KKN Gurugram Desk | The CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam 2025 was conducted on March 10, 2025, covering both Basic and Standard levels. The exam followed the CBSE-prescribed syllabus and format, testing students on various mathematical concepts and applications. While the paper was of moderate difficulty, some sections posed challenges, especially for Standard-level students.

This article provides a detailed exam analysis, section-wise difficulty breakdown, student reactions, and expert opinions, offering valuable insights into the exam structure and expected performance trends.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam 2025: Structure and Marking Scheme

The three-hour exam started at 10:30 AM and ended at 1:30 PM, carrying a total of 80 marks. The question paper was divided into five sections:

• Section A: 20 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) – 1 mark each
• Section B: 5 Very Short Answer Questions – 2 marks each
• Section C: 6 Short Answer Questions – 3 marks each
• Section D: 4 Long Answer Questions – 5 marks each
• Section E: 3 Case Study-Based Questions – 4 marks each

Internal choices were available in Sections B, C, D, and E, allowing students some flexibility in selecting questions.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2025: Section-Wise Analysis

1. Algebra

The algebra section contained a mix of direct and application-based questions.

• Polynomial questions on finding zeroes were straightforward and scoring.
• Quadratic equations included direct word problems, which students found manageable.
• Linear equations were slightly tricky, requiring logical reasoning and interpretation.
• Overall, the section had a balanced mix of easy and moderately difficult problems.

2. Geometry & Coordinate Geometry

The geometry section tested students’ understanding of triangles, their properties, and median length calculations.

• Some triangle-based problems required conceptual clarity, making them challenging for some students.
• Coordinate geometry was easier, with formula-based direct questions.
• Students who practiced NCERT examples and previous papers found this section straightforward.

3. Trigonometry & Applications

• Trigonometric identity-based questions were NCERT-derived, making them simple for well-prepared students.
• A few questions involved the application of trigonometry principles, though none were overly complex.
• Students who practiced sample papers and CBSE examples found this one of the most scoring sections.

4. Probability & Statistics

• Basic probability questions were straightforward, testing fundamental concepts.
• Statistics section had a direct median calculation question, derived from NCERT exercises.
• Since these problems are commonly practiced, most students found this section manageable.

5. Circles & Surface Areas & Volumes

• Most questions were moderate in difficulty, except one from circles, which some students found challenging.
• Surface area and volume problems required extensive calculations but were not conceptually tough.
• Time management played a crucial role in this section, as calculations were lengthy but solvable.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam 2025: Difficulty Level & Student Reactions

Expert Review

Experts, including Shweta Choudhary and Gautam Thakral from Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, analyzed the paper.

• The Basic Mathematics paper contained three Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) MCQs, and a challenging question from Circles.
• The Standard Mathematics paper had a 5-mark question in Set 2, which many students found tricky.
• Set 1 had a question not directly found in the NCERT curriculum, causing concerns for students.

Student Feedback

Reactions among students varied based on the level of preparation and the question paper set they received.

• Basic Mathematics Students’ Reactions:

  • Pratishtha Bansal and Vidhi Thakur found the paper manageable and well-balanced.
  • Most students were confident of securing good marks, with a few tricky questions in Set 2.

• Standard Mathematics Students’ Reactions:

  • Dhwani Ghoota and Aahwaan Khullar mentioned that the difficulty level was similar to their Pre-Board Exams.
  • Some students found certain questions tougher than expected, especially the long-answer problems.
  • Disparities in difficulty across different sets were observed, but the paper was generally fair.

Teacher Observations

Academic expert Mohd Sarif Salmani from Orchids The International School, Malad West, noted:

• The paper closely followed CBSE sample papers.
• Most MCQs were easy, though some were lengthy, requiring extra time.
• Case-based questions required logical interpretation, making them time-consuming yet engaging.

Final Verdict: Was the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper 2025 Difficult?

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate

• The paper was moderately difficult, with a few challenging elements.
• It was aligned with the CBSE syllabus and previous years’ question trends.
• Well-prepared students could score well with systematic study.

Key Highlights

✔ Conceptual and application-based questions ensured a well-rounded assessment.
✔ Basic Mathematics paper was easier with fewer high-level questions.
✔ Standard Mathematics paper had a few tricky questions, testing higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
✔ Internal choices provided some relief in longer sections.

Impact on Students’ Performance

• Students who practiced NCERT thoroughly and solved sample papers found the exam manageable.
• Those relying only on NCERT theory but skipping application-based practice faced difficulties.
• Basic Math students are expected to score higher, as their paper had fewer complex problems.
• Standard Math students’ performance will depend on accuracy in solving lengthy problems.

Expected Cutoff and Result Trends

Since the paper followed a moderate difficulty level, the expected cutoff scores might be:

• Basic Mathematics: 75-80 marks for top scorers.
• Standard Mathematics: 70-78 marks for high-performing students.

CBSE is likely to release the Class 10 Board Exam Results in May 2025, based on the usual timeline.

The CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam 2025 was moderate in difficulty, with a mix of conceptual and application-based questions. While some sets were slightly harder, the overall structure remained fair and balanced.

• Basic Mathematics students found the exam straightforward and expect good scores.
• Standard Mathematics students faced some challenging questions, especially in Set 2, but well-prepared students managed them.
• Experts and teachers noted that the exam pattern was well-aligned with sample papers, making it predictable for students who followed CBSE guidelines.

For students awaiting results, reviewing CBSE’s official marking scheme and past trends can help estimate scores. Stay tuned for CBSE’s official answer key and grading updates.