CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26: Download Official PDF & Exam Pattern

Manish
Jun 15, 2026 11:05 AM
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CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the updated English Language & Literature syllabus for Class 10 for the 2025-26 academic session. With the CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026 now available, students can strategically plan their preparation for the upcoming board examinations. English is a high-scoring subject that significantly boosts your overall aggregate, making it just as vital as your core subjects. The curriculum is categorized into Communicative English and Language & Literature. Reviewing the complete syllabus is essential to mastering the chapters and topics required for this academic year.

Check :- CBSE Class 10 Result 2025

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026 is meticulously designed to refine reading, writing, grammar, and communicative proficiency. The curriculum follows a balanced approach across three core sections: Reading Skills, Writing & Grammar, and Literature. By integrating comprehension, creative writing tasks, and diverse literary texts, students gain a holistic understanding of the language. This structured approach not only enhances exam performance but also strengthens real-world communication skills. Mastering these sections ensures academic success and makes learning English a rewarding experience.

(i) Reading Skills 

(ii) Writing & Grammar 

(iii) Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text

CBSE Class 10th Detailed English Syllabus 2026 

English in the CBSE Class 10 curriculum is an exploration of ideas, narratives, and creative expression. It empowers students to communicate effectively and appreciate the nuances of literature. From drafting creative compositions to analyzing poetry, this subject fosters critical thinking and linguistic confidence. A strong grasp of these concepts is essential for both examination excellence and daily communication. Please refer to the detailed syllabus breakdown below:

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26
SectionsSection NameCompetenciesTotal Marks
Section A         Reading 

The reading section includes various unseen passages designed to test your skills in inference, evaluation, vocabulary, analysis, and interpretation: 

1. Discursive passage (400-450 words)
2. Case-based Factual passage (including visual inputs, statistical data, or charts; 300-350 words)                                                             

20
Section BCreative Writing Skills

I. Writing a Formal Letter based on a given scenario (100-120 words). Candidates must attempt one out of two provided questions.

II. Writing an Analytical Paragraph (100-120 words) based on a Map, Chart, Graph, or set of cues. One out of two questions must be answered. 

20
Grammar

1. Tenses 

2. Modals 

3. Subject-Verb Concord 

4. Determiners 

5. Reported Speech 

  • Commands and Requests
  • Statements
  • Questions
Section CLiterature

Literature-based questions evaluate interpretation, inference, and the ability to extrapolate beyond the text and across various literary pieces.

Reference to the Context: One extract from Drama/Prose and one extract from Poetry (choice of two for each).

Short & Long Answer Questions: Assessment based on the prescribed syllabus.

  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 English Syllabus 2025-26 for Literature

The CBSE Class 10 English syllabus for 2026 is designed to foster analytical thinking and creative expression. It requires students to demonstrate a deep understanding of texts from 'First Flight', 'Footprints Without Feet', and 'Words and Expressions-II'. By emphasizing active interpretation and critical analysis, the curriculum encourages students to explore themes beyond the surface level, making English a truly engaging and intellectually stimulating subject.

BookChapters
FIRST FLIGHT- Prose
  1. A letter to God
  2. Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom
  3. Two Stories About Flying
  4. From the Diary of Anne Frank
  5. Glimpses of India
  6. Mijbil the Otter
  7. Madam Rides the Bus
  8. The Sermon at Benares
  9. The Proposal (Play)
FIRST FLIGHT- Poems
  1. Dust of Snow
  2. Fire and Ice
  3. A tiger in the Zoo
  4. How to Tell Wild Animals
  5. The Ball Poem
  6. Amanda!
  7. The Trees
  8. Fog
  9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon
  10. For Anne Gregory
FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
  1. A triumph of Surgery
  2. The Thief's Story
  3. The Midnight Visitor
  4. A Question of Trust
  5. Footprints Without Feet
  6. The making of a Scientist
  7. The necklace
  8. Bholi
  9. The Book That Saved the Earth
WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Foster interactive learning through role-plays, group discussions, and peer activities. 

2. Prioritize student-led participation to minimize passive learning. 

3. Use open-ended questions to encourage students to voice and defend their unique perspectives. 

4. Strictly follow the Listening and Speaking activities outlined in the official NCERT books.

CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF Download Link

Students preparing for the upcoming board examinations should prioritize reviewing the latest CBSE Class 10th Syllabus. The Central Board of Secondary Education has published the updated English curriculum for the 2025-26 session on their official portal. You can find the direct download link for the syllabus below.

Download CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF

Related Links
CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2026
CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus 2026CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2026
CBSE Class 10 Hindi Syllabus 2026 

CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026: FAQs

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