How to Score 90% in the 10th Board Exam 2026: Study Strategy

A well-planned study strategy along with good health and confidence are enough for an average student to achieve 90% or better on the 10th board exam. There is no need to have a superpower to study all day long. The only requirements are to get up early, study well, and be consistent in your practice to be prepared for CBSE Class 10 boards in 2026. Don’t be fooled to plan your study at the last moment. One of the most common mistakes students make is to put off until the last minute before they begin their study strategy. It is therefore recommended to start your plan of study as early as the very first day of school. This gives you the time to go through the entire syllabus, find the weak areas and then revise several times without panicking. Find the most up-to-date CBSE Class 10 syllabus from the official website. Also, note the chapter weightage to ensure you are aware of which subjects can earn you higher marks. Learn about the exam format in terms of the number of tests, markings and other choices to help you be prepared better. Develop a plan of study of 4-5 hours per day at first, gradually increasing the amount of time as the time for exams gets closer, and make sure to schedule time for breaks and relaxation. Consistency is the key to beating long, exhausting studying sessions each time.

Master NCERT and make your personal notes

NCERT books are like your faithful companion for the 10th board exam, as most questions come directly from them. Read each chapter slowly, make notes of key points, and remedy all exercises and examples.

In Maths and Science, practice examples until you can solve them alone.

In Social Science and English, underline records, dates, and grammar policies.

Write quick notes to your own words with colours, diagrams, and method sheets; this allows you not forget longer and revise quickly. Keep a separate pocket book for errors or problematic questions you exercise.

Practice papers and regular revision

To score 90% in the 10th board exam, practice is essential. Hence, solve the last 10 years’ question papers within the time limits of the exam. This gives you the pattern, easy marks, and repeated questions.

After each paper, check the answers, find the errors and revise those topics immediately.

Use your study plan to revise daily: quick review after 1 day, then weekly and monthly.

Be more focused on revision rather than new learning during the last 2 months to be able to retain everything in your memory.

Time management and answer presentation in the exam

Good time management can be a great game-changer for you in the 10th board exam, thus prepare it now through a regular mock test schedule. During the exam, allocate the initial 5-10 minutes to read through the entire question paper, get quick confidence by starting with easy questions, and keep 15 minutes at the end for checking your answer sheet.

Do not waste time attempting to solve a difficult question which you are stuck on. Go ahead with other questions and if you have time after that, return to it.

It is very important to write answers in a clean and presentable manner so as to attract more marks from the examiners. Besides this, writing answers in the form of underlining, headings and labelled diagrams demonstrate your understanding of the topic, and you get full marks.

Make it a point to write full answers daily to not only improve your speed but also get a clear and legible handwriting style.

Health, Stress Management, and New Habits

Scoring a 90% is out of the question if your body or mind is tired, so do not forget to make health a part of your study plan for the 10th board exam. To concentration effectively, consistently adhere to the following: get 7-8 hours of quality sleep; eat healthy, preferably home, cooked, meals; stay hydrated; and walk or perform some other kind of exercise for at least 20 minutes daily. Also, remember to take a short break every 45 to 50 minutes when you can stretch or take a few deep breaths. If you ever find yourself under pressure, don’t bottle it up but instead share it with your parents, teachers, or friends. Introducing a new habit such as maintaining a daily wins journal where you jot down 3 things you studied well that day or making flashcards for quick revision on the go can turn out to be very supportive.They keep you motivated and positive.

Even with a well thought, out study plan, you might find yourself confused about topics, time management, or feeling stressed due to the 10th board exam. In such situations, you can greatly benefit from more guidance.

Mentrovert: your guide for 10th board exam success

Mentrovert is India’s first platform for student career and mental health, which connects you to the counsellors who are experienced and understand the problems you face in CBSE Class 10. They can assist you in rescheduling your study plan, dealing with the exam pressure, and giving you guidance for the future after the boards so that you feel supported and prepared to obtain 90% in your 10th board exam 2026.