Download CBSE Class 10 Science PYQ with Solutions for Better Practice

pyq class 10 science papers help you practice important questions with answers, boost confidence, and prepare effectively for CBSE board exams 2025.

Preparing for the Class 10 Science board exam requires thorough practice and understanding of various concepts. One effective way to achieve this is by solving previous year questions (PYQs). Below is a compilation of 50 sample questions and their answers, covering essential topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This collection aims to provide a holistic revision tool for students.

Question: State Ohm's Law.

Answer: Ohm's Law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, provided the temperature remains constant. Mathematically, V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

Question: What is the principle of a solenoid?

Answer: A solenoid is a coil of wire designed to create a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it. The magnetic field inside a solenoid is uniform and parallel to the axis of the coil.

Question: Define the term 'refraction of light.'

Answer: Refraction of light is the bending of light rays when they pass from one medium to another with a different density, causing a change in speed.

Question: What is the function of a fuse in an electric circuit?

Answer: A fuse is a safety device that protects electrical circuits from excessive current. It contains a thin wire that melts and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

Question: Explain the term 'electric power.'

Answer: Electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or converted into another form of energy. It is calculated using the formula P = VI, where P is power, V is voltage, and I is current.

Question: What is meant by the 'magnetic effect of electric current'?

Answer: The magnetic effect of electric current, also known as electromagnetism, refers to the phenomenon where an electric current flowing through a conductor produces a magnetic field around it.

Question: Describe the working principle of an electric motor.

Answer: An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using the principle that a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field experiences a force.

Question: What is the difference between a concave and a convex lens?

Answer: A concave lens is thinner at the center and diverges light rays, while a convex lens is thicker at the center and converges light rays.

Question: Define 'dispersion of light.'

Answer: Dispersion of light is the phenomenon where white light splits into its constituent colors when passing through a prism, due to different angles of refraction for different wavelengths.

Question: What is the role of a galvanometer in a circuit?

Answer: A galvanometer is an instrument used to detect and measure small electric currents by deflecting a needle in response to the current flow.

Question: Explain the term 'electromagnetic induction.'

Answer: Electromagnetic induction is the process of generating an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a conductor due to a changing magnetic field around it.

Question: What is the significance of the right-hand thumb rule?

Answer: The right-hand thumb rule helps determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. If the thumb points in the direction of current, the curled fingers indicate the magnetic field direction.

Question: Define 'amplitude' in the context of a wave.

Answer: Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from their equilibrium position, indicating the wave's energy.

Question: What is meant by 'resonance' in physics?

Answer: Resonance occurs when a system vibrates at its natural frequency due to an external force, leading to a significant increase in amplitude.

Question: Explain the concept of 'latent heat.'

Answer: Latent heat is the amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change (e.g., solid to liquid) without changing its temperature.

Question: What is 'nuclear fission'?

Answer: Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Question: Define 'half-life' in radioactive decay.

Answer: Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay into stable forms.

Question: What is 'escape velocity'?

Answer: Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed for an object to break free from a planet's gravitational pull without further propulsion.

Question: Explain the term 'superconductivity.'

Answer: Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance below a specific temperature.

Question: What is 'redshift' in astronomy?

Answer: Redshift refers to the phenomenon where light from distant galaxies shifts toward longer wavelengths, indicating that the universe is expanding.

Chemistry

Question: Define 'mole' in chemistry.

Answer: A mole is a unit that measures the amount of substance, representing 6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23}6.022×1023 particles (Avogadro's number).

Question: What is the pH scale?

Answer: The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

Question: Explain 'electrolysis.'

Answer: Electrolysis is a chemical process that uses electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, often decomposing compounds.

Question: What is an 'alloy'?

Answer: An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal, designed to have specific properties.

Question: Define 'isotopes.'

Answer: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

Question: What is 'covalent bonding'?

Answer: Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms to achieve stability.

Question: Explain the term 'oxidation.'

Answer: Oxidation is a chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons, often associated with gaining oxygen or losing hydrogen.

Question: What is 'catalysis'?

Answer: Catalysis is the process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance called a catalyst, which is not consumed in the reaction.

Question: Define 'acid' according to the Arrhenius concept.

Answer: According to the Arrhenius concept, an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in an aqueous solution.

Question: What is 'saponification'?

Answer: Saponification is the process of making soap by reacting fats or oils with an alkali, producing glycerol and soap.

Question: Explain 'electronegativity.'

Answer: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom

Top Indian Books for PYQ Class 10 Science Preparation with Authors and Publishers

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 10 Science
Author: Panel of Experts
Publisher: Oswaal Books
This book includes chapter-wise and topic-wise previous year questions with detailed answers, including competency-based questions and case studies.

Together with Science Previous 10 Years’ Question Bank
Author: Rachna Sagar
Publisher: Rachna Sagar Pvt. Ltd.
Offers a decade’s worth of solved papers with explanations and trends analysis, helping students track frequently asked questions.

