CBSE held the Class 10 English board examination on 21 February 2026 in a single session, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. The board will release unofficial answer keys and question paper PDFs after the examination concludes, enabling students to estimate their performance and understand the question paper pattern.
CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2026
Students appeared for two English papers: English (Language & Literature) and English (Communicative). The paper was designed according to the board’s latest question paper pattern, with sections testing:
- Reading comprehension skills, including unseen passages.
- Writing and grammar, covering letter writing, descriptive tasks and grammar-based questions.
- Literature sections based on prescribed textbooks.
The total marks for the theory paper were 80, with additional internal assessment marks contributing to the final score.
Sample & Previous Year Papers Aid Preparation
Ahead of the exam, students were encouraged to use CBSE Class 10 English sample papers and previous year question papers for last-minute revision. These resources help familiarise with the exam pattern and question types, especially in comprehension, writing and literature sections.
Answer Key and Marks Estimation
After the 21 February exam, unofficial answer keys prepared by educational experts will be published online. Students can use these keys to cross-check answers and calculate probable raw marks before official results are declared. The answer key also assists in understanding correct responses and expected scores. CBSE typically does not release an official answer key for board exams, so students rely on expert-compiled solutions to estimate performance and address doubts.
Exam Day Guidelines for Students
Students were advised to reach the exam centre well before the reporting time, carry their CBSE admit card, and follow all board instructions. Entry was not permitted after the specified reporting time, and question papers were distributed about 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start.
Difficulty Level and Student Feedback
While complete official analysis will be available after widespread review, initial reactions suggest that the English paper covered typical competency-based questions aligned with sample papers and previous years’ trends. Sections in reading, grammar and literature tested comprehension, analytical skills and writing ability.