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CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 LIVE: Sample Paper, PYQs, and other Important Resources to Score High

Apeksha Agarwal
Feb 20, 2026, 17:17 IST

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 will be held on 21st February from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for 100 marks. This live blog will provide exam day guidelines, student reactions, teacher feedback, difficulty analysis, and the unofficial answer key after the exam concludes.

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Live
CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Live

HIGHLIGHTS

  • CBSE Class 10 English Exam will be conducted tomorrow, 21st February, 2026 (Saturday)
  • The exam will be held in a single shift from 10:15 AM to 1:30 PM. Students are getting 15 minutes extra to go through the question paper before starting the exam from 10:30 AM.
  • Students should carry their respective Admit Card to the examination Centre without fail.

CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 is scheduled to be held tomorrow, 21st February 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The examination will be conducted for 100 marks at various centres across the country. 

Students are preparing for one of the most important papers of their board exams, which assesses their reading, writing, grammar, and literature skills. After the exam concludes, we will provide detailed student reactions, teacher feedback, and an analysis of the overall difficulty level of the paper. The unofficial answer key will also be shared to help students evaluate their performance. In this live blog, we will provide every important update related to the exam.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Key Highlights

CBSE class 10 exam pattern 2025-26 highlights can be checked from the table below:

Particulars

Details

Conducting Body 

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Question Paper Pattern 

  • Competency-based questions in the form of MCQs, case-based questions, source-based questions, or any other types - 40-50%

  • Select response type or MCQs – 20%

  • Short answer/long answer type questions- 30-40%

Duration 

3 Hours 

Medium 

English / Hindi

Mode 

Offline

Number of subjects 

5 or 6 (as elected by the student)

Maximum Marks 

100 (theory + practical)

  • 80 marks theory + 20 marks Project works for Commerce subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies & Economics) 

  • 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical for Physics, Chemistry & Biology 

  • 80 marks English written exam + 20 marks internal assessment 

Passing marks for each subject 

33%

Passing marks for the overall exam 

Aggregate 33%

CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026: Exam Day Guidelines

Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026 must carefully follow the guidelines below:

  • Admit Card & ID: Carry your CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026 and School ID Card. Entry to the exam centre will not be allowed without these essential documents.

  • Reporting Time: Reach the examination centre well before the reporting time to complete checking procedures smoothly. The exam will begin at 10:30 AM, with 15 minutes of reading time provided before writing starts.

  • Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic gadgets inside the exam hall. Only permitted stationery items are allowed.

  • Dress Code: Wear your proper school uniform as per CBSE guidelines. Avoid metallic accessories or items with hidden pockets.

  • Integrity & Discipline: Strict action will be taken against any use of unfair means. Follow all instructions given by the invigilators carefully.

  • Reading Time: Use the 15-minute reading time wisely to go through the English question paper and plan your answers. Do not begin writing during this period.

Stationery: Carry necessary stationery such as blue/royal blue pens, pencils, eraser, and other permitted items. Ensure everything is ready before the exam begins.

LIVE UPDATES
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  • Feb 20, 2026, 17:17 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: Important Short Questions from Footprints Without Feet

    Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3 Marks for each)

    (1) What compels Griffin to become a homeless wanderer without clothes?

    (2) The entry of one character in The Midnight Visitor brought a twist in the ending. Explain.

    (3) What was the passion of Horace Danby and how did he satisfy it?  

    (4) Why did Matilda throw the invitation spitefully?

    (5) What information did Ausable give about the imaginary balcony? Why did he do so?

  • Feb 20, 2026, 17:09 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: Important Short Questions from First Flight

    Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3 Marks for each)

    (1) Explain how the description of the devastation caused by the hailstorm reflects the sadness within Lencho, in A Letter to God?                                               

    (2) What did the Buddha want Kisa Gotami to understand?

    (3) Who are Paders and why are they called friends of the chidren?  

    (4) Why did the woman at the control room look strangely at the pilot of old Dakota?       

    (5) Write a short note on the relationship between the author and his pet Mijbil.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 17:02 IST

    cbse 10th english grammar syllabus

    Grammar Area

    Specific Topics Covered

    Assessment Format

    Core Grammar Topics

    • Determiners

    • Tenses

    • Modals

    • Subject-verb concord

    Evaluated via integrated grammar exercises.

    Reported Speech

    • Commands and requests

    • Statements

    • Questions

    Tested within the context of a paragraph or dialogue.

    Application & Accuracy

    Proper use of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical structures in context.

    • Gap Filling

    • Editing

    • Sentence Transformation

    (Students must attempt 10 out of 12 given questions)

  • Feb 20, 2026, 16:40 IST

    cbse class 10 english exam time management

    • Use the 15-Minute Start: Spend your initial reading time exclusively on decoding the unseen passages and choosing your essay/literature topics.

    • Pace by Section: Aim for 45 minutes on Reading, 45 minutes on Writing/Grammar, and 75 minutes on Literature to guarantee a 15-minute review buffer.

