CBSE Important Questions & Answers 2026: Class 10 & 12 Expected Board Questions
CBSE Important Questions & Answers 2026: Class 10 & 12 Expected Board Questions
With CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 results declared on April 15, 2026 (93.7% pass rate) and Class 12 results awaited, students preparing for Phase 2 exams (May 15 – June 1, 2026) and the upcoming 2026–27 session need targeted practice now more than ever.
This guide covers the most frequently examined CBSE board questions across key subjects — with full model answers — so you know exactly what to study and how to write for maximum marks.
> Important: CBSE now has 50% Competency-Based Questions (CBQs) — case studies, assertion-reason, and application questions. This guide includes both traditional and CBQ-style questions.
Class 10: Mathematics — Important Questions & Answers
Q1. Prove that √2 is irrational.
Answer:
Assume √2 is rational. Then √2 = p/q, where p and q are co-prime integers and q ≠ 0.
- Squaring both sides: 2 = p²/q² → p² = 2q²
- So p² is even → p must be even (say p = 2m)
- Substituting: 4m² = 2q² → q² = 2m² → q is also even
- But this contradicts our assumption that p and q are co-prime (have no common factor)
- Therefore, √2 is irrational. ∎
*(Real Numbers — this proof appears in ~80% of Class 10 Math papers)*
Q2. Find the zeroes of p(x) = x² – 5x + 6 and verify the relationship between zeroes and coefficients.
Answer:
p(x) = x² – 5x + 6 = (x – 2)(x – 3)
Zeroes: x = 2 and x = 3
Verification:
- Sum of zeroes = 2 + 3 = 5 = –(–5)/1 = –(coeff. of x)/(coeff. of x²) ✓
- Product of zeroes = 2 × 3 = 6 = 6/1 = constant term/coeff. of x² ✓
Q3. The sum of the first 20 terms of an AP is 400 and the sum of the first 40 terms is 1600. Find the sum of first 60 terms.
Answer:
Using S_n = n/2[2a + (n–1)d]:
- S₂₀ = 400 → 10[2a + 19d] = 400 → 2a + 19d = 40 ...(i)
- S₄₀ = 1600 → 20[2a + 39d] = 1600 → 2a + 39d = 80 ...(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii): 20d = 40 → d = 2
From (i): 2a + 38 = 40 → a = 1
S₆₀ = 60/2[2(1) + 59(2)] = 30[2 + 118] = 30 × 120 = 3600
Q4. Prove that the tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact.
Answer (Proof):
Let O be the centre, P the point of contact, and AB the tangent.
- Take any other point Q on the tangent AB
- Since AB is a tangent, Q lies outside the circle
- Therefore OQ > OP (radius is the shortest distance)
- Since OP is the shortest distance from O to every point on AB, OP ⊥ AB ∎
*(This theorem proof appears in virtually every Class 10 Math paper — memorize it perfectly)*
Class 10: Science — Important Questions & Answers
Q5. What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
Answer:
| Physical Change | Chemical Change |
|---|---|
| No new substance is formed | New substance(s) are formed |
| Generally reversible | Generally irreversible |
| Chemical properties unchanged | Chemical properties change |
| No energy changes (usually) | Energy is absorbed or released |
Examples — Physical: Melting of ice, dissolving sugar in water
Examples — Chemical: Burning of magnesium ribbon, rusting of iron, cooking food
Q6. List the components of the human respiratory system and explain the process of gas exchange at the alveoli.
Answer:
Components: Nostrils → Nasal cavity → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli → Diaphragm (muscle controlling breathing)
Gas Exchange at Alveoli:
- Alveoli are tiny balloon-like air sacs with very thin walls and rich blood supply
- Oxygen diffuses from alveolar air (high concentration) into blood capillaries (low concentration)
- Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood (high concentration) into alveolar air (low concentration)
- Both follow the principle of diffusion along a concentration gradient
*(Draw a labeled diagram of the respiratory system — trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm, and magnified alveolus — for full marks in diagram questions)*
Q7. What are the factors affecting the resistance of a conductor?
Answer:
Resistance depends on four factors:
1. Length (L): R ∝ L — doubling the length doubles the resistance
2. Cross-sectional area (A): R ∝ 1/A — thicker wire has lower resistance
3. Material/Resistivity (ρ): Different materials have different resistivities
4. Temperature: For metals, resistance increases with temperature
Formula: R = ρL/A
where ρ (resistivity) is measured in Ω·m and depends only on the material and temperature.
Q8. Assertion-Reason: A: The pH of human blood is slightly alkaline (7.35–7.45). R: Blood contains carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffers to maintain pH.
