Introduction to MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (2020) and Free PDF Download
This page gives you the complete MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) in a simple, chapter-wise format. Instead of reading a long official document, you can see every chapter of Science and Technology Part 1 and Part 2, the topics inside each chapter, and how the marks are distributed, all in one place.
The biggest benefit is that the syllabus is available as a free PDF download. Once you save it on your phone or computer, you can study offline, tick off chapters as you finish them, and check your progress before the SSC exam without needing internet access.
Why the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science is Important for Students
The Class 10 Science syllabus covers all the essential concepts tested in the SSC examination, from Gravitation and Chemical Reactions to Life Processes and Heredity. Knowing the exact scope means you never waste time on topics outside the syllabus and never miss a chapter that carries marks. For example, students who study only their textbook exercises often miss the "activity-based" questions, which the syllabus clearly lists as examinable.
Accessing the Official and Updated Syllabus PDF
Always download the syllabus from the official board website so you get the latest version. After that, use this page as your study companion: chapter-wise notes are available for Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes and Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes, so you can move from syllabus to study material in one click.
Overview of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science and Technology (2020)
The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) is not a single book. The state board splits the subject into two separate textbooks and exams: Science and Technology Part 1 and Science and Technology Part 2. Each part is a distinct paper in the SSC examination, so you need a clear plan for both. Together they contain 18 chapters in total, with Part 1 and Part 2 carrying roughly equal weight in the final score [verify].
The Structure of Science and Technology Part 1 and Part 2
Part 1 builds the foundation. It deals with the physical sciences: concepts like Gravitation, Periodic Classification of Elements, Chemical Reactions and Equations, Effects of Electric Current, Heat, and Refraction of Light. These chapters involve formulas, numericals, and balanced equations, so they need regular written practice.
Part 2 shifts towards the life sciences and applied topics. Chapters such as Life Processes in Living Organisms, Heredity and Evolution, Animal Classification, Introduction to Microbiology, Environmental Management, and Mapping the Gene focus more on diagrams, definitions, and explanations. For example, an exam question like "Explain the process of reproduction in human beings with a labelled diagram" tests how well you can describe and draw, not calculate.
If you want chapter-wise study material for either paper, you can jump straight to the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes or the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes after checking the table below.
How the Syllabus is Divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Even though the textbooks are named "Science and Technology", the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science quietly mixes three subject areas across the two parts. Knowing which chapters belong to which area helps you plan revision, because Physics needs formula practice, Chemistry needs equation writing, and Biology needs diagram and definition revision.
| Subject Area | Part 1 Chapters (Examples) | Part 2 Chapters (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Gravitation, Heat, Refraction of Light, Effects of Electric Current | Space Missions, Lenses |
| Chemistry | Chemical Reactions and Equations, Periodic Classification, Chemical Bonding, Acid-Base Chemistry | Carbon-Containing Compounds |
| Biology | Life's Internal Secrets (Plant Biology) | Life Processes, Heredity and Evolution, Environmental Management, Microbiology |
A common mistake is treating both papers identically. Students revise Part 2 chapters by reading alone, then lose marks on diagram-based questions. The fix: for every Biology chapter, practise drawing and labelling at least one diagram from the textbook, the same way you solve numericals for Physics chapters in Part 1.
Detailed Chapter Breakdown of MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Part 1)
The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) lists nine chapters in Science and Technology Part 1, covering both Physics and Chemistry. Before you open a single textbook page, read through this breakdown so you know exactly what each chapter expects from you. Treat the table below as a checklist: tick off a chapter only when you can solve its numericals, write its equations, and answer a past exam question from it.
