If you are a Class 8 student right now, you might wonder why anyone would look up a 2018 exam paper. The answer is simple. Pattern recognition is one of the smartest ways to prepare for any exam. The topics tested in 2018 are still the same topics your teacher is testing you on today. Chapters like Rational Numbers, Linear Equations, Mensuration, and Data Handling have not changed.
What makes the 2018 paper particularly useful is that it was one of the last years where CBSE still followed the Summative Assessment 1 and Summative Assessment 2 format before shifting to a more continuous evaluation model. This means the paper reflects a complete, end-of-year coverage of all chapters, making it a goldmine for revision.
This guide breaks down everything about the Class 8 Maths final exam papers from 2018 across all major boards including CBSE, RBSE (Rajasthan), Kerala Board, and general school-level final exams. You will find topic-wise analysis, actual questions from that year, a comparison of board patterns, smart preparation tips, and a full FAQ section.
1. Class 8 Maths Exam 2018: Board-Wise Overview
Class 8 in India is not governed by a single national board exam. Different schools follow different boards, and each board has its own paper format. Here is what each major board looked like in 2018.
| Board | Total Marks | Duration | Paper Format | Medium |
| CBSE (Annual) | 80 marks + 20 internal | 3 hours | MCQ + Short + Long Answer | English/Hindi |
| RBSE (Rajasthan) | 100 marks | 3 hours | MCQ + Short + Long Answer | English/Hindi |
| Kerala Board | Annual Evaluation | 2.5 to 3 hours | MCQ + Descriptive | English/Malayalam |
| KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya) | 80 marks | 3 hours | MCQ + Short + Long Answer | English/Hindi |
| Private CBSE Schools | 80 to 100 marks | 3 hours | School-specific format | English |
Most CBSE-affiliated schools in 2018 conducted their annual examination in March or April. The paper was prepared by school teachers following CBSE guidelines and the NCERT Class 8 Mathematics textbook. State boards like RBSE held their exams through the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education and published official question papers.
2. Class 8 Maths Syllabus Covered in the 2018 Final Exam
The 2018 final exam covered the entire Class 8 NCERT Maths syllabus. Below is a chapter-by-chapter breakdown with the approximate marks weightage that most schools and boards assigned.
| Chapter | Topic | Approx. Marks Weightage |
| Chapter 1 | Rational Numbers | 5 to 8 marks |
| Chapter 2 | Linear Equations in One Variable | 8 to 10 marks |
| Chapter 3 | Understanding Quadrilaterals | 5 to 8 marks |
| Chapter 4 | Practical Geometry | 5 to 6 marks |
| Chapter 5 | Data Handling | 6 to 8 marks |
| Chapter 6 | Squares and Square Roots | 8 to 10 marks |
| Chapter 7 | Cubes and Cube Roots | 5 to 6 marks |
| Chapter 8 | Comparing Quantities | 8 to 10 marks |
| Chapter 9 | Algebraic Expressions and Identities | 8 to 10 marks |
| Chapter 10 | Visualising Solid Shapes | 3 to 5 marks |
| Chapter 11 | Mensuration | 8 to 10 marks |
| Chapter 12 | Exponents and Powers | 5 to 6 marks |
| Chapter 13 | Direct and Inverse Proportions | 5 to 6 marks |
| Chapter 14 | Factorisation | 5 to 8 marks |
| Chapter 15 | Introduction to Graphs | 3 to 5 marks |
| Chapter 16 | Playing with Numbers | 3 to 5 marks |
The highest-scoring chapters in most 2018 papers were Linear Equations, Mensuration, Algebraic Expressions and Identities, Comparing Quantities (Profit/Loss/Percentage/Interest), and Squares and Square Roots. Students who focused on these five topics had a significant scoring advantage.
3. How the 2018 Class 8 Maths Paper Was Structured
Understanding the structure of the 2018 paper helps you practice with the right approach. Most CBSE school papers in 2018 followed a four-section format:
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
This section contained 8 to 10 objective questions, each carrying 1 mark. Topics tested here included Rational Numbers, Exponents, Identifying types of quadrilaterals, and basic algebraic identities. The questions were direct and required no working.
- Example: The additive inverse of the rational number -3/5 is ___
- Example: Which of the following is a perfect square: 81, 72, 48, 32?
