As the CBSE board exam pattern for 2026 steadily shifts towards competency-based learning, the way students prepare for the Class 10 Maths board exam is undergoing a critical transformation. Moving away from rote learning and repetitive problem-solving, the focus today is firmly on conceptual clarity, application, and analytical thinking.
In an exclusive interaction with Moneycontrol.com, Swaati Jain, Editor-in-Chief, Oswaal Books, shares deep insights drawn from years of engaging with lakhs of learners across the country. She explains how the right approach to practice can help students not only score better in board exams but also build confidence and logical thinking skills that last well beyond the classroom.
PRACTICE THAT BUILDS UNDERSTANDING, NOT MEMORISATION
Addressing one of the most common concerns among students and parents, Jain highlights that the real question is not how much practice students do, but the nature of that practice. “One question I hear repeatedly from students and parents alike is, ‘How much practice is enough for Class 10 Maths?’ My answer is usually another question: ‘What kind of practice are you doing?’” she says.
She emphasises that Mathematics is fundamentally about clarity and reasoning, not memory. “Maths is not a subject that rewards memorisation. It rewards clarity. At its core, Mathematics is structured common sense; a way of thinking logically, analysing situations, and arriving at conclusions step by step.”
According to Jain, many students unknowingly fall into the trap of mechanical practice, solving similar questions without understanding the concepts behind them. This is where well-designed practice books play a decisive role. “Instead of encouraging shortcuts, it focuses on concept-building, variations, and reasoning. When students understand why a method works, not just how to apply it, conceptual clarity follows naturally.”
WHAT’S CHANGING IN PRACTICE BOOKS FOR CBSE 2026
With CBSE exams increasingly prioritising real-life application and analytical thinking, Jain notes that practice material must evolve accordingly. “CBSE’s exam pattern has been evolving consistently, and the direction is very clear, with a greater emphasis on competency-based learning, real-life application, and analytical thinking.”
She explains that practice books aligned with the 2026 board exams will reflect this shift through new formats and integrated learning. “Students will encounter more case-study based questions, assertion-reason formats, and application-driven problems that require interpretation rather than direct formula usage.”
DOWNLOAD: CBSE Class 10th Mathematics (Standard) Sample Question Paper 2026 with Answer Key
Importantly, questions will no longer remain confined to isolated chapters. “Many questions will also integrate concepts across chapters, helping students understand how Maths works as a connected system rather than isolated topics.”
The goal, she says, is to make practice closely resemble the real exam environment. “When students know what is being tested and why, it builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety. There should be no surprises on the day of the exam, only familiarity and clarity.”
HOW STUDENTS CAN USE PRACTICE BOOKS MORE EFFECTIVELY
Drawing from Oswaal’s experience with lakhs of learners, Jain stresses that a practice book should never become a substitute for thinking. “A good Class 10 Maths practice book should never feel like an answer bank. Its real purpose is to help students think mathematically.”
She recommends a structured approach that moves gradually from basics to exam-oriented questions. “The most effective practice is concept-wise and progressive, starting with basic understanding, moving to application, and then to exam-oriented questions.”
Such an approach, she explains, helps students internalise logic rather than memorise steps. “Clear, step-by-step solutions that explain the reasoning behind a method, exposure to varied question formats, and a gradual increase in difficulty help build confidence organically.”
This method aligns closely with the direction CBSE question papers are taking. “This approach is especially relevant today, as CBSE papers increasingly test clarity of concepts rather than repetition.”
Beyond marks, Jain believes Maths education plays a deeper role. “When students build a strong foundation in Maths, they are learning how to think, reason, and apply common sense. These skills stay with them long after the board results are forgotten.”
COMMON MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE — AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Despite access to good study material, students often undermine their own preparation through avoidable habits. “Having interacted with lakhs of learners over the years, one thing stands out clearly: high scorers don’t necessarily solve the most questions; they solve them thoughtfully.”
She points out that many students skip concept explanations, practise selectively, or memorise procedures without understanding the logic behind them. “While this approach may show short-term results, it often weakens long-term confidence and clarity.”
Jain advises a more reflective method of practice. “Students benefit most when they begin by revising the concept, attempt questions independently, and then use solutions to analyse where they went wrong.”
Simple habits, such as tracking recurring errors, can significantly improve performance. “Maintaining a small notebook to track recurring errors, whether conceptual, calculation-based, or related to presentation, can be extremely effective.”
She also highlights the importance of revisiting difficult questions and practising under timed conditions as exams approach. “What feels confusing today often becomes manageable with time and perspective.”
Presentation, she adds, is an often-overlooked scoring factor. “Writing clear steps, using diagrams where required, and structuring answers logically can make a meaningful difference in board exam scores.”
Summing up her philosophy, Jain leaves students with a powerful thought: “As I often tell students, the moment a student stops fearing Maths, they discover confidence that carries into every area of life.”
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