CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 Maths 2025 – 26

Wondering what Class VIII has in store for you this year, especially in a crucial subject like Maths? This article is for you, then! It contains the complete and updated CBSE syllabus for Class 8 Maths 2025-26, which has a brief overview and chapter-wise syllabus, study aids, useful tips to score well in the term-end exams and lastly, a link to download the CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 Maths PDF. 

1.0Introduction to CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 Maths

The CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 Maths is divided into six major units, evaluated over the academic year in two-term examinations. These units include: 

• Number System 
• Algebra 
• Ratio and Proportion 
• Geometry 
• Mensuration 
• Data Handling 
• Introduction to Graphs 

Each of these units has been prepared to promote hands-on activity and practical application of key mathematical principles. Term-wise tests and exams (Term I and II) as well as regular tests shall also be conducted to monitor the all-around growth of problem-solving skills.

Note: For any updates regarding any alteration in the CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 Maths, keep visiting the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education. 

2.0Chapter-wise Class 8 CBSE Maths Syllabus

3.0Detailed CBSE Class 8 Maths 2025-26

Number System 

(i) Rational Numbers:

• Properties of rational numbers. (including identities). Using a general form of expression to describe properties

• Consolidation of operations on rational numbers.

• Representation of rational numbers on the number line

• Between any two rational numbers there lies another rational number (Making children see that if we take two rational numbers then unlike for whole numbers, in this case you can keep finding more and more numbers that lie between them.)

• Word problem (higher logic, two operations, including ideas like area)

(ii) Powers

• Integers as exponents.

• Laws of exponents with integral powers

(iii) Squares, Square roots, Cubes, Cube roots.

• Square and Square roots

• Square roots using factor method and division method for numbers containing 

(a) no more than total 4 digits and

(b) no more than 2 decimal places

• Cubes and cubes roots (only factor method for numbers containing at most 3 digits)

• Estimating square roots and cube roots. Learning the process of moving nearer to the required number.

(iv) Playing with numbers

• Writing and understanding a 2 and 3 digit number in generalized form (100a + 10b + c , where a, b, c can be only digit 0-9) and engaging with various puzzles concerning this. (Like finding the missing numerals represented by alphabets in sums involving any of the four operations.) Children solve and create problems and puzzles.

• Number puzzles and games

• Deducing the divisibility test rules of 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 for a two or three-digit number expressed in the general form.

Algebra

(i) Algebraic Expressions

• Multiplication and division of algebraic exp.(Coefficient should be integers)•

$$\begin{gathered} \text{Some common errors}(e.g.2+x\ne 2x,7x+y\ne 7xy) \\ \text{Identities}(a\pm b{)}^2=a^2\pm 2ab+b^2, \\ {a}^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b) \\ \text{Factorisation (simple cases only) as examples the following types } \\ a(x+y),(x\pm y{)}^2,a^2-b^2, \\ (x+a)\cdot (x+b) \end{gathered}$$

Solving linear equations in one variable in contextual problems involving multiplication and division (word problems) (avoid complex coefficient in the equations)

Ratio and Proportion

• Slightly advanced problems involving applications on percentages, profit & loss, overhead expenses, Discount, tax.

• Difference between simple and compound interest (compounded yearly up to 3 years or half-yearly up to 3 steps only), Arriving at the formula for compound interest through patterns and using it for simple problems.

• Direct variation – Simple and direct word problems

• Inverse variation – Simple and direct word problems

• Time & work problems– Simple and direct word problems

Geometry

(i) Understanding shapes:

• Properties of quadrilaterals – Sum of angles of a quadrilateral is equal to 3600 (By verification)

• Properties of parallelogram (By verification)

(i) Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal,

(ii) Opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal,

(iii) Diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other. [Why (iv), (v) and (vi) follow from (ii)]

(iv) Diagonals of a rectangle are equal and bisect each other.

(v) Diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.

(vi) Diagonals of a square are equal and bisect each other at right angles.

(ii) Representing 3-D in 2-D

• Identify and Match pictures with objects [more complicated e.g. nested, joint 2-D and 3-D shapes (not more than 2)].

• Drawing 2-D representation of 3-D objects (Continued and extended)

• Counting vertices, edges & faces & verifying Euler’s relation for 3-D figures with flat faces (cubes, cuboids, tetrahedrons, prisms and pyramids)

(iii) Construction:

Construction of Quadrilaterals:

• Given four sides and one diagonal

• Three sides and two diagonals

• Three sides and two included angles

• Two adjacent sides and three angles

Mensuration

(i) Area of a trapezium and a polygon.

