NIOS Class 10 Science 212 Syllabus | NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10
If you are preparing for the 2026 exam, the NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10 is your true starting point, and this guide maps every part of it for you. The Science (212) course carries 32 lessons across 7 modules that blend Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The theory paper is 85 marks over 2½ hours, the practical adds 15 marks, and the two together make 100. Once you know what to study and where the marks sit, Science becomes one of the most scoring subjects you will ever take.
Written by Prateek Talwar. Reviewed by Rohit Sharma, Senior NIOS Counsellor. Last updated 16 July 2026. Sourced from the official NIOS Science 212 syllabus and question paper design (nios.ac.in).
Quick Overview: NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10
Here is the NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10 in one glance. Science (212) has 32 lessons in 7 modules. The theory paper is 85 marks in 2½ hours, the practical is 15 marks, and the syllabus is split 40% for Tutor Marked Assignments and 60% for the public examination.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject Code | 212 |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks (85 Theory and 15 Practical) |
| Theory Duration | 2½ Hours |
| Total Modules | 7 Modules (32 Lessons) |
| TMA Weightage | 40% (13 Lessons) |
| Public Examination | 60% (19 Lessons) |
| Practical Marks | 15 Marks |
Science and Technology (212)
Bifurcation of Syllabus
This is the official bifurcation of the NIOS Science 212 syllabus. It shows which of the 32 lessons you cover in your Tutor Marked Assignments (40%) and which lessons the public examination tests (60%). Study the TMA lessons first, then move to the public examination lessons.
| Total no. of Lessons – 32 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE (No. & Name) |
TMA (40%) (No. of lessons 13) |
Public Examination (60%) (No. of lessons 19) |
|
| Module–I Measurement in Science |
L.1 Measurement in Science and Technology | ||
| Module–II Matter in our Surroundings |
L.2 Matter in our Surroundings L.3 Atom and Molecules L.4 Chemical Reaction and Equations |
L.5 Atomic Structure L.6 Periodic Classification of Elements L.7 Chemical Bonding L.8 Acids, Bases and Salts |
|
| Module–III Moving Things |
L.9 Motion and its Description |
L.10 Force and Motion L.11 Gravitation |
|
| Module–IV Energy |
L.12 Sources of Energy L.14 Thermal Energy L.18 Sound and Communication |
L.13 Work and Energy L.15 Light Energy L.16 Electrical Energy L.17 Magnetic Effect of Electric Current |
|
| Module–V The Living World |
L.19 Classification of Living Organisms L.20 History of Life on Earth L.21 Building Blocks of Life – Cell and Tissues |
L.22 Life Processes – I : Nutrition, Transportation, Respiration and Excretion L.23 Life Processes – II : Control and Coordination L.24 Life Processes – III : Reproduction L.25 Heredity |
|
| Module–VI Natural Resources |
L.26 Air and Water |
L.27 Metals and Non-metals L.28 Carbon and Its Compounds |
|
| Module–VII Human and Environment |
L.31 Food Production L.32 Health and Hygiene |
L.29 Natural Environment L.30 Human Impact on Environment |
|
QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (212)
Maximum Marks (Theory): 85
Time: 2½ Hours
1. Weightage by Objectives
| Weightage by Objectives | % of Total Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | 30% | 26 |
| Understanding | 45% | 38 |
| Application | 15% | 13 |
| Skills | 10% | 8 |
| Total | 100% | 85 |
2. Weightage by type of Questions
| Types of Question | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (1 mark) | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Objective Type Questions (1×2 = 2 marks) | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Objective Type Questions (1×5 = 5 marks) | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 28 | - | 42 |
| VSA | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| SA | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| LA | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 15 | - | 43 |
| G. Total | 43 | - | 85 |
In subjective questions: 3 Questions of 2 marks (VSA), 3 Questions of 3 marks (SA), 2 Questions of 5 marks (LA) will have internal choices.
3. Weightage by Contents
| Modules | Marks |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Measurement in Science | 04 |
| Module 2: Matter in our Surroundings | 22 |
| Module 3: Moving Things | 07 |
| Module 4: Energy | 15 |
| Module 5: The Living World | 15 |
| Module 6: Natural Resources | 10 |
| Module 7: Humans and Environment | 12 |
| Total | 85 |
4. Difficulty Level of the Question Paper
| LEVEL | MARKS | PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Difficult | 17 | 20 |
| Average | 43 | 50 |
| Easy | 25 | 30 |
| Total | 85 | 100% |
How the NIOS Class 10 Science 212 Syllabus Actually Works
The NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology course is built to stay practical and connected to daily life. Its 32 lessons sit across seven modules that weave Physics, Chemistry and Biology into one flowing story, so you keep seeing how each idea links to the next.