List of Chapters in Science and Technology Part 1
| Chapter | Subject Area | Core Topics You Must Master |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Gravitation | Physics | Kepler's laws, Newton's universal law of gravitation, free fall, weight and mass, numericals on g |
| 2. Periodic Classification of Elements | Chemistry | Mendeleev's periodic table, modern periodic table, trends like atomic size and metallic character |
| 3. Chemical Reactions and Equations | Chemistry | Writing and balancing equations, types of reactions (combination, displacement, oxidation) |
| 4. Effects of Electric Current | Physics | Heating effect, magnetic effect, electromagnet, electric motor |
| 5. Heat | Physics | Specific heat capacity, latent heat, temperature vs heat, numerical problems |
| 6. Refraction of Light | Physics | Refraction through glass slab, Snell's law, refractive index, dispersion through a prism |
| 7. Lenses | Physics | Convex and concave lenses, lens formula, power of a lens, ray diagrams [verify] |
| 8. Metallurgy | Chemistry | Extraction of metals, reactivity series, corrosion, anodising |
| 9. Carbon-Containing Compounds | Chemistry | Homologous series, functional groups, IUPAC naming, ethanol and ethanoic acid [verify] |
Chapter order and titles may vary slightly with textbook editions, so always cross-check with your official textbook [verify].
Key Concepts Covered in the First Half of the Syllabus
Physics Chapters in Part 1Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are formula-heavy. A typical exam question looks like: "An object of mass 10 kg is dropped from a height of 20 m. Calculate its velocity just before hitting the ground (g = 9.8 m/s²)." You get marks for writing the formula (v² = u² + 2gh), substituting values correctly, and stating the final answer with units. Practise this three-step method for every numerical in the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science Part 1.
Chemistry Chapters in Part 1Chapters 2, 3, 8 and 9 test your writing skills more than your calculation skills. A common mistake is writing unbalanced equations, which costs marks even if the answer is conceptually right. The fix: after writing any equation, count atoms on both sides before moving on. For a worked example, burning magnesium gives Mg + O₂ → MgO, which must be balanced as 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO.
Use this chapter list as your revision tracker, and pair it with the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes for topic-wise summaries and solved questions.
Detailed Chapter Breakdown of MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Part 2)
Science and Technology Part 2 completes the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) with eight chapters, most of them from Biology plus a few Environment and Technology topics. While Part 1 tested your formulas and equations, Part 2 tests your ability to explain processes, draw labelled diagrams, and write structured answers. Read the chapter list below before you start studying, so you know what each chapter demands.
List of Chapters in Science and Technology Part 2
| Chapter | Subject Area | Core Topics You Must Master |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Heredity and Evolution | Biology | Mendel's laws, dominant and recessive traits, sex determination, Darwin's theory, fossils [verify] |
| 2. Life Processes in Living Organisms | Biology | Nutrition, respiration, transportation in plants and animals, excretion |
| 3. Life Processes in Living Organisms Part 2 | Biology | Human nervous system, endocrine glands, reproduction in plants and humans |
| 4. Environmental Management | Environment | Ecosystems, food chains, waste management, biodiversity conservation |
| 5. Towards Green Energy | Technology | Conventional and non-conventional energy sources, solar, wind, hydro power |
| 6. Animal Classification | Biology | Taxonomy, phyla of animals, classification criteria |
| 7. Introduction to Microbiology | Biology | Types of microorganisms, uses in industry, diseases caused by microbes |
| 8. Cell Biology and Biotechnology | Biology | Cell structure, stem cells, cloning, applications of biotechnology |
| 9. Social Health | Health | Stress management, healthy lifestyle, social factors affecting health |
Chapter numbers and titles can shift slightly between textbook editions, so always confirm with your official textbook before planning your study [verify].
Focus Areas: Life Processes and Environmental Management
Biology Chapters in Part 2Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 carry the highest weightage in this part of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science. Examiners love diagram-based questions, such as "Draw a labelled diagram of the human excretory system" or "Explain Mendel's monohybrid cross with a Punnett square." Practise drawing each diagram at least twice from memory, because a missing label can cost you a mark even when the diagram is correct. A common mistake in Heredity answers is mixing up genotype (the genetic makeup, like Tt) and phenotype (the visible trait, like tall stem). Learn the difference with a simple example and you will never lose marks on it.
