CBSE Class 10 English Exam on 21 February 2026: Check Time Management & Exam Writing Tips for High Score

The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Board Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21 February 2026 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. English is one of the highest scoring subjects in Class 10, but scoring well requires more than just reading the chapters. Students must understand the latest syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and most importantly, apply smart time management and structured answer-writing techniques.

With the right strategy, students can confidently attempt the paper and maximize their scores. This detailed guide provides section-wise time management strategies, advanced writing tips, presentation techniques, and practical exam-day advice to help you perform at your best.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Key Highlights

CBSE class 10 Exam Pattern 2025-26 highlights can be checked from the table below:

CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2025-26

The theory paper is of 80 marks and is divided into three main sections:

Section A: Reading Skills: 20 Marks

• Two unseen passages (discursive, factual, or case-based)

• Objective and subjective questions

• Focus on comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and analytical skills

Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar: 20 Marks

• Formal letter (complaint/inquiry/order/editor)

• Analytical paragraph based on data/chart

• Grammar questions (editing, omission, transformation)

Section C: Literature: 40 Marks

• Extract-based questions from prose and poetry

• Short answer questions

• Long answer questions

• Based on prescribed textbooks such as First Flight and Footprints Without Feet

Understanding weightage helps students distribute time wisely during the examination.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2026

Smart Time Management Strategy for 3 Hours

Time management plays a decisive role in scoring above 90 percent in English. Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they run out of time or rush answers.

1. Ideal Time Division

• Reading Section: 40 to 45 minutes

• Writing & Grammar: 50 to 55 minutes

• Literature: 70 to 75 minutes

• Revision: 10 to 15 minutes

This division ensures balanced attention to all sections.

2. Decide the Order of Attempt

Students can choose the order strategically:

Option 1: Literature → Writing → Reading
Best for students confident in textual answers.

Option 2: Reading → Writing → Literature
Best for students who prefer completing objective sections first.

Choose the sequence during the 15-minute reading time before writing begins.

3. Use the First 15 Minutes Wisely

Before writing starts:

• Read all questions carefully.

• Mark questions you find easy.

• Decide which long answer you will attempt.

• Identify word limits.

This reduces confusion once writing begins.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 Sample Paper: English (Language & Literature)

Section-Wise Writing Tips for High Score

Section A: Reading Skills

How to Attempt Unseen Passages

1. Read the passage thoroughly first.

2. Underline key ideas and data.

3. Read questions carefully.

4. Answer in your own words.

5. Avoid copying large chunks from the passage.

Scoring Tips

• Keep answers concise.

• Follow the word limit strictly.

• For inference questions, give logical reasoning.

• For vocabulary questions, understand the context instead of guessing randomly.

Common Mistake: Writing lengthy answers for 1-mark or 2-mark questions.

Section B: Writing Skills

This section can significantly boost your score if formats and structure are correct.

Formal Letter Writing Tips

1. Follow the correct format strictly:

• Sender’s address

• Date

• Receiver’s address

• Subject line

• Salutation

• Body (3–4 paragraphs)

• Complimentary close

• Signature

2. Keep language formal and polite.

3. Avoid contractions like “can’t”, “won’t”.

4. Stay within 100–120 words.

5. Present clear problems and practical solutions.

High-scoring tip: Keep paragraphs short and precise.

Analytical Paragraph Writing Tips

1. Begin with an introduction explaining the data type.

2. Highlight key trends and comparisons.

3. Mention highest and lowest values.

4. Avoid giving personal opinions.

5. Write in 100–120 words.

Structure:

• Introduction

• Key observations

• Conclusion/summary

Common Mistake: Copying exact numbers without explaining trends.

Grammar Section Tips

1. Read the full sentence before editing.

2. Focus on:

• Tenses

• Subject-verb agreement

• Prepositions

• Articles

• Modals

3. Do not over-correct.

4. Recheck answers during revision.

Grammar is scoring if attempted carefully.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers by Experts with Solutions 2026

Literature Section: How to Score Full Marks

Literature carries the highest weightage (40 marks), so performance here directly impacts your overall result.

Extract-Based Questions

1. Read the extract twice.

2. Identify the speaker and context.

3. Refer to the theme of the chapter.

4. Answer precisely without unnecessary explanation.

Tip: Mention the name of the lesson and author if required.

Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

1. Answer in 30–40 words.

2. Use key textual references.

3. Write to the point.

4. Avoid storytelling.

Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)

Use this structured format:

• Introduction (brief context)

• Main explanation (2–3 paragraphs)

• Concluding statement (theme/message)

High-Scoring Strategy:

• Use keywords from the chapter.

• Mention character traits clearly.

• Write logically connected paragraphs.

• Maintain neat handwriting.

Common Mistake: Writing irrelevant details or exceeding word limit excessively.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: Section-wise Writing Tips

Advanced Presentation Tips to Impress Examiners

1. Maintain neat and legible handwriting.

2. Leave a line between answers.

3. Underline important keywords.

4. Number answers correctly.

5. Do not mix up sections.

6. Avoid cutting repeatedly.

7. Draw margins if required.

Remember, presentation enhances readability and creates a positive impression.

Practice Strategy Before Exam Day

1. Solve at least 3–5 previous year question papers.

2. Attempt sample papers in a 3-hour time limit.

3. Review marking scheme carefully.

4. Improve weak areas like grammar or letter format.

5. Revise important character sketches and themes.

Timed practice improves writing speed and confidence.

Last-Minute Revision Tips

• Revise formats of formal letter and analytical paragraph.

• Revise important poetic devices.

• Go through character traits and central themes.

• Practice grammar rules.

• Sleep properly before exam day.

CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers (5+ years) both language & lit and Communicative

The CBSE Class 10 English Exam on 21 February 2026 is a scoring opportunity for students who combine preparation with smart strategy. By understanding the exam pattern, managing time effectively, following correct writing formats, and presenting answers neatly, students can secure high marks confidently.

Consistent practice, structured answers, and calm execution are the keys to success. With disciplined preparation and proper time allocation during the exam, scoring above 90 percent in English is absolutely achievable. Prepare smartly, write confidently, and attempt strategically to achieve your best result in the CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026.

Also Check:

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 10 English Deleted Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 10 English Last 10 Days Study Plan for Board Exam 2026