How to Prepare for Class 10 Science 2023 PDF Download

Many students find Science to be a daunting subject, especially when it comes to important exams like CBSE Class 10. However, with the right guidance, you can master the subject and excel in your exams. This comprehensive guide, created by EduRev experts, will provide you with a step-by-step plan for acing the Class 10 Science exam. By following these tips and strategies, you'll be well-equipped to tackle each question with confidence and accuracy. From essential formulas to revision techniques, this guide covers everything you need to know to succeed in your Science exam. So don't worry, and prepare to conquer your Science exam with this ultimate guide!

Step By Step Preparation Tips for Class 10 Science 2023

Step 0: Pre-Preparation Checks for Class 10

1. Avoid distractions: The first advice usually given by toppers is that you have to avoid distractions like social media. The use of social media is to be kept to a minimum.

2. Plan your day: Consistency is very important. Always set a goal for the day and try to achieve that goal.
“Set your goals for the day and complete those goals no matter how much time it takes” - Surbhi Mittal (CBSE Topper)

3. Take appropriate breaks: Taking breaks after regular intervals is necessary to lower stress as well as to maintain good health. Taking appropriate breaks is also helpful in retaining the information as told by Harshit Garg(CBSE Topper). According to him, one of his friends would study continuously for 3-4 hours and would forget most of it at the end.

4. Healthy sleep pattern: Having a healthy sleep pattern is not only crucial for your health but also for your preparation. Sleeping less can adversely affect your health which in turn will put your preparation on the back track.

Also read:

Class 10 Guide by National Toppers: 8 Steps to Score 95% & Above

7 Secret Habits of a Topper: How to Ace Your Class 10 Exams

Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

A racer studies the track before the race as it helps him to prepare according to what will happen in the actual race. Knowing the syllabus and pattern is going to help you to study what actually matters without wasting time on things that are not important. You can follow the steps given below to get the most out of these two tools that are provided to you by the CBSE. 

1. The first and foremost thing is to study the pattern of the exam. The exam will have 5 sections. 
2. The exam will be of 80 marks. Internal assessment will be of 20 marks. 
3. The internal assessment is divided into 3 parts as follows:
   i. Periodic Assessment - 05 marks (average of best 2 periodic tests out of 3 tests) + 05 marks (Diverse methods of assessment such as short tests, oral tests, quizzes etc)
   ii. Subject Enrichment (Practical Work) - 05 marks  
   iii. Portfolio - 05 mark
4. From the table given below it has become clear that you’ll have to studyobjective-type questions, very short answer type questions, short answer type questions, long answer type questions and Source-based/ Case-based/ Passage-based type questions. EduRev has got your back if you want to practise all the different types of questions mentioned above. EduRev Course for Class  10 Science provides MCQ questions, short and long answer questions and assertion- reasoning type questions. 
5. Internal choice will be given in sections B(2 questions), C(2 questions), D(2 questions) and E(in 3 questions subparts). It will be of 26 marks or 33%.
6. CBSE has deleted 3 chapters from the entire 16 chapters that are given in the NCERT. Many topics from the remaining 13 chapters are also deleted so you should keep those topics in mind while preparing so that you don’t waste time studying topics that are not going to be in the exam.
7. The topics included in boxes in the NCERT will not be asked in the final exam.

The following table briefly discusses the 5 sections of the exam. 

The marking scheme of different units is given in the table below:

The topics that are deleted from the syllabus are given in the following table:

If you want a complete syllabus for Class 10 subjects, then you can head over to the link CBSE Class 10 Syllabus - All Subjects

Step 2: How to Cover Your Syllabus Effectively?

This is the step that makes up most of your preparation journey. Questions like “What to study?”, “How to study?”, “From where to study?” are the most common questions that must come to your mind. Let’s answer them one by one.

Step 2.1: From Where to Study for Class 10 Science? 