- Example: Like term of the expression 7x2y is ___
Section B: Very Short Answer (VSA)
This section had 4 to 6 questions carrying 2 marks each. Students were expected to show basic working. Topics commonly included Squares and Cube Roots, Simple Linear Equations, and Proportions.
- Example: Find the square root of 1764 using the prime factorisation method.
- Example: Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 17
- Example: Find the cube root of 512.
Section C: Short Answer (SA)
This section had 5 to 7 questions carrying 3 marks each. Working and steps were required. Topics included Mensuration, Data Handling, Comparing Quantities, and Factorisation.
- Example: The length, breadth and height of a cuboid are 6 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm. Find its total surface area.
- Example: A shopkeeper bought a watch for Rs. 200 and sold it for Rs. 250. Find the profit percentage.
- Example: Factorise: 6×2 + 17x + 5
Section D: Long Answer (LA)
This section had 3 to 5 questions carrying 4 to 5 marks each. Full solutions with diagrams were required. Topics typically included Algebraic Identities, Quadrilaterals, and complex Mensuration problems.
- Example: Using suitable identities, find the value of (103)2.
- Example: The sum of three consecutive even integers is 78. Find the integers.
- Example: Find the area and perimeter of a trapezium with parallel sides 12 cm and 8 cm, and height 6 cm.
4. Sample Questions From the 2018 Class 8 Maths Papers
Below are actual-pattern questions that appeared in or closely mirror the 2018 Class 8 Maths annual examination papers across boards. These are grouped by topic.
Rational Numbers
- Find four rational numbers between 1/3 and 1/2.
- Represent -5/6 on a number line.
- The sum of two rational numbers is -4. If one of them is -2/3, find the other.
Linear Equations in One Variable
- The present ages of Nuri and Sonu are in the ratio 5:3. Five years from now their ages will be in the ratio 10:7. Find their present ages.
- If the perimeter of a rectangular garden is 40 m and the length is 4 m more than the breadth, find the dimensions.
- Solve: (x – 5)/3 = (x – 3)/5
Squares, Square Roots, Cubes and Cube Roots
- Find the smallest number by which 1620 must be divided so that the quotient is a perfect square.
- Find the square root of 7056 by long division method.
- Is 392 a perfect cube? If not, find the smallest natural number by which 392 must be multiplied to make it a perfect cube.
- Find the cube root of 74088 using prime factorisation.
Algebraic Expressions and Identities
- Expand using suitable identities: (3x + 4y)2
- Verify the identity (a + b)(a – b) = a2 – b2 using a = 7 and b = 3.
- Multiply: (2×2 + 3y) by (4x – 5y2)
- Find the product using an identity: 97 x 103
Mensuration
- A trapezium has parallel sides of 10 cm and 6 cm, and a height of 4 cm. Find its area.
- Find the volume and surface area of a cube with edge 5 cm.
- The lateral surface area of a cylinder is 440 cm2 and its radius is 7 cm. Find its height.
- A room is 8 m long, 6 m wide and 3.5 m high. Find the cost of painting the four walls at Rs. 10 per square metre.
Comparing Quantities (Profit, Loss, Interest, Percentage)
- Find the compound interest on Rs. 8000 for 2 years at 10% per annum.
- A TV was bought for Rs. 15000 and sold at a loss of 12%. Find the selling price.
- What sum of money will amount to Rs. 4913 in 3 years at 5% per annum compound interest?
Data Handling
- The following scores were recorded in a test: 10, 15, 12, 8, 20, 15, 18, 10, 12, 15. Find the mean, median and mode.
- A die is thrown once. What is the probability of getting a number greater than 4?
- Draw a pie chart for the following data: English 30 students, Maths 50 students, Science 40 students, Social 30 students.
5. RBSE Class 8 Maths Board Paper 2018: What Was Different
The Rajasthan Board (RBSE) Class 8 Maths paper from 2018 followed a slightly different structure compared to CBSE school papers. The paper was worth 100 marks with a 3-hour duration and was entirely based on the Rajasthan state curriculum, which aligns closely with NCERT but has some additional topics.
Key Differences in the RBSE 2018 Paper
- The RBSE paper included questions on Coordinate Geometry, which is not part of the standard CBSE Class 8 curriculum but appeared in the Kerala Board paper too.
- Ratio and Proportion received higher weightage in RBSE compared to CBSE schools.
- The paper started with 6 compulsory MCQ questions worth 1 mark each, which students had to answer in a separate table in the answer book.
- Candidates were instructed to write their Roll Number on the question paper before starting, and all questions were compulsory.