    • Respect Word Limits: Don't overwrite. Stick strictly to the word count to save time and focus on grammatical accuracy.

    • Don't Get Stuck: If a 1-mark question is taking too long, skip it and come back to it during your final 15 minutes.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 16:34 IST

    cbse class 10 english exam pattern

    The exam consists of 12 questions across four sections – Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature.

    Section-Wise Question Marks Distribution

    Section

    Question Numbers

    Details

    Marks

    A. Reading Skills

    Q1–2

    Two passages (discursive & factual/case-based) with comprehension Qs

    22

    B. Writing Skills

    Q3–6

    - Q3: Application (3 marks)
    - Q4: Factual description (4 marks)
    - Q5: Letter to editor (choice-based, 7 marks)
    - Q6: Article writing (choice-based, 8 marks)

    22

    C. Grammar

    Q7–9

    - Q7: Fill in the blanks (3 marks)
    - Q8: Omission (4 marks)
    - Q9: Transformation (rearranging/reporting – 3 marks)

    10

    D. Literature

    Q10–12

    - Q10: Extract-based (2 out of 3 extracts, 8 marks)
    - Q11: Short answer Qs (5 out of 6, 10 marks)
    - Q12: Long answer Q (choice-based, 8 marks)

    26

    Total

    Q1–12

     

    80

  • Feb 20, 2026, 16:23 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English 2026: Exam date and time

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21st February, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students will get 15 minutes extra time before starting the exam to go through the question paper.

     
  • Feb 20, 2026, 16:08 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Live Updates: Section Wise Preparation Tips

    Students cancheck the following preparation tips for tomorrow's CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026:

    • Focus on Reading Skills by practising unseen passages, improving comprehension, inference, and interpretation abilities.

    • Enhance Writing & Grammar skills with regular practice of formats, vocabulary, and grammar exercises to score well in this section.

    • Revise the Literature section thoroughly by understanding themes, characters, and important lessons from prescribed texts.

    • Regular practice with sample papers and mock tests helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before the board exam.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 16:02 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam LIVE: Letter Writing Questions to practice

    Expected Questions

    Suggested Answers & Key Elements

    Draft a formal Letter to the Editor highlighting the impact of the "Digital Divide" on today's education system.

    Format & Content Breakdown:

    • Sender & Date: Include the sender's details followed by the date.

    • Receiver: Address it to "The Editor, [Insert Newspaper Name]".

    • Subject Line: Express concern over the growing digital divide in the education sector.

    • Main Body: Begin with a formal opening (e.g., "Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper..."). Explain how the lack of smart devices and fast internet puts marginalized students at a disadvantage. Propose practical solutions, such as government-subsidized tablets or free community Wi-Fi zones.

    • Closing: Ask the editor to publish the piece to encourage public awareness and discussion.

    Outline the essential elements needed for a "Factual Description" of a contemporary device, such as a smartwatch.

    Writing Strategy: Keep the tone strictly objective and fact-based. Be sure to cover:

    • Design and Build: The watch's shape, display technology (e.g., OLED/AMOLED), and strap material.

    • Technical Specs: Battery endurance and water-resistance levels.

    • Core Features: Health tracking (heart rate, sleep), GPS capabilities, and notification alerts.

    • Practical Use: The overall benefit of the device for personal fitness and daily time management.

    What is the most frequently tested grammar rule in Class 10 "Error Correction" exercises?

    Subject-Verb Agreement is the most common focus.

    • Example: The phrase "The quality of the apples are good" is incorrect. It must be "is good" since the singular noun "quality" is the actual subject, not "apples".

    • Pro-Tip: Keep in mind that pronouns like "Each," "Every," and "None" typically require singular verbs.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:54 IST

    Preparation Tips for CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026

    1. Prioritize Literature (40 Marks): Dedicate maximum time to Section C (Literature) as it carries the highest marks. Read all chapters and poems thoroughly to understand themes, characters, and contexts. Practice answering extract-based and long analytical questions using relevant vocabulary.

    2. Master Writing Formats & Grammar: Practice the correct formats for all writing tasks (Letters, Analytical Paragraphs) until they become second nature. Simultaneously, drill application-based grammar questions (editing, reported speech) daily, as the Writing and Grammar section is highly scoring (20 Marks) if formats are perfect.

    3. Practice Daily Comprehension: Solve at least one Unseen Passage daily from Section A. This builds the speed, vocabulary, and inference skills needed to secure the full 20 Marks from this section effectively and quickly during the exam.

    4. Solve Full-Length Mock Tests: Attempt timed, 3-hour mock papers regularly. Practice a smart order (e.g., Literature first, then Writing, then Reading) and dedicate the last 15 minutes to proofreading for silly grammar or spelling errors, which are often where easy marks are lost.

