The comprehensive paper analysis reveals the 2026 English Class 10 board paper difficulty level, together with its section-wise breakdown and marks distribution, and essential elements that students can use to calculate their performance results.
Overview of the 2026 English Class 10 board paper
80 marks (Theory) were set for the English exam, and the other 20 marks were Internal Assessment. The question paper consisted of three major sections- Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Exam Date | 21 February 2026 |
| Timing | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Total Marks | 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal) |
| Question Type | 12 compulsory questions with internal choices |
| Negative Marking | No |
More than 43 lakh students appeared for CBSE board exams this year, including nearly 25 lakh Class 10 students.
Class 10 English Section-Wise Marks Distribution
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
- Two unseen passages (discursive + case-based)
- Mostly direct comprehension questions
- Vocabulary-based MCQs were manageable
- Slightly time-consuming for some students
Students reported that the passages were moderate but required careful reading.
Writing & Grammar (20 Marks)
- Letter writing (formal format)
- Analytical paragraph
- Grammar (editing, gap filling, transformation)
Grammar questions were mostly straightforward. Students who practised formats scored easily in this section.
Literature (40 Marks)
The Literature section carried the highest weightage and was largely NCERT-based.
| Question Type | Marks |
| Extract-based (Prose/Poetry) | 10 |
| Short Answer Questions | 18 |
| Long Answer Questions | 12 |
Most long-answer questions were theme-based and directly linked to chapters from First Flight and Footprints Without Feet. Students found this section scoring.
Read Also:
- Complete Guide For Class 10 board exam 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Previous Years Question Papers with Solutions | Aakash
- CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Mock Test Paper Solutions
- CBSE Class 10 Result 2026
Class 10 English Difficulty Level Analysis
Overall Class 10 English Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
| Section | Difficulty Level |
| Reading | Moderate |
| Writing | Easy to Moderate |
| Grammar | Easy |
| Literature | Easy |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
This paper analysis confirms that the paper was balanced and aligned with the latest CBSE sample paper pattern.
Experts at Aakash Institute observed that students who revised NCERT thoroughly and practised sample papers would comfortably score above 75+.
Student Reactions: CBSE Class 10 English question paper
- “More predictable than Maths.”
- “Literature questions were direct.”
- “Reading section was a bit lengthy.”
Many students felt confident after attempting the CBSE Class 10 English question paper, especially in Literature.
What Made This Paper Scoring?
- The questions were mostly from NCERT.
- There was no surprise out-of-syllabus content.
- The internal choices were very clear.
- Competency-based questions were in good balance with other types of questions.
Students can also get the official CBSE Class 10 English question paper PDF for free from the board’s website to check their answers.
Preparation Tips for Students From Experts
Preparing for upcoming board exams? Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you thoroughly read every line in your NCERT textbooks.
- Try to solve 5 sample papers a day at least.
- Work on speed and practice more to be able to answer unseen passages within the given time.
- Always stick to the word limit that is given in the question paper.
During the year, the faculty at Aakash Institute hardly missed opportunities to inculcate in students the skill to tackle competency-based questions that the results clearly vindicate.
Conclusion
The Class 10 English exam 2026 was generally considered easy to moderate and quite student-friendly. The pattern was well balanced, and students could mostly predict the questions. Those who have thoroughly covered their NCERTs and regularly practised writing are assured a good grade.
The detailed paper analysis here reveals that CBSE is still largely focusing on students’ conceptual understanding, comprehension skills, and ability to express ideas clearly without resorting to memory-based learning. With a proper mode of examination and well-thought-out preparation for the board exams, students can definitely set their sights high.
FAQs
1. Was the Class 10 English Exam 2026 difficult?
The Class 10 English exam 2026 was considered easy to moderate overall.
2. When will CBSE release the official answer key?
Typically, CBSE does not release the official answer key right after the exam, but you can get the unofficial solutions.
3. How many marks was the theory paper?
The theory exam was for 80 marks, whereas 20 marks are reserved for the Internal Assessment.
