Step marking in CBSE Class 10 Maths: how to present answers
Where the marks in a long answer come from, how to set out working so none are lost, and three of our own questions marked line by line.
How the marks split
In a 2-, 3- or 5-mark answer the examiner is not only looking for the final answer. The marks are spread over the steps: setting the problem up (the formula, the equation, the figure), the working, and the answer itself. In CBSE's 2026-27 sample-paper marking schemes for Class 10 (Standard) and Class 12, the one-mark MCQs in Section A carry no part marks, while longer answers have their marks split across the steps, often in half marks. (Class 10 Standard scheme, Class 12 scheme.)
So a long answer can still earn most of its marks after a slip near the end, as long as the earlier steps are on the page. An answer with no working has nothing to give marks for if the last line is wrong.
Method marks are for the right approach: the correct formula with values in, the right equation, a correct figure.
Working marks are for the key lines in between: solving, simplifying, substituting limits.
Answer marks are for the final result, in the form asked for (simplified, with units, both values if there are two).
Worked examples, marked line by line
Our own questions, with the marks shown next to each line. The splits are an illustration of step marking; for CBSE's real splits, read its marking schemes (links below).
Find the coordinates of the point \(P\) that divides the line segment joining \(A(-2, 5)\) and \(B(6, -3)\) internally in the ratio \(3 : 1\).
Section formula with the values in: \[x = \dfrac{3 \times 6 + 1 \times (-2)}{3 + 1}\], \[y = \dfrac{3 \times (-3) + 1 \times 5}{3 + 1}\] 1 mark · method
\(x = \dfrac{16}{4} = 4\) and \(y = \dfrac{-4}{4} = -1\), so \(P(4, -1)\) 1 mark · answer
Answer: \(P(4, -1)\)
Where marks slip: With the substitution on the page, a slip in the last line still leaves the method mark. A bare \((4, -1)\) that is wrong leaves nothing to mark.
The quadratic polynomial \(p(x) = 6x^2 - x - 15\) has two zeroes. Find them, and check that their sum and product agree with the coefficients of \(p(x)\).
The 4th term of an AP is \(11\) and the sum of its first \(10\) terms is \(140\). Find the AP and the sum of its first \(20\) terms.
\(a_4 = a + 3d = 11\) 1 mark · first equation
\(S_{10} = \dfrac{10}{2}(2a + 9d) = 140\), so \(2a + 9d = 28\) 1 mark · second equation
Doubling the first: \(2a + 6d = 22\); subtracting, \(3d = 6\), so \(d = 2\) and \(a = 5\) 1 mark · solving
The AP is \(5, 7, 9, 11, \ldots\) ½ mark · AP stated
\[\begin{aligned}S_{20} &= \dfrac{20}{2}(2 \times 5 + 19 \times 2) \\ &= 10 \times 48\end{aligned}\] 1 mark · formula with values
\(S_{20} = 480\) ½ mark · answer
Answer: AP \(5, 7, 9, 11, \ldots\); \(S_{20} = 480\)
Where marks slip: The question asks for two things: the AP and \(S_{20}\). Students who stop at \(a = 5, d = 2\) lose the half mark for stating the AP.
Presenting an answer: a checklist
Write the question number exactly, including the part and the option you chose in an internal choice.
Start with what you use: the formula, theorem or identity, then the values substituted into it.
One step per line, in order, with "\(\Rightarrow\)" or "so" between lines. Do not do two steps in your head.
Give reasons in geometry and proofs: "(alternate angles)", "(RHS)", "(radius \(\perp\) tangent)".
Draw the figure for geometry, heights and distances, and label it.
Box or underline the final answer, simplified, with units, and in exact form (no calculator: leave surds and \(\pi\) unless a value is given).
Show rough work at the side of the same page, not on a loose sheet, and cross out rather than overwrite.
MCQs: write the option letter and the answer, for example "(b) \(\dfrac{5}{8}\)". There are no part marks, so check them.
CBSE's own marking schemes and model answers
Read real schemes next to the paper they belong to. We link to CBSE's copies and do not reproduce them.
"Model Answer by Candidate" (cbse.gov.in): answer books written by students in past board exams, published by CBSE by year and subject. Look at how the strongest answers set out each step.
Every chapter's practice questions come with a step mark scheme to mark your own working against, and our sample papers have a full scheme for all 38 questions. Start with the chapter you lose most marks in, from the Class 10 chapter list.
Questions students ask
Does CBSE give step marks in maths?
CBSE's published marking schemes split the marks of 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers across the steps, often in half marks, so correct steps can earn marks even when the final answer is wrong. The 1-mark MCQs in Section A have no part marks.
What if I use a different method from the marking scheme?
A marking scheme shows one way of answering. Whatever method you use, set it out just as clearly, one step per line, so each step can be seen and marked.
How much working should I show in a 1-mark question?
For MCQs, write the option and the answer. For other short questions, a line or two of working helps you check, but the mark is for the correct answer.
Official facts on this page were last checked against CBSE's own documents on 5 October 2026. CBSE Math Revision is independent and not affiliated with CBSE or NCERT. If a newer CBSE notice or your school says something different, follow CBSE and the school. Worked examples are written by CBSE Math Revision and checked twice (by computer algebra and by hand); the mark splits are our illustration, not CBSE's scheme for any paper.