CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper 2026 | Free PDF Download

UPDATE: CBSE Class 10 English L&L Sample Papers are officially released on the CBSE Academic website for 2025-26. Here are direct PDF links.

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With the newly introduced 2-exam system (Feb & May), these papers are designed to help students master comprehension, grammar, and literature analysis in alignment with the updated syllabus. English (Language & Literature) focuses on developing critical reading, structured writing, and literary appreciation skills through prose, poetry, and drama from the prescribed textbooks.

This blog includes everything you need: detailed exam pattern updates, official release information, and free downloadable PDFs of the English sample papers and marking schemes to guide your preparation for both exam phases.

a) Year-wise CBSE Official Sample Papers and Solutions

Refer to these official previous year sample papers for class 10 with marking scheme solutions PDFs from 2014 to 2025 for extra practice. They will help you understand question paper pattern, marking scheme, and important topics.

These FREE PDFs cover the whole syllabus for board exams and include all the important questions that might be asked in the science board exam 2026.

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b) How to Access the Latest Class 10 English Sample Papers?

Students can find the English Sample Papers for Class 10 with solutions:

• Go to CBSE official site.
• Click on "Sample Question Paper" and then on "SQP 2025-2026".
• Select "Class X".
• Find “English (Language & Literature)”.
• Click on “SQP” and/ or “MS” to download the PDFs.

For effective practice, make sure you're familiar with the latest Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 and have all NCERT books.

c) CBSE Class 10 Additional Practice Papers 

CBSE English Language and Literature additional sample papers for Class 10 students cover the competency-based questions based on the revised exam pattern. The practice papers also includes a marking scheme for more effective preparation. 

• Class 10 English Language and Literature Set 1 SQP + Marking Scheme
• Class 10 English Language and Literature Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme
• Class 10 English Practice Paper Set 1
• Class 10 English Practice Paper Set 2

Understanding the Class 10 English Exam Paper

The Class 10 English Sample Paper is aligned with the latest exam pattern of the CBSE; this will help you understand the exam format and types of questions you may receive in the exam.

a) Exam Pattern for 2025-26 English (Overview)

Though the dual-board structure is new, the exam blueprint for English remains broadly similar. However, you'll need to align your preparation with the specific pattern. Here's the breakdown for English Class 10:

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The theory paper is further divided as:

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b) English Section-wise Board Paper Pattern 2025-26 (Detailed)

The English paper follows a comprehensive pattern covering reading comprehension, creative writing skills, grammar application, and literature analysis with both objective and subjective question types.

Section A: Reading Skills (20 marks)

• Multiple Choice Questions: 7 questions worth 1 mark each
• Fill in the blanks: 3 questions worth 1 mark each
• Short Answer Questions I: 4 questions worth 1 mark each
• Short Answer Questions II: 3 questions worth 2 marks each

Section B:

a) Grammar (10 marks) (with 2 internal choices)

• Multiple Choice Questions: 4 questions worth 1 mark each
• Fill in the Blanks: 3 question worth 1 mark each
• Error Correction: 2 questions worth 1 mark each
• Reported Speech: 3 questions with 1 mark each

b) Writing Skills (10 marks)

• Letter Writing Question: 2 questions worth 5 marks (internal choice)
• Excerpt-based Questions: 2 questions worth 5 marks (internal choice)

Section C: Literature Textbooks (40 marks)

• Extract-based Questions (Prose): 2 questions worth 5 marks (internal choice)
• Extract-based Questions (Poetry): 2 questions worth 5 marks (internal choice)
• Short Answer Questions I: 5 questions worth 3 marks each (1 internal choice)
• Short Answer Questions II: 3 questions worth 3 marks each (1 internal choice)
• Long Answer Questions (Prose): 2 questions worth 6 marks each (1 internal choice)
• Long Answer Questions (Poetry): 2 questions worth 6 marks each (1 internal choice)

Key topics include: Discursive Passages, Case-based Passages, Letter Writing, Grammar (Voice, Editing), First Flight (Prose & Poetry) and Footprints Without Feet Questions.

How Does the Two-Exam Format Affect English Preparation?

The new format introduces two full exams in a year, requiring a focused and structured preparation plan:

Feb Exam (Exam 1): May feature questions based on fundamental reading comprehension skills, basic grammar concepts, and core literature chapters from the prescribed textbooks

May Exam (Exam 2): Will likely include complex unseen passages, advanced writing formats, comprehensive grammar applications, and detailed literary analysis of complete texts

How Sample Papers Help in Studying English?

Here are some tips to follow while creating a board prep plan:

• Mastering reading comprehension techniques and passage analysis skills
• Understanding various writing formats including formal letters, articles, and creative writing
• Improving speed in solving grammar questions and language applications
• Building confidence in explaining literary themes, character analysis, and poetic devices
• Developing analytical skills for unseen passage interpretation and vocabulary enhancement
• Getting familiar with time management across reading, writing, and literature sections

How to Use English Sample Papers Effectively?

Follow these points to learn how to use these papers for 2025-26 board exam preparation:

• Practice in timed conditions: Especially for reading comprehension and writing tasks
• Focus on proper format: Use correct letter formats, article structures, and answer presentation styles
• Refer to marking schemes: To understand expected level of detail in literary explanations and writing skills
• Master all three sections systematically: Ensure balanced preparation across Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature
• Practice language accuracy: Focus on correct grammar, vocabulary usage, and expression clarity
• Use sample papers to strengthen comprehension: Practice extracting key information from unseen passages and developing coherent written responses

In conclusion, regular practice with Class 10 English sample papers is key to mastering the dual-exam format and excelling in both board exams. These papers help you build language proficiency, refine your communication skills, and gain confidence in tackling both literature analysis and creative writing tasks. Along, with these 2025-26 papers, make use of previous year papers as well.

Also explore:

• CBSE Class 10 Hindi A Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 10 Hindi B Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Sample Papers 2025–26

Stay tuned for latest updates and all the best for your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the exam structure and marking scheme for Class 10 English?

Total Marks: 80 (theory) + 20 (internal assessment) Duration: 3 hours Question Breakdown: Divided into three main sections:

• Section A: Reading Skills (20 marks) - Comprehension passages with MCQs and descriptive questions
• Section B: Writing & Grammar (20 marks) - Creative writing tasks and grammar applications
• Section C: Literature (40 marks) - Questions from First Flight and Footprints Without Feet

Internal choice is provided in select questions across different mark categories.

Q2. How many papers should I attempt and when should I start?

Aim to solve at least 4–6 full-length sample papers to build confidence and speed.

Begin practicing 1–2 months before the board exams—after covering around 80–90% of the syllabus to focus on timed practice, writing skills improvement, and literature revision.

Q3. How should I use sample papers effectively during preparation?

Simulate exam conditions: Attempt the full paper in a single 3-hour session. Use the marking scheme to self-evaluate language accuracy and content quality. Analyze mistakes to identify weak areas—such as comprehension skills, writing formats, or specific literature chapters. Revise based on performance: Focus extra effort on sections where errors occurred frequently.

Q4. Are sample papers aligned with actual board exam questions?

Yes. CBSE sample papers closely reflect the format, difficulty level, and topic distribution of actual exams. Using them helps students anticipate question types, practice time management, and avoid surprises on exam day.

Q5. Which sections require maximum focus in English preparation?

High-yield areas frequently tested are:

• Reading comprehension: Discursive & case-based passages
• Writing skills: Letter & excerpt writing
• Grammar: Correction and reported speech tasks
• Literature: Extract & poetry-based Qs, character analysis, theme explanation, etc.