Summary
The Class 10 board exam 2026 can be successfully managed by using personalised study tips/methods. The best study tips for class 10 are using NCERT, a realistic and personalised time table, practising retrieval methods, maintaining mind maps, focusing on subject-wise methods, and group study. All these study tips boost retention, confidence, and speed.
You can also score 90%+ by using specific study tips such as book back questions practice, swap-subject technique, revision, and avoiding doubts.
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Introduction
The right study approach with smart learning tips for the Class 10 board exam 2026 makes the preparation journey smooth and organised. Using the right study tips for class 10 students can help you in staying organised, reducing exam fear, and scoring better with less pressure.
Every student has their own strengths and weaknesses, so by considering this, the blog will provide personalised and practical study tips that are realistic for everyday study. The study tips suggested in this blog will boost your confidence and help you in studying for board examinations, regardless of whether you’re looking for study tips for class 10 CBSE students or general advice.
Why Smart Preparation Matters in Class 10?
Entering class 10 creates a challenging pressure of board exams. Board examinations demand consistent practice, disciplined preparation, and a deep understanding of the concepts. Following study tips for class 10 students is not just related to working harder but also to working smarter.
Many students live with the misconception that studying for long hours is equal to success. In real, systematic planning, continuous revision, and following the best study tips for class 10 ensure maximum output in a limited time. You will find personalised study tips for the 2026 class 10 exam session in the following section-
Study Tips for Class 10 Board Exam 2026
Building a Realistic and Personalised Study Schedule
One of the most common yet effective study tips for students of class 10 is the preparation of a personalised timetable that aligns with your natural study approach. You can take reference from standardised timetables, but you should make your own timetable. For example, if you study better early in the morning, set your toughest subjects then; if you are good at studying at night, then plan accordingly.
A sample plan for your reference is attached below:
| Time Slot | Activity | Notes |
| 6:00 am – 7:30 am | Science subject concept revision | Morning study session for Science |
| 7:30 am – 8:00 am | Quick Maths practice | For brain sharpening |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Social Science diagrams/maps | Light but important |
| 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Maths problem solving | Requires deep focus |
| 9:30 pm – 10:15 pm | Language subjects, Optional subjects, Grammar/Reading practice | Easy subject before the end of the day |
The above study plan provides you flexibility with enough breaks by covering the most important subjects, where you can also personalise this plan as per your study approach.
Group study for CBSE class 10 exams
Group study fosters a collaborative environment for the students, where they exchange ideas by learning new perspectives and clarifying doubts with each other for deep understanding and better retention.
Studying with friends in a group makes the learning process easier because listening and speaking help in providing quality learning. Group study helps in understanding the concepts faster. This study tip will also make boring subjects more engaging during group study sessions by enabling students to extend their study schedule longer.
Benefits:
- Clearing doubts faster.
- Explaining concepts in simple language.
- Helps in recalling better when revising later.
Using Subject-Wise Unique study tips for important subjects
| Mathematics | 10th class students mostly struggle with mathematics, where using a personalised approach is more effective. You should focus on-Always maintain a Mistake Register for recording every mistake or wrong step made by you in solving a maths problem. You must focus on identifying the topics you find difficult (for example, statistics or trigonometry) and focus on practising them, instead of solving similar sums. You should develop a study cycle. For example, 30 minutes for practising new material, which is followed by 10 minutes to review what you have learnt. This personalised and focused style is one of the best study tips for class 10 preparation by improving accuracy faster. |
| Science | For Physics: Science formulas should be mentioned in a separate notebook, and you should revise them daily.For Biology: Practice regularly for diagrams, because questions related to diagrams are generally high scoring.For Chemistry: Developing story connections by memorising connections. For example: “CaO + H₂O → Ca (OH)₂” as “Quicklime drinks water to relax into slaked lime.”These specific targeted study tips for class 10 students help in retaining concepts for longer. |
| Social Science | This subject is considered lengthy to learn, but the implementation of tricks makes the subject preparation manageable:Converting long answers into flowcharts.Using mnemonic tools for dates/events. For example: 1947- Independence of India, 1950- Republic Day of India, 1962- India-China War.Always practising maps because they provide marks easily.Using the above-discussed method makes this subject preparation easier to score well in board exams. |
| Languages (English/Hindi/Regional subjects) | Practising unseen passages daily for improving speed.Focusing on learning one grammar rule per day, instead of learning them all in a day.Practising essays/letter writing within word limits for training your brain as per real exam conditions.Most of the students take the language-related subjects lightly, but you should know that a good score in these subjects will boost your overall percentage. |
Retrieval Practice
Retrieval practice is a method that helps students strengthen their memory by actively recalling information from their brain, instead of reading it from a source.
