Students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 Board Examination should give special attention to competency-based questions. These questions are designed to test conceptual understanding, logical thinking, problem-solving ability and the practical application of knowledge.
The CBSE Competency Based Questions Class 10 are useful for students who want to improve their board exam preparation in Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English and other subjects.
In this article, you will learn what competency-based questions are, how to practise them, subject-wise examples and where to find official CBSE practice materials.
What Are Competency Based Questions in Class 10?
Competency-based questions are questions that test how effectively students can use their knowledge in different situations.
Unlike traditional questions that may ask students to memorise definitions or formulas, these questions often present a real-life situation, passage, experiment, graph, table or case study.
For example:
- A traditional question may ask: What is Ohm’s Law?
- A competency-based question may describe an electrical circuit and ask students to calculate the current using the given voltage and resistance.
Both questions test the same concept, but the second requires students to apply their knowledge.
CBSE has been progressively introducing competency-focused assessment to encourage critical thinking, creativity and practical understanding. Its assessment framework includes MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions and other application-oriented formats.
CBSE Class 10 Competency Based Question Paper Pattern
CBSE’s published assessment pattern for Classes IX–X specifies the following theory-paper composition:
| Question Type | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Competency-focused questions | 50% |
| Select-response questions (MCQs) | 20% |
| Short-answer and long-answer questions | 30% |
Competency-focused questions can include MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions and other formats. Students should check the latest subject-wise sample question papers and curriculum before preparing for the examination.
Subject-Wise CBSE Competency Based Questions Class 10
Students should practise competency-based questions from every subject according to their prescribed syllabus.
1. Mathematics Competency Based Questions Class 10
Mathematics competency questions test students’ ability to apply formulas and mathematical concepts to practical situations.
Important topics for practice include:
- Real Numbers
- Polynomials
- Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic Progressions
- Triangles
- Coordinate Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics and Probability
Sample Question:
A school is arranging 20 rows of chairs for an annual function. The first row has 15 chairs, and every next row has 2 more chairs than the previous row.
Answer the following:
- How many chairs are there in the 10th row?
- How many chairs are there in the 20th row?
- Calculate the total number of chairs arranged in all 20 rows.
Answer:
This situation represents an arithmetic progression.
Given: First term (a=15), common difference (d=2).
10th term:
[
a_{10}=15+(10-1)\times2=33
]
20th term:
[
a_{20}=15+(20-1)\times2=53
]
Total chairs:
[
S_{20}=\frac{20}{2}[2(15)+19(2)]=680
]
Therefore, the answers are 33 chairs, 53 chairs and 680 chairs.
2. Science Competency Based Questions Class 10
Science competency questions commonly involve experiments, observations, diagrams, graphs and everyday scientific applications.
Important topics include:
- Chemical Reactions and Equations
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Metals and Non-Metals
- Life Processes
- Control and Coordination
- Light – Reflection and Refraction
- Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
- Our Environment
Sample Question:
A student connects two resistors of 4 ohms and 6 ohms in series with a 20-volt battery.
Answer the following:
- Calculate the total resistance.
- Find the current flowing through the circuit.
- What will happen to the total resistance if another resistor is connected in series?
Answer:
Total resistance:
[
R=4+6=10\ \Omega
]
Using Ohm’s Law:
[
I=\frac{V}{R}=\frac{20}{10}=2\ A
]
Adding another resistor in series increases the total resistance.
3. Social Science Competency Based Questions Class 10
Social Science competency questions test students’ ability to interpret historical events, geographical information, political situations, economic data and written sources.
Important areas include:
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Economics
Sample Question:
A village depends mainly on agriculture. Farmers experience irregular rainfall, resulting in lower crop production. The village council decides to promote rainwater harvesting and better irrigation facilities.
Answer the following:
- Identify one major problem faced by the farmers.
- Explain how rainwater harvesting can help.
- Suggest one additional measure to improve agricultural productivity.
Answer:
- Irregular rainfall and water scarcity.
- Rainwater harvesting stores water for future agricultural use and helps recharge groundwater.
- Farmers can use improved irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, to reduce water wastage.
4. English Competency Based Questions Class 10
English competency questions test reading comprehension, interpretation, grammar, writing and literary understanding.
Students should practise:
- Reading comprehension passages
- Grammar-based questions
- Analytical writing
- Formal letters and analytical paragraphs
- Questions based on prescribed literature
Sample Question:
Read the situation:
A student regularly spends several hours using social media and finds it difficult to complete homework on time. After creating a daily timetable and limiting screen time, the student becomes more productive.
