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CBSE Class 10 Math Board Exam 2026: Whether it's an average student sitting in a classroom or a confident student from a top school, the fear of Math is not limited to any one type of student. This fear transcends cities, schools, and levels of ability. The only difference is that some express it, while others keep it suppressed inside. The reason is clear – Math is not just a subject of memorization. It tests patience, logical thinking, and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure. Whether you stop at a single mistake or compose yourself and move forward, Math is what determines it.

This is why the Class 10 Math score is not just limited to board exam marks. It lays the foundation for stream selection, confidence in competitive exams, and logic-based careers in fields like finance, data, and coding.

According to a Times of India report, the CBSE Class 10 Math board exam is scheduled for February 17, 2026.  The question, therefore, is not "how much to study," but "how and what to study." To understand this, we spoke to experienced Math teachers from various schools, and their advice is presented in this article.

Which topics should be given the most focus?
Often, students give equal time to the entire syllabus, and this is the biggest mistake. Marks are not deducted because the syllabus is incomplete, but because high-weightage and concept-heavy chapters were not given the necessary focus. Ms. Alka Sharma, a mathematics faculty member at Bal Bhavan Public School, Delhi, suggests that as exams approach, special attention should be given to these chapters:
– Polynomials
– Pair of Linear Equations
– Quadratic Equations
– Arithmetic Progressions (AP)
– Triangles
– Trigonometry
– Surface Area and Volume
– Statistics

According to her, “These topics not only carry significant weightage but also have interconnected concepts.  It's not just about solving problems, but about connecting ideas and applying them in new ways.”

She also says that the CBSE pattern has changed. “Regular practice of case-based and application-oriented questions is crucial, as the questions now require critical thinking rather than simply asking for formulas.”

Why is timed practice important?
Many students practice for hours every day, but panic in the examination hall. The reason is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of practice in thinking under time pressure. Mathematics is one of the few subjects where speed, accuracy, and composure are all required simultaneously.
Huda Farhan Ansari, a mathematics faculty member at Shrimati NRP Sheth Multipurpose High School in Manav Mandir, Mumbai, says, “Daily time-bound practice and mock tests are the biggest game-changers in mathematics. This not only increases speed but also builds exam stamina.”

According to her, today's preparation is not just about revision, but about getting the right feedback. “Use AI-based tools or online quizzes to check solutions instantly and identify your weaknesses. This helps in quickly breaking the pattern of mistakes.”
But she also reminds us of a simple truth: “Math rewards practice. The more you practice, the stronger your understanding.”

How to turn your mistakes into your strengths?
Seema Chawla, a teacher at Ryan International School, Mayur Vihar, suggests a very effective method: the 'Error Notebook'. She says, “Create a personal error notebook where you write down every mistake you make and the correct way to solve it. Revising this before the exam will prevent you from repeating the same mistakes.”
In fact, this notebook becomes your most honest teacher. It tells you what you don't know, not just what you find easy. This makes revision targeted, improves step-by-step presentation, and increases accuracy.

Transform confusion into clarity in the final month
In the last month before the board exams, most students have completed their syllabus, but their minds are cluttered and disorganized. At this time, one thing proves most useful, and that is a clear and organized formula/solution notebook.

Ms. Alka Sharma advises, “Create a formula diary where you write down the main formulas, important derivations, and difficult questions. Revise it for just 15 minutes every day in the last month.” According to her, regular short revisions are far more effective than last-minute cramming. When revision is systematic, the fear of mathematics automatically decreases.

Common mistakes to avoid in the Math board exam:
1. Carelessness in diagrams – In geometry and graph-based questions, a clear, correctly labeled diagram with the right scale is crucial. A hastily drawn diagram can lead to lost marks even if the concept is correct.

2. Skipping steps – In lengthy problems, not only the final answer but also the steps earn marks. A step-by-step solution can fetch partial marks, even if the final answer is incorrect.
3. Minor calculation errors – Forgetting units, incorrect substitution, or hurried addition and subtraction – these small mistakes cause the most damage.
4. Memorizing formulas without understanding – Formulas memorized without understanding can be misleading in application and case-based questions. Understanding the derivation and logic is essential.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.