One of the most effective study tips for class 10 students for the 2025-26 CBSE board exams is using the Retrieval Practice method. Instead of simply re-reading notes, you should train yourself to actively recall information without looking at the book.
The approach for using these study tips is as follows-
- You can practise by closing your textbook and writing down everything you remember from a topic.
- You should think from the perspective of a teacher by creating questions you think can appear in a test/exam. For example, if you are studying in a group, then you can encourage others to do the same.
- You can teach a concept to your friend, or you can also explain it to yourself.
Using NCERT books as the main reference for exams
Patterns from previous years identified that for scoring well in the CBSE Class 10 board exams, you should focus on studying the NCERT textbooks. Most of the students nowadays rely on studying from various reference books, which can be confusing. It is suggested that you should study from the NCERT because it is more than enough if you study it smartly.
Throughout the years, most of the questions (directly or indirectly) come from the NCERT, so mastering it should be your priority. The following are the reasons why NCERT should be your best exam coach:
- NCERT clearly covers the entire CBSE syllabus.
- Most of the board exam questions are framed from the NCERT.
- NCERT builds strong concept clarity for future studies.
- NCERT saves time for last-minute preparation by avoiding unnecessary confusion.
Learning from Online Platforms, but wisely
In recent times, online learning platforms have emerged as a game-changer for Class 10 CBSE students, if used wisely. The short and topic-specific videos help in learning ideas quickly, but you should also check with NCERT to make sure you’re still on track with the exam curriculum. You can learn from online resources by following-
- Choosing trusted platforms such as BYJU’S, Vedantu, Unacademy, Toppr, and Khan Academy that match the CBSE exam curriculum.
- Using online resources for doubts and revisions, do not always rely on endless browsing.
- Always setting a time limit for avoiding distraction.
- Always connecting the learning process with NCERT and class notes.
Self-Testing Weekly for Conceptual clarity
You should focus on testing yourself every Sunday by considering the following-
- The focus is on choosing one subject (as per your choice) and attempting a 1-hour mock.
- After completing each mock test, you should analyse test results for 30 minutes on the areas in which you mostly lose your marks, such as repetitive mistakes, time management issues and conceptual errors. After this, you should update your progress chart every week for tracking improvements.
The implementation of self-audits for building confidence, among all study tips for class 10 students, this study tip ensures continuous improvement.
Micro-Goals Instead of Long Marathon Sessions
The primary motivation behind using micro-goals is burnout prevention. Long-term targets encourage feelings of laziness, but smaller targets provide you quick wins by keeping high-level motivation.
The following is an example of making short goals for 3 days. You can also make changes in them as per your study method-
- Day 1: Finishing the light chapter by writing 10 self-made questions.
- Day 2: Revising formulas by solving 5 numericals.
- Day 3: Attempting one sample test from that chapter.
These study tips are effective and powerful study tip for class 10 CBSE students by keeping their motivational level high.
Specific study tips to score 90 %+ marks in CBSE class 10 2025-26
Focusing on the Book’s back questions: Questions mentioned in the back of a book combine questions, exercises, and quizzes at the end of each chapter or textbook, which are designed to help students understand the material covered in the book. Revising these questions is considered as the best study tip to score 90%+ marks in the CBSE class 10 board exam.
Swap-Subject Technique: During last-minute preparation, if you feel exhausted or bored, don’t waste your time; instead, you can switch to lighter subjects (For example, Hindi/English). This study tip will help you to score maximum marks in the other subjects if you find any specific subject difficult for you to study.
Beginning revision at least 2-3 months before the boards: Most of the toppers’ success emphasises revision. You can revise the learned topic frequently, where mind maps are one of the most effective study methods for revising the already learned material. The early revision provides you equal time for revisiting each subject because repeated exposures increase accuracy in answering board-style questions.
Avoiding doubts: If you want to achieve a 90%+ score in the exam, there should be no place for any type of doubt in your mind. You can discuss your doubts with your friends and teachers. You can also participate in the extra classes provided by the related subject teacher, because your doubts will be clarified if you clear your uncertainties.
Quick Checklist Before Exams:
The final checklist for every class 10 student before exams should meet the following-
- Full revision of the NCERT syllabus and coursework
- Notes completed or not?
- At least 10 previous year papers were solved or not?
