The Class 10 Mathematics syllabus (2025–26) prescribed by CBSE (Code 041 – Mathematics Standard & Code 241 – Mathematics Basic) is designed to strengthen logical thinking, problem‑solving skills, and real‑life mathematical applications. This detailed article will help students, teachers, and parents clearly understand the unit-wise syllabus, marks distribution, learning objectives, and exam pattern, making it perfect for exam preparation and academic planning.
📌 Overview of Class 10 Maths Syllabus 2025–26
- Board: CBSE
- Class: 10
- Subject: Mathematics
- Codes: 041 (Standard), 241 (Basic)
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Exam Duration: 3 Hours
The syllabus emphasizes conceptual clarity, analytical skills, and application-based learning, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
📘 Course Structure – Class 10 Mathematics (Marks Distribution)
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Number Systems | 6 |
| II | Algebra | 20 |
| III | Coordinate Geometry | 6 |
| IV | Geometry | 15 |
| V | Trigonometry | 12 |
| VI | Mensuration | 10 |
| VII | Statistics & Probability | 11 |
| Total | 80 |
🧮 Unit-wise Detailed Class 10 Maths Syllabus
🔹 Unit I: Number Systems (6 Marks)
Chapter 1: Real Numbers
Content
- Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic – statements after reviewing work done earlier and after illustrating and motivating through examples
- Proofs of irrationality of √2, √3, √5
Competencies
- Develops understanding of numbers, including the set of real numbers and its properties.
- Extends the understanding of powers (radical powers) and exponents.
- Applies Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic to solve problems related to real life contexts.
Explanation
- Describes Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic with examples.
- Prove algebraically the Irrationality of numbers like √2, √3, √5, 3 + 2√5 etc.
🔹 Unit II: Algebra (20 Marks)
Chapter 2: Polynomials
Content
- Zeros of a polynomial
- Relationship between zeros and coefficients of quadratic polynomials.
Competencies
- develops a relationship between algebraic and graphical methods of finding the zeroes of a polynomial.
Explanation
- Find the zeros of polynomial graphically and algebraically and verifying the relation between zeros and coefficients of quadratic polynomials.
Chapter 3: Pair of linear equations in two variables
Content
- Pair of linear equations in two variables and graphical method of their solution, consistency/inconsistency. Algebraic conditions for number of solutions.
- Solution of a pair of linear equations in two variables algebraically – by substitution, by elimination. Simple situational problems.
Competencies
- Describes plotting a pair of linear equations and graphically finding the solution.
- Models and solves contextualized problems using equations (e.g. simultaneous linear equations in two variables).
Explanation
- Find the solution of pair of linear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically (substitution and elimination method)
Chapter 4: Quadratic Equations
Content
- Standard form of a quadratic equation 𝑎𝑥^2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 =0 , (𝑎 ≠ 0).
- Solutions of quadratic equations (only real roots) by factorization, and by using quadratic formula. Relationship between discriminant and nature of roots.
- Situational problems based on quadratic equations related to day-to-day activities to be incorporated
Competencies
- Demonstrates strategies of finding roots and determining the nature of roots of a quadratic equation.
Explanation
- Solves quadratic equations using factorization and quadratic formula
- Determines the nature of roots using discriminant
- Formulates and solves problems based on real life context
Chapter 5: Arithmetic Progressions
Content
- Motivation for studying Arithmetic Progression
- Derivation of the nth term and sum of the first n terms of AP and their application in solving daily life problems.
Competencies
- Develops strategies to apply the concept of A.P. to daily life situations.
Explanation
- Applies concepts of AP to find the nth term and sum of n terms.
- Application of AP in real life problems
🔹 Unit III: Coordinate Geometry (6 Marks)
Chapter 7: Coordinate Geometry
Content
- Review: Concepts of coordinate geometry. Distance formula. Section formula (internal division).
Competencies
- Derives formulae to establish relations for geometrical shapes in the context of a coordinate plane, such as, finding the distance between two given points, to determine the coordinates of a point between any two given points.
Explanation
- Solves problems using distance formula and section formula
🔹 Unit IV: Geometry (15 Marks)
Chapter 6: Triangles
Content
- Definitions, examples, counter examples of similar triangles.
- (Prove) If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle to intersect the other two sides in distinct points, the other two sides are divided in the same ratio.
- State (without proof) If a line divides two sides of a triangle in the same ratio, the line is parallel to the third side.
- State (without proof) If in two triangles, the corresponding angles are equal, their corresponding sides are proportional and the triangles are similar.
- State (without proof) If the corresponding sides of two triangles are proportional, their corresponding angles are equal and the two triangles are similar.
- State (without proof) If one angle of a triangle is equal to one angle of another triangle and the sides including these angles are proportional, the two triangles are similar.
Competencies
- Works out ways to differentiate between congruent and similar figures.
- Establishes properties for similarity of two triangles logically using different geometric criteria established earlier such as, Basic Proportionality Theorem, etc.
Explanation
- Prove Basic Proportionality theorem and applying the theorem and its converse in solving questions
- Prove similarity of triangles using different similarity criteria
Chapter 10: Circles
Content
- Tangent to a circle at point of contact.
- (Prove) The tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact.
- (Prove) The lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.
Competencies
- Derives proofs of theorems related to the tangents of circles.
