Changes in Science Chapter-Wise Marking Scheme: CBSE & State Boards (2025)
Ritik Kumar
August 21, 2025
Introduction
Are you puzzled by the recent changes in the Class 10 Science chapter-wise marking scheme? You’re not alone. Whether you are following the CBSE or a major State Board like Maharashtra SSC, even a slight tweak in marks allocation can significantly shift your exam strategy.
A chapter-wise marking scheme reveals how many marks each chapter contributes to your Science exam. This is not just a list—it’s a strategic study tool that helps you:
- Identify high-yield chapters,
- Allocate your revision time wisely,
- Balance effort between difficult and easy topics, and
- Avoid wasting time on low-weight sections.
In this blog, we’ll break down the latest Class 10 Science marks distribution for CBSE and Maharashtra SSC, compare old and new changes, and explain how to adapt your preparation for maximum results.
Table of Contents
1. What Is a Chapter-Wise Marking Scheme?
A chapter-wise marking scheme outlines how much weightage each chapter carries in your Science board exam. Knowing this in advance allows you to:
- Prioritize chapters with more marks,
- Plan your revision to cover important topics first,
- Allocate time effectively between subjects, and
- Improve exam performance with targeted learning.
In short, this is your exam blueprint—ignore it at your own risk.
2. CBSE Class 10 Science Marking Scheme (2025)
Chapter-Wise Weightage (CBSE – Theory, out of 80 marks)
| Chapter | Marks |
|---|---|
| Chemical Reactions and Equations | 6 |
| Acids, Bases and Salts | 3 |
| Metals and Non-Metals | 10 |
| Carbon and its Compounds | 6 |
| Life Processes | 9 |
| Control and Coordination | 6 |
| How do Organisms Reproduce? | 3 |
| Heredity and Evolution | 7 |
| Light – Reflection and Refraction | 10 |
| The Human Eye and the Colourful World | 2 |
| Electricity | 7 |
| Magnetic Effects of Electric Current | 6 |
| Our Environment | 5 |
| Total | 80 |
Source: JagranJosh.com, ALLEN Overseas
Old vs. New CBSE Changes
While CBSE has not changed overall chapter weightage, it has removed and reduced certain topics for 2024–25 onwards:
| Chapter / Unit | Change |
|---|---|
| Periodic Classification of Elements | Removed entirely |
| Human Eye – Colourful World (Sunlight topic) | Scope reduced |
| Magnetic Effects (Fleming’s rules & induction) | Reduced content |
| Other chapters | Mostly stable weightage |
Key Takeaways:
- Metals & Non-Metals (10 marks) and Light (10 marks) remain top priority.
- Removed topics like Periodic Table will no longer appear—skip them.
- Life Processes, Electricity, and Heredity still carry strong weightage.
3. Maharashtra SSC Class 10 Science Marking Scheme (2025)
Part 1 – Physics & Chemistry (40 marks)
| Chapter | Without Options | With Options |
|---|---|---|
| Gravitation | 3 | 5 |
| Periodic Classification | 4 | 6 |
| Chemical Reactions with Equations | 4 | 6 |
| Effects of Electric Current | 5 | 7 |
| Heat | 3 | 5 |
| Refraction of Light | 5 | 7 |
| Lenses | 4 | 6 |
| Metallurgy | 4 | 6 |
| Carbon Compounds | 5 | 7 |
| Space Mission | 3 | 5 |
Part 2 – Biology (60 marks)
| Chapter | Without Options | With Options |
|---|---|---|
| Heredity & Evolution | 3 | 5 |
| Life Processes (Part 1) | 4 | 6 |
| Life Processes (Part 2) | 5 | 7 |
| Environmental Management | 5 | 7 |
| Towards Green Energy | 4 | 6 |
| Animal Classification | 4 | 6 |
| Introduction to Microbiology | 4 | 6 |
| Cell Biology & Biotechnology | 4 | 6 |
| Social Health | 4 | 6 |
| Disaster Management | 3 | 5 |
Source: CollegeDekho
4. How the Marking Scheme Impacts Your Preparation For CBSE Students:
- Focus more on Metals & Non-Metals, Light, Life Processes, and Electricity.
- Keep practicing diagrams and numerical problems from these high-weight topics.
For Maharashtra SSC Students:
- Prioritize Effects of Electric Current, Refraction of Light, Carbon Compounds, and Environmental Management.
- Remember, Biology (Part 2) carries more weight than Physics/Chemistry—balance your study hours accordingly.
Tip: Even if a chapter has lower weightage, don’t skip it completely—it could still make the difference between an 88 and a 95.
5. Expert Tips for Scoring High
- Map your revision time to marks weightage—if a chapter is worth 10 marks, spend ~10% of your revision time on it.
- Use CBSE & Maharashtra SSC sample papers to understand question patterns.
- Revise with diagrams—they fetch quick marks in both boards.
- Peer-teach difficult topics like Light or Genetics—it boosts memory retention.
For Maharashtra SSC, always practice both “with options” and “without options” question types.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring low-weight chapters completely.
- Spending equal time on all chapters without considering weightage.
- Relying on rote learning instead of concept clarity.
- Avoiding sample paper practice until the last moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a chapter-wise marking scheme?
It’s the official marks allocation for each chapter in the syllabus, helping you identify which topics carry more weight in the board exam. - Why is it important for exam preparation?
It guides your revision plan, ensuring you spend more time on high-mark chapters and avoid wasting time on less important ones. - What are the latest changes in CBSE Class 10 Science for 2025?
Weightage is largely the same, but Periodic Classification of Elements is removed, and some subtopics in “Human Eye” and “Magnetic Effects” are reduced. - How are State Board marking schemes different from CBSE?
Boards like Maharashtra SSC split Science into two parts (Physics-Chemistry & Biology) with separate weightage, while others follow a combined pattern. - Should I skip chapters with low marks?
No. Low-mark chapters can be quick to revise and often have direct, scoring questions. - How do I use the marking scheme in my study plan?
List chapters from highest to lowest marks and allocate time proportionally, but revise all chapters at least once. - Does this scheme affect practical exams too?
Yes. Practical questions often come from high-weight theory chapters like Electricity, Light, and Life Processes. - Where can I find the official marking scheme?
Visit your board’s official website—e.g., CBSE’s is cbseacademic.nic.in. - What mistakes do students make when using the marking scheme?
Over-focusing on favourite chapters, ignoring low-weight topics, and using outdated schemes are common errors. - How can Career Plan B help?
We create customized study plans based on the latest marking schemes, offer aptitude-based chapter prioritization, and provide mock tests aligned with board patterns.
How Career Plan B Can Help You Succeed
At Career Plan B, we go beyond generic advice. Our experts work one-on-one with you to:
Understand Your Goals, Interests & Strengths through our advanced PsycheIntel Test.
Create a Personalised Career Roadmap aligned with your aspirations.
Design a Chapter-Wise Study Plan that matches the latest CBSE & State Board marking schemes.
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Conclusion
Understanding the Class 10 Science chapter-wise marking scheme is the smartest first step in your exam prep. CBSE students should double down on Metals, Light, Life Processes, and Electricity, while Maharashtra SSC students must focus on Electric Current, Refraction, Life Processes, and Environmental Management.
With a clear plan, targeted revision, and expert guidance from Career Plan B, you can study smarter, not harder and aim for top scores in your board exams.
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