While the conceptual level remained strictly within the NCERT framework, the primary challenge for students was time management. The paper was structured to test a mix of speed, accuracy, and analytical depth. While the middle sections (B and C) provided some relief, the objective and long-answer sections required strategic effort.

Section A was all easy with 3-4 questions which required a good 2-3 minutes.

Section B was all easy and it did not required much work.

Section C had a few ncert questions and was relatively easy

Section D-E required a little time to understand and then was easy to solve.

Mathematics (Basic): The Grade 10 Mathematics (Basic) examination was designed to test foundational understanding rather than complex derivation. True to its “Basic” designation, the paper focused heavily on direct application of NCERT formulas. While the majority of the paper was accessible, specific questions in Sections B and E introduced a moderate level of complexity, requiring students to bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Nishant Kumar Singh, Subject Matter Expert, Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools shares his review

The CBSE Class X Mathematics (Basic and Standard) examination conducted on 17 February 2026 was of moderate difficulty, presenting a balanced blend of conceptual understanding, foundational knowledge, and analytical reasoning. The paper closely followed the NCERT syllabus, enabling well-prepared students to approach most questions with confidence. Multiple-choice and short-answer questions were largely straightforward and concept-based, though a few assertion–reason items required deeper interpretation. Questions in the two- and three-mark sections maintained an accessible yet thoughtful level, while long-answer questions demanded clear logical steps, structured presentation, and stronger conceptual clarity, with the final items testing higher-order thinking.

The case-study section assessed students’ ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations, emphasizing careful reading, analysis, and effective time management rather than rote learning. Overall, students with consistent practice and strong conceptual grounding were well positioned to perform well. The paper reflected CBSE’s competency-based assessment approach while maintaining fairness, clarity, and academic rigor.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Principal Dr. Alka Kapur, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh shared her review on Class 10 Maths paper.

The Mathematics (Standard) was a balanced paper and even well structured. It comprehensively covered all prescribed topics, ensuring a fair division of weightage across the syllabus.

The Case study based question was directly aligned with NCERT concepts and even multiple choice questions catered to the students with varying intellectual abilities and provided opportunity to score well. The paper wasn’t lengthy and students were able to complete the paper within stipulated time. In toto, the paper was considered manageable and student friendly.

In contrast, the students found Mathematics (Basic) Examination relatively tough and lengthy. It demanded extensive calculations, which posed challenges for the learners who opted the Basic level to avoid higher complexity. The students find the graph based question particularly difficult. To conclude the Mathematics (Basic) was found to be a challenging one.

It is observed that Mathematics (Standard) has been a cake walk for the students in comparison to Mathematics (Basic) due to its length and complexity.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The MCQs were relatively easy, but overall the paper was moderately difficult. I finished just in the last minute. Two of the case-study questions had slightly ambiguous language

Utkarsh Singh, Class 10 Student, Shiv Nadar School, Noida

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Preethi Rajeev Nair, Principal – CBSE, Lancers Army Schools has shared the analysis here.

Class X Mathematics – BASIC (Review)

The Class X Mathematics Basic paper was overall easy to moderate in difficulty and largely student-friendly. The question paper was strictly based on NCERT, with no out-of-syllabus questions. Most questions were direct and formula-based, making it comfortable for students who had practiced NCERT examples and exercises thoroughly. The MCQs were straightforward and concept-based without tricky language. Short-answer questions from topics like Arithmetic Progressions, Linear Equations, Surface Areas & Volumes, and Statistics were manageable. The long-answer and case-study questions were practical and not overly complicated. Students reported that the paper was scoring, well-balanced, and that time was sufficient to complete it comfortably. Overall, students with consistent preparation can expect good marks.

