Karnataka School Class 10 Syllabus

The SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examination conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) is one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic journey. Held at the end of Class 10, the SSLC exam assesses the knowledge and skills students have acquired throughout their secondary education and serves as the gateway to higher secondary studies, commonly referred to as the Pre-University Course (PUC).

The SSLC exam generally takes place in March or April every year. It covers a wide range of subjects, including first and second languages (Kannada, English, or other regional languages), Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The exam pattern typically consists of a mix of objective-type questions, short answers, and long descriptive answers. Each paper is designed to test not just memory, but also conceptual clarity, application skills, and analytical abilities. For science and mathematics, problem-solving and practical application are emphasized, while languages and social sciences focus on comprehension, interpretation, and expression. A key feature of the SSLC exam is its role in shaping future opportunities. The marks obtained in SSLC determine admission into higher secondary streams such as Science, Commerce, or Arts. Students aspiring to pursue professional courses like engineering, medicine, or management often view their SSLC performance as the first stepping stone. Beyond academics, SSLC marks are sometimes considered for eligibility in competitive exams and even for certain entry-level jobs, which highlights their long-term significance.

To support students, KSEAB provides a structured syllabus, detailed exam patterns, and access to sample papers and previous year question papers. Practicing with these resources helps students understand the weightage of chapters, the style of questions, and effective time management techniques. Supplementary exams are also organized for students who may not clear the exam on their first attempt, ensuring that they do not lose an academic year. Preparation for SSLC requires a balanced approach that combines syllabus coverage, regular revision, and practice through mock tests. Time management, presentation of answers, and stress-free preparation play a vital role in success. The exam is not just a test of knowledge, but also a platform that builds confidence for future challenges. In short, the Karnataka SSLC examination is more than just a school-leaving test; it is a stepping stone that opens doors to higher education and career paths. With proper planning and consistent effort, students can excel in this important exam and lay a strong foundation for their future.

Find Subject-wise Karnataka School Class 10 Syllabus PDF

Brief introduction on SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) syllabus of the Karnataka Board

The SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) syllabus of the Karnataka Board, designed and regulated by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB), forms the academic foundation for students in Class 10. It is carefully structured to provide a balanced learning experience that strengthens subject knowledge, sharpens analytical skills, and prepares students for higher secondary education as well as competitive examinations.

The language syllabus is a vital component, as students are required to study multiple languages. Kannada is offered as the first language in most schools, while options such as English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, or other regional languages are also available as second or third languages. The focus in language papers is on grammar, comprehension, essay writing, translation, literature, and vocabulary enhancement. This ensures that students gain strong communication and interpretation skills in both regional and global contexts. The Mathematics syllabus emphasizes problem-solving and logical reasoning. It covers topics such as arithmetic progressions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, mensuration, and algebra. These topics build a solid base for advanced studies in science, commerce, and technical streams. The subject also helps improve analytical thinking and accuracy.

The Science syllabus is divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Physics focuses on topics like electricity, light, and the functioning of machines; Chemistry includes chapters on chemical reactions, acids, bases, metals, and carbon compounds; Biology covers life processes, heredity, human physiology, and environment-related studies. Practical experiments are integrated into the curriculum to encourage application-based learning. The Social Science syllabus combines History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. History introduces students to Indian and world history, freedom movements, and cultural heritage. Geography includes maps, climate, natural resources, and agriculture. Political Science deals with the Constitution, governance, and citizenship, while Economics introduces students to basic economic concepts, development, and resource management.

Apart from these, subjects like Health and Physical Education, Work Experience, and Moral Education are also part of the holistic learning structure. The SSLC syllabus is aligned with national education standards and regularly updated to keep pace with modern requirements. It not only equips students with academic knowledge but also develops skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. By mastering this syllabus, students are well-prepared for the Pre-University Course (PUC) and various career pathways.

Subject-wise exam pattern and marks distribution for the Karnataka SSLC (Class 10) syllabus


SSLC Karnataka — Subject-wise Marks Distribution

Subject Total Marks Theory / External Marks Internal / Practical / Assessment Marks
Language Paper I (Kannada, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Urdu) 100 100 — (no internal marks for this paper)
Second Language (Kannada / English etc.) 100 80 20
Third Language 100 80 20
Mathematics 100 80 20
Science 100 80 20 (includes practical/lab work and internal assessment)
Social Science 100 80 20

Additional Details

  • Language Paper I carries the full 100 marks from the external exam and has no internal assessment component.

  • All other subjects follow the 80 (theory) + 20 (internal/practical/assessment) pattern.

  • Internal marks are awarded through school-based activities such as assignments, projects, lab work, and periodic assessments.

  • The Science subject specifically includes practical experiments and records as part of its internal assessment.

  • The usual exam duration is 3 hours, with some language papers allowing slightly more time depending on the sections.

  • This distribution ensures that both academic knowledge and continuous assessment are valued in the final score.