The most recommended book by toppers is NCERT. According to them, NCERT is the bible for the science section of the exam. Also, solve questions from NCERT Exemplar Class 10 science. Do not stress too much about studying help books as those books are not important. Those books cover a lot of extra topics that will not be asked in the exam. If you still want to study from a help book then you can refer to Lakhmir and Manjit Kaur. You can get solutions of Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur at EduRev, click here.

Step 2.2: How to Study for Class 10 Science? 

The answer to this question has many aspects.

• Study the important topics from a chapter. Whichever topic you study you should understand its concept in-depth. While reading NCERT, also study charts, tables and diagrams. Pay attention in classrooms, take help from video lectures and make sure that no doubt remains in your mind regarding the topic that you have covered. You can get all NCERT chapter-wise textbooks and solutions, click here.
• Practise the questions related to that chapter from NCERT, sample papers and if possible from previous year's question papers. Practising questions of a topic from previous year question papers will give you an idea about the important questions related to that topic. EduRev has tons of sample papers as well as previous year's question papers.
• While practising try to work on your answer writing skills. If you’ll develop this skill early it will be beneficial to you as the writing format matters a lot during the exam. Check out the sample paper solution to get an idea about the marking scheme of the exam. Try to answer your questions in the same manner as answers are attempted in the sample paper.
• Make notes while preparing which will help you to revise later on. EduRev also provides short and long notes so that you don’t have to worry about revision. Click on this link for short notes and this link for short and long notes. For chapter notes, check out this link.

Step 2.3: What to Study for Class 10 Science?

The answer to this question depends on you. Do you want just a good score or do you want to top? If you just want a good score then strategically covering the important topics and questions will be enough for you. If you want to be a topper then you should study every topic from the syllabus. 

Do not Ignore Practical experiments

There are a total of 14 practicals in Class 10. Questions are asked from these practicals in the exam. Therefore it is important to read these practicals in detail such as the steps involved, materials required, objective and conclusion. Following some questions based on practicals are given which were asked in previous exams. 

Question 1: Anita added a drop each of diluted acetic acid and diluted hydrochloric acid on pH paper and compared the colours. Which of the following is the correct conclusion? (CBSE - 2023 sample paper)
(a) pH of acetic acid is more than that of hydrochloric acid.
(b) pH of acetic acid is less than that of hydrochloric acid.
(c) Acetic acid dissociates completely in an aqueous solution.
(d) Acetic acid is a strong acid
Question 2: List the steps of preparation of temporary mount of a leaf peel to observe stomata. (CBSE - 2018)
Question 3: A student observed a permanent slide showing asexual reproduction in Hydra. Draw labelled diagram in proper sequence of the observations that must have been made by the student. Name the process of reproduction. (CBSE - 2019)
Check out lab manuals for Class 10 maths and Class 10 science at the EduRev by clicking on the link, here.