- Internal choice options were available in some long-answer questions.
Some actual question types from the RBSE 2018 paper included identifying additive inverses of rational numbers, finding like terms in algebraic expressions, applying the formula for interior angles of polygons, and solving questions on profit and loss using ratio and proportion.
6. Kerala Board Class 8 Annual Evaluation 2018
The Kerala Board Class 8 Annual Evaluation in 2018 was prepared following the state curriculum and had a distinct question style compared to CBSE. The paper had 17 questions in the English medium version and was prepared with detailed step-by-step answer keys.
Topics Covered in the Kerala 2018 Paper
- Operations on algebraic expressions including expansion and simplification
- Properties of basic geometric shapes, particularly circles and quadrilaterals
- Ratio and proportion problems
- Profit and loss calculations
- Indices and exponential expressions
- Coordinate geometry as a bonus topic
The Kerala paper used a unique approach where questions often had multiple sub-parts (a, b, c) that tested the same concept from different angles. This is different from CBSE where most questions are standalone. The answer key for the Kerala 2018 paper included full diagrams and explanation boxes, making it a rich study resource.
7. How to Use the 2018 Question Paper for Your Current Exam Prep
Sitting with the 2018 paper the right way is very different from just reading it. Here is a step-by-step method that actually works.
Step 1: Start With a Full Timed Practice
Print the paper or open it on a device. Set a 3-hour timer. Attempt every question without looking at notes or textbooks. This gives you an honest picture of where you stand.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Answers Honestly
After the timer runs out, check each answer using the NCERT solutions or the official answer key. Do not just mark right or wrong. Write down the specific concept behind each question you got wrong.
Step 3: Group Your Mistakes by Chapter
Make a simple two-column list. On the left, write the chapter name. On the right, write how many questions from that chapter you got wrong. Chapters with 2 or more errors need priority attention.
Step 4: Revise That Chapter Specifically
Go back to the NCERT textbook for each weak chapter. Work through 10 to 15 solved examples before attempting similar questions again. Do not move forward until you can solve a similar problem on your own.
Step 5: Re-Attempt Those Questions
After revising, go back to the 2018 paper and attempt only the questions you got wrong. If you can solve them now, your revision worked. If you still struggle, try a different explanation from a reference book or video resource.
Step 6: Track Time on Long Answer Questions
Most students fail not because they do not know the content, but because they run out of time. Practice writing out full solutions for long-answer questions in under 8 minutes each. Speed comes from practice, not just knowledge.
Also Read : 10th Class SA1 Model Paper 2019 | All Subjects PDF Guide for AP and Telangana Students
8. Common Mistakes Students Make in Class 8 Maths Exams
These are not guesses. These are the patterns that come up year after year, including in 2018 papers and beyond.
| Mistake | Chapter It Appears In | How to Fix It |
| Forgetting to write units in Mensuration answers | Chapter 11 | Always write cm2, cm3, m2 etc. after every answer |
| Confusing compound and simple interest formulas | Chapter 8 | Make a formula card and paste it on your study table |
| Missing intermediate steps in Linear Equations | Chapter 2 | Write every step, even obvious ones, for full marks |
| Using wrong identity in Algebraic Expressions | Chapter 9 | Write out the identities before starting the question |
| Calculation errors in Square/Cube Root methods | Chapters 6 and 7 | Practice long division and factorisation daily for 5 minutes |
| Not reading MCQs carefully enough | All chapters | Read each MCQ twice before marking, eliminate options first |
| Leaving blank answers in Data Handling | Chapter 5 | Probability and mean questions are always scoring, never leave them |
9. Chapter-Wise Scoring Strategy for Class 8 Maths
Not all chapters carry equal weight. Here is how to split your preparation time smartly based on what actually appeared in the 2018 exams.
High Priority Chapters (Spend 60 percent of your time here)
- Linear Equations in One Variable: Word problems are almost always present. Practice setting up the equation from a word problem.
- Mensuration: Surface area and volume questions appear every single year. Know all formulas by heart.
- Algebraic Expressions and Identities: The four standard identities appear in MCQs, short answers, and long answers.
- Comparing Quantities: Compound interest, profit/loss, and discount problems are high-scoring and straightforward.
- Squares, Square Roots, Cubes, Cube Roots: Prime factorisation and long division methods appear in both short and long answers.