Explanation
- Prove the theorems based on the tangent to a circle.
- Applies the concept of tangents of circle to solve various problems.
🔹 Unit V: Trigonometry (12 Marks)
Chapter 8: Introduction to Trigonometry
Content
- Trigonometric ratios of an acute angle of a right-angled triangle. Proof of their existence (well defined)
- Motivate the ratios whichever are defined at 0° and 90°. Values of the trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45° and 60°.
- Relationships between the ratios.
- Proof and applications of the identity \sin^{2}A + \cos^{2}A = 1 .
- Only simple identities to be given.
Competencies
- Understands the definitions of the basic trigonometric functions (including the introduction of the sine and cosine functions).
- Uses Trigonometric identities to solve problems.
Explanation
- Evaluates trigonometric ratios
- Describes trigonometric ratios of standard angles and solving related expressions
- Proves trigonometric
- Identities using \sin^{2}A + \cos^{2}A = 1 and other identities
Chapter 9: Application of Trigonometry
Content
- Simple problems on heights and distances. Problems should not involve more than two right triangles. Angles of elevation / depression should be only 30°, 45°, and 60°.
Competencies
- Applies Trigonometric ratios in solving problems in daily life contexts like finding heights of different structures or distance from them.
Explanation
- Find heights and distances in real life word problems using trigonometric ratios
🔹 Unit VI: Mensuration (10 Marks)
Chapter 11: Areas Related to Circles
Content
- Area of sectors and segments of a circle.
- Problems based on areas and perimeter/circumference of the above said plane figures. (In calculating area of segment of a circle, problems should be restricted to central angle of 60°, 90° and 120° only.)
Competencies
- Derives and uses formulae to calculate areas of plane figures.
Explanation
- Visualises and evaluates areas of sector and segment of a circle
Chapter 12: Surface Area and Volumes
Content
- Surface areas and volumes of combinations of any two of the following: cubes, cuboids, spheres, hemispheres and right circular cylinders/cones.
Competencies
- Visualises and uses mathematical thinking to discover formulae to calculate surface areas and volumes of solid objects (cubes, cuboids, spheres, hemispheres, right circular cylinders/cones, and their combinations).
Explanation
- Evaluates the surface areas and volumes of combinations of solids by visualisation
🔹 Unit VII: Statistics & Probability (11 Marks)
Chapter 13: Statistics
Content
- Mean, median and mode of grouped data (bimodal situation to be avoided).
Competencies
- calculates mean, median and mode for different sets of data related with real life contexts.
Explanation
- Computes the mean, of a grouped frequency distribution using direct, assumed mean and step deviation method.
- Computes the median and mode of grouped frequency distribution by algebraic method
Chapter 14: Probability
Content
- Classical definition of probability.
- Simple problems on finding the probability of an event.
Competencies
- Applies concepts from probability to solve problems on the likelihood of everyday events.
Explanation
- Determines the probabilities in simple real-life problems
📝 Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
| Component | Marks |
| Periodic Tests & Multiple Assessments | 10 |
| Mathematics Portfolio | 5 |
| Lab Activities / Practical Work | 5 |
| Total | 20 |
📊 Question Paper Pattern – Class 10 Maths
The paper tests students across different cognitive levels:
- Remembering & Understanding – 54%
- Applying Concepts – 24%
- Analyzing, Evaluating & Creating – 22%
This ensures a balanced assessment of theory and application.
📚 Prescribed NCERT Books
- NCERT Mathematics Textbook – Class 10
- NCERT Exemplar Problems
- CBSE Mathematics Lab Manual
🎯 Why This Syllabus is Important for Students
The Class 10 Mathematics syllabus plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s academic future. It is not just an examination subject, but a foundation that strengthens reasoning, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills that are essential in almost every career path.
✔ Builds strong analytical skills
Mathematics trains students to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. Through algebraic equations, geometry proofs, and statistical analysis, students learn how to analyze situations logically, identify patterns, and arrive at accurate conclusions. These analytical skills are valuable not only in academics but also in real-life decision-making.
✔ Encourages logical and mathematical thinking
The syllabus focuses heavily on understanding concepts rather than memorization. Topics like proofs in geometry, trigonometric identities, and quadratic equations help students develop structured thinking and logical reasoning. This habit of thinking logically enhances clarity of thought and improves performance across all subjects.
✔ Prepares students for higher studies (Class 11 & 12)
Most advanced topics in Class 11 and 12 Mathematics, Science, Commerce, and Engineering streams are directly built upon Class 10 concepts. A strong grip on algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and mensuration makes the transition to senior secondary education smoother and less stressful.
✔ Helps in competitive exam readiness
The problem-solving approach taught in Class 10 Mathematics forms the base for competitive exams such as JEE, NDA, SSC, Banking, Olympiads, and other aptitude-based tests. Regular practice of CBSE-level questions improves speed, accuracy, and confidence, which are key factors in competitive examinations.
✔ Develops real-life application skills
Many chapters, especially statistics, probability, mensuration, and arithmetic progressions, are closely linked to real-life situations. Students learn how mathematics is used in daily life, business calculations, data analysis, construction, and technology.
✔ Boosts confidence and academic discipline
Consistent practice of mathematics builds patience, concentration, and self-confidence. As students learn to solve challenging problems independently, they gain confidence in their abilities and develop a disciplined approach to studies.