Crack CBSE Class 8 with Unacademy

About CBSE Class 8

Class 8 is a crucial year of education as Learners take their first step into the world of in-depth study. The knowledge received in Class 8 forms the base for most of the concepts for higher classes. Performing well in CBSE Class 8 is all about getting the right balance between practise and clarity of concepts.

All Subjects

The subjects in CBSE Class 8 are included keeping in mind the Learner’s overall development. Class 8 onwards, Learners need to attain in-depth knowledge of each subject. All subjects are compulsory except for Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has been added recently as an optional subject.

Below is the list of the compulsory and optional subjects that you will have to study:

• Science
• Mathematics
• Social Science
• English
• Hindi
• Third Language (Urdu or Sanskrit)
• Artificial Intelligence or AI (Optional)

Syllabus for CBSE Class 8

Put together by a team of experts, the CBSE Class 8 syllabus brings all vital course information in one place. You can find the updated CBSE Class 8 syllabus on Unacademy, India’s leading online learning platform. Learners can download the latest syllabus for Science, English, Mathematics and other subjects on Unacademy to prepare better for Class 8 exams.

Given below are the detailed syllabi for all the subjects that Class 8 Learners need to study.

Science is one of the main subjects in the secondary stage. In Class 8, the Learner moves from Environmental Studies to the essential elements of Science. This is why the Science syllabus for CBSE Class 8 mainly covers Materials, Food, How Things Work, Natural Resources, and related topics.

Learners are introduced to the core concepts of Mathematics in Class 8. The aim is to help Learners strengthen their base. From Geometry to Arithmetic to Algebra, the Class 8 Mathematics syllabus covers numerous topics.

The CBSE Class 8 Social Science syllabus is a mix of History, Geography, and Political Science. The syllabus is broadly categorised into two sections:

• History and Political Science - Covers topics like Understanding Secularism, Public Facilities, Law and Social Justice, etc.
• Geography - Covers topics like Resources, Agriculture, Industries, etc.

CBSE Class 8 English syllabus is designed keeping in mind the overall language development of the Learner. It includes both English Literature and Language. Comprehension is also a part of Class 8 English syllabus.

• English Literature - Covers prose and poems like The Last Bargain, A Visit to Cambridge, Children at Work, etc.
• English Language - Covers topics such as Pronouns, Nouns, Word Order, Adverbs, Comprehension Reading, etc.
• English Composition (Writing) - Covers topics like Story writing, Essay writing, Diary entries, etc.

The CBSE Class 8 Hindi syllabus is a mix of Language and Literature, consisting of four parts - Vasant, Durva, Bharat ki Khoj, and Sanshipt Budhcharit.

The CBSE Board has made it mandatory for all Learners up to Class 8 to study a third language – either Sanskrit or Urdu.

Sanskrit - One of the oldest languages, Sanskrit is also known as the 'Mother of Many Languages,’ including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada. The NCERT textbook for CBSE Class 8 Sanskrit is Ruchira.

Urdu - Learners who find Sanskrit challenging to understand can take up Urdu as a Third Language.

As an Urdu Learner, you need to complete four different books as mentioned below.

• Apni Zaban
• Urdu Guldasta
• Door Paas
• Jaan Pahechan

Artificial Intelligence or AI is being used in almost all aspects of modern life. Considering the significance of AI, Learners are introduced to this subject at an early stage with the help of activities that fall under five different units. CBSE has recently included Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an elective or optional paper.

Study Material for CBSE Class 8

Proper study material is crucial to excelling in the CBSE Class 8 exam. Extensive study material, practise tests, reference texts, and study notes can significantly help Learners understand and complete the various subjects.

Some of the important study materials you can procure for CBSE Class 8 include:

• NCERT Solutions for Class 8
• RS Aggarwal Solutions for Class 8
• RD Sharma Solutions for Class 8
• NK Aggarwal Solutions for Class 8
• Oxford Solutions for Class 8
• HC Verma Solutions for Class 8
• S Chand Solutions for Class 8

Learners can also sign up for Live Classes on Unacademy to strengthen their basics and prepare better for exams.