Xam Idea Science Class 10
Author: Editorial Board
Publisher: VK Global Publications
Combines NCERT theory with previous year questions, MCQs, assertion-reason, and case-based questions.

Arihant All-in-One Science CBSE Class 10
Author: Arihant Experts
Publisher: Arihant Publications
This book contains NCERT theory and a large collection of PYQs, HOTS, and practice questions along with step-by-step answers.

Educart CBSE Class 10 Science Question Bank
Author: Educart Experts
Publisher: Educart
Structured around the latest pattern with solved PYQs, self-assessment questions, and common error alerts.

MTG CBSE Champion Science Class 10
Author: MTG Editorial Board
Publisher: MTG Learning Media
Ideal for focused practice with topic-wise PYQs, model test papers, and trend analysis over multiple years.

Exam Idea Science Class 10 CBSE
Author: Panel of Subject Experts
Publisher: Full Marks Pvt. Ltd.
Offers past 5-year papers along with concept summaries and exam tips in an easy-to-follow format.

CBSE Chapterwise Solved Papers Science Class 10
Author: Arihant Experts
Publisher: Arihant Publications
Includes topic-wise solved papers from the last 10 years, great for revising key patterns and question types.

U-Like CBSE Science Question Bank Class 10
Author: M.P. Gupta
Publisher: Best Book Publishing House
Contains PYQs, value-based questions, and NCERT-based exercises with precise solutions.

Golden Guide Science Class 10
Author: N.K. Sharma
Publisher: New Age International
A popular guide offering conceptual clarity, sample papers, and previous year questions with answers.

Evergreen Self-Study Science Class 10
Author: Evergreen Editorial Team
Publisher: Evergreen Publications
Combines chapter summaries, PYQs, important definitions, and sample papers for thorough practice.

Cordova Science Made Simple Class 10
Author: Dr. N.K. Gupta
Publisher: Cordova Publications
Includes exam-focused material with previous year board questions and brief explanations.

Saraswati Science Lab Manual with PYQs
Author: Lakhmir Singh
Publisher: Saraswati House Pvt. Ltd.
Integrates PYQs with practical-based theory and activities for complete exam readiness.

Dinesh Companion Science Class 10
Author: Dinesh Editorial Board
Publisher: S. Dinesh & Co.
Covers theory in brief with previous year questions, worksheets, and NCERT back-exercise solutions.

S.Chand Science Class 10
Author: Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur
Publisher: S. Chand Publishing
Offers strong theoretical foundation and practice with questions derived from past board exams.

PYQ Class 10 Science: A Smart Strategy for Board Exam Success

For students aiming to score high in their Class 10 CBSE Science board exam, mastering Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is one of the most reliable strategies. These questions serve as a reflection of the board’s pattern and testing style, giving students insight into frequently asked concepts and real exam expectations. Unlike generic worksheets or random quizzes, PYQs offer targeted preparation.

Solving PYQs allows students to identify key areas in the syllabus that are often tested. Topics like chemical reactions, light reflection and refraction, life processes, and electricity consistently appear across multiple years. This repetition isn't just coincidence—it reflects the CBSE board's emphasis on core scientific principles. Practicing these repeatedly strengthens conceptual understanding and improves confidence.

Another key advantage of working through PYQs is developing familiarity with question formats. From assertion-reasoning to case-based and application-based questions, the variety prepares students for what they’ll actually face in the exam. Instead of getting surprised, students feel prepared and know exactly how to approach each question type. This directly boosts performance.

Moreover, PYQs help in efficient time management. When students solve papers from previous years under timed conditions, they get a realistic sense of pacing. This practice teaches them how long to spend on short answers versus long ones, helping them complete the paper within the allotted time. For many students, this alone can mean the difference between average and excellent scores.

Teachers and experts often recommend integrating PYQs into weekly revision. Solving two to three sets every week ensures continuous recall of important concepts and builds exam stamina. After solving, it's important to analyze mistakes, review solutions, and revisit weak topics.

Expert-recommended books like Oswaal, Arihant, MTG, and Educart are well-curated resources that compile PYQs with step-by-step explanations. These books are structured to help students revise chapter-wise while staying aligned with the official syllabus. They often include model answers that reflect the CBSE marking scheme, which is valuable for writing high-scoring answers.

An underrated benefit of PYQs is reducing exam anxiety. When students see similar questions repeating year after year, they realize the exam isn’t as unpredictable as they feared. Familiarity breeds confidence. By the time they sit for the actual exam, they’ve already answered dozens of similar questions.

In addition to individual preparation, group study sessions centered around PYQs can be very effective. Students can quiz each other, explain difficult questions, and share tricks to remember scientific facts or solve numericals. This collaborative learning often leads to better retention.

In a syllabus that combines Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, PYQs serve as a powerful unifying tool. Whether it's mastering circuits, chemical reactions, or human anatomy, they guide students toward the most important topics. With consistent practice and the right resources, students can approach the Class 10 Science exam not just with preparation—but with mastery.