The Term 2 board exams often mark the real test for CBSE Class 10 students. Although the syllabus has been reduced considerably compared to the full year, the pressure remains higher. This is because the exam is subjective, concept-based, and time-bound. Scoring well in Term 2 is not about studying for longer hours. Rather, it’s about having a smarter approach with the right resources and strategy.
In this blog, we’ll break down a step-by-step CBSE exam preparation strategy for Term-2. This will focus on how you must use the NCERT books for Class 10, sample question papers, and question banks to increase your scores.
Step-wise Strategy to Prepare for the Term-2 Class 10 Boards
Go Through the Syllabus
Before you start reading, make sure that you download the latest CBSE Term-2 syllabus for all subjects. This term focuses more on descriptive answers, numericals, case-study questions, and competency-based questions. Create a checklist that includes the following:
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Chapters covered in Term 2
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The Internal choices mentioned
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Weightage for each unit
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Type of questions expected (long answers, numericals, case studies)
With this, you get clarity about the syllabus. It also saves time and helps you avoid studying irrelevant topics.
Refer to the NCERT Books for Class 10
No matter how many reference books you use, the NCERT books for Class 10 are non-negotiable. CBSE sets most questions directly or indirectly from the NCERT. When studying from an NCERT textbook, ensure that you read line by line. This especially applies to definitions, examples, and summaries. Don’t forget to highlight keywords, formulas, and diagrams while preparing. You must focus on explanations and reasoning for Science and Social Science. For Math, you should solve all examples and exercise questions to get familiar with the question types.
Pro Tip: Many students jump to question banks without knowing the NCERT well. This leads to confusion and they end up writing wrong answers in the board exams. So, you must first be thorough with all NCERT concepts. That way, half of your preparation is already done.
Read More - CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: English Literature Chapter-Wise Revision in 30 Days
Use a Class 10 PYQ Book to Understand the Board’s Mindset
Once you’re comfortable with NCERT, the next step is to analyse how CBSE asks questions. This is where a Class 10 PYQ book becomes extremely useful. PYQs are essential for Term 2 because board exams follow a specific pattern. The questions aren’t asked randomly. In fact, important questions are repeated every year in different forms. With previous years’ question papers, you understand the ideal format to answer questions and the marking scheme.
When it comes to using PYQs smartly, you must understand how to approach them. When solving previous years’ questions, do it chapter-wise, not randomly. You should mark the questions that are commonly asked and compare your answers with the model answers provided. Most importantly, you should practice writing answers within a specific word limit.
A reliable Class 10 PYQ book helps you understand how much you should write for 2, 3, and 5 mark questions. It also explains how to structure answers for full marks and which topics you can expect in the exam.
Choose the Best Question Bank for Class 10 (Not Just Any Book)
Not all question banks are helpful. The best question bank for Class 10 shouldn’t just give questions but train you for the actual board exam. When looking for a suitable question bank, you should check that it includes the following:
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Chapter-wise and topic-wise questions
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Case-based and competency-focused questions
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Answers aligned with CBSE marking schemes
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Mix of easy, moderate, and HOTS questions
Here’s how you can use a question bank effectively for your preparation:
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Solve questions after completing each chapter
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Start with short answers, then move to long answers
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Time yourself while solving numericals and case studies
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Revise mistakes and weak areas regularly
A strong question bank bridges the gap between NCERT learning and board-level performance. For complete practice, you can refer to our CBSE Question Bank series for Class 10. It includes subjects like English, Mathematics Standard, Science, Social Science, etc. By practicing from our question banks, you stay updated with the latest exam pattern and get 100% exam-ready.
CBSE Sample Paper Class 10: Your Final Exam Rehearsal
If PYQs show you the past, CBSE Sample Paper Class 10 shows you the present trend. Sample papers are designed strictly as per the latest exam pattern and blueprint.
Why CBSE sample papers are crucial for Term-2
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They help you practice full-length papers
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The SQPs improve time management and speed
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They reduce exam fear and anxiety
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You get familiar with internal choices and question distribution
How to practice for the exam with sample papers
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Attempt them in a real exam setting
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Follow the exact time limit
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Avoid checking answers in between
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Analyse your paper honestly after completion
Golden Rule: Don’t attempt all sample papers at once. Space them out and use them as diagnostic tools, not just practice material. You can refer to our CBSE 15 Sample Question Papers set to understand the exam pattern in depth. The sample papers are available for all subjects, like English, Science, Social Science, etc.
Subject-Wise Term 2 Preparation Strategy
Mathematics
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Revise formulas daily
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Practice NCERT examples and exercises first
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Use the question bank for application-based problems
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Solve sample papers to improve speed and accuracy
Science
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Physics & Chemistry: Focus on numericals and derivations
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Biology: Practice diagrams, definitions, and explanations
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Revise NCERT theory multiple times
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Use PYQs to identify important questions
Social Science
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Learn answers in points with headings
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Practice map work regularly
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Use PYQs for repeated long-answer questions
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Write answers in a structured, and crisp format
English
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Practice writing answers as per word limit
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Focus on value-based questions
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Revise formats for writing sections
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Practice unseen passages for speed
Smart Revision Plan for Term 2
Revision is where most marks are gained—or lost.
Ideal revision cycle:
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1st Revision: NCERT reading + notes
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2nd Revision: Question bank + PYQs
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3rd Revision: CBSE Sample Paper Class 10
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Final Revision: Weak areas + formulas + diagrams
Make short notes, formula sheets, and chapter-wise summary pages for quick revision before exams.
Common Mistakes Students Make (Avoid These!)
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Ignoring NCERT and jumping to reference books
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Solving questions without checking the marking scheme
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Not practicing writing answers (only reading)
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Skipping sample papers due to fear of low marks
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Studying everything again instead of revising weak areas
Remember, boards reward clarity, not overwriting.
How Parents Can Support During Term 2 Prep
Parents play a crucial role in the exam preparation of their children. Here’s how they can support them:
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Help students stick to a realistic timetable
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Encourage practice over pressure
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Focus on consistency, not comparison
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Ensure regular breaks and proper sleep
A calm environment improves focus and performance.
Term 2 board exams are not meant to be scary. They are meant to test understanding and application. If you rely on NCERT books Class 10, practice regularly with a class 10 PYQ book, choose the best question bank for class 10, and test yourself with CBSE Sample Paper Class 10; you’re already on the right track.
Consistency, clarity, and confidence, these three things matter more than last-minute cramming. Study well and watch your scores soar high!
