Petition for Review and Fair Evaluation of CBSE Class 10 Basic Mathematics Examination 2026 

To the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE),

We, the undersigned students and parents, respectfully submit this petition concerning the Class 10 Basic Mathematics Board Examination 2026.

Feedback from multiple regions, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, and Guwahati, indicates that the Basic Mathematics paper was perceived to be significantly more challenging than anticipated for the prescribed level. Several questions required extended reasoning, multi-step application, and substantial time, raising concerns regarding alignment with the intended objectives and scope of the Basic curriculum.

The Basic Mathematics course is specifically designed for students who do not intend to pursue Mathematics at an advanced level and who select this option with the understanding that the examination will reflect a foundational and appropriately differentiated standard. When the level of difficulty appears to approach that of the Standard examination, it reduces the intended distinction between the two streams and may place Basic-level students at an unintended academic disadvantage.

At the same time, feedback suggests that the Standard Mathematics examination also reflected variations in difficulty across regions. In certain areas, some Standard sets were reported to contain highly complex or conceptually demanding questions. These concerns further highlight the importance of ensuring consistency between the prescribed curriculum, official sample papers, and the final examination across both streams.

Students prepared throughout the academic year in accordance with the syllabus and the structure reflected in official sample papers issued by the Board. When the final examination is perceived to exceed those expectations in complexity, it results in considerable academic stress and uncertainty among students and parents.

In light of these circumstances, we respectfully request that the Board review the Mathematics examination, particularly the Basic paper, and consider appropriate corrective measures, including lenient evaluation, suitable moderation of marks, or any other equitable steps deemed appropriate, in order to ensure that assessment remains aligned with the intended level of each stream. Such measures would help safeguard fairness and ensure that students’ sustained academic efforts throughout the year are justly recognised.

We submit this petition with full respect for the Board’s authority and processes and with the sincere hope that this matter will receive thoughtful consideration.

Thank you for your attention to this.