The split is simple. Thirteen lessons belong to your Tutor Marked Assignments and you finish these across the year. Nineteen lessons are set for the final public examination. A few core lessons, like Measurement in Science, sit in both lists because you cannot afford to be shaky on them.
The order is deliberate too. You begin with measurement, then understand matter and what it is made of, study how things move and what forces do, learn the forms of energy we use daily, explore the living world, look at the natural resources we depend on and finish with how humans shape the environment.
Breaking Down Each Module in the Syllabus
Each module below shows its marks weight and the exact lessons split between your assignments and the final exam, so you can plan revision by value rather than by guesswork.
Module I: Measurement in Science (4 marks)
Lesson 1: Measurement in Science and Technology (both TMA and final exam)
- The physical quantities we measure in science
- The SI system and standard units
- How to measure length, mass, time and temperature correctly
- What scientific notation means and how to use it
This lesson sits in both your assignments and your final exam because if measurement is weak, everything that follows in Science becomes harder.
Module II: Matter in Our Surroundings (22 marks, the biggest one)
This is your largest module at roughly 26% of the theory marks. Give it real attention.
For your assignments (TMA):
Lesson 2: Matter in Our Surroundings covers the three states of matter, how solids, liquids and gases behave and evaporation.
Lesson 3: Atoms and Molecules covers the laws of chemical combination, atomic and molecular mass and the mole concept.
Lesson 4: Chemical Reactions and Equations covers the types of reactions and how to write and balance equations.
For your final exam:
Lesson 5: Atomic Structure covers electrons, protons and neutrons, Bohr's model of the atom and valency.
Lesson 6: Periodic Classification of Elements covers the modern periodic table and the trends across it.
Lesson 7: Chemical Bonding covers ionic and covalent bonds and how such compounds behave.
Lesson 8: Acids, Bases and Salts covers their properties, the pH scale and neutralisation.
Module III: Moving Things (7 marks)
For your assignments:
Lesson 9: Motion and Its Description covers the ways things move and speed, velocity and acceleration.
For your final exam:
Lesson 10: Force and Motion covers Newton's three laws and momentum.
Lesson 11: Gravitation covers the universal law of gravitation and why things fall as they do.
Module IV: Energy (15 marks)
For your assignments:
Lesson 12: Sources of Energy covers where energy comes from and renewable versus non-renewable sources.
Lesson 14: Thermal Energy covers the difference between heat and temperature and how heat travels.
Lesson 18: Sound and Communication covers how sound is produced and travels and how our ears work.
For your final exam:
Lesson 13: Work and Energy covers what work means in physics and the law of conservation of energy.
Lesson 15: Light Energy covers reflection and refraction, mirrors and lenses and vision.
Lesson 16: Electrical Energy covers electric current, Ohm's law, resistance and electrical power.
Lesson 17: Magnetic Effect of Electric Current covers magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction.
Module V: The Living World (15 marks)
For your assignments:
Lesson 19: Classification of Living Organisms covers how we group living things into five kingdoms.
Lesson 20: History of Life on Earth covers the origin of life, evolution and what fossils reveal.
Lesson 21: Building Blocks of Life covers cell structure, cell division and types of tissues.
For your final exam:
Lesson 22: Life Processes I covers nutrition, transportation, respiration and excretion.
Lesson 23: Life Processes II covers the nervous system and how hormones control the body.
Lesson 24: Life Processes III covers how plants and animals reproduce.
Lesson 25: Heredity covers Mendel's laws, the basics of genetics and why we resemble our parents.
Module VI: Natural Resources (10 marks)
For your assignments:
Lesson 26: Air and Water covers the make-up of air, the water cycle and pollution.
For your final exam:
Lesson 27: Metals and Non-metals covers their differences and the reactivity series.
Lesson 28: Carbon and Its Compounds covers why carbon is special and polymers.
Module VII: Human and Environment (12 marks)
For your assignments:
Lesson 31: Food Production covers how we grow more food and the basics of crop production.
Lesson 32: Health and Hygiene covers what keeps us well or sick and the immune system.
For your final exam:
Lesson 29: Natural Environment covers ecosystems, food chains and webs and biodiversity.
Lesson 30: Human Impact on Environment covers the environmental problems we face and managing waste.
Understanding Your Question Paper Design
Knowing how the paper is set helps you prepare smarter and manage your time during the actual test. The theory paper is 85 marks, runs for 2½ hours and has 43 compulsory questions in two sections.