    5. Focus on Competency & Presentation: Since the new pattern focuses on Competency-Based Questions (CBA), practice applying concepts (e.g., using a chart for an analytical paragraph). Ensure your final answer sheet is neat, legible, and uses headings/bullet points to clearly present your structured arguments.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:52 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Live Updates: Check Sample Paper by Expert

    As the CBSE Class 10 English Exam is scheduled for tomorrow, 21st February 2026, students should now focus on solving the CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Sample Paper by experts to boost their confidence. We are providing a specially designed sample paper prepared by our experts to help students understand the exam pattern better, improve time management, and strengthen their preparation for the final board examination.

  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:51 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 Live Updates: Previous Year Question Papers

    Students can check the CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers to identify frequently repeated questions and important topics. This practice can help them understand the exam pattern better and improve their preparation strategy.


  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:46 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 LIVE: Syllabus

    Students can use the CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Syllabus PDFfor quick revision of all prescribed chapters and topics. Reviewing the syllabus helps focus on important sections before the exam. This makes last-minute preparation more effective and organized.

    CHECK: CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026


  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:44 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: Deleted Topics

    CBSE Deleted Topics – English

    Section

    Deleted Content

    Grammar

    Use of passive voice, Noun clauses, Adverb clauses, Relative clauses, Prepositions

    First Flight (Prose)

    The Hundred Dresses – I, The Hundred Dresses – II

    First Flight (Poem)

    Animals

    Footprints Without Feet (Prose)

    The Hack Driver

    Words and Expressions – II

    Units 5 & 6 Deleted

    CBSE has deleted a few topics from their CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26. Check this link to know the CBSE Class 10 English Deleted Syllabus 2025-26.
  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:18 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: Section-Wise Question Marks Distribution

    Section

    Question Numbers

    Details

    Marks

    A. Reading Skills

    Q1–2

    Two passages (discursive & factual/case-based) with comprehension Qs

    22

    B. Writing Skills

    Q3–6

    - Q3: Application (3 marks)
    - Q4: Factual description (4 marks)
    - Q5: Letter to editor (choice-based, 7 marks)
    - Q6: Article writing (choice-based, 8 marks)

    22

    C. Grammar

    Q7–9

    - Q7: Fill in the blanks (3 marks)
    - Q8: Omission (4 marks)
    - Q9: Transformation (rearranging/reporting – 3 marks)

    10

    D. Literature

    Q10–12

    - Q10: Extract-based (2 out of 3 extracts, 8 marks)
    - Q11: Short answer Qs (5 out of 6, 10 marks)
    - Q12: Long answer Q (choice-based, 8 marks)

    26

    Total

    Q1–12

     

    80

  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:16 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 LIVE: Last Minute Study Plan

    • Revise important chapters, themes, and character sketches from the literature section.

    • Practice unseen passages to improve reading and comprehension skills.

    • Solve sample papers and previous year question papers for better time management.

    • Review grammar rules and writing formats such as letters, analytical paragraphs, and notices.

    • Go through important questions and expert-prepared revision notes for quick preparation.

    Check: CBSE Class 10 English Last Minute Study Plan

     
  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:15 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English 2026: Marking pattern

    The CBSE Class 10 English paper for the 2025–26 board exams will be of 80 marks theory and will assess students across Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature sections. The structure remains the same as the previous years, ensuring balanced focus on comprehension, expression, and literary understanding.

    Key Features of the Question Paper:

    Section

    Type of Questions

    Marks

    Reading (20 Marks)

     

    Discursive passage

    10

    Case-based factual passage with visual input

    10

    Writing & Grammar (20 Marks)

     

     

    Grammar questions

    10

    Formal Letter Writing

    5

    Analytical Paragraph Writing

    5

    Literature (40 Marks)

     

     

     

     

     

    Extract-based (Drama/Prose)

    5

    Extract-based (Poetry)

    5

    Short Answer Questions – First Flight

    12

    Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet

    6

    Long Answer Questions – First Flight

    6

    Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet

    6

    Total

     

    80

  • Feb 20, 2026, 15:14 IST

    CBSE Class 10 English 2026: Exam date and time

    CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21st February, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students will get 15 minutes extra time before starting the exam to go through the question paper.

Students can check this live blog to stay updated with the latest CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 updates as this LIVE Blog includes Sample papers, previous year question papers, and other important resources. Keep refreshing this page for real-time updates and important announcements.


Apeksha Agarwal
Apeksha Agarwal

Content Writer

Apeksha Agarwal is a content writer whose commitment is to helping the students succeed. She dedicates her work to delivering timely, accurate, and genuinely impactful coverage of essential Education News and school topics. As an education beat writer, she specializes in clarifying complex School Board updates (like CBSE) and providing practical, Exam Preparation guidance. She strives to be a definitive and trustworthy source of academic information, making the competitive journey clearer for students and parents. Ultimately, her mission is to craft educational content that is highly visible, easy to understand, and fundamentally useful to their daily lives. She can be reached at apeksha.agarwal@jagrannewmedia.com.

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