CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 LIVE: Sample Paper, PYQs, and other Important Resources to Score High

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words. (6 marks for each)

(1) Hari Singh didn’t board the express and returned to Anil. It shows that everyone has some conscience that they do not put in practice. Elaborate with reference to ‘The Thief’s story’.

(2) What changes occurred in Matilda’s lifestyle after she had lost the necklace?

(3) The story, A Triumph of Surgery is a powerful example of the importance of saying “NO”. Explain giving examples from the text related to Tricky and his illness.       

(4) “Show off and a fake life may give temporary happiness but bring misfortune and problems in future.” Explain the statement by linking it to the desires and behaviour of Matilda Loisel.

(5) ‘Science should be used as a boon and not as a bane”. Analyse this in detail with reference to Griffin the lawless scientist in the lesson “Footprints without Feet”.

Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3 Marks for each)

(1) Explain how the description of the devastation caused by the hailstorm reflects the sadness within Lencho, in A Letter to God?                                               

(2) What did the Buddha want Kisa Gotami to understand?

(3) Who are Paders and why are they called friends of the chidren?  

(4) Why did the woman at the control room look strangely at the pilot of old Dakota?       

(5) Write a short note on the relationship between the author and his pet Mijbil.

• Use the 15-Minute Start: Spend your initial reading time exclusively on decoding the unseen passages and choosing your essay/literature topics.

• Pace by Section: Aim for 45 minutes on Reading, 45 minutes on Writing/Grammar, and 75 minutes on Literature to guarantee a 15-minute review buffer.

• Respect Word Limits: Don't overwrite. Stick strictly to the word count to save time and focus on grammatical accuracy.

• Don't Get Stuck: If a 1-mark question is taking too long, skip it and come back to it during your final 15 minutes.

The exam consists of 12 questions across four sections – Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature.

Section-Wise Question Marks Distribution

Students cancheck the following preparation tips for tomorrow's CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026:

• Focus on Reading Skills by practising unseen passages, improving comprehension, inference, and interpretation abilities.

• Enhance Writing & Grammar skills with regular practice of formats, vocabulary, and grammar exercises to score well in this section.

• Revise the Literature section thoroughly by understanding themes, characters, and important lessons from prescribed texts.

• Regular practice with sample papers and mock tests helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before the board exam.

1. Prioritize Literature (40 Marks): Dedicate maximum time to Section C (Literature) as it carries the highest marks. Read all chapters and poems thoroughly to understand themes, characters, and contexts. Practice answering extract-based and long analytical questions using relevant vocabulary.

2. Master Writing Formats & Grammar: Practice the correct formats for all writing tasks (Letters, Analytical Paragraphs) until they become second nature. Simultaneously, drill application-based grammar questions (editing, reported speech) daily, as the Writing and Grammar section is highly scoring (20 Marks) if formats are perfect.

3. Practice Daily Comprehension: Solve at least one Unseen Passage daily from Section A. This builds the speed, vocabulary, and inference skills needed to secure the full 20 Marks from this section effectively and quickly during the exam.

4. Solve Full-Length Mock Tests: Attempt timed, 3-hour mock papers regularly. Practice a smart order (e.g., Literature first, then Writing, then Reading) and dedicate the last 15 minutes to proofreading for silly grammar or spelling errors, which are often where easy marks are lost.

5. Focus on Competency & Presentation: Since the new pattern focuses on Competency-Based Questions (CBA), practice applying concepts (e.g., using a chart for an analytical paragraph). Ensure your final answer sheet is neat, legible, and uses headings/bullet points to clearly present your structured arguments.

As the CBSE Class 10 English Exam is scheduled for tomorrow, 21st February 2026, students should now focus on solving the CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Sample Paper by experts to boost their confidence. We are providing a specially designed sample paper prepared by our experts to help students understand the exam pattern better, improve time management, and strengthen their preparation for the final board examination.

Students can check the CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers to identify frequently repeated questions and important topics. This practice can help them understand the exam pattern better and improve their preparation strategy.

Students can use the CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Syllabus PDFfor quick revision of all prescribed chapters and topics. Reviewing the syllabus helps focus on important sections before the exam. This makes last-minute preparation more effective and organized.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026

CBSE Deleted Topics – English

• Revise important chapters, themes, and character sketches from the literature section.

• Practice unseen passages to improve reading and comprehension skills.

• Solve sample papers and previous year question papers for better time management.

• Review grammar rules and writing formats such as letters, analytical paragraphs, and notices.

• Go through important questions and expert-prepared revision notes for quick preparation.

Check: CBSE Class 10 English Last Minute Study Plan

The CBSE Class 10 English paper for the 2025–26 board exams will be of 80 marks theory and will assess students across Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature sections. The structure remains the same as the previous years, ensuring balanced focus on comprehension, expression, and literary understanding.

Key Features of the Question Paper:

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21st February, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students will get 15 minutes extra time before starting the exam to go through the question paper.