The CBSE Class 10 English syllabus (Subject Code 184) is split into three sections: Reading Skills (20 marks), Writing Skills and Grammar (20 marks), and Language through Literature (40 marks).
The Class 10 English syllabus NCERT draws its literature portion from two textbooks: First Flight and Footprints Without Feet, while grammar is tested through applied questions.
- Section C: Language through Literature carries the highest weightage, at 40 of the 80 theory marks.
- Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar carries 20 marks, covering grammar, formal letters, and analytical paragraphs. Both the Formal Letter and Analytical Paragraph must be written in 100–120 words.
- The literature syllabus includes 12 prose chapters and 10 poems from First Flight, along with 9 chapters from Footprints Without Feet.
- The Class 10 English grammar syllabus now excludes Passive Voice, Clauses, and direct Preposition questions, narrowing what to revise.
- The Hundred Dresses (Part I & II) and the poem Animals are entirely removed from the Class 10 English syllabus chapters list for this session.
Related Links:
- CBSE Class 10 English Mock Tests (Available): Attempt Free Subject-wise Question Bank. Mock tests, CBSE Class 10 PYQs
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2027: Subject-wise Marks, Question Types & Marking Scheme
- CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper with Solutions PDF Download (All Subjects)
Key Summary
- The CBSE English syllabus for Class 10 carries 80 theory marks and 20 internal assessment marks, for a total of 100 marks per subject.
- Short and Long Answer Questions from the literature section alone carry 30 marks, the single heaviest component on the entire paper.
- Reported Speech, Subject-Verb Concord, and Tenses & Modals are the three highest-return grammar areas under the current Class 10 English grammar syllabus.
- A Letter to God, Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Madam Rides the Bus are flagged as the most frequently tested prose chapters.
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2027: Overview
The CBSE Class 10 English syllabus structures the final board paper into three mandatory weightage sections.
- Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks) tests conceptual understanding, decoding, and vocabulary through unseen discursive and factual case-based passages.
- Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar (20 Marks) tests core syntax, structural editing, formal letters, and analytical paragraphs.
- Section C: Language through Literature (40 Marks) uses extracted reference questions, short-answer prompts, and long analytical answers from the prescribed NCERT textbooks.
| Particulars | Specification Details for CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2027 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Examination Name | Secondary School Examination (Class X) |
| Academic Session | 2026–2027 |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
| Theory Marks per Subject | 80 Marks (Written Board Examination Paper) |
| Internal Assessment per Subject | 20 Marks (Assessment of Speaking and Listening, Portfolios, and Project Work) |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 Marks |
| Competency-Based Questions | 50% of total marks (Includes multiple-choice questions, case-based questions, and source-integrated analytical items) |
| Syllabus Basis | Strictly aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) and NCERT rationalized guidelines |
| Syllabus Release Date | Released in 2 April 2026 at the beginning of the academic term |
Ques. How many sections are in the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus?
Ans. Three: Reading Skills, Writing Skills and Grammar, and Language through Literature.
Ques. What is the total marks split for CBSE English Class 10?
Ans. 80 marks for the theory paper and 20 marks for internal assessment, totalling 100 marks.
Also Check:
- CBSE Sample Paper 2027 Class 10: Download 10th Subject-Wise Sample Paper and Marking Scheme PDF
- CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature Question Paper 2020 with Answer Key (February 26, Set 2 - 2/3/2)
- CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature Question Paper 2019 with Answer Key (March 23, Set 1 - 2/5/1)
CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature Syllabus 2026–27
The Class 10 English syllabus breaks each section into specific, individually testable components rather than broad themes.
- Section A splits almost evenly between a pure comprehension passage and a data-interpretation passage, so both narrative and analytical reading are tested separately.
- Section B gives candidates a choice on both the Formal Letter and the Analytical Paragraph — one of two options each, unlike the fixed grammar questions.
- Section C's Reference to Context questions carry 5 marks each, making them the most marks-per-question-dense format on the paper.
| Section | Topics | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: Reading Skills | Discursive Passage | 400–450-word unseen passage testing comprehension and vocabulary |
| Case-Based Factual Passage | 200–250-word passage with charts, graphs, or statistical data to test interpretation and analysis | |
| Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar | Grammar | Tenses, modals, determiners, subject-verb concord, and reported speech (commands, requests, statements, and questions) |
| Formal Letter | 100–120 words based on a given context or situation. Choice of 1 out of 2 questions | |
| Analytical Paragraph | 100–120 words analysing data presented through a map, chart, graph, or outline cues. Choice of 1 out of 2 questions | |
| Section C: Language through Literature | Reference to Context | Extract-based questions from prose/drama and poetry (5 marks each) |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | Questions from First Flight and Footprints Without Feet, covering comprehension, character analysis, and thematic interpretation |
Ques. How many words should the Formal Letter and Analytical Paragraph be?
