The 10th-grade exam is a crucial milestone that tests your understanding of fundamental concepts in Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The question paper typically includes:

• Objective Type Questions (MCQs)

• Short Answer Questions

• Long Answer Questions

• Case-Based Questions

• Practical/Internal Assessment (for subjects like Science)

Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus

Here is a breakdown for each core subject.

1. Mathematics

The goal is to develop problem-solving skills and understanding of numerical concepts.

Key Units/Topics:

• Real Numbers:

  • Euclid's Division Lemma, Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

  • Proofs of irrationality (e.g., √2, √3)

  • Revisiting Rational Numbers and their decimal expansions.

• Algebra:

  • Polynomials: Relationship between zeroes and coefficients of a polynomial.

  • Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables: Graphical and algebraic methods (substitution, elimination, cross-multiplication).

  • Quadratic Equations: Solution by factorization and using the quadratic formula.

  • Arithmetic Progressions (AP): nth term, sum of first n terms.

• Coordinate Geometry:

  • Distance formula, Section formula, Area of a triangle.

• Trigonometry:

  • Introduction to Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, reciprocal relationships, trigonometric identities.

  • Applications of Trigonometry: Heights and distances (simple problems).

• Mensuration:

  • Areas Related to Circles: Area of sectors and segments of a circle.

  • Surface Areas and Volumes: Surface area and volume of combinations of solids (cone, cylinder, sphere, hemisphere).

• Statistics & Probability:

  • Statistics: Mean, median, mode of grouped data. Cumulative frequency graph (ogive).

  • Probability: Classical definition, simple problems on single events.

2. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

The syllabus is divided into three sections, focusing on conceptual understanding and practical application.

Physics:

• Light - Reflection and Refraction:

  • Reflection by spherical mirrors (Mirror formula, magnification).

  • Refraction through lenses (Lens formula, power of a lens).

• The Human Eye and the Colourful World:

  • Functioning of the human eye, defects of vision and their correction.

  • Dispersion of light, scattering of light (e.g., why the sky is blue).

• Electricity:

  • Ohm's Law, Series and parallel combinations of resistors.

  • Heating effect of electric current (Joule's Law), Electric Power.

• Magnetic Effects of Electric Current:

  • Magnetic field due to a current-carrying conductor, Fleming's Left-Hand Rule.

  • Electric Motor, Electromagnetic Induction, Electric Generator.

• Sources of Energy: Renewable vs. non-renewable sources (Solar, Wind, Biomass, etc.).

Chemistry:

• Chemical Reactions and Equations:

  • Types of chemical reactions (Combination, Decomposition, Displacement, Double Displacement), Oxidation-Reduction.

• Acids, Bases and Salts:

  • Their properties, pH scale, importance of pH in everyday life.

  • Preparation and uses of important salts (e.g., Bleaching powder, Baking soda, Washing soda).

• Metals and Non-Metals:

  • Properties, Reactivity Series, Formation and properties of ionic compounds.

  • Corrosion and its prevention.

• Carbon and its Compounds:

  • Covalent bonding, Versatile nature of carbon (Homologous series, Nomenclature).

  • Chemical properties of carbon compounds (Combustion, Oxidation, Addition reaction).

  • Soaps and Detergents.

• Periodic Classification of Elements:

  • Modern Periodic Table, trends in periodic properties (Valency, Atomic size, Metallic character).

Biology:

• Life Processes:

  • "What are Life Processes?" - Nutrition, Respiration, Transportation, Excretion in plants and animals (including human digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory systems).

• Control and Coordination:

  • Nervous system in animals; Human brain, reflex actions.

  • Coordination in plants (plant hormones).

• How do Organisms Reproduce?

  • Modes of reproduction (Asexual and Sexual).

  • Sexual reproduction in flowering plants and humans (Male and Female reproductive systems, Menstrual cycle).

  • Reproductive health (Birth control, STDs).

• Heredity and Evolution:

  • Heredity; Mendel's experiments.

  • Sex determination, Evolution, Speciation.

• Our Environment:

  • Ecosystems, Food chains and webs, Environmental problems (Ozone depletion, waste management).

3. Social Science (History, Geography, Civics, Economics)

This subject aims to develop a holistic understanding of society, governance, and the environment.

History (India and the Contemporary World - II):

• The Rise of Nationalism in Europe: Unification of Italy and Germany.

• Nationalism in India:

  • The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation Movement.

  • Differing strands within the movement (e.g., Swarajists, Revolutionaries).

  • Civil Disobedience Movement.

  • Culture and Nationalism (e.g., role of folklore, icons, and symbols).

• The Making of a Global World: The pre-modern world, the 19th-century world, the inter-war economy, rebuilding the post-war world.

• The Age of Industrialisation: Before and during the Industrial Revolution.

• Print Culture and the Modern World: The history of print, its impact on culture and society.

Geography (Contemporary India - II):

• Resources and Development: Types of resources, soil erosion and conservation.

• Water Resources: Multi-purpose river projects, rainwater harvesting.

• Agriculture: Types of farming, major crops, cropping patterns, technological and institutional reforms.

• Minerals and Energy Resources: Distribution of minerals (ferrous and non-ferrous), conventional and non-conventional energy sources.

• Manufacturing Industries: Importance, location, types (e.g., cotton, jute, iron & steel, IT).

• Lifelines of National Economy: Transport (road, rail, waterways, airways), communication, international trade.

Civics (Democratic Politics - II):

• Power Sharing & Federalism: Concepts with references to Belgium, Sri Lanka, India.

• Democracy and Diversity: Caste, religion, and gender in politics.

• Gender, Religion and Caste: Forms and expressions of these divisions in politics.

• Popular Struggles and Movements (e.g., Nepal and Bolivia).

• Political Parties: Functions, necessities, and challenges.

• Outcomes of Democracy:

• Challenges to Democracy: Foundational and expansion challenges.

Economics (Understanding Economic Development):

• Development: Different goals of development, National Income, Per Capita Income.

• Sectors of the Indian Economy: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary sectors; Employment, GDP.

• Money and Credit: Role of money, formal and informal sources of credit.

• Globalisation and the Indian Economy: Production across countries, WTO, impact of globalisation.

• Consumer Rights: Why and how to be a conscious consumer; Consumer forums.

4. English Language & Literature

The exam is typically divided into two parts:

Section A: Language (Reading & Writing Skills)

• Reading Comprehension: Unseen passages (factual, discursive, literary) followed by questions.

• Writing Skills:

  • Formal Letter Writing (e.g., letter to the editor, job application, complaint letter).

  • Article/Paragraph Writing on contemporary issues.

  • Story Writing based on visual/verbal cues.

• Grammar:

  • Tenses, Modals, Subject-Verb Agreement

  • Reported Speech, Commands & Requests

  • Clauses, Prepositions, Gap Filling, Editing & Omission

Section B: Literature (Textbooks)

• Prose: Lessons from the prescribed textbook (themes, characters, plot).

• Poetry: Poems from the prescribed textbook (understanding themes, literary devices, interpretation).

• Drama: One play (plot, characters, themes).

• Supplementary Reader: A storybook with questions on plot and character.