Answer:
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
The bicarbonate buffer system (H₂CO₃/HCO₃⁻) in blood resists pH changes, preventing dangerous acidosis or alkalosis. This is a key homeostasis mechanism. → Option (A)
*(Assertion-Reason questions now form a significant portion of CBQs — practice identifying all four options)*
Class 10: Social Science — Important Questions & Answers
Q9. What were the main causes of the rise of Nationalism in Europe in the 19th century?
Answer:
1. Romantic Nationalism: Intellectuals and artists glorified national culture, language, and history (e.g., Grimm Brothers' German folk tales)
2. Liberal Revolutions of 1848: Middle-class movements demanded unified nation-states with constitutions
3. Role of Language: Common language became a powerful symbol of national identity
4. Napoleon's Conquests (1799–1815): Paradoxically spread ideas of nationalism even while suppressing peoples
5. Conservative Backlash: Post-1815 conservative restoration fueled resistance and nationalist counter-movements
6. Industrialization: Created economic interests tied to national markets
*Key figures: Giuseppe Mazzini (Italy), Bismarck (Germany)*
Q10. Explain the concept of Power Sharing. Why is it considered essential in a democracy?
Answer:
Power Sharing is the distribution of authority among different organs, levels, and groups within a political system.
Forms of Power Sharing:
1. Horizontal distribution: Among Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
2. Vertical/Federal distribution: Among Central, State, and Local governments
3. Among Social Groups: Representation of minorities, women, linguistic communities
4. Among Political Parties: Coalition governments, multi-party competition
Why Essential in Democracy:
- Reduces conflict between communities and groups
- Ensures no single group monopolizes power
- Promotes genuine participation by all citizens
- Prevents tyranny of the majority
- Builds stable, durable governance
Class 12: Physics — Important Questions & Answers
Q11. Derive an expression for electric field intensity due to an infinitely long straight uniformly charged wire at perpendicular distance r.
Answer:
Using Gauss's Law: ∮E⃗·dA⃗ = q_enc/ε₀
Steps:
1. Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length L, coaxial with the wire
2. By symmetry, E is radial and constant over the curved surface; no flux through flat end caps
3. E × 2πrL = λL/ε₀ (where λ = linear charge density, C/m)
4. Solving: E = λ / (2πε₀r)
Direction: Radially outward for positive charge density; inward for negative.
Q12. State the laws of the photoelectric effect and explain Einstein's photoelectric equation.
Answer:
Laws of Photoelectric Effect:
1. Emission occurs only if frequency of light ≥ threshold frequency (ν₀) — independent of intensity
2. Maximum KE of emitted electrons depends on frequency, not intensity
3. Number of emitted electrons is proportional to intensity of light
4. Emission is instantaneous — no time lag
Einstein's Equation: KE_max = hν – φ₀
- h = Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
- ν = frequency of incident radiation
- φ₀ = hν₀ = work function of the metal
This equation explained the particle (photon) nature of light and earned Einstein the Nobel Prize in Physics, 1921.
Q13. Explain the working of a half-wave rectifier with a circuit diagram.
Answer:
Half-Wave Rectifier Circuit: AC source → p-n junction diode → load resistor R_L → back to source
Working:
- Positive half-cycle: Diode is forward biased → current flows through R_L
- Negative half-cycle: Diode is reverse biased → no current flows through R_L
Output: Pulsating DC — only positive half-cycles appear across the load
Efficiency: ~40.6% (only one half of the AC waveform is utilized)
*(Draw clear circuit diagrams and input/output waveforms for full marks in this question)*
Class 12: Chemistry — Important Questions & Answers
Q14. Explain the SN2 reaction mechanism with an example.
Answer:
SN2 (Substitution Nucleophilic Bimolecular)
Example: CH₃Br + OH⁻ → CH₃OH + Br⁻
Mechanism:
1. Nucleophile (OH⁻) attacks carbon from back side (180° opposite to leaving group)
2. A pentavalent transition state forms (trigonal bipyramidal)
3. Leaving group (Br⁻) departs simultaneously as new bond forms
4. Walden Inversion occurs — configuration at carbon is inverted
Characteristics:
- Rate = k[CH₃Br][OH⁻] (second-order kinetics)
- Favored by: primary substrates, strong nucleophiles, polar aprotic solvents (DMF, DMSO)
- Strongly disfavored by steric hindrance
Q15. Give the IUPAC name of [Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]Cl and state the type of isomerism it can show.