Chapter-wise Important Topics

• Chemical Reactions and Equations: The commonly asked topics are types of chemical reactions and oxidation and reduction. Activities in chemistry are generally more important than physics. Corrosion and rancidity should not be ignored.
• Acids, bases and salts: The most common topics from this chapter are related to pH and the formation of sodium hydroxide. The questions regarding indicators and activities should be read properly. The topic of salts is also important.
• Metals and Non-Metals: The most commonly asked topic from this chapter is usually related to the extraction of metals. Pay special attention to activities in this chapter like the reaction of metals with acids or the corrosion of metals. The reactivity series is another important topic.
• Carbon and its compounds: The nomenclature of carbon compounds, physical properties of carbon compounds especially their low melting and boiling points, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons and ethanol and ethanoic acid are important topics of this chapter. Esterification and saponification should not be ignored.
  Although in biology not a lot of topics are repeated, here are some of the topics that are commonly asked in the exam
• Life Processes: From this chapter, excretion is a repetitive topic, especially questions related to urine. Transportation in plants is another important topic. Questions regarding the experiment “Preparing a temporary mount of a leaf peel to show stomata” were repeated over multiple years. Other topics such as respiration, the circulatory system should not be ignored. Focus on diagrams in this chapter.
• Control and Coordination: Movement in plants and the endocrine system are important topics.
• How do organisms reproduce? Asexual reproduction, the structure of flowers, pollination in plants, and contraceptives demand extra focus. Other topics like male and female reproductive parts should not be ignored.
• Heredity and Evolution Questions: regarding Mendel's progeny are some of the repetitive questions from this chapter. Mostly conceptual questions are asked. The example of conceptual questions are:
  Question 1: How are variations useful for species if there is drastic alteration in the niches? (sample paper 2023)
  Question 2: Define genetics. Why is a decrease in the number of surviving tigers a cause of concern from the point of genetics? Explain briefly. (CBSE 2019)
• Light Reflection and Refraction: The most important topics of this chapter are image formation and numerical questions based on the mirror formula and lens formula. Sometimes easy theoretical topics like laws of reflection or refraction are also asked.
• The human eye and the colourful world: Questions are asked related to prisms or related to defects of the eyes. Many questions were asked related to the colour at sunrise or sunset but it is not a part of the syllabus for 2022-2023.
• Electricity: Numericals are definitely asked related to the circuit diagram in which different components such as voltage or resistance are given and it is asked to find the current. The definition of Joule’s Law of Heating is a repetitive question too. Another important topic is resistance and the factors affecting it.
• Magnetic Effects of Electric Current: One of the most important topics of this chapter is magnetic field lines - their properties and their diagrams. Another repetitive question is related to the electric motor but it is not included in the syllabus this time. Another topic is the force on a conductor.
• Our environment: This chapter is of 5 marks and it is quite easy. It has mainly three topics: Ozone, Food Chain and Garbage Disposal.

The trend of all the chapters from 2014 to 2018 is given below.

The Class 10 Science course under EduRev Infinity package is a one-stop solution for Class 10 that offers a variety of resources such as videos, chapter notes, tests, and NCERT solutions for Class 10 science. Not only that it offers practise for the different types of multiple-choice questions in abundance.

Also read:

How to Draw Biology Diagrams Easily? | Tricks for Biology Diagrams | Class 10

How to use Mind Mapping for Studying?

Step 3: Practice, Practice and More Practice

While studying different concepts of science, make sure that you are practising the questions side-by-side. The Class 10 science exam will consist of various types of questions so make sure that you have practised all the different types of questions.  While practising make sure to solve all the NCERT questions as well as the NCERT Exemplar Class 10 science questions. 

Analysing your performance after the tests is equally important. EduRev offers analysis and insights into a student's performance. It provides various metrics that give a comprehensive view of how you are doing on the platform. These metrics include the average percentile, which shows a student's performance relative to other students, the average rank, which shows a student's standing among other students, the total number of tests attempted, the total number of correct answers, and much more. These metrics give users a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses and help you track your progress and improvement over time. 

Step 4: Your Strategy 3 Months Before the Exam

You have learned the concepts of science but it will be of very little use if you don’t practise those concepts. 3 months before the exam you should have almost covered your syllabus and you should be practising for the final exam. But practice doesn’t make perfect if you are doing it wrong. Practice should be done the right way.

1. You should solve complete previous year's papers and sample papers as many questions are repeated year after year.
2. Practising previous year's question papers will also help you to get an idea of the type and level of questions that will come in the exam. 
3. Practise complete papers under exam conditions by setting the time. In this way, you’ll learn time management.
4. Practising your answer writing skills is important as presentation matters a lot. For example, you should try to attempt 2 marks questions in 30-50 words. You should highlight keywords and draw diagrams where time permits. With practice, writing answers in the proper presentation will become second nature to you.
   You should check out the latest CBSE sample paper and marking scheme to understand how answers will be marked on the basis of steps. You can also check out the answer sheets of toppers here. 
5. Mark difficult questions and topics so that if there is less gap before the exam you will be able to quickly revise those topics.
6. Make a mistake notebook where you’ll write all your mistakes. In this way, you won’t repeat those mistakes in the final exam.
7. Practising for 3 months will give you confidence and will keep stress away which is crucial in important exams like board exams.
8. Practice can be made easy with the help of mind maps. Click here to see mind maps for Class 10.

