Students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 English exam can use the CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 to revise the syllabus thoroughly. These sample question papers not only help in effective revision but also allow students to assess their preparation level and improve their performance before the board exams.
At Gyaanpost, we provide the official CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers 2025-26 to help students practice with real exam-style questions. In addition to the official papers, our subject experts have created additional English sample question papers so that students have ample material to practice and gain confidence for the Class 10 Board examination.
CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26: Overview
English is one of the most important subjects in the Class 10 CBSE curriculum. It not only strengthens communication and writing skills but also plays a crucial role in improving your overall percentage.
Here’s a quick overview of the CBSE Class 10 English 2025–26 exam:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Class | 10 |
| Subject | English Language & Literature (Code: 184) |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks (80 Theory + 20 Internal Assessment) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Academic Year | 2025–26 |
| Official Website | www.cbseacademic.nic.in |
📥 CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 – Download PDF
The CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF and Marking Scheme PDF are officially released on CBSE’s website. Students are strongly advised to download and practice them to understand the structure and difficulty level of the actual board exam.
🔗 Direct Download Links:
📌 Path: CBSE Academic Website → Sample Question Paper → Class X → English Language & Literature
📚 CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 (Updated)
The Class 10 English syllabus is divided into three main sections — Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature.
Section A – Reading Skills (20 Marks)
This section tests your comprehension and vocabulary skills.
- Reading Comprehension I: Discursive passage (400–450 words)
- Reading Comprehension II: Case-based or Factual passage (300–350 words)
Question Types:
- Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
- Inference-based MCQs
- True/False
- Short answers
Section B – Grammar & Writing (20 Marks)
This section checks your command over grammar and creative writing skills.
1. Grammar (10 Marks)
Topics include:
- Tenses
- Modals
- Subject-Verb Concord
- Reported Speech
- Clauses
- Determiners
2. Writing Skills (10 Marks)
- Formal Letter: To the Editor / Application / Complaint / Enquiry
- Analytical Paragraph: Based on data, chart, or graph
Word Limit:
- Letter: 100–120 words
- Paragraph: 100–120 words
Section C – Literature (40 Marks)
This section tests your understanding of prose and poetry from the First Flight and Footprints Without Feet NCERT books.
Prose (First Flight):
- A Letter to God
- Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
- Two Stories about Flying
- From the Diary of Anne Frank
- Glimpses of India
- Madam Rides the Bus
- The Sermon at Benares
- The Proposal (Play)
Poems (First Flight):
- Dust of Snow
- Fire and Ice
- A Tiger in the Zoo
- How to Tell Wild Animals
- The Ball Poem
- Amanda!
- Animals
- The Trees
- Fog
- For Anne Gregory
Supplementary Reader (Footprints Without Feet):
- A Triumph of Surgery
- The Thief’s Story
- The Midnight Visitor
- A Question of Trust
- Footprints Without Feet
- The Making of a Scientist
- The Necklace
- The Hack Driver
- Bholi
- The Book That Saved the Earth
🧩 CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper Pattern 2025-26
Here’s the section-wise marks distribution and question format as per the CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26.
| Section | Type of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Reading Comprehension (2 passages) | 20 |
| Section B | Grammar & Writing Skills | 20 |
| Section C | Literature (Prose & Poetry) | 40 |
| Total | — | 80 Marks |
🧮 Internal Assessment (20 Marks Breakdown)
The Internal Assessment plays a significant role in the final evaluation.
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Listening & Speaking Skills | As per CBSE guidelines | 10 |
| Portfolio (Notebook, Assignments, Classwork) | Maintained by the school | 5 |
| Periodic Tests | Conducted internally | 5 |
| Total | — | 20 Marks |
🧠 Sample Questions from CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26
Here are some example questions based on the official sample paper:
Section A – Reading
Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
(Passage on mental well-being and mindfulness)
Questions:
- What is the main theme of the passage?
- Find a synonym for the word “awareness.”
- What are two benefits of mindfulness mentioned in the passage?
Section B – Grammar & Writing
Grammar Example:
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb:
- If I ____ (be) you, I would apologize immediately.
Answer: were
Writing Example:
You are Riya/Rohan, a student of Class 10. Write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India expressing your views on the increasing use of social media among teenagers.
(Word Limit: 100–120 words)
Section C – Literature
Q1. “But I laughed at him as he was talking nonsense.” — Who is the speaker? What was the listener talking about?
