CBSE Class 10: A Simple Strategy to Move From 70% to 90%+

Introduction

Scoring around 70% in Class 10 does not mean that you cannot reach 90% or above. In many cases, the difference comes from better revision, regular question practice, fewer mistakes and smarter exam preparation rather than simply studying for more hours.

If your current marks are around 70%, the first step is to understand where those marks are being lost. Once you identify your weak areas and follow a consistent system, improvement becomes much more manageable.

1. Find Out Where Your Marks Are Going

Before changing your entire study routine, analyse your recent school tests, pre-board papers or practice tests. Do not look only at your total percentage.

Divide your mistakes into four categories:

• ❌ Concept mistakes: You did not understand the topic properly.
• ❌ Memory mistakes: You forgot a formula, definition, fact or important point.
• ❌ Practice mistakes: You understood the topic but could not solve the question.
• ❌ Presentation mistakes: Your answer was incomplete, unclear or poorly structured.

This analysis tells you what kind of preparation you actually need. For example, if most lost marks come from calculation errors, reading another chapter repeatedly may not solve the problem. You need targeted practice.

2. Stop Treating Every Chapter the Same

A common mistake is spending the same amount of time on every chapter. Instead, divide your chapters according to your preparation level.

This approach prevents you from wasting hours revising topics you already know while ignoring the areas that are actually reducing your score.

3. Build a Daily Study System

You do not need an unrealistic 10–12 hour schedule to improve your marks. A consistent and focused routine is more useful.

4. Give More Importance to Question Practice

Knowing a chapter and being able to answer questions from it are two different things. Once you understand the concept, start testing yourself.

Use textbook questions, previous questions, question banks and other quality practice material. Gradually include different question formats so that you become comfortable with unfamiliar wording.

5. Create a Mistake Notebook

One of the simplest ways to improve your score is to stop repeating the same mistakes. Maintain a small notebook or digital list containing your important errors.

• Write the question or topic you got wrong.
• Write why you made the mistake.
• Write the correct method or key point.
• Review the list every few days.
• Reattempt important mistakes without looking at the answer.

Your mistake notebook should become one of your most useful revision resources as the exam approaches.

6. Use Sample Papers at the Right Time

Sample papers become especially useful after you have covered a substantial part of your syllabus and have enough preparation to attempt a complete paper.

Solve them under exam-like conditions. Keep track of your time, avoid distractions and check your answers honestly after finishing.

7. Follow a Weekly Revision Cycle

Instead of waiting until the end to revise everything, keep revision running alongside your studies.

8. Improve Your Answer Writing

Knowing the answer is only part of board preparation. You also need to present it clearly.

• Read the question carefully before answering.
• Write answers according to what the question asks.
• Use proper steps in numerical problems.
• Highlight important points where appropriate.
• Use diagrams or labelled figures when required.
• Avoid unnecessary information that does not answer the question.
• Keep your handwriting and presentation reasonably clear.

9. A Simple 30-Day Improvement Plan

If you want a structured way to start improving, divide the next month into four stages.

After the first 30 days, repeat the cycle with greater focus on the topics where you are still losing marks.

10. Focus on Progress, Not Just Percentage

A jump from 70% to 90% does not usually happen in one test. Improvement comes through several small changes made consistently.

Instead of asking only, "How many marks did I get?", also ask:

• How many repeated mistakes did I eliminate?
• Which weak chapters became stronger?
• Is my accuracy improving?
• Can I complete papers within the required time?
• Am I making fewer careless errors?

Frequently Asked Questions