If by any chance you are behind in your preparation and need to speed it up, EduRev has a complete crash course for Class 10. Check it out here.

Step 5: Clear All Your Doubts

1. To maximize your learning and minimize the time you spend studying, it is important to clarify any doubts or questions you have. 
2. You can do this by talking to your teachers and seeking help from classmates or additional resources. 
3. During your pre-boards, you have the perfect opportunity to clear your doubts and address your mistakes. Do not ignore the mistakes made in pre-boards but instead get those doubts cleared from your teachers.
4. By addressing your doubts, you’ll be able to remember that information for a longer duration.

EduRev provides an interactive platform in the form of discussion forum to connect with experts, teachers, and fellow students. You can use EduRev Forums to get your doubts solved within the EduRev community. Till now, 3+ million doubts have been solved on EduRev.

Step 6: Do's and Don'ts of the Exam Day

Imagine you have worked hard and the day is here. By taking note of these few important points you can make sure that your preparation was worth it.

1. Read the question paper carefully and quickly eliminate difficult questions where internal choice is given. 
2. While attempting numerical questions take proper note of the units and numbers so that you do not waste any time by making silly mistakes.
3. This point has been repeated multiple times, that is because it is important. Write your answers in the proper format. Take special note of the word limit. Write your answers in points and highlight key points. Make sure you answer all the steps as marks are given for steps. Check the marking scheme in the sample paper. Draw diagrams if time permits. 
4. Think before you write an answer as it will prevent any unnecessary corrections.
5. Do not change the answers unless you are 100% sure. Most of the time the first answer that you think is the correct answer. 
6. The rough sheet should be clear so that you do not get confused in questions solved on the rough sheet.
7. Draw diagrams with a pencil instead of pen. 
8. If you get stuck on a question, do not spend too much time on it. Leave it and you can get back to it at the end of the exam.
9. Do not read new topics on the day before the exam as it will create confusion.

Class 10 Science Subject-Wise Preparation Tips

Preparation Tips for Class 10 Science – Physics

• In Physics, conceptual and formula-based questions are mostly asked in the exam. So, students must be thorough with all the important formulas, and they should be at their fingertips.
• Topics like Newton’s laws of motion and their applications are important from the exam perspective, and some of the questions can be expected from them.
• Practise numerical on the series and parallel combination of resistances. Most of the time, the numerical problems on the lens and mirror are also asked.
• Practise diagrams like lines of the magnetic field around a solenoid and a bar magnet, electric circuit diagram,  AC and DC generator, image formation by lenses and mirrors, the human eye, glass prism, and image formation for both defective and correct vision.
• Practise previous years’ question papers and model test papers to get an idea of what types of numerical and theoretical questions are asked from the Physics portion.

Preparation Tips for Class 10 Science – Chemistry

• Chemistry is a high-scoring part and requires lesser time for preparation. Learn the tips involved in balancing chemical equations. Also, memorise the applications of acids, bases, and salts in everyday life.
• Every year 2-3 questions are asked about salts and their compounds. So, students must know the common names, preparation, chemical formula, and uses of salts and their compounds.
• Focus on carbon compounds and their nomenclature containing functional groups.
• Make proper notes of all reactions involving the conversion compounds. These revision notes will assist in your last-minute preparations.
• Understand the modern periodic table with electronic configuration and memorise all the elements placed in the first and last two groups of the periodic table.
• Speed and accuracy can be acquired through extensive practice of sample papers and in-depth preparation of the subject.