Q2. Write a short note on how Anne Frank’s diary reflects the challenges of adolescence.
Q3. Compare the themes of the poems Fire and Ice and A Tiger in the Zoo.
📊 CBSE Class 10 English Marking Scheme 2025-26
Knowing how your answers are evaluated helps you score higher. Below is the official marking scheme summary:
| Question Type | Marks/Question | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs / Objective | 1 | Concept understanding |
| Short Answer | 2–3 | Clarity and brevity |
| Long Answer | 4–5 | Depth, structure, and creativity |
| Writing Tasks | 10 | Format, content, expression |
| Literature Answers | 6–8 | Relevance and critical insight |
🧾 Pro Tip: Use literary terms, structure your writing clearly, and stick to the word limit for maximum marks.
🧩 Chapter-Wise Weightage (Expected)
| Book/Section | Chapters/Poems | Approx. Marks |
|---|---|---|
| First Flight (Prose) | 1–8 | 20 |
| First Flight (Poems) | 1–10 | 10 |
| Footprints Without Feet | 1–10 | 10 |
| Grammar & Writing | — | 20 |
| Reading Section | — | 20 |
🧑🏫 How to Use CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 Effectively
To score well in English, practicing the sample paper isn’t enough — you must use it strategically. Here’s how:
✅ 1. Attempt Under Exam Conditions
Set a timer for 3 hours and solve the paper without breaks. This builds confidence and improves time management.
✅ 2. Analyze the Marking Scheme
Check the official marking scheme to understand what examiners expect. Learn how to frame concise and relevant answers.
✅ 3. Identify Weak Areas
After attempting the sample paper, analyze which section (Reading, Grammar, or Literature) needs improvement and focus revision accordingly.
✅ 4. Revise Key Grammar Rules
CBSE frequently tests grammar concepts like modals, tenses, and reported speech. Make a formula sheet for revision.
✅ 5. Practice Writing Daily
Spend 10–15 minutes writing letters or paragraphs daily. Focus on structure, clarity, and tone.
📘 Expert Tips to Score 90+ in CBSE Class 10 English 2025-26
Here are some expert-backed preparation strategies:
🟩 1. Read NCERT Thoroughly
All board questions are directly or indirectly based on the NCERT textbook. Understand every chapter, theme, and character.
🟩 2. Focus on Reading Comprehension
Practice unseen passages daily. It helps you improve speed, vocabulary, and inference skills.
🟩 3. Learn Formats Perfectly
Whether it’s a letter to the editor or analytical paragraph, memorize the correct format as per CBSE guidelines.
🟩 4. Prepare Chapter Summaries & Quotes
Make short notes for each chapter — include author names, moral values, and one key quote.
🟩 5. Revise Previous Year Papers
Solve at least 5–6 previous year papers to familiarize yourself with repeated patterns.
🟩 6. Use Simple and Clear Language
Avoid overly complex vocabulary. Examiners value clarity and relevance more than fancy words.
🧾 Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Writing beyond the word limit
🚫 Ignoring grammar accuracy
🚫 Missing formats in letters and paragraphs
🚫 Poor handwriting and lack of paragraph spacing
🚫 Not referring to NCERT directly
🧠 Remember: Presentation plays a big role in scoring — neat handwriting, proper margins, and clear headings make your paper look impressive.
📈 Benefits of Solving CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26
Practicing the sample paper gives you a real exam experience and boosts your performance in several ways:
✅ Helps understand the latest question paper pattern
✅ Improves time management and writing speed
✅ Identifies strong and weak areas
✅ Builds confidence and exam readiness
✅ Enhances answer presentation and structure
🎯 Recommended Study Resources
To make your English preparation more effective, refer to:
- NCERT Textbooks: First Flight & Footprints Without Feet
- CBSE Official Sample Papers (2025-26)
- CBSE Marking Scheme PDFs
- Previous Year Question Papers (2020–2024)
- Online Practice Papers & Mock Tests
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 is your ultimate guide to understanding the latest exam format, marking scheme, and question trends. By solving it regularly and analyzing your performance, you can strengthen your preparation and easily score above 90%.
So, download the official sample paper, practice consistently, revise thoroughly, and enter the exam hall with confidence. 🌟
Remember: English is not just about writing — it’s about expressing yourself clearly and effectively. Master that, and success will follow!
