CBSE Class 10 English Section-Wise Weightage & Exam Pattern

The CBSE Class 10 English language and literature paper is divided into three different sections for written examinations.

Detailed CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus 2026

All the topics included in each section, along with the marks of the CBSE English Language and Literature syllabus, are provided here. Students must analyse the whole syllabus carefully to prepare well for the examination.

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026 for Reading Section

Section A consists of 20-mark questions that are based on the following unseen passages:

• Discursive passage of 400-450 words (10 marks).

• Case-based factual passage (with visual input- statistical data/chart ) of 200-250 words (10 marks).

Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions, and Short Answer Questions (to be answered in 30-40 words) will be asked in this section.

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026 for Writing Section

Section B consists of 20 marks that are related to grammar and creative writing skills.

Grammar(10 marks): Students must attempt 10 out of 12 questions covering the following topics-

• Determiners

• Tenses and Modals

• Subject– verb concord

• Reported speech (Commands and requests, Statements, Questions)

Writing Skills(10 marks)

• Formal letter writing based on a given situation in 100-120 words, consisting of 5 marks. One out of two questions is to be answered

• Writing an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words on a given map, chart, graph, or set of textual cues consists of 5 marks. One out of two questions is to be answered.

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026 for Section C -Language through Literature

This section consists 50% of the written paper’s total score. Look at the marks distribution closely.

Reference to context(10 marks)

• One extract out of two options from Drama / Prose.

• One extract out of two options from poetry.

Questions in this section include objective-type, very short answer questions of one word or one sentence.

Short & Long Answer Questions(30 marks)

• FIRST FLIGHT(Short answer): 4 out of 5 questions must be answered in 40-50 words. (4x3=12 marks)

• FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET(Short answer): 2 out of 3 questions must be answered in 40-50 words. (2x3=6 marks)

• FIRST FLIGHT(Long answer): 1 out of 2 situational questions must be answered in 100-120 words. (6 marks)

• FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET(Long answer): 1 out of 2 theme or plot-based questions or character sketches must be answered in 100-120 words.(6 marks).

Books & Syllabus Recommended for English Language and Literature

All questions in the English examination paper will be curated from the books recommended below by the CBSE.

1. FIRST FLIGHT

2. FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

1. A Triumph of Surgery

2. The Thief's Story

3. The Midnight Visitor

4. A Question of Trust

5. Footprints Without Feet

6. The Making of a Scientist

7. The Necklace

8. Bholi

9. The Book that Saved the Earth

3. WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS – II (WORKBOOK FOR CLASS X) – Units 1 to 4 and Units 7 to 11