Class X Mathematics- STANDARD (Review)

The Class X Mathematics Standard paper was moderate in difficulty and slightly more application-oriented compared to the Basic paper. The paper emphasized conceptual clarity and analytical thinking. While it was fully aligned with the NCERT syllabus, several questions required deeper understanding and careful calculation. The MCQs demanded logical reasoning, and some options were closely framed, requiring attentive reading. Algebra, including Quadratic Equations and Pair of Linear Equations, had significant weightage, while Geometry and Trigonometry questions tested proper step-wise presentation. The long-answer and case-study questions involved moderate calculations, making time management important. Students felt the paper was fair but required thorough practice. Those who focused on conceptual understanding and previous year papers are likely to perform well.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Varun Goel, Head of Department, Mathematics, NC Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram shared analysis for Class 10 Mathematics.

Standard Mathematics (041):

The Grade 10 Mathematics Standard question paper conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education was well-balanced and appropriately challenging. It was closely aligned with the prescribed NCERT curriculum, with nearly 70% of the questions based directly on textbook exercises and familiar formats. Students who prepared thoroughly from NCERT found the paper comfortable and accessible.

The paper included several direct and straightforward questions such as the proof of the Basic Proportionality Theorem (BPT), properties of cyclic quadrilaterals, concepts related to tangents and radii, and finding the median and mode of grouped data. An application-based trigonometry question further reinforced conceptual clarity.

Well-designed case study–based questions, including a competency-based question from Arithmetic Progressions (AP), effectively assessed analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, the paper maintained a balanced mix of conceptual and application-oriented questions, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment across all sets.

Rating: Good

Basic Mathematics (241):

The Grade 10 Mathematics Basic question paper conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education was well aligned with the prescribed NCERT curriculum. Around 60% of the questions were based on direct textbook exercises and concepts, allowing students who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks to approach the paper with familiarity.

The paper included straightforward questions across key topics, along with competency-based and case study components. However, certain questions like those from Quadratic Equations, Areas Related to Circles, and the Arithmetic Progressions case-study, were relatively lengthy and required detailed working.

Overall, while the paper remained within the syllabus and effectively assessed conceptual understanding, it was comparatively more time-consuming than the Standard question paper. Students needed careful time management to complete it comfortably.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Prableen Kaur, Mathematics Teacher, KIIT World School, Gurgaon shares Class 10 Maths paper analysis

The Mathematics Basic paper was of medium to difficult level.

The question paper consists of

Section A: 18 MCQs + 2 Assertion-Reasoning (1 mark each)

Section B: 6 Very Short Answer (2 marks each)

Section C: 6 Short Answer (3 marks each)

Section D: 4 Long Answer (5 marks each)

Section E: 3 Case/Source-based Questions (4 marks each)

The paper was based on the NCERT curriculum however some questions required Higher Order Thinking skills. The structure of the paper ensured that both knowledge and application-based questions were included, allowing students to demonstrate their Problem Solving Skills effectively.

The paper tested the students’ conceptual understanding and critical thinking abilities. The first section of MCQs and Assertion-Reason based questions were based on conceptual Knowledge and was designed in such a way that average student found it little bit difficult to solve it. The short answer questions in Sections B and C included some direct question from NCERT, while the long answer questions in Section D requires deeper understanding of the concepts.

The case-based questions in Section E were well-structured and assessed the students’ ability to analyse real-world situations and apply mathematical knowledge to Real world scenarios. These questions were designed according to average student capability.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Shilpi Jain, TGT – Mathematics at Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Standard Mathematics (041) examination today, 17th February 2026. The exam was of three hours’ duration and carried a total of 80 marks, with internal choices provided in the question paper. The paper featured a balanced mix of competency-based and moderate-level questions designed to assess students’ application of concepts. Overall, the paper was of average difficulty, with many questions aligned with the CBSE sample papers. The direct questions were clear, straightforward, and easy to attempt. The MCQs and competency-based questions were also of moderate difficulty, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation. Students were able to complete the paper within the allotted time and expressed satisfaction with the overall standard of the examination. All sets were considered easy.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The Class 10 Mathematics paper analysis will be available soon. Keep checking this space for latest updates.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The Class 10, 12 exam for first day has concluded.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Class 10, 12 exam will get over in next 20 minutes. Today, February 17, Class 10 Mathematics paper is held and Class 12 Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship and Shorthand papers is conducted.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The students reaction and exam analysis will be available soon after the Class 10, 12 exam concludes.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Class 10 advisory for candidates

1. It is mandatory for all the students to appear in the first Board examination.

2. All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social, Science and languages.

3. If a student has not appeared in 3 or more subject in first examination, then s/he will not be allowed to appear in the 2nd examination. Such students will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category and can take the examination only next year in the main examinations in the month of February next year.

