CBSE Subjects for Class 10: Complete List, Grading System and Selection Guide

Written ByAnkita Singha
Calander
Last Updated on16 Sep, 2026
Reading
Min Reading6 min read

Do you know that Class 10 is a turning point for every student? It helps them in academic growth and successful careers. 

There are different streams and subjects in the CBSE which are categorised for students so that they can choose one or multiple options. 

But a wise decision requires enough information to be gained from this blog.

What are CBSE Subjects for Class 10? 

Rather than going with common subjects like everyone, students need to know what is compulsory and what they have options to choose from.

So, focus on the fact that knowing subjects is not limited to choosing but also supports planning further career options: 

1. Compulsory Core/Major Subjects 

Global awareness, logical mindset, better communication, high curiosity and creativity are the key reasons which can be fulfilled by the primary kind of subjects students can’t avoid if they choose a specific stream.

Aspects Subjects 
EnglishEnglish Language and Literature or English Communicative
Second LanguageHindi (Course A or Course B) or any other regional/foreign language
MathematicsMathematics-Standard or Mathematics-Basic
ScienceCombines Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Social ScienceCombines History, Geography, Political Science (Civics), and Economics

Students often ask if Sanskrit is compulsory in CBSE Class 10.

2. Additional/Minor Subjects 

One can pick up the additional or minor subjects shared by the schools under board guidelines for exposure to real life. The urge to gain these abilities makes them strong, multitasking and different from others.

Subjects related to Information Technology and Computer Applications, National Cadet Corps, Third Languages, Artificial Intelligence, Home Science, Painting or Music.

3. Internal Assessment Subjects

Students also prefer subjects which include practical or project work or any other activity, such as tests which come under internal assessment, which can be used to track progress for specific periods from anyone.

It is highly preferred by facilitators in the classroom to reduce the stress and burden of final examinations.

CBSE Class 10 Subjects: Marks Distribution, Exam Pattern, and Grading System

CBSE guidelines are followed by most of the CBSE-affiliated schools. It prefers a specific format which people use as per their convenience.: 

  • Marks distribution
  • Exam pattern
  • Grading system 

1. Marks Distribution

It assigns weightage to subjects and topics to get total marks. This gives students a rough idea of what they need to learn and reduces the exam stress and confusion related to the syllabus.

In this way, transparent and equitable exams are conducted by the board to make sure Class 10 students go through the right and suitable standards.

The Class 10 subjects mainly include theoretical and practical knowledge. It provides a weighting to the subject of challenge, and that helps the learners to prioritise their schedule for each subject. 

  • Total Marks: 100 
  • 80 Marks: In the theory exam 
  • 20 Marks: In internal or project work

2. Exam Pattern

The CBSE board exam pattern is a structured and detailed set of rules, from types of questions to the marking scheme, which help students to prepare for the examination.

ParticularsDetails
Total number of subjectsTotal number of subjects includes:
MathematicsScienceSocial ScienceEnglishHindiSome schools may offer additional electives/subjects.
Total marks per subjectEach subject is of 100 marks. It is divided into two parts: 80 marks for the theory exam and 20 marks for internal assessment. 
Theory vs internal assessment weightageTheory Paper: 80 marks. Internal Assessment: 20 marks. 
Question paper duration3 hours for each subject. 
Passing criteriaA student needs a total of 33% marks (33 out of 100) in each subject. 

3. Grading System

In the CBSE grading system, a nine-point scale is used in which A to E grades are given (like A1, A2, up to E). 

GradePercentage
A191 to 100%
A281 to 90%
B171 to 80%
B261 to 70%
C151 to 60%
C241 to 50%
D121 to 30%
D2Below 20%

3 Importance of CBSE Subjects for Class 10- Future Career

The right subjects suggest the right path so that students don’t miss their dreams:

1. Help Build a Foundation for Class 11

Board exams are not only for good grades but also for knowing the real world and preparing for the future. Class 10 subjects work as a base for Class 12, in which students get the right kind of knowledge of basics and assistance.

2. For Competitive and Government Exams

There are many competitive exams which require a strong base of knowledge built in Class 9 and 10.

The choices lead you to a positive and ideal pathway that helps in clearing the exam with a high score.

3. Support Scholarship and Academic Opportunities

Students who are supported by the scholarship are more interested and inclined towards the new and right academic opportunities. The combination of the right subjects may lead to comfort.

How to Choose the Right CBSE Subjects for Class 10?

Even though students choose 5 subjects, they have a chance to select 6 based on their interest. This is the way one can manage to choose the subjects: 

1. Consider Your Interests

For a long-term career, the initial one would be based on the students’ comfort level and interest so that they can get high marks to improve the overall result after the exam.