Tips for Parents: Provide Study Assistance to Your Child

• Organising is key to helping your teen manage their studies while taking different subjects. Since grades are so important in Class 10, it is necessary to plan ahead for studying, particularly when your teen is occupied with co-curricular activities.
• Encourage your child to break down their work into manageable chunks and to follow their study schedule to avoid cramming all of their tests into one evening. Remind them to take detailed notes in class, organise them by subject, and review them with you when you arrive home.
• Encourage your child to take plenty of practice tests on each subject through EduRev to help them remember more and identify areas where they need to improve. After finishing the tests, it is essential for them to examine their results by using the features of EduRev that automatically assess their weak points, rank, and marks.
• It is important to understand your child’s interests. Everyone learns differently and has various interests, so it is important to allow your child to explore and pursue their desired paths. Have conversations with your child and reach a mutual agreement based on their interests and preferences.

If you need guidance about how you can help your child to prepare for Class 10, make sure to check out the document 9 Tips for Parents of Students Appearing for Class 10 Exams

What is Your Future in Science?

After Class 10 you can choose 2 streams in science: Medical and Non-medical stream. In the medical stream, you will study Chemistry, Biology and Physics and in the non-medical stream, you’ll study Chemistry, Physics and mathematics. Some students decide to take a super-medical stream which covers subjects Physics, Mathematics, Biology and chemistry. Let's discuss in brief what professional careers can be opted after selecting these streams.

• Medical - After studying medical in Class 12, you can have a career as a doctor, veterinarian, pharmacist, occupational therapist, public health administrator, radiologist, nurse and so much more. In the chart given below information regarding different occupations is provided.

• Non-medical - After studying non-medical in Class 12, you can have a career as an engineer, commercial pilot, architect etc. In the chart given below many different types of careers are shown that can be pursued after Class 12.

We at EduRev hope that all your doubts have been cleared about how to prepare for the science exam of Class 10. Make sure to check out the EduRev Infinity for Class 10. It has 30+ courses available just for Class 10. EduRev Infinity is more about quality than quantity, if we have to put a number, you would get around 30+ EduRev courses, which includes 500+ tests, 900+ docs, and 400+ videos for courses of EduRev Infinity!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Prepare for Class 10 Science

What is the syllabus for class 10 CBSE science 2023?

The syllabus for Class 10 Science in the CBSE curriculum in India covers a range of topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The syllabus is designed to provide a strong foundation in these subjects, which are essential for higher studies in science and related fields.
Here is an overview of the chapters covered in the Class 10 Science syllabus for CBSE:

• Chemical reactions and equations
• Acids, bases and salts
• Metals and non-metals
• Carbon and its compounds
• Life processes
• Control and coordination
• How do organisms reproduce?
• Heredity and evolution
• Light-Reflection and Refraction
• Human eye and the colourful world
• Electricity
• Magnetic effects of electric current
• Our environment

Also there are 14 experiments that need to be read too as questions will come from these experiments too.

What is the deleted science syllabus for 2023 CBSE class 10?

The deleted syllabus for class 10 is given below in the table

What is the expected weightage pattern for the Class 10 Science exam? 

The following expected weightage pattern has been designed after analysing the sample paper of 2023.

What general strategy should I follow at the last minute to get an excellent score in the Class 10 Science exam?

It's understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious as the Class 10 Science exam approaches, especially if you're trying to get an excellent score and you haven’t covered your syllabus on time. Here are a few strategies that may help you prepare for the exam and perform to the best of your ability:

1. Review the most important concepts: Check the above article to know the important topics. Prepare those topics properly. If you don’t have notes, check out short and long notes here, and chapter notes here.

2. Practice with past papers: After covering those topics, solve sample papers as well as previous year question papers. Many questions are repeated every year. Solving past papers can give you a sense of the types of questions that are likely to be asked on the exam, as well as the format and time constraints. Check past year papers of class 10 here.

3. Manage your time effectively: Make a study schedule and stick to it. Allocate enough time for each subject and break up your study sessions into manageable chunks. This can help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

4. Stay well-rested and nourished: It's important to get enough sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure that you're in good physical and mental shape for the exam.

5. Stay calm and focused: Don't get too anxious or stressed about the exam. Try to stay calm and focused, and remind yourself that you have prepared as much as you can.

