| 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-based exercises |
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26, Download PDF For Board Exam Preparation
CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam is on Feb 21, 2026. The English Syllabus 2025–26 shows exact chapters, section-wise weightage, and exam pattern. Referring to it helps students focus on important topics, improve answer writing, manage time better, and avoid last-minute confusion.
Vikas Pandit27 Feb, 2026
Share
English Syllabus Class 10 CBSE 2025-26: As the CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam is scheduled on February 21, 2026, students now have limited time to ensure that every chapter, writing format, and grammar topic is covered as per board requirements. English may appear easy, but it is also one of the subjects where students lose marks due to unclear syllabus coverage, poor answer structure, and time mismanagement.
Vishwas Diwas With PW: India's Biggest Education Festival Live from 28th Feb 2026
The CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025–26 clearly defines what will be assessed in the board exam. Referring to the syllabus as well as the exam pattern at this stage helps students avoid unnecessary preparation and focus only on topics that actually carry marks in the final exam.
English Syllabus Class 10 CBSE 2025-26 Exam Structure
English syllabus class 10 CBSE 2025-26 focuses on enhancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. As the English paper approaches, students should focus not just on completing the syllabus, but on aligning their preparation with the exam structure and marking scheme.
| CBSE Class 10 syllabus 2025-26 English | |||
| Section | Title | Weightage | Periods |
| A | Reading Skills | 20 | 40 |
| B | Writing Skills with Grammar | 20 | 40 |
| C | Language through Literature | 40 | 50 |
| Total | — | 80 | — |
English Syllabus Class 10 CBSE 2025-26
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. Check English grammar syllabus for class 10, 2025-26.
|
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus |
|||
|
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
|
||
|
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 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 the theme or plot to be answered in about 100-120 words |
40 |
|
Total |
|
80 |
|
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 for Literature
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)
In the final week before the English board exam, students should revise literature chapters theme-wise and question-wise, instead of line-by-line reading. Understanding character traits, central ideas, and keywords is more effective for scoring than memorising summaries.
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.
Syllabus of English Class 10 CBSE 2025-26 PDF
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.
Syllabus of English Class 10 CBSE 2025-26 PDF
How to Prepare English Using the CBSE 10th Syllabus in the Remaining Time Before Boards
Here’s how you can prepare for CBSE 10th English board exam in the last week before board exams:
-
Divide Preparation by Sections (Not Chapters)
Instead of revising randomly, prepare section-wise:
-
Reading: Practice unseen passages daily
-
Writing: Revise formats and write timed answers
-
Grammar: Practice error-based questions
-
Literature: Focus on themes, character traits, and keywords
-
Align Literature Answers with Marking Scheme
Most marks in English are lost due to missing keywords, poor structure, and overwriting or under-writing.Use the syllabus to understand answer length expectations for short and long answers.
-
Use Sample Papers After Syllabus Completion
Once the syllabus is covered attempt full-length English sample papers, analyse answers using the marking scheme, and improve time management between sections.
-
Focus on High-Weightage Chapters
Certain prose, poetry, and supplementary chapters are repeatedly used for extracts and long answers. Prioritise them to score well in the English exam.
| Links for CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26 |
| CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Maths |
| CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Science |
| CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Hindi |
| CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 English |
| CBSE Syllabus for Class 10 Social Science |
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 FAQs
Is the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus 2025 26 reduced for boards?
No, the syllabus for 2025–26 is clearly defined by CBSE and should be prepared fully as prescribed. Students should not skip chapters unless officially notified.
How many marks does English carry in CBSE Class 10 boards?
The English Language and Literature paper is conducted for 80 marks, with the remaining marks assessed internally.
What are the main sections in the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus?
The syllabus is divided into the following sections: Reading Skills (Comprehension passages) Creative Writing & Grammar (Letters, essays, and grammar-based exercises) Language through Literature (Prose & Poetry from First Flight and Footprints Without Feet)
Which English book is more important for Class 10 boards?
Both First Flight and Footprints Without Feet are equally important. Questions are asked from prose, poetry, and supplementary reader sections.
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.