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Class 10 science Common Mistakes to Avoid in CBSE Board Exam 2026

By Karan Singh Bisht

|

Updated on 19 Feb 2026, 13:43 IST

Scoring well in the Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 is not only about how much you study, it’s about how effectively you write your answers in the final 3 hours. Every year, thousands of students prepare seriously. Yet many lose 10–20 marks due to avoidable errors like:

  • Not writing formulas in Physics
  • Forgetting to balance equations in Chemistry
  • Missing diagrams in Biology
  • Poor time management

This guide explains, in detail:

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  • Why students lose marks
  • Subject-wise common mistakes
  • Real examples of wrong vs correct answers
  • Smart exam-day strategies
  • How to properly use the Class 10 Science Answer Key

If you apply these corrections early, your score can improve significantly.

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Why Do Students Lose Marks in Class 10 Science?

CBSE Board exams 2026 follow a stepwise marking scheme.

Examiners award marks for:

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  • Correct formula
  • Logical explanation
  • Proper terminology
  • Neat diagrams
  • Final answer with unit

Even if your concept is correct, skipping a step reduces marks. That’s why understanding mistakes is as important as studying chapters.

Mistake 1: Writing What You Know - Not What Is Asked

Many students write everything they remember about a topic instead of answering the exact question.

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Example:

Question: Define power.

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Wrong Answer: Power is related to work and energy and is used in electricity and many other areas…

Correct Answer: Power is the rate of doing work. CBSE Board exams reward precision, not length.

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Always:

  • Read question twice
  • Identify command word (define, explain, calculate, derive)
  • Write exactly what is required

Physics Mistakes in Class 10 Board Exam

Physics is one of the most scoring sections — if written properly.

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1. Not Writing Formula in Numericals

Examiners give marks for:

  • Formula (1 mark)
  • Substitution (1 mark)
  • Calculation (1 mark)
  • Final answer with unit (1 mark)

Wrong approach: Directly writing final answer.

Correct format:

Given:

Formula:

Substitution:

Calculation:

Final answer (with unit)

This alone can increase your Physics score by 5–8 marks.

2. Ignoring Units

If you write:

R = 10

Instead of:

R = 10 Ω

You may lose marks. Units are compulsory.

3. Poor Ray Diagrams

Common issues:

  • No arrow marks
  • No labels
  • Incorrect reflection rules

Practice drawing diagrams from:

  • Light – Reflection and Refraction
  • Human Eye
  • Electricity circuits

Neat diagrams often fetch easy marks.

Chemistry Mistakes That Cost Marks

Chemistry mistakes are usually careless but expensive.

1. Not Balancing Chemical Equations

Question: Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid.

Wrong: Zn + HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂

Correct: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂

Balancing is compulsory.

2. Forgetting State Symbols

Correct format: Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)

State symbols carry marks.

Biology Mistakes That Reduce Long-Answer Marks

Biology answers need structure and keywords.

1. Writing Paragraph Instead of Points

5-mark answer should ideally include:

  • 4-5 points
  • Keywords underlined
  • Diagram (if applicable)

2. Spelling Errors in Scientific Terms

Example:

Respiration ≠ Respiratione

Transpiration ≠ Transperation

Spelling errors in key terms may reduce marks.

3. Skipping Diagrams

In chapters like:

  • Life Processes
  • Human Eye
  • Reproduction

Diagram gives clarity and extra marks. Even a simple labelled diagram improves scoring chances.

Time Management Mistakes in Board Exam

Many students lose marks not because they don’t know answers — but because they run out of time.

Common mistakes:

  • Spending 25 minutes on 1 numerical
  • Leaving 5-mark questions for last
  • No time for revision

Smart 3-Hour Strategy:

First 15 minutes: Read full paper carefully.

Next 1 hour: Complete short and medium questions.

Next 1 hour: Attempt long answers.

Last 20 minutes: Revision:

  • Check units
  • Rebalance equations
  • Verify diagram labels

Last 30 Days Preparation Mistakes

Students often:

  • Solve many papers but don’t analyse mistakes
  • Ignore weak chapters
  • Revise only favourite topics
  • Avoid previous year questions

How to Use Class 10 Science Answer Key Properly

Many students misuse answer keys.

Wrong way: Just matching final answer.

Right way: After solving a sample paper:

  • Compare stepwise solution
  • Check if formula written
  • Check keywords used
  • Check diagram labels
  • See how marks are distributed

Answer keys help you:

  • Understand examiner expectations
  • Improve structure
  • Avoid repeating mistakes

Use official or reliable Class 10 Science Answer Key for accurate comparison.

High-Risk Chapters for 2026 (Focus Areas)

Based on recurring patterns, students should give special attention to:

  • Electricity
  • Light – Reflection & Refraction

Chemistry:

  • Chemical Reactions
  • Carbon and Its Compounds

Biology:

  • Life Processes
  • Heredity and Evolution

Mastering these chapters reduces error rate significantly.

Final Advice

The Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 is not about studying everything perfectly.

It is about:

  • Avoiding common mistakes
  • Writing structured answers
  • Following NCERT language
  • Managing time wisely
  • Using the Class 10 Science Answer Key strategically

Small improvements in presentation and accuracy can easily push your score from 80 to 90+.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most common mistakes students make in the Class 10 Science CBSE Board Exam?

The most common mistakes include:

  • Not reading the question carefully
  • Skipping steps in numericals
  • Forgetting units in Physics
  • Not balancing chemical equations in Chemistry
  • Writing incomplete answers in Biology

Many students know the concept but lose marks due to presentation errors or carelessness. Always follow the correct format, write stepwise answers, and underline important keywords to avoid losing easy marks.

How can I avoid losing marks in Physics numericals in CBSE Class 10 Science?

To avoid losing marks in numericals:

  • Always write the formula first
  • Substitute values clearly
  • Show complete calculation steps
  • Mention the final answer with correct unit

Even if your final answer is slightly wrong, stepwise marking helps you secure partial marks. Practicing numericals daily and revising formulas regularly can significantly improve your Physics score.

Why is NCERT language important in the CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026?

CBSE board exams are largely based on NCERT textbooks. Examiners check answers according to the terminology and explanations given in NCERT. Using guidebook language or writing overly complicated answers may reduce clarity. It is safer to:

  • Learn definitions directly from NCERT
  • Use textbook keywords
  • Practice diagrams exactly as shown

Sticking to NCERT improves accuracy and scoring potential.

How should I use the Class 10 Science Answer Key after solving sample papers?

The correct way to use the Class 10 Science Answer Key is:

  • Compare stepwise solutions, not just final answers
  • Check if formulas are written
  • Verify units and chemical equation balance
  • See if important keywords are missing
  • Identify where marks may be deducted

Answer keys help you understand examiner expectations and improve answer presentation before the final exam.

What is the best strategy to avoid mistakes during the CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026?

A smart exam strategy includes:

  • Reading the full question paper carefully
  • Attempting easier questions first
  • Writing answers in structured points
  • Drawing neat, labelled diagrams
  • Keeping last 15–20 minutes for revision

During revision, recheck units, balanced equations, and diagram labels. Good time management and neat presentation can help you avoid careless mistakes and score higher.