Answer:
Identifying the components:
- Central metal: Cobalt (Co)
- Inner sphere ligands: 4 ammine (NH₃) — neutral; 2 chlorido (Cl⁻) — anionic
- Outer sphere: 1 Cl⁻ as counter ion
- Oxidation state of Co: +3
IUPAC Name: Tetraaminedichloridocobalt(III) chloride
Isomerism: This complex can show ionization isomerism with [Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]Cl ↔ [Co(NH₃)₄ClCl]Cl (where the outer sphere chloride and one inner sphere chloride swap positions).
Frequently Asked Questions by CBSE Students
Q: Can I appear in CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 without appearing in Phase 1?
A: No. Phase 1 (February–March) is mandatory for all Class 10 students. Phase 2 (May 15 – June 1, 2026) is optional — you may appear in up to 3 subjects to improve your score. The higher score from either phase is reflected in your final marksheet. Practical marks from Phase 1 are automatically carried forward.
Q: Are NCERT solutions enough to score 90%+ in CBSE boards?
A: For 60–75%, NCERT alone is sufficient. For 90%+, you need: all NCERT exercises + NCERT Exemplar problems + 10–12 previous year papers + 5 official CBSE sample papers. Reference books like RD Sharma (Math) or Pradeep (Science) add value for extra practice but are not mandatory.
Q: What are Competency-Based Questions (CBQs) and how should I prepare?
A: CBQs test application and analysis rather than memorization. Types include:
- Case-based: A real-world passage or situation followed by MCQs or short questions
- Assertion-Reason: Decide if two statements are true and if one explains the other
- Source-based: Analyze a graph, map, table, or extract
Preparation Strategy:
1. Practice using CBSE official sample papers (50% CBQ format since 2023)
2. Download the CBSE Question Bank from cbseacademic.nic.in
3. Practice interpreting tables, graphs, and real-world data for Science and Social Science
4. Build conceptual understanding — CBQs cannot be solved by rote memorization alone
Q: When will CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 be declared?
A: CBSE Class 12 exams end on April 10, 2026. Based on the last 5 years, results are declared 4–6 weeks after the last exam. Class 12 Result 2026 is expected in May–June 2026. Check at results.cbse.nic.in or via DigiLocker/UMANG app for instant access.
Q: How does CBSE on-screen marking (OSM) for Class 12 affect students?
A: In On-Screen Marking (introduced for Class 12 in 2026), your answer sheet is scanned and evaluated digitally by examiners on a secure platform. For students, this means:
- More consistent marking — centralized quality control reduces examiner variation
- Faster results — digital evaluation is quicker than physical marking
- Transparent appeals — digital records make re-evaluation requests clearer
Class 10 continues with physical marking. Class 12 students should ensure their handwriting is clear and answers are well-structured.
Last-Minute Preparation Checklist
4–6 Weeks Before Exams
- [ ] Complete all NCERT textbook exercises (not just examples)
- [ ] Solve all CBSE official sample papers for your class
- [ ] Make a formula/definition quick-revision sheet for each subject
- [ ] Practice 20+ CBQ/case-study questions per subject
2–3 Weeks Before Exams
- [ ] Solve 10 previous year papers per subject (timed)
- [ ] Revise key diagrams: Human Eye, Digestive System, Heart, Electric Circuits, Ray Diagrams
- [ ] Review map-based questions for Geography (Class 10 & 12)
- [ ] Practice writing organic chemistry reactions with conditions (Class 12)
Final Week
- [ ] Light revision only — no new topics
- [ ] Re-read formula sheets and definition lists
- [ ] Sleep 7–8 hours each night
- [ ] Check exam center, admit card, and stationery the day before
Top Resources for CBSE 2026 Practice
Official CBSE Links
- Sample Papers 2026: cbseacademic.nic.in
- Previous Year Papers: cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/question-paper.html
- Question Bank: cbse.gov.in/Question_Bank.html
- Results: results.cbse.nic.in
Recommended Tools
- SmartPrep CBSE — AI-powered adaptive quizzes and personalized practice aligned to CBSE 2026 syllabus
- DIKSHA App — Free NCERT content and e-books by NCERT/Government
- DigiLocker / UMANG — Official documents, admit cards, marksheets
- Vedantu / Doubtnut — Live doubt resolution with subject experts
Conclusion
The questions and answers in this guide represent the most frequently tested CBSE concepts across Class 10 and 12. But knowing the answer is only half the battle — how you write it matters too. Structure your answers with clear headings, properly labeled diagrams, and step-by-step working for numericals.
For personalized, adaptive practice that tracks your weak areas and builds your confidence subject by subject, explore SmartPrep CBSE — built specifically to help CBSE students master board exam preparation in less time.
Preparing for Phase 2? Read our CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Exam 2026: Complete 25-Day Preparation Plan to turn these important questions into a structured study roadmap before May 15.
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