CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026: A Crucial Day for 25 Lakh Students
The countdown has begun for one of the most significant academic events of the year. Over 25 lakh Class 10 students across India are preparing to tackle the Central Board of Secondary Education's English Language and Literature examination (Code No. 184) this Saturday, 22 February 2026. As anticipation builds, nerves are running high among candidates gearing up for this pivotal test.
The three-hour paper, scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, carries a total of 80 marks. It comprehensively assesses skills ranging from reading comprehension to literature appreciation. For those still finalizing their strategy, time is of the essence to refine their approach.
To provide actionable guidance, we consulted Sunil Kumar, a TGT English teacher at Raghubar Dayal Jan Kalyan Government Co-Education Senior Secondary School in Bhajanpura, Delhi. With extensive experience mentoring hundreds of students through this exact paper, Kumar shared his most practical and effective advice for success.
Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks) – Master Contextual Understanding
This section features two passages: a Discursive Passage and a Case-Based Passage, each worth 10 marks. A common pitfall students encounter is directly copying sentences from the text in their answers.
"Students often believe that replicating text from the passage is a safe strategy," explains Sunil Kumar. "However, examiners are evaluating comprehension, not memorization. It is essential to paraphrase—take the core idea and express it in your own words. Avoid copying more than four to five consecutive words."
The Case-Based Passage has evolved from earlier formats. "CBSE now incorporates data-driven questions," Kumar notes. "These include text accompanied by tables, charts, or statistics, requiring critical analysis. This aligns with competency-based assessment, where students must compare, contrast, and draw conclusions based on the data."
When facing this section on exam day, carefully analyze the data, identify patterns, and construct answers that reflect a deep understanding of the numerical insights presented.
Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks) – Prioritize Reported Speech
The grammar component, worth 10 marks, involves completing any ten out of twelve tasks. Kumar highlights a crucial trend: "Approximately four questions are likely to focus on reported speech—converting direct to indirect speech and vice versa. If this area needs practice, dedicate time to it immediately. Even a focused thirty-minute session can significantly impact your score."
For the writing segment (10 marks), a formal letter to the Editor is highly probable. Kumar advises students to adhere strictly to the CBSE marking rubric: one mark for format, two for content, one for organization of ideas, and one for accuracy. "Do not overlook the format," he emphasizes. "Students frequently lose easy marks by omitting the sender's address or failing to conclude with 'Yours faithfully.' These are straightforward points—ensure you secure them."
Section C: Literature (40 Marks) – Utilize Keywords and Mind Maps
Carrying the highest weightage, the literature section demands strategic preparation. Kumar recommends a focused approach: "Memorize keywords for each chapter. Beyond just the storyline, these keywords can trigger recall of entire narratives during the exam. Creating a mind map with five to six strong words per chapter is a powerful technique."
For priority chapters, Kumar is unequivocal: "Concentrate on 'Bholi' and 'The Necklace' from 'Footprints Without Feet,' and from 'First Flight,' give extra attention to 'The Sermon at Benares,' 'Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom,' and 'A Letter to God.'" These chapters often feature long-form, comparative questions that the board favors, requiring analysis of similarities, differences, or thematic contrasts between characters and concepts.
Final Preparations and Key Reminders
With over 25 lakh candidates participating in the Class 10 exams this year, the competition is intense, but so is the opportunity for achievement. Ensure you get adequate rest the night before, carry your admit card, and arrive at the examination center well ahead of the 10:30 AM start time.
As Sunil Kumar succinctly puts it: "Preparation is vital, but composure is equally important. Read every question twice before beginning your response." With these insights, students can approach the exam with confidence and clarity.
The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature paper (Code No. 184) is set for Saturday, 22 February 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Best of luck to all aspirants!
