The Secondary School Certificate is a public examination held once every year. The MH Board Class 10 exam is organized by The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education, headquartered in Pune. It is usually held in March but was delayed this year due to the pandemic. The classes for this session got delayed as well. Despite the uncertainties, learning must go on.
At the grade 10 level, Science is treated as a single subject, subdivided into Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Studies sections. The weightage given to the subjects is 30%,30%,30% and 10%, respectively. The MH Board Class 10 Science exam is split into Part 1 and Part 2, and the textbook is also in two parts that correspond to the two parts of the theory paper. The total theory exam accounts for 80% and the practical marks account for the remaining 20%. The final theory exam has both multiple-choice as well as subjective questions
Theory Syllabus of MH Board Class 10 Chemistry
There is one unit in the Chemistry syllabus. It gets subdivided into the following chapters:
| S.No. | Unit Name | Chapters | Marks out of 80 |
| 1. | Materials | Classification of Elements | 4 |
| Acids and Bases | 4 | ||
| 2. | Chemical Reactions | 3 | |
| Oxidation and Reduction | 2 | ||
| Metals and Nonmetals | 4 | ||
| Carbon Compounds | 5 | ||
| Common Chemicals | 2 | ||
| Total | 7 chapters | 24 Marks (30%) |
Let us now discuss the MH Board Chemistry Class 10 syllabus in detail.
1. Classification of Elements: This chapter briefly discusses the scientists’ attempts to classify elements, studying Mendeleev’s periodic table in detail. We use the periodic table to understand the gradation in properties.
2. Acids and Bases: Definition of Acids, Bases, and Salts. Their general properties, examples, and uses. You will also understand how to use a pH indicator in the laboratory.
3. Chemical Reactions: Types of chemical reactions: combination, decomposition, displacement, double decomposition, precipitation, and neutralization. It is an advanced chapter, but it is crucial for preparing for Chemistry in the coming years. The examples of each of these types of reactions will be illustrated by lab practice.
4. Oxidation and Reduction: Oxidation and Reduction in terms of gain and loss of oxygen and hydrogen.
5. Metals and Non-Metals: Brief discussion on basic metallurgical processes. Properties of common metals. The elementary idea about bonding. It is a relatively simple chapter based on memorization of processes.
6. Carbon Compounds: Elementary idea about bonding. Saturated hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids. We only study the properties of these compounds. The reactions of organic compounds will get covered in grades 11 and 12.
7. Common chemicals used in daily life: Soap, common salt, washing soda, baking soda, bleaching powder, Plaster of Paris. We will understand these better during the lab experiments as well. Many learners may already be aware of the uses of these compounds, as they frequently get used in household products.
Many minor topics, such as introduction to scientists and computer-aided technologies, have been removed from the MH Board Chemistry 2021 syllabus. However, the core concepts are still a part of the syllabus.
Many such resources are available for free online. The Chemistry questions appear in both Part-1 and Part-2 papers.
Practical Syllabus of MH Board Class 10 Chemistry
The board prescribes a total of 15 lab experiments to be done to complete the MH Board Science class 10 syllabus. The following five experiments must get performed in the Chemistry lab:
1. To find the pH of the following samples by using pH paper universal indicator:
i) Dilute Hydrochloric acid ii) Dilute NaOH solution iii) Dilute Ethanoic acid solution
iv) Lemon juice v) Water vi) Dilute Sodium Bicarbonate Solution
2. To study, the properties of acids and bases HCl & NaOH by their reaction with
i) Litmus solution (Blue/Red) ii) Zinc metal iii) Solid Sodium Carbonate
3. To perform and observe the following reactions and classify them into;
i) Combination Reaction ii) Decomposition Reaction
iii) Displacement Reaction iv) Double Displacement Reaction
3.1 Action of water on quick lime
3.2 Action of heat on Ferrous Sulphate crystals
3.3 Iron Nails kept in copper sulfate solution
3.4 Reaction between Sodium sulfate and Barium chloride solutions
4. a) To observe the action of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Al metals on the following salt solutions:
i) ZnSO4 (aq.) ii) FeSO4 (aq.)
iii) CuSO4 (aq.) iv) Al2(SO)3 (aq.)
b) Arrange Zn, Fe, Cu, and Al metals in the decreasing order of reactivity based on the above result.
5. To study the following properties of acetic acid (ethanoic acid):
i) odour ii) solubility in water iii) effect on litmus iv) reaction with sodium bicarbonate
The first experiment can be easily performed at home as universal pH indicator paper is freely available, and all the substances tested are household chemicals. Other experiments must be performed under supervision as some of the chemical compounds used are corrosive, and full precautions must get followed to complete them successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions of MH Board Class 10 Chemistry
Where can I find updates for the Maharashtra Board SSC examinations?
Please visit https://mahahsscboard.in/ to see any new notices or announcements put forward by the government. Please keep checking every few days in the month before the exam so that you do not miss any new notifications.
Which are the most important chapters in the Chemistry MH Board syllabus?
Concepts of all chapters are important. If you are planning to study Chemistry in grades 11 and 12, pay special attention to the chapters Chemical Reactions and Carbon Compounds.
What are the precautions I must follow while attempting experiments?
Always wear a lab apron and closed shoes. Do not pipette by mouth or attempt to taste any chemical. Do not pour any chemicals down the drain, as many substances can react violently with water. Mix solutions only under the supervision of your teacher or lab assistant.
Should I practice questions from deleted sections from old question papers?
There is no need to practice questions based on the topics that have been deleted from the syllabus this year. Follow the revised guidelines.
Are the board exams going to be delayed again?
As of now, we cannot say whether the board exams will get delayed in 2022. Notifications will get released by the government as the pandemic situation develops. Please check the official website only and do not believe any rumors.