The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 English (Language & Literature, Code 184) Board Examination for 2026 will be conducted for 80 Marks over a duration of 3 Hours. The remaining 20 marks are allocated for Internal Assessment. The official Sample Question Paper (SQP) and its Marking Scheme are the most vital resources for every student, as they accurately reflect the latest exam pattern and question paper blueprint.
A significant change in the 2026 pattern is the continued focus on Competency-Based Questions (CBQs), which are now expected to constitute up to 50% of the total questions. These include Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions that test not just memory but the student's ability to apply concepts, analyze information, and draw inferences. The paper is strategically divided into three main sections: Reading Skills, Writing Skills & Grammar, and Literature.
Section A: Reading Skills – The 20-Mark Decipher Challenge
The Reading section carries a substantial 20 Marks and is designed to test comprehension, interpretation, and vocabulary skills. Students will encounter two main unseen passages:
- Passage 1: Discursive Passage (10 Marks): This passage typically deals with a contemporary or factual topic, demanding a high level of comprehension and analysis. The questions here often test inference, context-based vocabulary, and understanding the core argument.
- Passage 2: Case-Based Factual Passage (10 Marks): This new format often includes visual input like charts, data, or graphs, along with the text. Students must synthesize information from both the text and the visual input to answer competency-based questions.
Practice Strategy: Dedicate the first 15 minutes of the mock test to reading the paper and carefully scanning the passages. Focus on understanding the central theme and the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context. Practice solving at least one of these passages daily to improve both speed and accuracy.
Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar – Accuracy and Expression (20 Marks)
This section evaluates the student's ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, and in the correct format. It is split equally between Grammar (10 Marks) and Creative Writing (10 Marks).
1. Grammar (10 Marks)
Grammar questions are entirely objective, usually consisting of MCQs and short, targeted tasks requiring completion of 10 out of 12 given tasks. The key topics remain Tenses, Modals, Subject-Verb Concord, Reported Speech (Commands, Requests, Statements, Questions), and Determiners.
Practice Strategy: The goal is 10/10. Focus relentlessly on practicing gap-filling exercises, error detection, and reported speech conversions. The official marking scheme shows that marks are awarded strictly for accuracy.
2. Creative Writing Skills (10 Marks)
This section demands adherence to specific formats and clear expression:
- Formal Letter Writing (5 Marks): You will have a choice between two topics, typically involving writing a Letter to the Editor, a Complaint Letter, or an Enquiry Letter. Marks are split between Format, Content, and Accuracy/Fluency.
- Analytical Paragraph Writing (5 Marks): This involves analyzing given data, a chart, graph, or outline to write a concise paragraph. It tests the ability to interpret non-textual information and present it logically.
Practice Strategy: Master the formats! Practice one letter and one analytical paragraph every week under a strict time limit (15-20 minutes each). Ensure your content is relevant, your language is formal, and you stick to the prescribed word limit.
Section C: Literature – Core of the Curriculum (40 Marks)
Literature is the highest-weightage section, drawing questions from both main textbooks: First Flight and Footprints Without Feet.
Extract-Based Questions (10 Marks): These are compulsory and are usually taken from prose/drama and poetry. They are designed as CBQs, testing your ability to comprehend a short excerpt, infer meaning, and understand the context, character, or literary device used.
- Short Answer Questions (18 Marks): These require answers in about 40–60 words and are a mix of questions from both textbooks. They test understanding of plot, character, and theme.
- Long Answer Questions (12 Marks): These consist of two questions (one from each book, with internal choice), requiring detailed answers (100–120 words). These questions are analytical and evaluative, demanding character sketches, thematic explanations, or connecting events across chapters.
Practice Strategy: Do not neglect the poems—they are a frequent source of extract-based questions. For long answers, focus on creating structured answers with a clear Introduction, Body (main points/analysis), and a Conclusion. Use key vocabulary and quotes from the text to fetch maximum marks.
The Golden Rule: Practice and Time Management
Solving the CBSE 10th English Sample Paper 2026 is the single most effective way to prepare for the board exam.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Sit down and attempt the entire 80-mark paper in one go, setting a timer for 3 hours. This builds stamina and highlights time management issues.
- Use the Marking Scheme: After completing the mock paper, use the official marking scheme to self-evaluate. Pay attention not just to the final answer but to how step-wise marks are allocated, especially in the Writing and Literature sections.
- Prioritize Time: Allocate your time strategically: Reading (40 minutes), Grammar & Writing (40 minutes), and Literature (90 minutes). Use the remaining time for revision.
- Focus on Weakness: Identify the section where you lose the most marks (e.g., Grammar errors or poor articulation in Long Answers) and dedicate focused practice time to that area before attempting the next sample paper.
By understanding the new pattern and practicing with the official sample paper, students can approach the CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026 with confidence and a clear strategy to achieve an outstanding score.
