The CBSE Class 10 English board examination held on February 21, 2026, was moderate to easy in overall difficulty, with most questions drawn directly from the prescribed syllabus. The structure of the paper enabled students to approach it with confidence, especially those who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT and were familiar with the exam pattern. Early student and teacher feedback indicates that the paper remained accessible and fair, without unexpected deviations.
“The overall Grade X English Language and Literature (184) paper was moderately easy. The language used was lucid and coherent, which likely enabled smooth comprehension for most students. The paper appeared balanced and well-structured, giving due weightage to the prescribed syllabus. Most questions were competency-based, expecting students to think critically, compare and contrast ideas, and draw logical conclusions rather than rely solely on rote learning,” said Mahima Dudeja, PGT English – JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru.
Reading section largely scoring and accessible
The reading comprehension section was considered scoring, with passages that were clear and manageable. Questions focused on comprehension, inference, and vocabulary without introducing ambiguity.
Experts noted that students who read the passages carefully were able to attempt this section effectively, as it relied more on understanding than complex interpretation.
Writing section offered balanced choices
The writing section followed familiar formats and provided balanced internal options, including letter writing and analytical paragraph. Clear instructions on word limits and format helped students organise their answers properly.
The topics allowed students to present their ideas logically while maintaining structure, which made the section comfortable for those with regular writing practice.
Grammar and literature tested conceptual clarity
The grammar questions were largely straightforward and concept-based, allowing students to apply rules without confusion.
However, teachers pointed out a minor punctuation inconsistency in one reported speech question, which may have briefly puzzled attentive students. In the literature section, questions were primarily understanding-based and closely linked to NCERT texts. Students who had grasped the themes, character motivations, and figurative meanings found this section manageable.
Analytical focus rewarded prepared students
Experts observed that a few questions required analytical thinking, particularly in literature, where interpreting deeper meanings gave an advantage. Students who were well-read and attentive to textual details were better placed to respond effectively.
The paper reflected CBSE’s competency-based approach by encouraging interpretation and clarity rather than memorisation.
Balanced structure ensured manageable time
The distribution of marks across sections was even, ensuring balanced coverage of reading, writing, grammar, and literature. The paper did not impose excessive time pressure, and most students were able to complete it within the allotted duration.
Those who practised answer writing beforehand found it easier to manage time and review their responses.
Overall paper fair, syllabus-aligned, and scoring
Overall, the English paper was balanced, fair, and student-friendly. It assessed comprehension, expression, and interpretation in a structured manner while remaining within the syllabus.
Experts noted that the paper rewarded preparation, careful reading, and clear writing, making it a scoring opportunity for students who approached the exam with clarity and confidence.
