The CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026 will be conducted on 21 February 2026, according to the latest assessment framework issued by the board. The examination will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for both English (Language & Literature) and English (Communicative) papers. Students appearing for the exam are advised to familiarise themselves with the official question paper pattern and marking scheme to maximise scores through structured preparation.
CBSE Class 10 English 2026: Question Paper Pattern Overview
The question paper structure for Class 10 English has been designed to assess reading comprehension, language accuracy, writing ability, and literary understanding. Candidates must attempt all compulsory questions as prescribed in the paper. Understanding section-wise weightage helps students allocate time effectively during the exam and focus on high-scoring areas.
CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature Marking Scheme
The English Language and Literature paper will be conducted for a total of 80 marks and will include 11 compulsory questions. The section-wise marks distribution is as follows:
- Section A: Reading Skills – 20 marks
- Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills – 10 marks
- Section C: Literature Textbook – 40 marks
The paper evaluates comprehension ability, grammatical accuracy, creative expression, and in-depth understanding of prescribed literature.
CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Marking Scheme
The English Communicative paper will consist of 12 compulsory questions divided across four sections. The section-wise marking scheme includes:
- Section A: Reading Skills – 22 marks
- Section B: Writing Skills – 22 marks
- Section C: Grammar – 10 marks
- Section D: Literature – 26 marks
This paper places additional emphasis on writing skills and practical language usage alongside literature-based questions.
How Answers Are Assessed in CBSE Class 10 English Exam?
As per board guidelines, answers are assessed on the basis of content accuracy, grammar, vocabulary usage, coherence, and presentation. Clear structure, correct format, and relevant points play a crucial role in scoring well, particularly in writing and literature sections.
Steps to Download CBSE Class 10 English Marking Scheme PDF
The official marking scheme and sample question papers are available online for reference and practice. Students can follow these steps to download the marking scheme PDF:
- Visit the official CBSE academic website
- Click on the Question Paper or Marking Scheme section on the homepage
- Select Class 10 English from the list
- Download and save the PDF for future reference
Students are encouraged to practise using the official marking scheme to understand examiner expectations and improve answer presentation ahead of the CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2026.