Education is evolving rapidly in India, and state boards are taking significant steps to improve the quality of examinations. Among them, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has introduced a new paper pattern for Class 10 board exams in 2025. This change is designed to make students more exam-ready, focus on conceptual clarity, and reduce rote learning.
In this detailed guide, we will cover the Bihar Board Class 10 new paper pattern subject-wise, explain the marking scheme, and give you a roadmap to prepare effectively. Whether you are a student, parent, or educator, this blog will help you understand the latest updates clearly.
Why Bihar Board Changed the Class 10 Paper Pattern?
The new paper format has been introduced to:
- Make exams more student-friendly.
- Increase the weightage of objective and analytical questions.
- Test conceptual understanding instead of memorization.
- Align Bihar Board’s standards closer to national boards like CBSE and ICSE.
If you compare this with the Class 10 CBSE new paper pattern, you’ll notice similarities that prepare Bihar Board students for competitive exams.
Bihar Board Class 10 Exam 2025: Key Highlights
Before diving into subject-wise patterns, let’s look at the major updates:
- Total Marks per Subject: 100 (80 for theory + 20 for internal/practical).
- Objective Questions: Around 50% of the paper will be objective-type (MCQs).
- Descriptive Questions: Short and long-answer questions carry the rest of the marks.
- OMR Sheets: Students will fill answers to objective questions on OMR sheets.
- Choice in Questions: More internal choice provided to reduce stress.
Subject-Wise Bihar Board Class 10 Paper Pattern
1. Mathematics
Mathematics is one of the most crucial subjects in Class 10 Bihar Board. The paper is divided into two sections: Objective and Descriptive.
- Objective (50 Marks): 50 questions of 1 mark each.
- Descriptive (30 Marks):
- Short answer (2-3 marks each).
- Long answer (4-5 marks each).
- Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Based on assignments, class tests, and projects.
👉 For better preparation, check our guide on How Math is used in Architecture, which shows the real-life importance of learning mathematics.
2. Science
The Class 10 Science paper tests Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Objective (50 Marks): MCQs covering all three branches.
- Descriptive (30 Marks):
- Short definitions, reasoning-based questions.
- Diagrams in Biology and Chemistry reactions are important.
- Practical (20 Marks): Lab experiments and viva.
👉 Compare this with the Renewable Materials in Science section to see how concepts go beyond textbooks.
3. Social Science
Social Science is divided into History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
- Objective (50 Marks): 50 MCQs from all four sections.
- Descriptive (30 Marks):
- Short notes, case studies, and map-based questions.
- Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Project or assignments.
👉 You can also read about State Boards with Most Students in India to see where Bihar stands compared to other states.
4. English
English focuses on comprehension, grammar, and literature.
- Objective (50 Marks): Grammar, vocabulary, and multiple-choice comprehension questions.
- Descriptive (30 Marks):
- Essay writing, letter writing, and literature-based answers.
- Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Speaking, listening, and project work.
👉 For essay practice, explore our UPSC Essay Strategy which also helps in improving descriptive skills.
5. Hindi
As the first language, Hindi holds great importance in Bihar Board exams.
- Objective (50 Marks): MCQs based on grammar, poems, and prose.
- Descriptive (30 Marks):
- Letter writing, essay, comprehension, and long-answer type questions.
- Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Class projects and oral exams.
6. Other Subjects (Urdu, Sanskrit, Optional Subjects)
- Objective (50 Marks)
- Descriptive (30 Marks)
- Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
The pattern is similar across optional subjects with minor variations.
Internal Assessment and Practical Exams
Apart from theory, 20 marks per subject are reserved for:
- Practical experiments (Science).
- Projects and assignments (Social Science, Hindi, English).
- Oral examinations (Languages).
This ensures that students gain practical knowledge along with theoretical learning.
Comparison: Bihar Board vs CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern {#cbse-vs-bihar-board}
While CBSE gives 40% weightage to competency-based questions, Bihar Board still maintains 50% objective MCQs. This approach makes Bihar students more comfortable with competitive exams like SSC, Railway, and UPSC (prelims) where objective-type questions dominate.
Preparation Tips for Students
- Focus on NCERT & Bihar Board Books: Questions are mostly framed from prescribed textbooks.
- Practice OMR Sheets: Since 50% paper is MCQs, accuracy on OMR is key.
- Revise Diagrams & Maps: Essential in Science and Social Science.
- Improve Writing Speed: For descriptive sections.
- Regular Mock Tests: Simulate real exam environment.
Math in Real Life: Why It Matters {#math-in-real-life}
The Bihar Board has introduced competency-based questions in mathematics to test logical skills. This aligns with how math is applied in architecture, engineering, and technology.
👉 Explore our blog on Math in Architecture: Patterns in Design to see how Class 10 concepts shape real-world structures.
Renewable Science Concepts {#renewable-science}
Science exams now emphasize environmental awareness. For example, questions on renewable materials, climate change, and sustainability are more frequent.
👉 Read our article on Renewable Materials: Bioplastics & Beyond to deepen your knowledge.
State Board Comparison {#board-comparison}
Bihar Board is one of the largest state boards in India, with millions of students appearing each year. It competes closely with UP Board and Maharashtra Board in terms of enrollment numbers.
👉 You can check our analysis of Which State Board Has the Most Students in India for more insights.
Essay & Descriptive Skills {#essay-writing}
Since English and Hindi papers have 30% descriptive sections, practicing writing is important. Skills gained here also help in UPSC preparation, where essays and ethics papers demand clarity and structure.
👉 Our blog on UPSC Strategy for Ethics will help you improve descriptive writing and reasoning skills.
The new Bihar Board Class 10 paper pattern for 2025 is a progressive step that balances objective and descriptive questions, making exams both student-friendly and competitive exam-oriented. With 50% weightage to MCQs, strong basics, and regular practice, students can perform well.
By understanding the subject-wise paper format, internal assessment system, and preparation tips, Class 10 students in Bihar can approach exams with confidence.