Answer the following:
- What problem was the student facing?
- Which two changes helped improve productivity?
- Suggest one additional habit that could improve study performance.
Answer:
- Poor time management and excessive social media use.
- Creating a timetable and limiting screen time.
- Taking short study breaks or revising lessons regularly.
5. Hindi Competency Based Questions Class 10
Hindi competency questions may test students’ understanding of passages, poems, grammar and writing skills.
Students should practise:
- अपठित गद्यांश
- अपठित पद्यांश
- व्याकरण
- लेखन कौशल
- पाठ्यपुस्तक आधारित प्रश्न
Students should focus on understanding the meaning and context of a passage instead of simply memorising answers.
Types of Competency Based Questions in CBSE Class 10
Students may come across different types of competency-focused questions in their board examination.
1. Case-Based Questions: A short situation or passage is provided, followed by related questions.
2. Source-Based Questions: Students read a source, extract information and answer questions based on it.
3. Application-Based Questions: These require students to apply a concept to a practical situation.
4. Assertion and Reason Questions: Students evaluate a statement and its explanation.
5. Data Interpretation Questions: Students analyse tables, charts, graphs or numerical information.
6. Integrated Questions: These connect concepts or information from different parts of a subject.
How to Prepare for CBSE Competency Based Questions Class 10?
Follow these preparation tips to improve your performance:
- Understand NCERT concepts: Read your prescribed textbooks carefully and understand the meaning of each important concept.
- Practise application questions: Try questions based on daily-life situations, experiments and case studies.
- Solve official sample papers: Use the latest CBSE sample question papers and marking schemes.
- Improve analytical skills: Practise interpreting graphs, diagrams, tables and passages.
- Revise important formulas: Especially in Mathematics and Physics, learn when and how to apply each formula.
- Check your mistakes: Review incorrect answers and understand why your approach was wrong.
- Practise within a time limit: Solve complete papers under examination conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
Official CBSE Competency Based Questions PDF Download
Students can use official CBSE academic resources for practice. The Board has published competency-focused question booklets and assessment materials.
Useful resources include:
- CBSE Academic Website: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/
- CBSE Class 10 Sample Question Papers: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/SQP_CLASSX_2026-27.html
- CBSE Competency-Focused Practice Questions – English: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Manuals/CFPQ_English10.pdf
- CBSE Competency-Focused Practice Questions – Science: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Manuals/Science_Grade10_V2.pdf
- CBSE Competency-Focused Practice Questions – Social Science: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Manuals/SocialScience_10Vol2.pdf
Always check the latest syllabus and subject-specific resources before using any practice paper. Older practice booklets can still help with concepts, but their topics may not fully match the current syllabus.
Benefits of Practising Competency Based Questions
Regular practice can help students:
- Understand concepts more deeply.
- Improve logical and analytical thinking.
- Develop problem-solving skills.
- Become familiar with case-based and application-oriented questions.
- Improve confidence before board examinations.
- Learn to explain answers with proper reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are CBSE competency-based questions for Class 10?
These are questions that test conceptual understanding, reasoning and the ability to apply knowledge to practical situations.
Q2. What percentage of Class 10 CBSE questions are competency-focused?
The published CBSE assessment pattern for Classes IX–X specifies 50% competency-focused questions in theory examinations. Students should verify the latest subject-wise design for their examination session.
Q3. Where can I download CBSE Class 10 competency-based questions PDF?
Students can visit https://cbseacademic.nic.in/ and check the official question bank, practice resources and sample question paper sections.
Q4. Are competency-based questions difficult?
They may require more reasoning than direct recall questions, but regular practice and a clear understanding of NCERT concepts can make them easier.
Q5. Are competency-based questions important for the Class 10 board exam?
Yes. They form an important part of CBSE’s assessment approach and help evaluate students’ understanding and application of concepts.
Q6. Can I prepare for competency questions using NCERT textbooks?
Yes. NCERT textbooks are an important foundation. Students should combine textbook study with application-based practice and official sample papers.
Conclusion
CBSE Competency Based Questions Class 10 are an important part of modern board examination preparation. Students should focus on understanding concepts, applying formulas, interpreting information and solving real-life problems.
Practise Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English and Hindi questions regularly. Also, download the latest official CBSE sample papers and marking schemes to understand the subject-wise examination pattern.
Consistent practice, proper revision and a clear understanding of NCERT concepts can help students prepare confidently for the Class 10 board examination.