The CBSE Class 10 English exam is an important board paper. Students prepare for months. A clear understanding makes preparation easier.
This guide explains:
- CBSE class 10 English syllabus
- Important questions
- Paper pattern
- Internal assessment
- Books and structure
This article aims to help students preparing for the English board exam paper class 10 stay organised and focused.
Class 10 English Exam Date 2026
- The CBSE Date Sheet 2026 has been officially released.
- Students can check the full schedule online.
- If you are searching for the class 10 English exam date 2026, download the official CBSE exam date PDF.
- Knowing the exam date helps in planning revision properly.
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026
The English syllabus class 10 CBSE 2025-26 focuses on:
- Reading skills
- Writing skills
- Grammar accuracy
- Literature understanding
It builds confidence in expression. It strengthens interpretation skills.
Below is the official structure of the syllabus.
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026
| Section | Description | Weightage |
| A | Reading Skills | 20 Marks |
| B | Writing Skills and Grammar | 20 Marks |
| C | Language through Literature | 40 Marks |
| Total | 80 Marks |
Internal assessment carries 20 marks separately. The syllabus is balanced. Every section needs equal attention.
Important Resources for CBSE Board Class 10 Students
- CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Hindi Syllabus with Chapter-wise Weightage
- 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 Science Sample Paper Solutions
English Syllabus Class 10 CBSE 2025–26 Structure
| Section | Competencies | Total Marks |
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding, decoding, analysing, interpreting vocabulary | 20 |
| Writing Skills & Grammar | Expression, reasoning, correct format, fluency, grammatical accuracy | 20 |
| Language through Literature | Appreciation, reasoning, identifying themes, writing fluently | 40 |
| Total | 80 |
Students should prepare according to competencies.
Section-Wise Syllabus Details
Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
This section tests comprehension and vocabulary.
| Component | Marks |
| Discursive Passage (400–450 words) | 10 |
| Case-based Factual Passage (200–250 words) | 10 |
| Total | 20 |
Question Types
- MCQs
- Objective questions
- Very short answer questions
Skills Assessed
- Comprehension
- Interpretation
- Inference
- Evaluation
- Vocabulary
Read carefully. Answer directly. Avoid unnecessary explanation.
Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar (20 Marks)
This section checks writing ability and grammar accuracy.
Grammar (10 Marks)
- Determiners
- Tenses
- Modals
- Subject–verb concord
- Reported speech
- Commands and requests
- Statements
- Questions
Format
- Gap filling
- Editing
- Transformation
Students attempt 10 out of 12 questions. Focus on accuracy. Practice regularly.
Writing Skills (10 Marks)
| Writing Task | Word Limit | Marks |
| Descriptive Paragraph (Person/Event/Situation) | 100–120 words | 5 |
| Story Writing / Diary Entry / Letter Writing | 100–120 words | 5 |
Attempt one question from each task. Maintain proper format. Keep language simple and clear.
Section C: Language through Literature (40 Marks)
This section has the highest weightage. It tests understanding of prescribed books. Reference to Context (10 Marks) is given below:
| Component | Marks |
| Drama / Prose Extract | 5 |
| Poetry Extract | 5 |
| Total | 10 |
Questions are based on extracts. Answers must be brief and precise.
Short and Long Answer Questions (30 Marks)
| Question Type | Source | Marks |
| 4 Short Answer (40–50 words) | First Flight | 12 |
| 2 Short Answer (40–50 words) | Footprints Without Feet | 6 |
| 1 Long Answer (100–120 words) | First Flight | 6 |
| 1 Long Answer (100–120 words) | Footprints Without Feet | 6 |
| Total | 30 |
Focus on:
- Theme
- Message
- Character analysis
- Writer’s intention
Use simple language. Support answers with reference.
