Scoring 95%+ in CBSE Class 10 Physics requires more than just textbook learning – you need to decode exam patterns, frequently repeated questions, and marking trends from previous years. This 1800+ word ultimate guide analyzes 5 years of CBSE Class 10 Physics papers (2019-2024) to give you:
✅ Chapter-wise weightage breakdown
✅ Most repeated 15+ questions (with solutions)
✅ Tricky diagram-based questions examiners love
✅ 2025 predicted important topics
✅ Proven time-management strategies
Section 1: CBSE Class 10 Physics – 5-Year Exam Pattern Analysis
Chapter-Wise Weightage (2019-2024 Trends)
Chapter | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Avg. Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Electricity | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Light (Reflection & Refraction) | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9.8 |
Human Eye | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5.2 |
Magnetic Effects | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Key Insight: Light + Electricity = 17-18 marks (Nearly 50% of Physics paper!)

Question Paper Format (2024 Latest Pattern)
Question Type | Marks | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|---|
MCQs | 1 | 16 | 16 |
Short Answer-I | 2 | 5 | 10 |
Short Answer-II | 3 | 7 | 21 |
Long Answer | 5 | 2 | 10 |
Total | 57 |
Game-Changer Tip: MCQs are now 16 marks (up from 10). Speed + accuracy here can make/break your score.
Section 2: 15 Most Repeated Questions (2019-2024)
Electricity – Guaranteed 8 Markers
Q1. [2023, 2021, 2019]
“A wire of resistance 5Ω is stretched to double its length. Calculate new resistance.”
Solution:R=ρLAR=ρAL
When length becomes 2L, area reduces to A/2 (volume constant)Rnew=ρ2LA/2=4×ρLA=4×5=20ΩRnew=ρA/22L=4×ρAL=4×5=20Ω
Q2. [2024, 2022, 2020]
“Why is tungsten used in bulbs? Give 2 reasons.”
Answer:
- High melting point (3422°C)
- High resistivity (doesn’t burn easily)
Light – Must-Practice Diagrams
Q3. [2024, 2022, 2020]
Draw ray diagram for image formation by convex lens when object is placed between F and 2F.
Key Labels Needed:
- Parallel ray → Passes through F’
- Central ray → Undeviated
- Arrow-headed rays
- Correct image position (beyond 2F, real & inverted)
Q4. [2023, 2021]
*Calculate power of a lens if its focal length is -25cm.*
Solution:P=1f=1−0.25=−4D(Concave lens)P=f1=−0.251=−4D(Concave lens)
Section 3: 2025 Predicted Important Topics
Based on CBSE’s emphasis on competency-based questions:
- Electricity:
- Numerical problems on series/parallel combinations (5 marks)
- Ohm’s Law graph-based questions (3 marks)
- Light:
- Ray diagrams with mirrors (especially concave)
- Numericals on refractive index (e.g., glass to water)
- Human Eye:
- Myopia/Hypermetropia corrections (lens diagrams)
- Why sky appears blue (1 mark MCQ)
Section 4: Time Management Blueprint
3-Hour Paper Strategy
Time Slot | Task |
---|---|
First 15 mins | Read entire paper, mark easy questions |
Next 60 mins | Solve all MCQs + 2-mark questions |
Next 45 mins | Complete 3-mark questions |
Next 30 mins | Attempt 5-mark long answers |
Last 30 mins | Review + draw diagrams neatly |
Pro Tip: Always attempt numericals first (they’re less subjective than theory).
Final Checklist Before Exam
✔ Revise these 5 diagrams:
- Concave mirror ray diagram
- Convex lens image formation
- Electric circuit with ammeter/voltmeter
- Magnetic field around current-carrying wire
- Human eye defects correction
✔ Formulas to memorize:
- Mirror/Lens formula
- Ohm’s Law & resistance combinations
- Power formulas (P=VI, P=I²R)
✔ Avoid these mistakes:
- Forgetting units (e.g., writing “4” instead of “4Ω”)
- Incomplete ray diagrams (missing arrows/labels)
Conclusion: Your 95+ Action Plan
- Practice 2019-2024 papers (available at CBSE Academic)
- Focus on Light + Electricity (17-18 marks)
- Speed-train for MCQs (16 marks in 20 mins)
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