Environmental Science TopicsEnvironmental Management and Towards Green Energy are scoring chapters because their answers are short and predictable. Questions usually ask you to list waste management methods, explain a food chain, or compare solar and thermal energy. Prepare these as point-wise notes rather than long paragraphs, since examiners award marks per point. Review the entire MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science Part 2 chapter by chapter, and pair it with the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes for ready-made summaries and solved answers.
Understanding the MSBSHSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution (2020)
Knowing the chapters is only half the job. To score well, you must also know how the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) is tested in the actual exam. The Science and Technology paper is a single combined paper covering both Part 1 and Part 2, and the way marks are distributed decides how you should divide your study time.
The Structure of the Science Theory Paper
The Class 10 Science theory paper carries 80 marks, and you get 3 hours to complete it. The remaining 20 marks come from internal assessment and practical work, which is covered in a separate section of this guide [verify]. The theory paper is divided into four sections (A, B, C and D), each containing questions from both Part 1 and Part 2 chapters [verify]. This means you cannot afford to skip either book, because questions from both parts appear in every section.
Types of Questions in the SSC ExamThe paper uses a mix of question formats, and each format rewards a different skill [verify]:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): usually 1 mark each. These test quick recall, so definitions, units and scientific names matter here.
- Very Short Answer questions: around 1 to 2 marks, often asking you to name, define or state a law.
- Short Answer questions: around 2 to 3 marks, such as "Explain the working of an electric motor" or "Write the balanced chemical equation for rusting."
- Long Answer questions: around 4 to 5 marks, requiring diagrams, explanations in steps, or numericals with full working.
For example, a 4-mark numerical on resistors connected in series might award 1 mark for the correct formula, 1 mark for substitution, and 2 marks for the final answer with the correct unit. Writing only the answer without working loses half the marks, which is a mistake many students make.
Marks Allotment for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Sections [verify]
The exact chapter-wise marks split can change slightly from year to year, so always confirm it from the official question paper pattern [verify]. As a general guide, the paper balances the three subject areas roughly like this [verify]:
| Subject Area | Chapters Drawn From | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Gravitation, Effects of Electric Current, Lenses, Space Missions | 25 to 30 marks [verify] |
| Chemistry | Chemical Reactions, Acids and Bases, Metals and Non-metals, Carbon Compounds | 20 to 25 marks [verify] |
| Biology and Environment | Life Processes, Heredity, Environmental Management, Animal Classification | 25 to 30 marks [verify] |
Internal choice means the paper gives you two questions and asks you to attempt only one. For example, a section might say "Answer any two of the following three questions." Many students lose marks by answering all three and assuming extra answers will be counted. Examiners evaluate only the first answers in order, so always strike out the question you do not want evaluated, or follow the specific instruction given on the paper [verify]. Reading this instruction carefully is a simple way to protect your score.
The best way to get comfortable with this pattern is practice. Solve full papers in 3 hours under exam conditions, and check your answers against the marking scheme. The Class 10 Science Previous Year Question Papers page gives you real papers to practise with, and the Class 10 Science Formulas and Quick Revision Sheet helps you revise the numerical formulas that appear in the Physics and Chemistry portions of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020).
Prescribed Practical Work and Internal Assessment for MSBSHSE Class 10 Science
The theory paper is not the whole exam. Along with the 80-mark written paper, the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) includes prescribed practical work and internal assessment, which together carry the remaining 20 marks [verify]. Many students ignore the practical syllabus until the last month, and this is a costly mistake, because these marks are among the easiest to secure if you prepare steadily through the year.
List of Mandatory Experiments for Science and Technology
The board prescribes experiments from both textbooks, and your school conducts them during regular practical sessions [verify]. Typical experiments include:
- Verifying the laws of reflection using a plane mirror
- Determining the focal length of a concave lens
- Studying refraction of light through a glass slab
- Observing the reaction of metals with acids and recording observations
- Neutralisation reaction between an acid and a base using an indicator
- Dissection or observation-based activities related to life processes and classification [verify]
Always confirm the exact list from your school's practical handbook, since the prescribed experiments are printed in the textbook itself and may be updated [verify].
