Diagrams carry up to 5 marks each in the Class 10 science question paper. That is not something you can revise the night before and expect full marks.
CBSE Class 10 science question paper examines diagrams in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, every year, without exception. By knowing precisely which ones you must prepare and how to draw them properly, you are picking up marks that most students leave on the table.
Here is the subject-wise list of important diagrams for class 10 science, straight from Aakash’s pattern analysis of previous year papers, of every diagram you must be ready to draw before the exam.
Biology Diagrams in the Class 10 Science Question Paper
In Biology, diagrams are not supporting material. They are the answer. The CBSE syllabus for class 10 science allocates 25 marks to the World of Living unit, and diagram-based questions show up in nearly every board paper from this section.
These are the non-negotiable Biology diagrams for class 10 science:
| Diagram Topic | What to Focus On (Board Exam Expectation) |
| Human Digestive System | Label all organs, including villi; completeness is checked |
| Human Heart | Show all four chambers, valves, and direction of blood flow |
| Human Brain | Clearly separate and label cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla |
| Human Eye | Label parts (cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, iris, etc.) |
| Nephron | Structure questions are often paired with function; know both |
| Reflex Arc | Show nerve pathway from receptor to effector; name each component |
| Structure of a Flower | Label anther, stigma, ovary, and petals; frequently asked in the reproduction chapter |
| Food Chain and Food Webs | Show flow of energy and feeding relationships; arrows and correct trophic levels matter. |
Here is what we see at Aakash after training lakhs of students: a messy diagram with unlabelled parts can cost you 2 out of 5 marks even when the written explanation is correct. Draw to perform, not just to understand.
Visual Story:
Physics: Ray Diagrams Are Where Marks Are Won or Lost
Physics diagrams are formula-free zones. You cannot derive them. You either know them or you do not.
The Light – Reflection and Refraction chapter alone contributes significantly to the Class 10 science question paper year after year.
Your important class 10 Physics diagrams include:
| Diagram Topic | What to Focus On (Board Exam Expectation) |
| Human Eye (Physics) | Light path, myopia, hypermetropia, correction using lenses |
| Electric Generator | Working; labelled parts (slip rings, armature, brushes) |
| Magnetic Field Lines | Patterns around magnet, conductor, loop, solenoid |
| Dispersion of White Light | Prism ray diagram; incident, refracted, emergent rays |
| Electric Motor | Working principle: labelled parts (armature, split ring, brushes) |
| Electric Circuit | Circuit symbols: series and parallel connections |
One mistake students make repeatedly: they draw the arrow on the ray diagram correctly, but forget to extend the refracted or reflected ray beyond the point of incidence. That costs marks.
Your diagram is only complete when every component is labelled, and every ray carries a direction arrow.
Solve at least two sample paper class 10 science sets where you practise only diagram-based questions under timed conditions.
Chemistry: Do Not Skip Experimental Setups
Chemistry is where students most underestimate the importance of diagrams. Most focus on chemical equations and reactions, which is good, but don’t skip out diagrams; you’ll lose easy marks.
The important science diagrams for Chemistry are experimental setups, and they require precision in labelling.
| Chemistry Diagram | What to Focus On (Board Exam Expectation) |
| Atomic Structure (Bohr’s Model) | Nucleus, electron shells (K, L, M, N), electron distribution |
| Periodic Table Layout | Groups, periods, metals vs non-metals trend |
| Formation of Ionic Bond (NaCl) | Electron transfer; Na⁺ and Cl⁻ formation |
| Electrolysis of Water | Apparatus setup; H₂ and O₂ in 2:1 ratio |
| Laboratory Preparation of Hydrogen | Zn + HCl setup; gas collection by water displacement |
| Soap Micelle Formation | Hydrophilic head, hydrophobic tail, dirt trapping mechanism |
The CBSE syllabus for class 10 science assigns 25 marks to Chemical Substances alone. If you skip experimental setup diagrams, you are entering the exam underprepared for a question type that appears every year.
CBSE Exam Class 10 Syllabus, Sample Papers & Solutions (2026)
- CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Previous Years Question Papers with Solutions | Aakash
- CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Mock Test Paper Solutions
- CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper Solutions
Also Read: Some Important Articles for Class 10 Science Exam 2026
- Smart Practice with Class 10 Science Previous Year Papers & Solutions
- Class 10 Science Paper Pattern: Marks Distribution & Important Topics
- Tips for Class 10 Science Final Revision: Important Questions & Formulas
- How to Score High in Class 10 Science: Smart Preparation Tips
- Most Repeated Questions in Class 10 Science Board Exams (PYQ Based)
- Class 10 Science Easy & High Scoring Units – Subject-wise Guide
- Important Formulas of Class 10 Science (Chapter-wise) with MCQs
- Class 10 Science Exam 2026 Complete Guide: Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Weightage
How to Practice Science Diagram Class 10 Effectively?
Knowing which diagrams to draw is step one. Knowing how to practise them is what separates a 70-scorer from a 90-scorer in the Class 10 science question paper.
Follow this method:
- Draw once with the book open, then close it and draw again from memory
- Label every diagram without any reference; if a label is missing, mark it as a weak point and revisit
- Revise each diagram at least 3 times in the final week before the exam
- Time yourself: A 5-mark diagram should be completed in under 4 minutes during the actual paper
CBSE 10 Class Board Exam 2026 Preparation Tips & Strategy
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Preparation Tips 2026 – Complete Subject-Wise Guide
- How to Score Good Marks in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026
- Best Revision Strategy for Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Students
- Smart Study Tips to Score Above 90% in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026
- How to Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Before the Exam
- Download CBSE Class 10 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
- CBSE Class 10 Board Percentage Calculation from CGPA
- Best Study Material For Class 10 Board Exams
Conclusion: What to Focus On in the Final Week?
Look at the class 10 science diagrams list above one more time. If there are any you cannot draw from memory right now, then those are your priority.
The Class 10 science question paper rewards students who prepare for what is expected, not just what is surprising. Diagrams are expected. Every year, so practice them thoroughly. Good luck with your preparation!
FAQs
Q1. Can diagram questions appear in the MCQ section of the Class 10 science question paper?
Yes. MCQs may include diagram-based identification or process questions using unlabeled or partially labelled figures.
Q2. What happens if I draw the correct diagram but label it incorrectly?
Marks are awarded stepwise. You can get partial marks for a correct structure, but wrong or missing labels reduce marks.
Q3. How much time should I spend practising diagrams versus theory before the exam?
Diagrams can contribute around 15-20 marks in total, so regular focused practice is important alongside theory.