2. Understand Your Strengths

Instead of likes and dislikes, look for the strengths in which skills you are good at and how to become proficient by taking subjects. A student who likes painting can choose subjects like art and craft.

3. Think About Your Class 11 Plans

Thinking about your Class 11 plans is what one needs to keep in mind while learning about the subjects for Class 10 CBSE. The preference of any child should be clear for Classes 11 and 12.

4. Consider Future Career Goals

A lot of children from a young age decide what they want to become and excel in their career by choosing the same subjects in 10 and 11. Remember that career choices need to be made after researching everything from subjects to exams.

5. Take Advice From Teachers and Parents

Sometimes random decisions may impact the whole career, so a student should plan their subject combination only by taking advice from teachers, counsellors, and parents. 

CBSE Subjects for Class 10: Know the Steps to Change 

Students sometimes, because of multiple reasons, change their subjects in CBSE Class 10. No matter what the reason is, a change in subject should be in the proper format: 

1. Submit Application to School

Students need to make sure that they have submitted a proper formal application form for changing subjects as per their need, in which all the data related to the subject is mentioned properly in a specific format with the reason for change.

2. Ensure Eligibility

Ensure the sequenced information is thoroughly checked and verified by the school to make sure a student is eligible for a change in subject. 

3. School Action

After checking the information as per the verification process, proceed with necessary actions, which later guarantee approval if everything is accurate.

4. Documents Required

Documentation is a part of the application process where students need to showcase all the related documents asked for in the application without missing or lacking any. 

Parents’ and students’ information with academic records, etc are examples.

5. Adhere to the Deadline

Filling the proper application and providing enough documents are not only tasks but also require checking the deadline to avoid any kind of mistake and change the subject on time.

CBSE Subjects for Class 10 Total Marks All Subjects

Evaluate the total marks of all subjects of CBSE Class 10:

Subjects Total Marks Marks Distribution 
English Language and Literature100 Marks80 Theory + 20 Internal
Hindi Course A / Hindi Course B100 Marks80 Theory + 20 Internal
Mathematics (Standard or Basic)100 Marks80 Theory + 20 Internal
Science100 Marks80 Theory + 20 Internal
Additional / Skill Subject100 Marks80/50 Theory + 20/50 Practical/Internal depending on the specific elective
Social Science100 Marks80 Theory + 20 Internal

How to Manage All Compulsory CBSE Subjects for Class 10?

Rather than panicking that you have multiple subjects different from each other, get knowledge and make sure to plan as per the subject to create balance between all.

1. Build a Timetable

Start by creating a timetable so that you don’t miss any subject. This will ensure efficient use of time, and you will also be able to focus on the subjects.

2. Use the Right Resources

If you are confused, seek information from your peers or facilitators. Balancing them by giving equal attention requires more planning, monitoring, and execution. 

3. Balance Theory and Practice

There are subjects that involve both theory and practical components, and you need to strike a balance between the two to expect good marks.

Conclusion

To find out the number of subjects and subject combinations that would be more preferable for you shapes your career as expected.

The right subject might give you a chance to fulfil your dreams by grasping the functioning of different subjects that help in getting high marks in the academic journey. 

To know the latest information about the CBSE board exam pattern 2026, visit 21K School

FAQs

 It supports better planning of the future through which one can recognise personal needs, structure concepts, sequence them, and identify possible obstacles to get a clear path.

Yes. The CBSE board allows students to take 6th or even 7th subjects. But it is not mandatory. Students can choose as per interest.

There are 5 mandatory subjects and can include 6th and 7th additional subjects.

There are different streams and subjects in the CBSE which are categorised under unique Subject Codes. The board names each subject to be able to identify and manage it easily.

Yes, both are different, and their difficulty levels are different; that’s why the choice between them should be proper.

Ankita Singha

Author Image

Ankita Singha is an Education Content Specialist at 21K School, India’s first accredited fully online K-12 School. She focuses on the in-depth research and creation of the well-drafted guides on early childhood education, school admission processes, and CBSE/ICSE curriculum guidance. With more than 2 years of experience at 21K School, a fully accredited institute- Cambridge International (IA702) and Pearson Edexcel (94883), Ankita works closely with the school’s curriculum heads and academic coordinators. Ankita’s every article reflects on the official board guidelines, practical realities, and current policies of online education in 78+ countries. Ankita’s content has helped thousands of parents in understanding the topics like RTE eligibility, NIOS pathways, and age-appropriate admission criteria.

You may also want to read

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No comments yet.
21K School Admissions team · replies in minutes
Hi 👋 Share your number and we'll continue this chat on WhatsApp.

    We message you on WhatsApp only. No spam calls.

    You're all set

    Taking you to WhatsApp now. If nothing happens, tap here to open the chat.