Medium Priority Chapters (Spend 30 percent of your time here)
- Rational Numbers: Direct formula-based questions, usually in MCQ and VSA.
- Data Handling: Mean, median, mode, and probability. These are always 2 to 3 easy marks.
- Factorisation: Method-based questions. If you know the method, these are straightforward.
- Understanding Quadrilaterals: Properties and angle calculations.
Low Priority but Do Not Ignore (Spend 10 percent of your time here)
- Introduction to Graphs: Usually just 1 to 2 questions, easy marks if you practice plotting.
- Playing with Numbers: Divisibility and general form of numbers, usually MCQ.
- Exponents and Powers: Rules of exponents, usually tested in MCQ or VSA.
- Visualising Solid Shapes: 2D representation of 3D shapes, usually 1 question.
10. Key Formulas From the 2018 Class 8 Maths Paper
These formulas appeared directly or indirectly across the 2018 question papers. Memorise every single one before your exam.
Algebraic Identities
- (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
- (a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2
- (a + b)(a – b) = a2 – b2
- (x + a)(x + b) = x2 + (a + b)x + ab
Mensuration Formulas
| Shape | Area | Perimeter/Surface Area | Volume |
| Rectangle | l x b | 2(l + b) | – |
| Square | a2 | 4a | – |
| Triangle | (1/2) x b x h | Sum of sides | – |
| Trapezium | (1/2)(a+b) x h | Sum of sides | – |
| Cube | 6a2 (total SA) | – | a3 |
| Cuboid | 2(lb + bh + lh) | – | l x b x h |
| Cylinder | 2(pi)r(r + h) | Lateral SA = 2(pi)rh | (pi)r2h |
Comparing Quantities Formulas
- Profit = SP – CP
- Loss = CP – SP
- Profit% = (Profit / CP) x 100
- Simple Interest = (P x R x T) / 100
- Compound Interest = P(1 + R/100)^T – P
- Discount = Marked Price – Selling Price
11. Where to Find and Download Class 8 Maths 2018 Papers
Here are the reliable platforms where students and teachers can access the 2018 Class 8 Maths exam papers:
For CBSE School Papers
- com: Has a dedicated section for Class 8 Maths question papers from multiple CBSE schools including St. Xavier’s, Apeejay School, and DPS. Papers are available in PDF format for free download.
- com: Hosts Class 8 CBSE papers from 2015 to present, including periodic tests and annual exams.
- Individual school websites: KV Sitapur and KV2 Calicut have uploaded their annual exam papers on their official WordPress blogs.
For RBSE Papers
- com: Contains the full RBSE Class 8 Maths Board Paper 2018 in English Medium with complete solutions.
- RBSE official website: rajshaladarpan.nic.in may have archived board papers.
For Kerala Board Papers
- Scribd: The Kerala Class 8 Annual Evaluation 2018 paper with answer key is available on Scribd as uploaded by subject experts.
- Educational coaching centres in Kerala often host these papers on their websites.
For General Practice
- com: Has an article and access guide for the 2018 Class 8 Maths question paper.
- com: Provides previous year question papers for Class 8 Maths in PDF format.
- com and BYJU’S: While they focus on current sample papers, their format closely mirrors what appeared in 2018.
12. Expert Tips for Class 8 Maths Exam Preparation
| From a Class 8 Maths Teacher’s Perspective
Students who score above 90 percent in Class 8 Maths typically do three things right. First, they never skip the NCERT examples. Second, they solve at least two previous year papers completely before the exam. Third, they write formula sheets by hand and review them the night before. The writing-by-hand part is not just old-fashioned advice. It activates memory retention far better than reading does. |
Do NCERT exercises first, not last. Every question in the exam traces back to an NCERT concept. Start your revision there, not with reference books.
- Write full solutions in practice. Even if you know the answer in your head, write every step. You get marks for working, not just the final answer.
- Use the elimination method for MCQs. Even if you do not know the answer, you can usually eliminate 2 options. That gives you a 50 percent chance.
- Memorise the 9 standard algebraic identities used in Class 8. They appear directly in MCQs and indirectly in almost every algebra problem.
- For Mensuration, draw a labelled diagram before starting. It takes 30 seconds and prevents calculation errors.
- In Linear Equations word problems, define your variable clearly at the start. Write ‘Let x = …’ and the examiner will know you understood the question.
- Start with the sections you are most confident in. This builds momentum and ensures you do not waste time getting stuck at the start.
