Sandhi: Types with Board-Level Examples – CBSE Class 10 Boards (2026).

Sandhi: Types with Board-Level Examples

Sandhi (संधि) is one of the most important grammar topics in CBSE Class 10 Hindi. It tests a student’s understanding of how two sounds or words combine to form a new word. Since sandhi is rule-based and objective, it offers strong scoring potential when concepts are clear.

Under the competency-based pattern introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education, sandhi questions are often framed in application-based formats such as sentence-level identification, joining, and splitting rather than direct rule recall.

This guide covers:

• Meaning and concept of sandhi

• All types of sandhi with rules

• Board-level examples

• Common traps in exams

• Preparation strategy for full marks

Sandhi in CBSE Class 10 Hindi (2026)

Type of Sandhi	Based On	Common Question Type	Difficulty Level	Scoring Potential
स्वर संधि	Vowel + Vowel	Join / Break	Moderate	Very High
व्यंजन संधि	Consonant changes	Identify / Break	Moderate	High
विसर्ग संधि	Visarga (ः) changes	Join / Break	Moderate	High

Expected Weightage: Usually 2–3 marks within grammar section.

What is Sandhi?

Sandhi means “joining”. When two letters or words combine, changes may occur in pronunciation and spelling according to specific rules. That change is called sandhi.

Example:विद्या + आलय = विद्यालय

Understanding the rule behind the change is essential for scoring.

1. स्वर संधि (Vowel Sandhi)

When a vowel combines with another vowel, changes occur according to fixed rules.

Important Types of स्वर संधि

(A) दीर्घ संधि

When two similar vowels combine, they form a long vowel.

Rule:अ + अ = आइ + इ = ईउ + उ = ऊ

Board-Level Examples:

• हरि + इन्द्र = हरिन्द्र

• गुरु + उपदेश = गुरूपदेश

• राम + अवतार = रामावतार

(B) गुण संधि

Rule:अ + इ = एअ + उ = ओ

Examples:

• देव + इन्द्र = देवेन्द्र

• राज + उपकार = राजोपकार

(C) वृद्धि संधि

Rule:अ + ए = ऐअ + ओ = औ

Examples:

• जन + एकता = जनेैकता

• लोक + औषधि = लोकौषधि

Students often confuse गुण and वृद्धि. Carefully identify the resulting vowel sound.

2. व्यंजन संधि (Consonant Sandhi)

When consonants combine, changes occur due to pronunciation rules.

Examples:

• सत् + जन = सज्जन

• उत् + साह = उत्साह

• तद् + जन = तज्जन

Board Pattern Tip:CBSE may give a combined word and ask students to identify the correct sandhi type.

Common mistake:Not recognizing doubled consonants such as “ज्ज” or “त्त”.

3. विसर्ग संधि (Visarga Sandhi)

When a word ending with “ः” combines with another word, the visarga changes according to the following sound.

Examples:

• दुः + ख = दुःख

• मनः + हर = मनोहर

• लोकः + हित = लोकोहित

Rule Understanding:Visarga may change into “ओ”, “र”, or disappear depending on

the next letter.

Students frequently ignore visarga rules, leading to incorrect splitting.

Board-Level Question Patterns (2026)

CBSE may ask:

1. Perform संधि विच्छेद.

2. Join the following words using correct sandhi.

3. Identify the type of sandhi used.

4. Choose the correct option (MCQ format).

5. Identify incorrect sandhi usage in a sentence.

Application-based framing is more common than direct theoretical questions.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Marks

• Confusing गुण and वृद्धि

• Ignoring vowel length

• Wrong splitting in संधि विच्छेद

• Forgetting visarga rules

• Writing incomplete answer

Always write both words clearly in sandhi splitting.

Smart Preparation Strategy

1. Learn rules with examples, not in isolation.

2. Practice at least 30–40 sandhi questions.

3. Revise vowel combinations daily.

4. Solve previous year board questions.

5. Focus on accuracy rather than speed.

Sandhi can become one of the easiest scoring grammar topics with regular practice.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. How many marks does sandhi usually carry in Class 10 boards?

Usually 2–3 marks within the grammar section.

2. Which type of sandhi is most frequently asked?

स्वर संधि is most commonly tested, especially गुण and वृद्धि.

3. Is sandhi difficult for students?

It may seem confusing initially, but with rule clarity and practice, it becomes easy and scoring.

4. Are direct rule definitions asked in 2026 pattern?

Rarely. Most questions are application-based.

5. How can I avoid mistakes in संधि विच्छेद?

Understand the rule first, then carefully split the word into its original parts without changing meaning.

Final Takeaway

Sandhi is a rule-based and high-scoring topic in CBSE Class 10 Hindi. Focus on understanding vowel combinations, consonant changes, and visarga rules clearly. Practice board-level examples and revise regularly.

With concept clarity and consistent application practice, sandhi can help secure full marks in the 2026 board examination.