How Practical Marks are Calculated and Evaluated
The 20 marks for internal assessment are usually split across written practical work, journal submission, and an oral or viva component [verify]. A typical evaluation pattern looks like this:
| Component | What is Evaluated | Approximate Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Written practical exam | Performing an experiment and writing the aim, procedure, observation and conclusion | 8 to 10 [verify] |
| Journal / practical record | Neatly completed and certified experiment records | 4 to 6 [verify] |
| Viva voce | Oral questions on the experiment's principle and apparatus | 4 to 6 [verify] |
In the viva, the examiner may ask simple questions like "Which lens is used in this experiment and why?" or "What is the indicator used here?" Answering in two clear sentences is enough. The observation table in your answer sheet must have proper headings, units, and readings recorded in the correct order, as marks are given for presentation.
Internal Assessment Weightage in the Final ScoreThese 20 marks are added to your theory score to form the total of 100 for Science [verify]. A student who secures full practical marks needs fewer theory marks to reach a high overall percentage, so treat the practical part of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) with the same seriousness as the theory. Complete your journal on time after each experiment, and revise the principle behind every experiment before the practical exam. The chapter-wise background for these experiments is explained in the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes and the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes.
Strategic Study Guide for MSBSHSE Class 10 Science Syllabus: Preparation Tips
A syllabus is only useful if you have a plan to work through it. The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) is best covered in phases, so you never feel that all sixteen chapters are pending at once. The method below works for most students, whether they study daily for two hours or only on weekends.
Developing a Chapter-Wise Study Plan
Divide the year into three phases. In Phase 1 (roughly April to August), finish Science and Technology Part 1, since its chapters like Gravitation, Electricity and Chemical Reactions need regular numerical and equation practice. In Phase 2 (September to December), move to Part 2, where chapters such as Life Processes and Environmental Management are more about reading, diagrams and definitions. Keep Phase 3 (January onwards) for revision and paper solving only.
A simple weekly routine looks like this:
- Two chapters in progress at a time: one from Part 1, one from Part 2, so you do not forget either half.
- After each chapter, answer the textbook exercise questions without looking at the book first.
- Mark difficult questions in your notebook and clear them within the same week, either from your teacher or from the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes and Part 2 Chapter Notes.
Match your study method to the subject. For Physics chapters, practise numericals daily; for example, calculate the heat produced when a 2 A current flows through a 10 ohm resistor for 5 minutes using H = I²Rt, and write every step with units. For Chemistry, write out balanced equations for common reactions like rusting or neutralisation until you can do them from memory. For Biology, draw and label diagrams such as the human heart or a flower, because labelled diagrams fetch easy marks in the SSC exam.
Effective Revision Techniques for Complex Topics
Revision works best when it is active, not just re-reading. Make one-page concept maps for Biology chapters, formula sheets for Physics, and reaction charts for Chemistry. A ready-made Class 10 Science Formulas and Quick Revision Sheet saves time in the final weeks. Revise each chapter at least three times: once after finishing it, once mid-year, and once before the exam.
Prioritizing High-Weightage ChaptersNot every chapter carries equal marks. Chapters like Life Processes, Heredity, Electricity and Chemical Reactions usually appear with more questions in the board paper [verify]. Check the marks-wise weightage printed in the official syllabus, and make sure these chapters are revised thoroughly before you spend extra time on lighter ones.
Solving Previous Year Question PapersNothing shows you how the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) is actually tested like solving past papers. From January, attempt at least one full paper every week under exam conditions: 2 hours, no notes, written answers. Then check your paper honestly against the textbook. A common mistake students make is writing long paragraphs where two or three crisp points with a diagram are expected; past papers teach you exactly how much to write for each mark. The Class 10 Science Previous Year Question Papers page is a good place to start, and solving them steadily is the single most reliable way to convert your knowledge of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science into a high score.
Addressing Common Queries: Modifications and Medium of Instruction in MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science
Students often worry that the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) may have changed from the previous year, and that their preparation based on old books or notes could go wrong. This section answers those doubts directly.