What the Examiners Are Testing
| What They're Checking | Percentage | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Do you remember facts? | 30% | 26 |
| Do you understand concepts? | 45% | 38 |
| Can you apply what you learned? | 15% | 13 |
| Do you have practical skills? | 10% | 8 |
| Total | 100% | 85 |
Read this carefully. Pure memory earns only 30% of the marks. To score well you have to actually understand the ideas, since understanding alone carries 45%.
Types of Questions You'll See
| Question Type | How Many | Marks Each | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Short Objective Questions | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Detailed Objective Question | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Very Short Answers | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Short Answers | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| Long Answers | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Total Questions | 43 | - | 85 |
Here is some good news. A few questions give you an internal choice, so if one looks hard you can answer the alternative instead. You get choices in 3 questions of 2 marks, 3 questions of 3 marks and 2 questions of 5 marks.
Weightage by Objectives: Science (212)
| Objective | % of Total Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | 30% | 26 |
| Understanding | 45% | 38 |
| Application | 15% | 13 |
| Skills | 10% | 8 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 85 Marks |
Which Modules Carry How Many Marks
| Module | Marks | How Much Time to Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Matter in Our Surroundings | 22 | Maximum time here |
| Energy | 15 | A lot of time |
| The Living World | 15 | A lot of time |
| Human and Environment | 12 | Good amount of time |
| Natural Resources | 10 | Decent amount of time |
| Moving Things | 7 | Moderate time |
| Measurement in Science | 4 | Learn this first, it's basic |
How Hard Will the Questions Be?
| Difficulty | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Easy ones | 25 | 30% |
| Medium difficulty | 43 | 50% |
| Tough ones | 17 | 20% |
This is genuinely encouraging. Even if you never crack the hardest questions, the easy and medium ones alone add up to 68 of 85 marks. That is 80%, which is an excellent result.
If you are preparing for several subjects at once, use the complete NIOS Class 10 syllabus to balance your study time across all of them.
Why Science Can Actually Be Your Best Subject
Let me be straight about why Science can become your strongest paper rather than your weakest.
- Science is not about cramming thousands of random facts. It is about seeing how ideas connect. Once you truly grasp how atoms bond, you can answer many different questions about compounds without memorising each one.
- The NIOS marking is fair. It rewards understanding and a clear explanation, not word-for-word textbook lines. Explain a concept in your own words with a simple diagram and you earn good marks.
- Diagrams are like ready marks. A neat, correctly labelled diagram can earn 2 to 3 marks in seconds. Practise the key diagrams from each module and you have already banked easy marks.
- Numerical problems follow patterns. Learn the formula, solve four or five similar problems, and you can handle almost any variation the paper sets.
For real exam practice, work through our NIOS Previous Year Question Paper collection that shows exactly how these syllabus topics appear in the exam.
Why Students Trust Unnati Education for Science
Since 2010 we have focused only on NIOS learners, and we have guided more than 10,000 students through Class 10 Science. Here is what you get with us.
- Complete study materials: Chapter-wise notes for all 32 lessons with key concepts, definitions, formulas and clearly explained diagrams. Module summary sheets for quick revision, solved numericals with step-by-step working, and important diagrams already drawn for you to practise.
- Solved assignments that teach: Full Science TMA solutions that do more than hand you answers. Each one explains why the answer is correct, clarifies the concept behind the question and adds practice on the same topic. You receive them in both typed and handwritten formats.
- Previous year papers: NIOS Science question papers from 2018 to 2024 with fully solved answers. These reveal the real question patterns, how marks split across modules and how to write answers that earn full credit.
- Practical files ready to submit: Complete practical files covering the prescribed experiments with the correct format, neat diagrams, accurate observations and sound conclusions.
- Study in your comfortable language: Everything is available in Hindi and English, because many students simply think better in Hindi. You get full support in both.
- Ask questions anytime: Our WhatsApp support on 9654279279 or 9899436384 lets you send a doubt the moment it appears, and we explain in plain language until it clicks.
Common Problems Students Face and How to Fix Them
Chemical equations feel confusing: Get the basics right first. Learn the symbols of common elements, understand valencies and learn to write formulas correctly. Then build each equation in steps, first in words, then as formulas, then balance it. Practise five equations a day across different reaction types.
Numerical problems in Physics: Put every chapter's formulas on one sheet. Understand what each symbol means in real terms, not just as maths. Solve the same way each time, writing the given values, what to find, the formula, the substitution with units, the working and the final answer with its unit. Repeat similar problems until the pattern is second nature.
Drawing biology diagrams: Pick the 15 to 20 diagrams that matter most across all biology chapters. Practise each one five times, focusing on proportion and neatness. You do not need to be an artist. In the exam, draw in pencil and label in pen, with straight guide lines pointing clearly to each part.
