CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2025-26 - Download PDF with Solutions

CBSE 10th English (Language & Literature) Sample Papers 2025-26

This CBSE 10th English (Language & Literature) question paper is made up of 11 compulsory questions and is divided into three sections: Section A for Reading Skills, Section B for Grammar and Creative Writing Skills, and Section C for Literature Textbook. All questions should be attempted according to the specific instructions provided for each section.

You can also download previous years CBSE 10th english sample papers

CBSE 10th English (Communicative) Sample Papers 2025-26

This CBSE 10th English (Communicative) question paper has a total of 12 compulsory questions and is divided into four sections: Section A for Reading Skills, Section B for Writing Skills, Section C for Grammar, and Section D for Literature.

Are Sample Papers & Question Papers the Same?

The CBSE’s official website has released the English sample paper, and alongside it, a separate PDF titled 'Marking Scheme' provides the solutions. Although the board designs these CBSE sample papers to reflect the actual exam pattern and question types, they’re not identical to the actual board question papers.

Students should attempt all questions by following the specific instructions for each part and ensure that they write the correct question number and part on their answer sheet. Separate instructions are provided where necessary, and students should also adhere to the prescribed word limit for their answers.

What is the difference between English (Language & Literature) and English (Communicative)

English (Language & Literature): This course integrates literary studies such as prose, poetry, and plays with language skills. It emphasises critical reading and creative expression, while also building communicative abilities like writing and speaking. It encourages imagination, reference skills, and appreciation of diverse literary texts.

English (Communicative): Rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this course is designed to strengthen practical communication, reading, writing, grammar, and listening/speaking for real-life contexts. It focuses on everyday language usage rather than literary interpretation.

Types of Questions Asked in CBSE 10th English Exam 2026

The types of questions asked in the CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 details given below. These are based on the latest sample patterns and syllabi released for the 2025–26 academic year.

Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)

• Discursive Unseen Passage (400- 450 words): Includes a variety of question formats, MCQs, short answers (30- 40 words), inference-based, totalling 10 marks.

• Case-Based Factual Passage (200- 250 words with visual elements like charts or data): Also includes MCQs and short-answer questions worth 10 marks.

• These passages assess comprehension, interpretation, vocabulary, and analytical ability.

Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks)

• Grammar (10 Marks): Focus areas include determiners, tenses, modals, subject–verb concord, and reported speech (commands, statements, questions). Question formats include gap-filling, editing, and transformation; usually, 10 out of 12 questions are attempted.

• Writing Skills (10 Marks):

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  • Formal Letter (100-120 words): Choose one of two prompts (5 marks).

  • Analytical Paragraph (100-120 words based on a map/chart/graph/cues): Choose one of two options (5 marks).

Section C: Language through Literature (40 Marks)

• Reference to the Context (10 Marks): Two extracts, one from prose/drama, one from poetry, each with MCQs or short-answer questions for interpretation and vocabulary.

• Short Answer Questions (18 Marks):

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  • First Flight: 4 out of 5 questions (40-50 words each, 3 marks each).

  • Footprints Without Feet: 2 out of 3 questions (40-50 words each, total 6 marks).
    
    

• Long Answer Questions (12 Marks):

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  • From First Flight: 1 out of 2, approx. 100-120 words, evaluating creativity and extrapolation (6 marks).

  • From Footprints Without Feet: 1 out of 2, similar format and marks.

Overall CBSE 10th Question Distribution

According to the latest pattern updates (consistent across most subjects), the exam comprises:

• 50% Competency-Based Questions (CBQs): Includes MCQs, source-based, and case-study questions.

• 20% Select Response (MCQs)

• 30% Constructed Response (short and long answer questions)

Sample Questions to be asked in CBSE 10th English Exam

The types of CBSE 10th English questions can expect on the English exam, based on the pattern we discussed. This will help them to know what to practice.

Section A: Reading Skills

1. Discursive Passage (Unseen)

• Example Question: "Based on the passage, what is the author's primary argument about the impact of technology on society? Support their answer with a phrase from the text."

• Type: This question tests their ability to understand the main idea and locate specific evidence.

2. Case-based Factual Passage (Unseen)

• Example Question: "According to the bar graph provided, which year saw the highest number of online shoppers? What is a possible reason for this trend, based on the information in the text?"

• Type: This tests their ability to interpret visual data (like a chart or graph) in conjunction with the written text.

Section B: Creative Writing Skills & Grammar

1. Letter Writing

• Example Question (Formal): "Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper, highlighting the issue of water scarcity in your area and suggesting solutions. You are Meera/Manav."

• Type: This requires them to follow a specific format and structure, using persuasive and formal language.

2. Analytical Paragraph

• Example Question: "Based on the given pie chart showing the percentage of students engaged in different co-curricular activities, write an analytical paragraph (100-120 words) describing the trends and drawing a conclusion about student participation."

• Type: This tests their ability to analyse data, organise their thoughts, and present a clear, coherent argument.

Section C: Literature Textbook

1. Extract-based Questions

• Example Question: "Read the following stanza from the poem and answer the questions that follow: 'He should be lurking in shadow, / Sliding through long grass / Near the water hole / where plump deer pass.' a) Who is 'he' in this stanza? b) What literary device is used in the line 'sliding through long grass'?"

• Type: These are quick, direct questions that assess their close reading and knowledge of literary devices from the prescribed poems and prose.

2. Short Answer Questions (3 marks)

• Example Question: "Why was Kisa Gotami grieving? What did the Buddha teach her about the nature of life and death?"

• Type: These require them to write a concise, well-structured answer, often focusing on a specific character, theme, or event.

3. Long Answer Questions (6 marks)

• Example Question: "Justify the title of the play 'The Proposal.' Elaborate on how the various characters contribute to the overall theme of love and marriage in the play."

• Type: These are detailed questions that require a comprehensive response, including character analysis, thematic exploration, and a well-developed argument.