- Revisit the paper 10 minutes before time is up. Do not submit early. Use extra time to check calculations and add missing units.
Frequently Asked Questions About Class 8 Maths Final Exam Papers 2018
Q1. Was the 2018 Class 8 Maths paper hard or easy?
Difficulty varies by school and board. CBSE school papers in 2018 were generally moderate in difficulty. The 2018 RBSE paper included some challenging word problems in the linear equations section but was manageable with thorough NCERT practice. The Kerala paper had a more concept-based approach with fewer rote formula questions.
Q2. Can I get the Class 8 Maths 2018 paper in PDF for free?
Yes. Websites like ribblu.com, cbseboardonline.com, and ncerthelp.com offer Class 8 Maths question papers in PDF format at no cost. The RBSE 2018 paper with full solutions is available on rbsesolutions.com. For Kerala Board papers, Scribd hosts uploaded versions from subject experts.
Q3. Does the 2018 paper follow the NCERT syllabus?
Yes, if your school follows CBSE, the 2018 paper is entirely based on NCERT Class 8 Maths. State boards like RBSE and Kerala follow state-specific textbooks that largely align with NCERT but may include a few additional topics such as Coordinate Geometry.
Q4. Are there solutions available for the 2018 Class 8 Maths paper?
Yes. The RBSE 2018 paper has complete worked solutions on rbsesolutions.com. The Kerala 2018 Annual Evaluation answer key was prepared by Dr. V.S. RaveendraNath with step-by-step explanations and diagrams. CBSE school papers from 2018 on ribblu.com are accompanied by answer keys from the respective schools.
Q5. Which chapters had the most questions in the 2018 paper?
Based on analysis across multiple 2018 papers, Linear Equations in One Variable, Mensuration, Algebraic Expressions and Identities, and Comparing Quantities consistently had the highest question count and marks weightage. Squares and Square Roots also featured prominently due to both MCQ and long-answer scope.
Q6. How is the Class 8 Maths exam different from Class 9 Maths?
Class 8 Maths builds foundational concepts. Class 9 Maths extends those same foundations into more complex territory. For example, Linear Equations in Class 8 uses one variable, while Class 9 introduces two-variable systems. Factorisation in Class 8 is simpler; Class 9 uses more advanced polynomial factoring. Preparing well in Class 8 directly reduces difficulty in Class 9.
Q7. Is there a difference between SA1 and SA2 format in 2018?
In 2018, many CBSE schools still used the SA1 (Summative Assessment 1) and SA2 (Summative Assessment 2) format. SA1 typically covered Chapters 1 through 8, while SA2 covered Chapters 9 through 16. However, the Annual Examination or Final Exam covered all 16 chapters. Schools that had already transitioned to the continuous assessment format held a single final exam covering the full syllabus.
Q8. How many marks are needed to pass the Class 8 Maths exam?
Passing criteria varies by school and board. For most CBSE schools, the passing mark is 33 out of 80 for theory. However, for meaningful progression to Class 9 without struggling, students should aim for at least 60 marks. Most schools require 35 percent to pass, but competitive schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas expect higher performance.
Q9. Can I use a calculator in the Class 8 Maths exam?
No. Calculators are not permitted in Class 8 board or school examinations in India. All calculations including long division for square roots, cube root factorisation, compound interest, and surface area must be done manually. This is why practicing speed and accuracy in arithmetic is essential.
Q10. Are questions from the 2018 paper likely to repeat in current exams?
Not verbatim, but the pattern and concept type do repeat. In Class 8 Maths, the same fundamental question types appear year after year because the syllabus does not change. A 2018 question on compound interest will be nearly identical in structure to a 2025 question on the same topic. This is exactly why practicing old papers is effective.
Final Thoughts: Make the 2018 Paper Work for You
The Class 8 Maths final exam paper from 2018 is more than a piece of history. It is a blueprint. It tells you exactly what kind of questions Class 8 students are expected to handle, which chapters carry the most weight, and what level of explanation earns full marks.
Whether you are sitting for your Class 8 exam this year, helping your child prepare, or teaching a Class 8 section, this paper gives you a reliable, real-world reference point. The content has not changed. The concepts tested in 2018 are the concepts being tested today.
Use the paper actively. Time yourself. Identify gaps. Revise with NCERT. Then attempt again. That loop of practice, evaluation, and revision is what turns a Class 8 student into someone who not only passes but actually understands the foundations of mathematics.
