How to Score Good Marks in Maths in CBSE Board: Tips & Tricks

Does the thought of a Maths exam feel like a nightmare that keeps coming back no matter how much you study? For many Class 10 students and their parents, Maths is the biggest source of exam stress. You practise regularly, solve sample papers, yet the marks still don’t feel safe. Slowly, confidence drops and every test starts feeling heavier than the last. As board exams come closer, this fear only grows and revision begins to feel overwhelming. The truth is, CBSE Maths is not meant to trap students. It follows a clear structure and rewards the right preparation. In this blog, we explain how to score good marks in maths using simple, practical methods that actually work for Class 10 board exams

Why Maths Is a High Scoring Subject in CBSE

Before learning how to improve marks, it’s important to understand why Maths is considered a scoring subject in the CBSE board. Many students assume Maths is only for toppers, but that belief is not true.
Step-wise marking allows you to earn marks even if the final answer is wrong

  • Most questions are based directly on NCERT examples and exercises
  • Internal choices give flexibility during the exam
  • Marks depend on method and clarity, not subjective evaluation
  • Regular practice and clear concepts lead to visible improvement

Understanding this makes your preparation more focused and less stressful.

Understanding the CBSE Maths Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Many students start studying without knowing what the CBSE exam actually looks like, which leads to wasted effort. Understanding the syllabus and question pattern helps you focus on what really matters
The Class 10 Maths paper is for 80 marks, with 20 marks for internal assessment, and includes MCQs, short answers, long answers, and case study questions. Most questions are directly based on NCERT.

Some chapters carry more weight and need thorough practice, while others require strong basics and formula clarity. Preparing according to this pattern builds confidence and makes studying more effective.

How to Score Good Marks in Maths in CBSE Board Exams

Scoring well in CBSE Maths is about more than just solving questions; it’s about having a clear approach and consistent habits. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to improve both your understanding and exam performance.

1. Self-Expression and Emotional Awareness

Start by understanding the concepts. When you know why a formula or step works, you can solve problems without just memorising. Ask yourself why each step is needed and how it connects to the main idea. When your concepts are clear, even tricky or new questions become easier for you

2. Clear Your Basics Before Solving Hard Questions

Hard questions seem difficult mostly because your basics are weak. Make sure topics like algebra, identities, geometry, and arithmetic are strong. Practise these until the steps feel easy. When your basics are clear, long or multi-step questions feel simpler, and you make fewer mistakes.

3. Use NCERT Smartly

NCERT is very important for CBSE Maths. Most questions come from it. Solve all examples carefully first, then do exercises, including miscellaneous questions. Always write full steps while practising. Revisit hard questions after a few days to understand them better and improve your answer writing.

4. Learn Formulas Without Stress

Formulas are important to solve questions quickly. Keep a small notebook of all formulas and revise them a little every day. If you understand where a formula comes from, it will be easier to remember. Regular practice keeps you calm and avoids last-minute stress.

5. Write Answers Properly and Manage Your Time

How you write answers is as important as solving them. Always show all steps. Don’t skip steps to save time. Learn to move on from hard questions and come back later. This will help you use your exam time in the best way.

6. Use Mock Tests and Sample Papers

Mock tests help you know your weak areas. Solve past papers in a timed way. After each test, check your mistakes and revise those chapters. Focus on learning from each test, not just doing more papers.

7. Plan Smart Revision

Revision helps you remember what you studied. Go through each chapter again, focus on formulas, key points, and important questions. In the last 2–3 weeks, do only revision and practice. Don’t start new topics now.

If you follow these steps consistently, scoring well becomes achievable, even for average students.

Common Mistakes Students Make in CBSE Maths Exams

Even well-prepared students often lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Knowing what usually goes wrong can help you stay alert and protect easy marks in the exam. This section highlights the most common errors and how to prevent them
  • Poor Time Management-Spending too long on one question can leave you rushed for others, reducing overall scores. Practice pacing yourself during mock tests to avoid this. 
  • Skipping Steps-Leaving out intermediate steps may cost marks, even if the final answer is correct. Always write each step clearly. 
  • Careless Calculation Errors-Small mistakes in addition, subtraction, or algebra can unnecessarily reduce marks. Double-check calculations while practising and during the exam. 
  • Misreading Questions- Not reading carefully can lead to wrong approaches or answers. Take a moment to understand each question fully. 
  • Wrong Use of Formulas-Applying formulas incorrectly is a common trap. Ensure you know when and how to use each formula..
  • Incomplete Answers-Leaving solutions unfinished or skipping parts can result in lost marks. Write answers completely, showing all required steps.
  • Ignoring Internal Choices – Many students miss easier options provided in the question paper. Always check for internal choices before starting. 
  • Not Revising Answers – Failing to review answers can leave errors unnoticed. Reserve the last few minutes of the exam to recheck calculations and steps

Being aware of these mistakes helps you approach the exam calmly and strategically, turning preparation into results.

5 Tips for Final Exam Day to Score Good Marks in Maths

Even small habits on exam day can make a big difference in your score

  • Revise formulas only and avoid learning new topics so that key concepts stay fresh without confusion.
  • Start with the questions you are most confident about to build momentum and reduce stress.
  • Keep track of time throughout the exam to ensure you can attempt all questions without rushing.
  • Write all steps clearly, even for simple problems, since step-wise marks are important.
  • Reserve at least ten minutes at the end to recheck answers and correct any small mistakes.

These small, focused actions can help you stay calm, avoid careless errors, and complete the paper confidently. 

Conclusion

Scoring well in CBSE Maths is not about being naturally good at numbers. It depends on clear concepts, NCERT focused study, regular practice, and smart exam habits. When students understand how the paper works and prepare accordingly, confidence replaces fear. Slowly, results start matching effort, and Maths stops feeling overwhelming.

For students and parents looking for the right academic environment after 10th, Vidya Soudha PU College offers structured guidance, experienced faculty, and integrated coaching. With the right mentorship and consistent effort, students can build strong fundamentals that go beyond just board exams and prepare them for future success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare for JEE Main and JEE Advanced together?
Absolutely! You don’t have to treat them as separate exams. If you focus on your basics, practise every day, and balance speed with understanding, your JEE Main preparation will naturally set you up for Advanced as well. It actually makes things much easier.

You can appear for JEE Main three times a year, so you get chances to improve your score. For JEE Advanced, you can attempt it twice in two consecutive years. This makes your Main performance really important.

Integrated coaching can really help you stay organised. At Vidya Soudha P.U. College, you get both your board syllabus and JEE preparation in one place, saving travel time and stress. It helps you stay consistent, focused, and confident in both exams.

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