CBSE Class 10 English and Maths — Marks Split and How to Prepare

English and Maths are the two CBSE Class 10 papers where planning by weightage helps most: knowing which sections and units carry the most marks lets you spend your time where it counts.

This guide gives the marks split for both subjects (from the 2026-27 syllabus) and how to prepare each part. Always check the official syllabus and sample papers on cbseacademic.nic.in.

English: the marks split

The written paper has 80 marks in three parts: Reading skills (20), Writing skills and Grammar (20) and Literature (40).
Literature carries half the paper, so knowing every chapter and poem of First Flight and Footprints Without Feet well is the biggest single gain.

English: how to prepare

Reading: practise unseen passages under time; read the questions first, then the passage.
Writing: learn the formats in your syllabus (such as formal letters and analytical paragraphs) and write one each week.
Grammar: practise tenses, modals, subject–verb agreement and reported speech with short daily exercises.
Literature: make notes on themes, characters and key lines for every chapter, and practise extract-based and long answers with examples from the text.

Maths: the unit weightage

The 80-mark paper is spread over seven units: Algebra (20), Geometry (15), Trigonometry (12), Statistics and Probability (11), Mensuration (10), Number Systems (6) and Coordinate Geometry (6).
Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry together carry nearly 60% of the marks, so they deserve the most practice, but every unit is tested.

Maths: how to prepare

Solve every NCERT exercise and example first; the board paper follows them closely.
Keep a formula sheet (algebraic identities, trigonometric ratios and identities, areas and volumes, statistics) and revise it daily.
Practise case-study and competency-based questions from the CBSE sample papers.
Show every step; steps earn marks even if the final answer slips. If you are choosing between Standard and Basic, see our Standard vs Basic guide.

A plan until the board exam

Now to December: finish NCERT exercises; one writing task and one unseen passage a week in English.
December–January: pre-boards; fix every mistake in a notebook.
January–February: one sample paper per subject every few days under time.
CBSE Class 10 now has two board exams a year; see our two board exams guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the marks split for CBSE Class 10 English?

In the 2026-27 syllabus the 80-mark written paper has Reading skills (20 marks), Writing skills and Grammar (20 marks) and Literature (40 marks). Check the official syllabus on cbseacademic.nic.in.

Which units carry the most marks in CBSE Class 10 Maths?

In the 2026-27 syllabus, Algebra carries 20 of the 80 marks, Geometry 15, Trigonometry 12, Statistics and Probability 11, Mensuration 10, and Number Systems and Coordinate Geometry 6 each.

How can I score well in CBSE Class 10 Maths?

Solve every NCERT exercise and example, revise a formula sheet daily, practise case-study questions from the CBSE sample papers, show every step and solve full papers under time before the exam.

How do I prepare for CBSE Class 10 English literature?

Make notes on the themes, characters and key lines of every chapter and poem, practise extract-based questions, and write long answers with examples from the text.

Does WonderZ offer CBSE Class 10 English and Maths tuition?

Yes. WonderZ Learning offers online CBSE Class 10 tuition for English, Maths, Science and Social Science, for students in Kerala and the Gulf, with 1-on-1, small batch and app classes. Fees are flexible and negotiable, and you can book a free demo class.

Learn With WonderZ

WonderZ Learning offers 1-on-1, small batch and WonderZ App live + recorded classes for Kerala syllabus and CBSE students. Fees are flexible and negotiable, and every family can start with a free demo class.

Book a Free Demo Class · WhatsApp +91 62381 41038