CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the Class 10 English Language and Literature syllabus for the academic year 2025-26. Students can access and download the detailed syllabus from the CBSE academic website at cbseacademic.nic.in.
This comprehensive syllabus outlines the curriculum, including sections on Reading Skills, Writing Skills with Grammar, and Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Text. Familiarizing themselves with the syllabus will help students effectively plan their studies and prepare for the board examinations. Along with the syllabus, CBSE has also released the exam pattern to help students understand the marks distribution and structure of the question paper. This enables students to plan their preparation more effectively and focus on key areas.
The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature (L&L) syllabus for 2025-26 is structured to enhance students’ proficiency in reading, writing, and literary analysis. The question paper design aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2023 and focuses on competency-based learning to assess various cognitive skills.
CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus |
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Sections |
Section Name |
Competencies |
Total Marks |
Section A |
Reading |
Question based on the following kinds of unseen passages to assess inference, evaluation, vocabulary, analysis and interpretation: 1. Discursive passage (400-450 words) 2. Case-based Factual passage (with visual input/ statistical data/ chart etc. 300-350 words) |
20 |
Section B |
Creative Writing Skills |
I. Writing a Formal Letter based on a given situation in 100-120 words. One out of two questions is to be answered II. Writing an Analytical Paragraph (100-120 words) on a given Map / Chart / Graph / Cue/s. One out of two questions is to be answered. |
20 |
Grammar |
1. Tenses 2. Modals 3. Subject-Verb Concord 4. Determiner 5. Reported Speech
|
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Section C |
Literature |
Questions based on extracts/texts to assess interpretation, inference, and extrapolation beyond the text and across the texts. Reference to the Context- One extract out of two from Drama / Prose and one extract out of two from poetry Short & Very Long Answer Questions 1. Four out of Five Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words from the book FIRST FLIGHT 2. Two out of Three Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words each from FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET. 3. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from FIRST FLIGHT to be answered in about 100-120 words 4. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET on theme or plot to be answered in about 100-120 words |
40 |
Total |
|
80 |
CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Papers
The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature syllabus consists of three main books:
First Flight (Prose & Poetry)
Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Reader)
Words and Expressions (Activity-based learning)
1. First Flight – Prose
The prose section of First Flight includes a collection of inspirational stories, autobiographies, and narratives that enhance reading comprehension and critical thinking. These stories explore themes of courage, perseverance, human values, and social issues.
S. No. |
Chapter Title |
Author |
1 |
A Letter to God |
G.L. Fuentes |
2 |
Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom |
Nelson Mandela |
3 |
Two Stories About Flying (His First Flight & Black Aeroplane) |
Liam O’Flaherty & Frederick Forsyth |
4 |
From the Diary of Anne Frank |
Anne Frank |
5 |
Glimpses of India (A Baker from Goa, Coorg, Tea from Assam) |
Lucio Rodrigues, Lokesh Abrol, Arup Kumar Datta |
6 |
Mijbil the Otter |
Gavin Maxwell |
7 |
Madam Rides the Bus |
Vallikkannan |
8 |
The Sermon at Benares |
Based on Gautama Buddha’s Teachings |
9 |
The Proposal (Play) |
Anton Chekhov |
2. First Flight – Poems
The poetry section of First Flight includes a variety of thought-provoking and imaginative poems that explore themes of nature, emotions, life lessons, and human experiences. These poems enhance literary appreciation and analytical skills.
S. No. |
Poem Title |
Poet |
1 |
Dust of Snow |
Robert Frost |
2 |
Fire and Ice |
Robert Frost |
3 |
A Tiger in the Zoo |
Leslie Norris |
4 |
How to Tell Wild Animals |
Carolyn Wells |
5 |
The Ball Poem |
John Berryman |
6 |
Amanda! |
Robin Klein |
7 |
The Trees |
Adrienne Rich |
8 |
Fog |
Carl Sandburg |
9 |
The Tale of Custard the Dragon |
Ogden Nash |
10 |
For Anne Gregory |
W.B. Yeats |
3. Footprints Without Feet – Supplementary Reader
The supplementary reader Footprints Without Feet includes a collection of short stories that explore mystery, adventure, science, morality, and human nature. These stories aim to enhance comprehension, analytical thinking, and vocabulary skills.
S. No. |
Story Title |
Author |
1 |
A Triumph of Surgery |
James Herriot |
2 |
The Thief’s Story |
Ruskin Bond |
3 |
The Midnight Visitor |
Robert Arthur |
4 |
A Question of Trust |
Victor Canning |
5 |
Footprints Without Feet |
H.G. Wells |
6 |
The Making of a Scientist |
Robert W. Peterson |
7 |
The Necklace |
Guy de Maupassant |
8 |
Bholi |
K.A. Abbas |
9 |
The Book That Saved the Earth |
Claire Boiko |
4. Words and Expressions – Language Learning Activities
The Words and Expressions book focuses on enhancing communication skills, creativity, and critical thinking. It includes interactive activities that promote reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These exercises help students develop confidence in using the English language effectively.
Activity Type |
Purpose |
Peer Interaction |
Encourages discussion through role-play and group work |
Teacher’s Role |
Reduces teacher talk time to enhance student participation |
Question-Based Discussions |
Helps students express and defend their viewpoints |
Speaking & Listening Activities |
Improves communication skills through NCERT exercises |
CBSE has released the official Class 10 English Syllabus for the 2025-26 academic session. It includes detailed information on prose, poetry, supplementary reading, grammar, and writing skills. Students can refer to the syllabus to plan their studies effectively and focus on important topics. The syllabus also provides guidelines on question paper design, weightage, and assessment criteria.
Download the official CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF from the link below:
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The CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 plays a crucial role in effective exam preparation and skill development. Here’s why it is important:
Structured Learning – The syllabus provides a clear framework, helping students systematically cover all topics in prose, poetry, and grammar.
Exam Preparation – It outlines important chapters, weightage, and question paper patterns, allowing students to focus on key areas for better performance.
Language Development – Enhances reading, writing, speaking, and analytical skills, which are essential for academic and real-world communication.
Time Management – Helps students plan their studies efficiently, reducing last-minute stress and improving revision strategies.
Prepares for the Board Exam - The syllabus is designed according to the CBSE exam pattern. Understanding it helps students focus on important topics and manage time effectively during preparation.