- At least 7 hours of daily sleep
- Exam-related stationery, ready or not?
These small, quick checks before examination boost confidence on exam day.
Exam Hall Strategies
Apart from following above mentioned study tips, you should focus on implementing the following tips for board exam class 10 in mind-
- Reading the entire paper first and then deciding the sequence of attempting.
- Always start your paper by starting with the questions you are confident about.
- Manage time: Don’t spend more time than required on one tough question. For example, 10 minutes for a 4-mark question in a 3-hour exam.
- You should focus on reserving the last 15 minutes of each exam for re-checking your answers.
Final Personalised Advice for Class 10 Board Students 2025- 26
The preparation for Class 10 board exam 2026 is a long journey, so you have to maintain a balance during this time. I realised that success does not come from studying for long hours, but it can be achieved by studying smartly. On some days, you will feel low and demotivated, so you don’t have to push yourself to memorise everything. Instead, you should focus on light revision, practice maps and diagrams.
As a student, you should seriously follow these study tips for class 10 CBSE students, not only in the last month of preparation, but throughout your study journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effectively following the study tips for class 10 in a smart, organised, and personalised manner helps in transforming your preparation journey for the 2025-26 board exams. The best study tips for class 10 are using a realistic timetable, using the NCERT books, and practising retrieval methods, clearing doubt, starting revisions before 2-3 months, and implementing subject-specific strategies.
Apart from this, you can also use additional study tips such as self-testing, exam hall strategies, and setting micro-goals for achieving both confidence and efficiency. Success comes with studying smartly, where students can manage stress, strengthen concepts, and maximise their marks by using the right approach for the board exams with clarity, confidence, and a winning mindset.
FAQs:
What are the best study tips for CBSE Class 10 board exams 2025-26?
The best study tips for CBSE Class 10 board exams 2025-26 are relying on NCERT books, clearing doubts, revision before 2-3 months, practising retrieval methods, and implementing subject-specific strategies, self-testing weekly for conceptual clarity, group studies, and a personalised study schedule.
How can I develop a personalised timetable for Class 10 boards that aligns with my study plan?
You can start by identifying the most productive hours of your day by assigning tough subjects when concentration is high and easier ones during low-energy periods. You can also add revision slots and breaks for a realistic and balanced schedule.
Can group studies be really helpful for clearing doubts quickly?
Yes, group study creates a culture where you can clarify your doubts, exchange ideas, and learn from multiple perspectives. Studying or discussing in a group boosts retention and makes boring subjects even more engaging.
How should I maintain a good score in Maths effectively?
You can record every wrong step, repeated error, and tricky problem done by you during Maths practice. Regular revision of these mistakes helps in avoiding repetitive errors, which gradually improves accuracy and helps in scoring higher in board exams.
What is the best way to practice Science diagrams efficiently?
You can draw and label the main diagrams from memory. You can also use a colour coding scheme or short mnemonics. Regular practice provides clarity, improves speed, and helps you score good marks in board exams.
How can I effectively revise the NCERT without wasting time on reference books?
You can clearly understand the concepts, revise examples, and solve all the exercises by studying the NCERT for repeated exposure and practice. Relying on the NCERT books ensures a higher level of accuracy as CBSE board questions are directly framed from it.
How many months before the boards should I start revision for Class 10?
You can prepare for your revision at least 2-3 months before because early revision ensures multiple exposures to topics by allowing time for weak areas, and reduces last-minute exam stress effectively.
How does avoiding doubts support my goal to achieve a 90%+ score in the CBSE class 10 board exam?
By avoiding doubts, you can ensure conceptual clarity by preventing repetitive mistakes and boosting confidence and faster problem-solving. Don’t leave your doubts unresolved, you can consult them with your friends, teachers and online e-learning platforms.
Are online platforms useful for Class 10 boards exams 2025-26?
Yes, but you have to use them wisely. Short and topic-specific subjects help in clarifying concepts, but you have to cross-check them with the NCERT syllabus.
How can I effectively self-test every week for the CBSE Class 10 exam preparation?
You can choose any subject according to your study plan and attempt a 1-hour mock test. Based on the test results, you can analyse mistakes, track progress, and revise weak areas. These tests can be organised weekly to build confidence, speed improvement, and highlight concepts that require attention.
What are some effective exam hall strategies for Class 10 boards exams 2025-26?
Primary focus is on reading the paper briefly, then starting with confident questions by managing the time according to the mark. It is recommended to reserve the last 15 minutes for review.