The English paper is divided into three main sections – Reading, Writing and Grammar, and Literature – each carrying 20, 30, and 30 marks, respectively. The exam is conducted for two-and-a-half hours.

• In the first section, you need to read a comprehension piece and write answers accordingly
• The second section allows you to choose between writing a letter or notice. Further, you will also need to write a paragraph on the topics given and answer grammar-related questions
• The final section is all about answering Literature-related questions

The Mathematics paper carries a total of 80 marks. It includes both short and comprehensive questions. The paper is divided into four sections and all the questions are compulsory. The break-up of each section is as follows:

• Section A consists of 12 questions, carrying 1 mark each
• Section B consists of 12 questions, carrying 2 marks each
• Section C consists of 8 questions, carrying 3 marks each
• Section D consists of 5 questions, carrying 4 marks each

The Science paper is of two-and-a-half hours and carries a total of 80 marks. The paper is divided into four major sections, with a total of 34 questions. All questions are compulsory. Given below is a marks-wise distribution of each section.

• Section A consists of 1 to 15 MCQs or Multiple Choice Questions, each carrying 1 mark.
• Section B consists of questions 16 to 22, each carrying 2 marks.
• Section C consists of questions 23 to 31, each carrying 4 marks.
• Section D consists of questions 32 to 34, each carrying 5 marks

The paper for CBSE Class 8 Social Science is conducted for two-and-a-half hours. There are 23 compulsory questions. Here’s the distribution:

• Questions 1 to 9 typically requires one-word answers
• Questions 10 to 19 require answers not exceeding 80 words
• Questions 20 to 22 require answers not exceeding 100 words
• Question 23 is a map question based on History and Geography

The Hindi paper for CBSE Class 8 has a total of 80 marks. The paper is divided into three sections, as follows:

• The first section on comprehension writing carries 5 marks, comprising short questions of 1 mark each
• The second MCQ or Multiple Choice Question section is based on Grammar and Vocabulary, carrying 10 marks
• The final section is based on Hindi literature (prose and poetry) which carries 65 marks

You need to spend a total of 12 hours in a term studying Artificial Intelligence or AI. The study of each unit is allotted a specific time and number of periods, as mentioned below:

• Excite – 2 hours 40 minutes, 4 periods
• Relate – 2 hours, 3 periods
• Purpose – 2 hours, 3 periods
• Possibilities – 2 hours, 3 periods
• AI Ethics – 3 hours 20 minutes, 5 periods

Study Plan for CBSE Class 8

A definite and organised study plan is essential to complete the vast CBSE Class 8 syllabus. With several subjects and their topics to cover, it can be challenging, especially when preparing for the exams. Thus, chalking out a definite study plan is essential to devote sufficient time to each subject.

You must take an analytical approach by asking questions like:

• How much time needs to be devoted to each subject?
• How to create an environment conducive to constructive study?

An organised study plan offers several benefits, such as:

• It helps eliminate confusion by imparting a sense of direction
• It helps set targets and keep track of milestones
• Since work is not piled up, you are not required to dedicate odd hours to studying
• It increases concentration and instills a sense of discipline

Given below are some valuable tips on how to attempt CBSE Class 8 exams the right way:

Before the exam begins, Learners are given a good 10 minutes to go through the paper. This is the time where you can ensure a strong start. Read and understand the paper thoroughly to separate the questions into three categories – easy, manageable, and tough.

Every Learner might find a couple of questions a little confusing or challenging. The natural response is to get anxious, but this is not the time to worry. Often, the questions turn out to be easy when one gets down to working on them. Relax, focus, and start working on it!

To perform well in CBSE Class 8 exams, attempt the easy questions first, move on to the manageable ones, and finally attempt the tough ones. This way, you will be able to attempt all the questions, plus, you may also gain the confidence needed to attempt the challenging questions.