What tips should I use while answering the Class 10 Science exam?

Here are a few tips that may help you perform well on the Class 10 Science exam:

1. Read the instructions and questions carefully: Make sure you understand what is being asked of you before you start answering. Look out for key words such as "define," "explain," "compare," and "contrast," as they indicate the type of response that is expected. Note the units and numbers properly in numerical questions.
2. Plan your answer: Before you start writing, take a few minutes to think about what you want to say and how you will present your ideas. This can help you organise your thoughts and structure your answer in a clear and logical way.
3. Use clear and concise language: Write your answer in points and highlight the key points in your answer too. Remember that marks are given for steps. The answers should be written in clear handwriting.
4. Draw diagrams to explain your answer: Draw a diagram to explain a concept where time permits. The diagrams should be neat and properly labelled. Review your work: After you have finished writing, take a few minutes to review your work. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that your answer is clear and well-organised.
5. Don’t change the answer until sure: Do not change the answers unless you are 100% sure. Most of the time the first answer that you think is the correct answer.
6. Answer Easy Questions First: Answer the easy questions first to build up your confidence and then tackle the more difficult ones.
7. Don't Spend Too Much Time on a Question: f you get stuck on a question, do not spend too much time on it. Leave it and you can get back to it at the end of the exam.

What preparation tips should I use for the Physics section of the Class 10 Science exam?

1. In Physics, conceptual and formula-based questions are mostly asked in the exam. So, students must be thorough with all the important formulas and it should be at their fingertips.
2. Practise numerical on the series and parallel combination of resistances. Most of the time the numerical problems on lens and mirror are also asked.
3. Practice diagrams like lines of the magnetic field around a solenoid and a bar magnet, electric circuit diagram, image formation by lenses and mirrors, the human eye, glass prism, image formation for both defected and correct vision. More important topics are given in detail in the article above.
4. Practise previous year question papers and model test papers to get an idea on what types of numerical and theoretical questions are asked from the Physics portion.

What preparation tips should I use for the Chemistry section of the Class 10 Science exam?

1. Read activities and experiments properly: In chemistry many questions are asked from activities and experiments, so read them properly.
2. Common topics asked in Chemistry include types of chemical reactions, PH, sodium hydroxide, indicators and activities, extraction of metals, reactivity series, physical properties of carbon compounds, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, ethanol and ethanoic acid, esterification and saponification. You can find more important topics about chemistry in the article above.

What preparation tips should I use for the Biology section of the Class 10 Science exam?

1. In Biology, students should practise diagrams such as reflex action, the respiratory system, the human brain, flower parts, male and female reproductive organs, etc.
2. It is also important to have a thorough grasp of Mendel's experiments and the concepts of hereditary.
3. Memorising key terminology with regular revision is important as biology consists of some difficult terminology.
4. Additionally, understanding the functions of reproductive organs and the process of reproduction in plants is important.
5. Lastly, forming a habit of making neat diagrams when writing answers is a great way to maximise marks.

How do I score 95+ marks in the science section of Class 10?

To score above 95 marks in the science section follow the points given below:
1. The first important step is to avoid distractions, plan the days properly, take appropriate breaks, and have a healthy sleep pattern.
2. To prepare for the science section of the Class 10 board exams, students should understand the exam pattern and syllabus.
3. Next step is to study the concepts of science, and practise the questions. Practicals are important and should not be neglected.
4. Three months before the exam, students should practise previous years’ question papers and answer writing skills.
5. On the day of the exam, students should read the question paper carefully, eliminate difficult questions, take note of units and numbers, write answers in the proper format, draw diagrams when time permits, and think before you write.
EduRev science course consists of tests, notes and videos of all the topics of science. Click here to check out the course.

Do questions come from the lab manual in Class 10 CBSE 2023 science exam?

Yes, questions come from 14 experiments that are given in the lab manual. Study the steps involved, materials used, conclusion etc related to the experiments as questions are asked related to these topics. EduRev also provides Lab Manuals for Science, click here.