What will be the difference between Standard and Basic Mathematics papers?

The most dreaded exam for class 10 students – Mathematics – is just a week away. CBSE will hold the class 10 maths board exam in March 2025. While on one hand mathematics can guarantee you 100% marks, and on the other hand, it is the topmost reason of exam stress among students. However for the first time, there will be two different maths papers, namely basic and standard. And the sole purpose behind CBSE giving students these two options is to lessen their burden.

Countdown For CBSE Class 10 Maths Board Exam 2025 Begins! Are You Ready?

The exam will take place for both the papers on the same day. With this new introduction of two papers, CBSE has followed the notion of ‘There are Two Kinds of Students’. This scheme was introduced to pay attention to the different types of learners and in a way reduce the stress of the students. 

For both papers, maximum marks will be 80. For overall assessment out of 100, students will be given marks out of 20 for practical assessment.

In the exam, there will be 40 questions in total which will be further divided into 4 parts; A, B, C and D. 

• Section-A to consist of 20 questions of 1 mark each. 
• Section-B to consist of 6 questions of 2 marks each. 
• Section-C to consist of 8 questions of 3 marks each. 
• Section-D to consist of 6 questions of 4 marks each. 

What will be the difference between standard and basic papers?

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Simply put, the standard maths paper will be tougher than the basic maths paper.

SCOPE

Standard question paper: After opting standard-mathematics, the students can take up mathematics in class 11th and 12th. 

Basic question paper: This mathematics basic question paper for the students who want to discontinue studying Mathematics after class 10th. If the candidates opt for the basic level mathematics question paper, then, the students cannot study mathematics in Higher Secondary. 

In simple words:

• Standard – Level Mathematics question paper tests the higher mathematical abilities of the students. 
• Basic – Level Mathematics question paper tests the basic mathematical abilities of students. 

What About Syllabus for Standard and Basic Question Paper?

The syllabus for Standard and Basic Mathematics remains the same. However, the question paper will be set according to the level of students selected. Apart from the syllabus, the internal assessment scheme of Mathematics will also remain the same. 

Quick Revision Tips for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Paper

• Jot down the important formulas: If you are not able to remember the formulas then, you can write down the important formulas on sticky notes and paste it in your room. 
• Practice previous year question papers: As mathematics is considered to be one of the most scoring yet toughest papers, practicing previous year question papers will help you gain confidence and you can recognize your weak areas too. 
• Time management: Make sure you set the time while solving the question paper. In doing this, you can actually get to know what is the minimum time you are taking to solve the question paper. 
• Take breaks between studies: Do not forget to take breaks between the study as this will make you reduce the stress. 

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Standard and Basic Mathematics Question Paper

Q. Can a student opt for both standard and basic examination?

Ans. No, a student can opt for one option only. A student can only select either select Mathematics-Standard or Mathematics-Basic. 

Q. For continuing studying Mathematics in Class 11/12, which Mathematics paper I have to choose?

Ans. You have to choose Standard Mathematics question paper if you want to study mathematics in class 11th and 12th. 

Q. What is the actual reason for introducing this scheme of examination in Class 10th?
Ans. The actual reason for introducing the scheme of exam is to reduce the pressure on the students who do not want to study mathematics in class 11th and 12th. 

Q. What happens if a student fails the exam?

Ans. If a student fails the examination, then he / she can appear in the Compartment exam. They can choose the level of the examination as mentioned below. 

•  If a student failed in Mathematics – Basic examination, then he / she can appear in Basic examination at the time of compartment paper. 
• If a student failed in Mathematics – Standard examination, then he / she can opt for either Standard / Basic examination at the time of compartment paper.