Some topics just will not click: Do not try to absorb everything at once. Read one small section at a time and note it in your own words. Watch short videos or animations, since seeing how electrons move or how magnetic fields form often makes an abstract idea suddenly clear. Talk it through with someone until it settles.
For more practice with real question styles, use our NIOS Class 10 question paper solutions that show how examiners actually frame questions.
Your Step-by-Step Plan to Prepare for 2026
Important Dates and Who Can Take Admission
Who can join NIOS Class 10:
- There is no upper age limit for NIOS Class 10 admission
- If you failed Class 10 with another board, you can join
- If you had to leave regular school, you can continue here
- If you are working and want to complete your education, you are welcome
When to apply for 2026:
Stream 1 admission: usually opens around March to April and closes around June to July
Stream 2 admission: usually opens around September to October and closes around November to December
When to submit assignments:
For Stream 1: TMAs are usually due by around December to January
For Stream 2: TMAs are usually due by around June to July
When exams happen:
Stream 1 final exam: usually held around April to May
Stream 2 final exam: usually held around October to November
These windows repeat most years, yet exact 2026 dates can shift, so always confirm them on the official NIOS portal at nios.ac.in before you plan around them.
Questions Students Usually Ask About NIOS Class 10 Science 212
Q1: How many lessons are there in total in the NIOS Science and Technology 212 syllabus?
The NIOS Science (212) syllabus has thirty-two lessons in total, spread across seven modules. Of these, thirteen lessons belong to your Tutor Marked Assignments that you complete through the year, and nineteen lessons are tested in the final public examination. A few important lessons, such as Measurement in Science, appear in both lists because you need to master them fully for the rest of the course to make sense.
Q2: Do I have to do practical work for NIOS Class 10 Science and how is it checked?
Yes, practical work is compulsory for NIOS Science (212) and it carries 15 marks out of the 100 total, with 85 marks for theory. You complete the prescribed experiments and keep a proper practical file, which the external examiner checks along with a short viva during your practical exam. We provide complete practical files covering all required experiments with the correct format, neat diagrams, accurate observations and sound conclusions.
Q3: Do I have to submit TMAs for Science 212 and what happens if I don't?
Yes, you must submit the Tutor Marked Assignments for Science (212). Your TMA marks feed into your final grade alongside the theory and practical scores, and the syllabus splits 40% to TMA lessons and 60% to the public examination. If you skip your TMAs or send them very late, you may be held back from the final exam or see your overall grade drop sharply, so treat them seriously.
Q4: Can I get study materials and help in Hindi for NIOS Science?
Absolutely. Unnati Education provides all NIOS Science study materials, chapter notes, solved TMAs, previous year papers and doubt support in both Hindi and English. Many students understand concepts more quickly in Hindi, so we give complete support in both languages. You can learn in Hindi and gradually get comfortable writing your answers in English if that is your chosen exam language.
Q5: How many marks do I need to pass the NIOS Class 10 Science exam?
You need at least 33% to pass NIOS Class 10 Science (212). Since the theory paper is 85 marks, that works out to about 28 marks, though your practical and TMA scores also count towards the aggregate. That is only the pass line, however. With steady preparation using our notes and guidance, scoring 55 to 70% is realistic for most students, and disciplined learners regularly reach 75 to 85%.
Your Success in NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10 Starts Right Here
Here is the truth. The NIOS Science Syllabus Class 10 gives you a real chance to score high marks while learning to think scientifically. Science is not only something you study for an exam. It is a way of understanding why things happen the way they do.
The syllabus is practical and useful, and the paper is fair with a mix of difficulty levels. With 30% easy questions and 50% medium ones, reaching 60 to 70% is well within reach when you prepare properly.
We have supported NIOS Science students since 2010. That is fifteen years of knowing this exact NIOS Class 10 Syllabus, how the paper is set and how to help learners succeed. We know what works.
Whether you want to cross 75 marks or simply pass with comfort, we give you the materials, structure and guidance to get there. From your first lesson to the moment you leave the exam hall, we stay with you.
If you need previous year papers to practise, solved assignments that show how to write strong answers, notes that make hard topics simple, or NIOS admission help for 2026, just reach out.
Phone/WhatsApp: 9654279279, 9899436384
Email: info@unnatieducations.com
Address: C-595, Guru Virjanand Marg, opposite PVR Complex, Vikaspuri, New Delhi 110018
Unnati Education is an independent academic support provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or officially connected to the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). All syllabus, marks and exam pattern details are drawn from the official NIOS Science 212 documents and should be reconfirmed on the official portal at nios.ac.in before you rely on them.