4. For students whose result in the first examination is Compartment, such students will be allowed to appear in second examination under Compartment Category.

5. Additional Subject will not be permitted after passing class X, students will not be allowed in stand-alone subjects.

6. The eligibility to appear in the second examination will be:

(a) Improvement category up to 3 main subjects

(b) First/Third Chance Compartment

(c) Compartment + Improvement

(d) Improvement for the students passed by the replacement of the subject.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: More two hours is left for the exam to conclude. The exam commenced at 10.30 am and will conclude at 1.30 pm.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: During the conduct of examination, it may be ensured that the Question Papers of the subject which are mentioned in the Admit Card be only supplied to the student. There should not be any change of subject like in place Mathematics Standard, Question Paper of Mathematics Basic is provided or vice-versa. This will also apply to the subjects like English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu etc. wherein the same subject is provided with the two separate subject codes having different syllabus.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: For monitoring purposes, a dedicated dashboard has been made available to schools. It will enable Principals to track:

Total number of teachers of Classes XI and XII whose details are updated on the

OASIS portal

Number of teachers who have completed the OSM practice

Number of teachers yet to participate

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: More than 46 lakh students will appear for the exam from India and 26 country abroad.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The Class 10, 12 examination will begin in 15 minutes at 10.30 am onwards. The exam will get over at 1.30 pm.

Today, February 17, Class 10 Mathematics paper will be held and Class 12 Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship and Shorthand papers will be conducted.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The exam centre entry has been closed. No student will be allowed to enter the exam centre now.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Keeping in view the important National/International Summits, High level Meetings and other programmes scheduled to be held during the examination days, due to the anticipated traffic regulations, there may be congestion, route diversions and delays in different parts of the country.

Hence, all the students are advised to leave their homes early so that they can reach to the examination centre well on time as per instructions issued by the CBSE.

Updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as per the current evaluation scheme.

Assigned fewer answer books per evaluator to allow sufficient time for quality evaluation.

Planned Capacity Building Programmes for evaluators.

Prepared short instructional videos for guidance.

Scheduled evaluation to be completed in 08-10 days (instead of 10-12 days in previous years).

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: 1. Second Board Examination for Class X – In line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEР) 2020, СBSE will conduct a second Board Examination for Class X for the first time from 15th May 2026, spanning about 15 days.

2 Section-wise Question Papers – Based on stakeholder feedback for judicious assessment, Science and Social Science papers have been divided into sections:

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology,

Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics Students will answer section-wise, and evaluation will be done by subject- specific teachers.

3. On-Screen Marking (OSM) – Class XII answer books will be evaluated through the OSM system for the first time. Class X evaluation willcontinue in physical mode as in previous years.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The benefits of OSM is given here-

1. Elimination of totalling errors.

2. Automated coordination, reducing manual intervention.

3. Faster evaluation with wider teacher participation.

4. Teachers can remain in their schools and continue regular du

5. Savings in transportation time and costs.

6. Post-result verification of marks will no longer be required.

7. Reduced manpower requirement for verification.

8. Opportunity for all schools to contribute to the evaluation.

9. Involvement of teachers from all affiliated schools globally.

10. Environmentally sustainable digital evaluation.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Class 10 papers today is Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Basics

Class 12 papers today are- Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship and Shorthand.

​CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: The Board has decided to introduce On-Screen Marking (0SM) for the evaluation of Class XIl answer books beginning with the 2026 examinations. Evaluation of Class X answer books will continue in physical mode as before in 2026.