CBSE 10 Class Board Exam 2026 Preparation Tips & Strategy
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Preparation Tips 2026 – Complete Subject-Wise Guide
- How to Score Good Marks in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026
- Best Revision Strategy for Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Students
- Smart Study Tips to Score Above 90% in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026
- How to Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Before the Exam
- Best Books and Solutions for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Preparation 2026
CBSE Class 10 English Books
NCERT books that students can follow:
-
First Flight (Prose and Poems)
Includes prose and poetry such as:
- A Letter to God
- Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
- From the Diary of Anne Frank
- The Trees
- The Proposal
- Fog
- Amanda!
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon
- For Anne Gregory
-
Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Reader)
Chapters include:
- A Triumph of Surgery
- The Thief’s Story
- The Midnight Visitor
- Bholi
- The Necklace
- The Book that Saved the Earth
-
Workbook: Words and Expressions-I
Units included:
- Units 1 to 6
- Units 8, 10, and 11
All preparation should be based on these books.
CBSE Class 10 English Paper Pattern 2026
Understanding the CBSE class 10 English question paper format is important. The total theory paper is 80 marks. Internal assessment is 20 marks.
Paper Pattern Summary
| Section | Marks |
| Section A – Reading | 20 |
| Section B – Writing & Grammar | 20 |
| Section C – Literature | 40 |
| Total | 80 |
The pattern is clear and structured.
Students preparing using CBSE English sample paper class 10 can understand:
- Question types
- Word limits
- Marking scheme
Practising sample papers improves confidence.
Important Questions for CBSE Class 10 English 2026
Important questions come from every section. Students should revise from:
- Class 10 English previous year question paper
- Previous year question paper class 10 English
- Official sample papers
Important Areas – Reading
Below are key areas to focus on.
- Identify the central idea
- Infer meaning from context
- Vocabulary usage
- Interpreting visual data
Practice multiple unseen passages.
Important Grammar Areas
From the class 10 English grammar syllabus, focus on:
- Tenses
- Reported speech
- Subject-verb agreement
- Determiners
- Modals
Regular practice reduces errors.
Important Writing Topics
- Descriptive paragraph
- Story writing
- Diary entry
Practice within 100–120 words. Follow proper format.
Important Literature Areas
From First Flight:
- Themes of prose chapters
- Character traits
- Extract-based questions
- Long answer writing
From Footprints Without Feet:
- Summary understanding
- Message of each story
- Important incidents
Revise key lines. Understand context clearly.
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment carries 20 marks.
| Component | Marks |
| Listening and Speaking Skills | 5 |
| Art-integrated Projects | 5 |
Activities include:
- Role plays
- Skits
- Group discussions
- Dramatisation
Participate actively. These marks are important.
Skill Focus Areas
Reading:
- Comprehension
- Inference
- Vocabulary
Writing:
- Clarity
- Tone
- Format
- Creativity
Literature:
- Theme
- Message
- Interpretation
- Character analysis
How to Prepare Effectively
Balanced preparation is necessary.
- Study the CBSE class 10 English syllabus carefully.
- Practice from the English sample paper class 10 regularly.
- Solve class 10 English previous year question paper.
- Revise grammar daily.
- Write answers within the word limit.
- Avoid last-minute cramming.
Final Words
The English board exam paper class 10 is structured and predictable. It tests understanding, not memorisation.
- Understand the paper pattern.
- Practice sample papers.
- Revise literature properly.
If you prepare section-wise and practice regularly, scoring well becomes achievable. Stay focused. Stay consistent. Prepare smartly for the CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026.
FAQs
1. What is the total marks for the CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026?
The theory paper is for 80 marks. Internal assessment carries 20 marks. The total comes to 100 marks.
2. What topics are included in the Class 10 English grammar syllabus?
The syllabus includes determiners, tenses, modals, subject-verb concord, reported speech, commands and requests, statements, and questions.
3. How to best prepare for the CBSE Class 10 English question paper?
- Follow the CBSE class 10 English syllabus.
- Practice from the English sample paper class 10.
- Solve the class 10 English previous year question paper regularly.
