- The year 2021 was one of the most unique and challenging years for CBSE students. Due to the pandemic, CBSE introduced a new Term-wise exam pattern for Class 10 — and the Term 1 Exam 2021 was completely MCQ-based for the first time in history!
- In this post, we bring you the CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers 2021 Term 1, along with official answer keys and marking guidelines, so you can understand exactly how to prepare for objective-type questions and master the Term 1 format.
🧭 Why the 2021 Term 1 Sample Papers Were So Important
- The CBSE 2021–22 academic year introduced a major reform — splitting the board exams into Term 1 and Term 2, each covering 50% of the syllabus.
- Term 1: Objective (MCQ-based) paper
- Term 2: Subjective (short & long answers) paper
- The Term 1 2021 sample papers were designed to test concept clarity, analytical thinking, and chapter-wise understanding in an all-new format.
💡 Tip: These papers are still great for quick chapter-wise revision, especially for students preparing for future competency-based exams.

CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers 2021-22 (Term 1)-Download Links
| SUBJECTS | QUE PAPER | SOLUTIONS |
| MATHS(S) | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| MATHS(B) | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| ENG | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| HINDI(A) | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| HINDI(B) | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| S.S | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| SCI | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| SANSKRIT | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| COM | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| IT | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
Visit Official CBSE Website-www.cbse.gov.in
Helpful Add-ons for Better Exam Preparation
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2022-2023 SAMPLE PAPER
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2023-2024 SAMPLE PAPER
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2024-2025 SAMPLE PAPER
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2025-2026 SAMPLE PAPER
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2025 PYQs
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2024 PYQs
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2023 PYQs
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2022 PYQs
- CLASS 10 CBSE 2020 PYQs
🧩 Key Highlights of CBSE Class 10 Term 1 Exam 2021
- Here’s what made the 2021 Term 1 papers stand out:
- 📘 Entirely MCQ-based: Every question had four options, one correct answer.
- 🧠 Case-based questions: Included real-life situations and data interpretation.
- 🔢 Assertion-Reason questions: Tested logic and conceptual reasoning.
- 📊 OMR sheets: Students had to fill answers on machine-readable OMRs.
- ⏰ 90-minute duration: Shorter, focused paper format.
- 📄 No negative marking: So students could attempt all questions confidently.
📖 What Made the 2021 Term 1 Pattern Unique
- The MCQ-based format required a different kind of preparation. Students had to understand concepts deeply instead of memorizing long answers.
- Each question tested:
- Concept clarity
- Reading comprehension (especially in English and Social Science)
- Data interpretation (in Maths and Science)
- Critical reasoning (in case-based questions)
Even though the Term 1 format was used only for one academic year, it became the foundation for CBSE’s competency-based questions used in later years (2023 onwards).
🧠 How to Practice 2021 Term 1 Papers Effectively
- If you want to use the 2021 Term 1 sample papers for current board prep, follow this strategy:
- Step 1️⃣: Attempt Full Paper Under 90 Minutes
- Set a timer, sit in exam conditions, and solve one subject paper without interruption.
- Step 2️⃣: Check Using Official Answer Keys
- Match your answers with CBSE’s marking scheme to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Step 3️⃣: Revise Concepts Behind Wrong Answers
- Don’t just note the right option — understand why the wrong ones are incorrect.
- Step 4️⃣: Mix With New Pattern Practice
- Combine these with CBSE 2023 competency-based questions to build strong conceptual and reasoning skills.
🏆 Benefits of Solving CBSE Class 10 Term 1 2021 Papers
- ✔️ Builds accuracy and speed in MCQ solving.
- ✔️ Improves reading comprehension and reasoning ability.
- ✔️ Boosts conceptual clarity in Science, Maths & SST.
- ✔️ Great for quick daily practice or weekend revision.
- ✔️ Still relevant for objective-based sections in today’s pattern.
🎯 Even though the Term 1 system ended, the question styles continue to influence modern CBSE exams — so these papers remain valuable practice material.
🏁 Final Thoughts
- The CBSE Class 10 Term 1 Sample Papers 2021 marked the start of a new era in exam structure. With their MCQ-based, concept-driven approach, they helped students think analytically and prepare more smartly.
- Even today, these papers are a great resource for students who want to master conceptual clarity, accuracy, and quick problem-solving skills.
- So, go ahead — download the PDFs, time yourself, and make your preparation stronger than ever! 💪
💬 What’s Your Take?
🤔 Do you prefer the 2021 Term 1 objective-style paper or the traditional descriptive pattern used later?
Share your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to know which format helped you prepare better! 💬