Were Any Topics Removed from the 2020 Syllabus? [verify]
Any deletion or addition of topics is announced only through an official circular from the board, usually before the academic year begins. If such a circular exists for 2020, it will be available as a PDF on the board's website, and your school will also inform you [verify]. A safe habit is to tick off every chapter of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science against your textbook index; if a chapter appears in the textbook but not in the official syllabus PDF, confirm with your teacher before skipping it. Never rely on rumours or coaching notes alone for syllabus cuts.
Understanding Syllabus Changes Due to External FactorsIn some years, boards reduce portions due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, such as extended school closures. If that happens, the reduction is always notified formally, and the exam question paper follows the reduced syllabus [verify]. Until you see such an official notice, assume the full syllabus is examinable.
Guidance for Marathi and Semi-English Medium Students
The core content of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science stays the same across mediums; only the language of the textbook and question paper changes. Marathi medium students should still learn standard English technical terms like "refraction", "neutralisation" and "heredity", because these words appear in diagrams, formulae and many exam questions even in Marathi papers.
Resources for Different Medium PreferencesUse medium-specific study material so you revise in the language you will write the exam in:
- Marathi medium: use the state board's Marathi textbook along with chapter notes in Marathi from your school or trusted study sites.
- Semi-English medium: study concepts from English notes, then practise writing answers in your chosen exam language. The Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes and Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes work well for this, since you can read in English and reproduce answers in Marathi or English as per your medium.
One common mistake is preparing in one language but attempting the paper in another, which slows you down in the exam hall. Fix this early by writing at least a few full answers in your exam language every week, using the same chapter list from the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020).
Official Source and Authority: Where to Find the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science
The most reliable place to check the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (Science 2020) is the official website of the state board itself. The board publishes the syllabus as a downloadable PDF under its academics section, and any update, correction or circular appears there first. Treat that document as the final word: if your notes, guidebook or this page ever seem to disagree with the official PDF, follow the PDF [verify].
Citing the Board's Official Guidelines
When you plan your study schedule, quote the chapter numbers exactly as they appear in the official syllabus document, not from a coaching booklet. This matters in small but real ways, for example when a teacher says "only the first three chapters of Part 1 are done so far" and you need to match that against the correct chapter list.
Why Third-Party Guides are Useful Supplements
The official PDF tells you what to study, but not how. That is where a student-friendly breakdown like this page, along with resources such as the Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter Notes and Class 10 Science and Technology Part 2 Chapter Notes, helps by explaining each topic in simpler language. Use the board site for accuracy and these guides for understanding, and you will cover the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science without gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main topics covered in the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (2020)?
The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science (2020) covers a wide range of essential scientific topics. These include chapters on Chemical Reactions, Life Processes, Heredity, and Gravitation. Students are expected to master these core concepts, as they form the foundation of the SSC examination and are frequently tested in various formats.
Is the Class 10 Science syllabus divided into Part 1 and Part 2?
Yes, the Class 10 Science syllabus is structured into two separate parts: Science and Technology Part 1 and Science and Technology Part 2. These two sections are distinct components of the final examination, meaning that students must prepare for both parts to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
How many marks are allotted to the Class 10 Science theory and practical exams? [verify]
The precise marks distribution allocated to the theory and practical exams in the Class 10 Science paper [verify] must be confirmed using the most recent official board notification. It is recommended that students prepare equally for both sections to maximize their overall score in the final SSC assessment.
Where can I download the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science PDF for free?
To obtain the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science PDF for free, the most reliable method is to access the official website of the state board. Always downloading the syllabus from the official source ensures that you are studying according to the latest academic guidelines and syllabus updates.
What is the best way to prepare for Class 10 Science using the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science?
The most effective way to prepare for Class 10 Science using the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science is to adopt a dual approach. Focus on thoroughly understanding the theoretical concepts and simultaneously practice solving all the activity-based questions mentioned in the syllabus, as these are critical for the exam.
Is it necessary to study all chapters of Class 10 Science for the SSC exam?
It is strongly advised that you study every chapter listed in the syllabus, even those that seem less important. The syllabus is designed to cover the complete scope of the examination, and missing any chapter could result in losing potential marks during the SSC assessment.