CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Class 10 Mathematics exam today, March 10, 2025, for both the Basic and Standard levels. The three-hour-long exam, which commenced at 10:30 AM and concluded at 1:30 PM, followed the prescribed CBSE exam pattern, ensuring that students were tested across different levels of conceptual understanding and application.
The question paper carried a total of 80 marks and was divided into five sections: Section A consisted of 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) of one mark each, Section B had five very short answer-type questions worth two marks each, Section C included six short answer-type questions carrying three marks each, Section D featured four long answer-type questions of five marks each, and Section E comprised three case-study-based questions of four marks each. Internal choices were available in select questions in Sections B, C, D, and E, providing some flexibility to students.
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2025: Paper difficulty and key highlights
Algebra
The algebra section contained a mix of direct and application-based questions. Questions on finding the zeroes of polynomials were straightforward, making this an accessible area for scoring. Quadratic equations had direct word problems, which students found easy to tackle. However, linear equations posed a bit of a challenge as they required more logical reasoning and careful interpretation. The section, overall, remained balanced, offering both simple and moderately difficult questions.
Geometry and Coordinate Geometry
Geometry tested students on various properties of triangles, including one question that involved the length of a median. Some of these problems were found to be tricky, requiring deeper conceptual clarity. Coordinate geometry, on the other hand, was relatively easier, with most questions being direct and formula-based. Students who had thoroughly practiced the NCERT examples were able to solve these questions without much difficulty.
Trigonometry and its Applications
Trigonometric identity-based questions were directly lifted from NCERT, making them simple for well-prepared students. Some questions required application of trigonometric principles, but none were overly complex. Those who had practiced similar problems from sample papers found this section to be one of the most scoring areas.
Probability and Statistics
Basic probability questions were straightforward, testing students’ fundamental understanding of probability concepts. The statistics section included a direct question requiring students to find the median, which was sourced from NCERT. Since these types of problems are commonly covered in practice papers, students found them manageable.
Circles and Surface Areas & Volumes
Most of the questions in this section were of moderate difficulty, except for one in circles, which some students found particularly challenging. The surface areas and volumes segment involved calculations that, while not conceptually difficult, were somewhat time-consuming. Students who managed their time well were able to complete this section without major issues.
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2025: Exam Difficulty and Student Reactions
Experts, including Shweta Choudhary and Gautam Thakral from Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, observed that the paper was well-structured with a balanced mix of moderate and slightly challenging questions. The Basic Math paper had three high-order thinking skills (HOTS) MCQs and a slightly difficult question from Circles. Standard Math students found a 5-mark question in Set 2 particularly tricky, while Set 1 included a question not found in the NCERT curriculum, causing some concern.
Students’ reactions to the exam varied. Basic Math students, including Pratishtha Bansal, Vidhi Thakur, and others, were content with the paper, describing it as manageable. Standard Math students like Dhwani Ghoota and Aahwaan Khullar found the difficulty level similar to their Pre-Board exams. While some students were confident of securing full marks, others pointed out that certain sets had a slight disparity in difficulty level.
Academic expert Mohd Sarif Salmani from Orchids The International School, Malad West, noted that the exam closely followed CBSE’s sample papers. While most MCQs were easy, some sets were slightly lengthy, demanding extra time for completion. Case-based questions required logical interpretation, adding an element of complexity to the exam.
Final verdict
Overall, the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics paper was moderate in difficulty, with a few challenging elements. The exam was well-aligned with the syllabus and previous years’ question papers, making it approachable for students who had prepared systematically. While some sets had variations in difficulty, the paper was largely fair, ensuring that well-prepared students could score well. With a mix of conceptual and application-based questions, the paper successfully tested students’ mathematical understanding in a comprehensive manner.
