What was the difficulty level of the Science Paper 2025?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), on 20 February 2025, conducted the Class 10 Science exam. Relief and curiosity marked the students as they emerged from the exam halls. How challenging was the paper? Did it align with their preparations? In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the structure of the exam, section-wise difficulty levels, and student and teacher reactions, and provide insights to help future aspirants. Below we have given a detailed CBSE Class 10 Science paper analysis.
Overview
| Exam Name | CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Date | February 20, 2025 |
| Time | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Total Marks | 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
Exam Structure and Weightage
The CBSE Class 10 Science paper was structured into five sections, encompassing a total of 39 questions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| B | Very Short Answer Questions | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| C | Short Answer Questions | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| D | Long Answer Questions | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| E | Case-Based Questions | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Total | 39 | 80 |
Section-Wise Analysis
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
This section included 20 questions each carrying 1 mark. The questions spread across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to examine basic concepts and quick reasoning skills.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Student Feedback: Many students found this section straightforward, with questions directly derived from NCERT textbooks.
Section B: Very Short Answer Questions
Answer 6 questions for two marks each. The answers must convey the appropriate sense but concisely, focusing on the core subject matter.
- Level of difficulty: Moderately difficult.
- Student Feedback: Very few questions were straightforward, whereas most required deeper knowledge concerning the subjects.
Section C: Short Answer Questions
There were 7 questions in this section, with each carrying 3 marks. There were application-based questions that evaluated the students’ grasp of practical aspects concerning the syllabus.
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Student Feedback: Students who had practised previous years’ papers found this section manageable.
Section D: Long Answer Questions
With 3 questions worth 5 marks each, this section tested comprehensive understanding and the ability to articulate detailed responses.
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Student Feedback: Some students found the Physics numerical in this section particularly demanding.
Section E: Case-Based Questions
Three case-based questions constituted this section, carrying 4 marks each. This would evaluate analytical skills and how concepts are applied to real-life situations.
- Level of difficulty: Moderately Difficult.
- Student Feedback: Students appreciated this section since it promoted critical thought instead of rote memorization.
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Subject-wise Analysis
Physics
- Topics Covered: Light, Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Insights: Numerical problems, especially those based on lens and mirror formulas, posed challenges for some students. However, those who had diligently practiced sample papers found them manageable.
Chemistry
- Topics Covered: Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases and Salts, Carbon Compounds
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Insights: Questions were primarily theoretical, with a focus on chemical equations and reactions. Students who had a strong grasp of NCERT content found this section relatively easier.
Biology
- Topics Covered: Life Processes, Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution
- Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Insights: Diagram-based questions, particularly on the human spinal cord, were straightforward. The emphasis on fundamental processes made this section the least challenging for many.
Student Reactions
- Positive Feedback: A significant number of students expressed satisfaction, noting that the paper was balanced and aligned well with their preparations. Antarpreet Kaur, who received Set 3 of the question paper, mentioned, “The exam was easy, and I didn’t find anything difficult. I finished it before the time.
- Challenges Faced: Some students pointed out that certain Physics numericals were tricky and required careful consideration. A few also mentioned unexpected questions in the Biology section, which tested their critical thinking skills.
- Teacher Insights: Educators and subject experts provided valuable perspectives on the examination:
- Balanced Paper: Teachers observed that the paper effectively assessed students’ understanding through a mix of direct and application-based questions. Deepika Sharma, Head of Science at Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, noted, “The Class 10 Science board exam paper effectively assessed students’ understanding through a well-balanced mix of competency-based and direct questions.
- Alignment with NCERT: The opinion of the teachers was that the paper follows the NCERT syllabus almost exactly, enabling well-prepared students to tackle the questions with confidence.
Conclusion
The question paper for the 2025 CBSE Class 10 Science Exam was designed to test a student’s understanding of concepts, their practical application, and their analytical abilities. The dazzlingly balanced paper had a clear alignment with the prescribed syllabus, which ensured that students who exerted themselves and practiced consistently would walk into the examination room with poise. Future aspirants will in all likelihood have to zoom into the core concepts, ensure regular practice, and develop a strong grip on time management in order to do well in the examinations.