(ii) Concept of volume, measurement of volume using a basic unit, volume of a cube, cuboid and cylinder

(iii) Volume and capacity (measurement of capacity)

(iv) Surface area of a cube, cuboid,cylinder.

Data handling

(i) Reading bar-graphs, ungrouped data, arranging it into groups, representation of grouped data through bar-graphs, constructing and interpreting bar-graphs.

(ii) Simple Pie charts with reasonable data numbers

(iii) Consolidating and generalising the notion of chance in events like tossing coins, dice etc. Relating it to chance in life

events. Visual representation of frequency outcomes of repeated throws of the same kind of coins or dice. Throwing a large number of identical dice/coins together and aggregating the result of the throws to get large number of individual events. Observing the aggregating numbers over a large number of repeated events. Comparing with the data for a coin. Observing strings of throws, notion of randomness

Introduction to graphs

Preliminaries:

(i) Axes (Same units), Cartesian Plane

(ii) Plotting points for different kind of situations (perimeter vs length for squares, area as a function of side of a square, plotting of multiples of different numbers, simple interest vs number of years etc.)

(iii) Reading off from the graphs

• Reading of linear graphs

• Reading of distance vs time graph

4.0Internal Assessment

5.0Study Smarter: Resources That Go Beyond Textbooks 

While NCERT is the backbone of the class 8th learning, to score above par, you need something more, something that contains a deeper dive into class VIII Maths concepts. Today, that something is extra resources and other study tools that go beyond your foundational NCERTs, some of them are: 

1. NCERT Solutions: NCERT solutions provide concise, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, allowing students to fully understand concepts and precisely solve problems according to CBSE syllabi.
2. Reference Books: Reference Books include advanced maths problems, ranging from simple to more difficult ones, perfect for honing problem-solving skills beyond the normal syllabus. Some of the most popular choices of reference books are: 
3. 1. Mathematics for Class 8 by RS Aggarwal 
   2. Oswall One for ALL Question Bank 
   3. Macmillan Extra Mile Mathematics Workbook Class 8
   4. MTG CBSE 100 Percent Class 8 Mathematics Book 
3. NCERT Exemplar Problems: Exemplar has higher-order thinking questions that involve students in creative application of concepts, so it's the ideal choice for deep learning and test preparation.
4. Practice Worksheets and Sample Papers: Practising worksheets and sample papers regularly improves speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam pattern, which is quite essential for proper time management in exams.
5. CBSE Study Material: Published by the Central Board of Secondary Education Itself, this study resource is available for every student and contains chapter summaries, formula sheets, extra and advanced questions, and previous year and sample question papers. 
6. Quizzes and Flashcards: Regular revision of concepts and self-testing using quizzes or flashcards enhances the concept retention ability of students. Besides that, it also identifies areas that require greater attention and those which do not.

6.0Benefits of Knowing the Syllabus Early on

Knowing the CBSE board 8th class maths syllabus early on can set the tone for how students will prepare for their term-end exams. Here are some key advantages of knowing this syllabus early in the academic session: 

• Intelligent Preparation: Knowing the syllabus helps students identify key areas, prioritise difficult topics, and focus their learning effectively.
• Goal-setting: By knowing the syllabus in advance, students can break it into manageable parts and set realistic, achievable study goals.
• Progress Monitoring: A clear understanding of the syllabus helps track completed chapters, plan timely revisions, and ensures all topics are covered well before exams.
• Building Confidence: Familiarity with the syllabus removes fear and provides confidence. The students get more confident with the preparation, leading to a correct mental setup during the exams.

7.0Study Tips to Score Well in Exams

Studying mathematics is not about studying harder; it's about studying smarter, it's about the right approach and practice strategy. Follow these few study hacks to get a high score in Class VIII maths: 

• Start with the NCERT books and solve all in-text and end-of-chapter exercises.
• Flashcards or mind maps must be employed to review formulas on a periodic basis.
• Practice a wide range of questions, such as HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) and word problems.
• Leave time each weekend for mock tests to assess speed and accuracy.
• Take part in group studies or math discussions to work through challenging problems.
• Use reference books, like RS Aggarwal and other books mentioned, to practice at higher levels.