As much as answering questions correctly is important, it is crucial to do so on time. Keep a track of the time to make sure that you are not spending too long on a single section.

Typically, question papers are set in a way that Learners must have 5 to 10 minutes left at the end to revise the answers. Revision is a MUST! Often, you will find mistakes in the revision stage that can be corrected quickly.

Good handwriting, proper spacing and punctuation can help you create a good impression on the teacher correcting your paper. Margins can also be used, wherever necessary, to make the answer sheet look neat and presentable.

To prepare well for CBSE Class 8 exams, it is always good to refer to additional study material apart from the NCERT books. Doing so will fill any gaps in understanding and help you to fully explore complex concepts. CBSE Class 8 Learners can benefit by referring to books such as:

• Oxford Friday Afternoon Comprehension & Composition for Class 8
• Goyal Brothers Elementary English Grammar & Composition Class 8
• Macmillan Great Fun with Grammar for Class 8 by NK Aggarwala
• S Chand New Learner’s English Grammar & Composition for Class 8
• Foundation Mathematics for Class VIII
• Mathematics for Class 8 by RD Sharma
• Oxford New Science in Everyday Life Textbook for Class 8
• A Compact and Comprehensive IIT Foundation Science Physics and Chemistry for Class 8 by S Chand
• New Saraswati Main aur Mera Vyakaran (Hindi Grammar) for Class 8
• S Chand Navin Madhyamik Vyakaran Avam Rachna for Class 8

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will CBSE Class 8 Exams be held in online or offline mode?
   CBSE Class 8 exams are held offline, but due to COVID-19 these can be held online.
   
   
2. Is following the school textbooks enough to score well in CBSE Class 8?
   It is always advisable to refer to additional study material to understand key concepts in depth. So, Learners are recommended to follow good reference books for CBSE Class 8.
   
   
3. Are all subjects under CBSE Class 8 compulsory?
   No, all the subjects are not compulsory. CBSE Class 8 Learners are required to study six compulsory subjects – English, Hindi, Science, a Third Language (Urdu or Sanskrit), Social Science, and Mathematics – whereas one subject – Artificial Intelligence(AI) – is optional.
   
   
4. Is a third language compulsory for all CBSE Class 8 Learners?
   Yes, all Learners up to Class 8 must study a third language besides Hindi and English. CBSE Class 8 Learners can choose Sanskrit or Urdu as their third language.
   
   
5. How many hours a day should a CBSE Class 8 Learner dedicate to studying?
   Learners can score well at the elementary stage by committing at least 1 to 2 hours daily towards studying and preparation. The key is to not allow any distraction and maintain the discipline of studying every single day.
   
   
6. Do Learners need to work on projects and assignments as a part of the CBSE Class 8 syllabus?
   Yes, almost every CBSE Class 8 subject will accompany projects and assignments, which have 20 marks assigned to them. Scoring well in these projects will improve a Learner’s overall percentile.
   
   
7. Ideally, when should a Learner start solving mock tests and previous years' question papers?
   The mantra should always be - “Preparing with mock tests, not for mock tests.” Learning, practising, and testing must go hand-in-hand to avoid last-minute troubles.
   
   
8. Is self-study enough to score well in CBSE Class 8?
   Self-study is sufficient in most cases. However, different Learners have different subjects or concepts they find challenging to understand. In such cases, it is always better to seek expert guidance from Top Educators on online learning platforms like Unacademy.
   
   
9. Is it possible to score full marks in CBSE Class 8?
   It is rare to find Learners who score full marks in subjects like Hindi and English. However, in subjects like Mathematics, wherein the answers can either be right or wrong, the Learner has the opportunity to score full marks.
   
   
10. Which additional English and Maths books do you recommend to Learners of Class 8?
    Learners can refer to Oxford Friday Afternoon Comprehension & Composition for Class 8, Goyal Brothers Elementary English Grammar & Composition Class 8, and Foundation Mathematics for Class VIII.