Ans. Both are 100–120 words, and each offers a choice of 1 out of 2 questions.
Ques. How many marks does each Reference to Context question carry?
Ans. 5 marks each, drawn from prose, drama, and poetry extracts.
Also Check:
CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers
| Year | Previous Years’ Question Papers |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2025 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2024 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2023 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2022 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2021 | Exams cancelled due to pandemic |
| 2020 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2019 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2018 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
| 2017 | Check Class 10 English Question Paper |
Chapters Included in the CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2027
The literature section for CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature (Subject Code 184) draws from two prescribed NCERT textbooks: First Flight and Footprints Without Feet.
- First Flight's prose section has 12 chapters, while the poetry section has 10 poems and the supplementary section has 9 stories.
- Footprints Without Feet includes 9 chapters.
| First Flight – Prose | First Flight – Poetry | Footprints Without Feet – Supplementary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A Letter to God | 1. Dust of Snow | 1. A Triumph of Surgery |
| 2. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | 2. Fire and Ice | 2. The Thief's Story |
| 3. His First Flight | 3. A Tiger in the Zoo | 3. The Midnight Visitor |
| 4. The Black Aeroplane | 4. How to Tell Wild Animals | 4. A Question of Trust |
| 5. From the Diary of Anne Frank | 5. The Ball Poem | 5. Footprints Without Feet |
| 6. A Baker from Goa | 6. Amanda! | 6. The Making of a Scientist |
| 7. Coorg | 7. The Trees | 7. The Necklace |
| 8. Tea from Assam | 8. Fog | 8. Bholi |
| 9. Mijbil the Otter | 9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon | 9. The Book That Saved the Earth |
| 10. Madam Rides the Bus | 10. For Anne Gregory | |
| 11. The Sermon at Benares | ||
| 12. The Proposal |
Ques. Is A Letter to God part of the Class 10 English syllabus?
Ans. Yes, it is the first prose chapter listed under First Flight.
Also Check:
| Check Out the NCERT Solutions for English | |
|---|---|
| Prose (First Flight) | Poems (First Flight) |
| A Letter to God | Dust of Snow |
| Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Fire and Ice |
| Two Stories about Flying | A Tiger in the Zoo |
| From the Diary of Anne Frank | How to Tell Wild Animals |
| The Hundred Dresses–I | The Ball Poem |
| The Hundred Dresses–II | Amanda! |
| Glimpses of India | Animals |
| Mijbil the Otter | The Trees |
| Madam Rides the Bus | Fog |
| The Sermon at Benares | The Tale of Custard the Dragon |
| The Proposal | For Anne Gregory |
Check Out:
| Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Book): NCERT Solutions | |
|---|---|
CBSE Class 10 English 2027: Unit-wise Weightage
The CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature theory paper carries 80 marks, divided into three sections covering reading comprehension, grammar and creative writing, and literature.
- Short & Long Answer Questions alone account for 30 of the 80 marks, which is more than Section A and Section B combined minus one component.
- Reading Skills and Grammar carry 10 marks each at the sub-component level, keeping the first two sections evenly weighted.
- Formal Letter and Analytical Paragraph carry 5 marks each.
| Section | Topics / Components | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: Reading Skills | Discursive Passage | 10 |
| Case-Based Factual Passage | 10 | |
| Section B: Writing Skills & Grammar | Grammar | 10 |
| Formal Letter | 5 | |
| Analytical Paragraph | 5 | |
| Section C: Language through Literature | Reference to Context | 10 |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | 30 | |
| Total | 80 Marks |
Ques. Which component carries the highest individual weightage in CBSE Class 10 English?
Ans. Short & Long Answer Questions, worth 30 of the 80 theory marks.
This video by the channel “Simran Sahni” discusses the latest CBSE Class 10 English syllabus. It covers the chapter-wise syllabus of First Flight and Footprints Without Feet, key grammar topics, and writing skills, along with effective preparation strategies.
CBSE Class 10 English: Important Topics
High-return areas in the Class 10 English grammar syllabus and literature sections deserve focused, repeated revision.
Grammar & Creative Writing (20 Marks)
- Reported Speech: Focus on direct-to-indirect speech conversion, particularly commands, requests, and questions using wh-words.
- Subject-Verb Concord: Practise verb agreement with connector phrases such as either...or, neither...nor, and as well as.
- Analytical Paragraph: Build a vocabulary bank of data-description terms such as sharp surge, gradual decline, and steady growth to improve analytical answers.
| Topic | Important Areas to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Reported Speech | Conversion of direct to indirect speech, especially commands, requests, and questions using if/whether and wh-words |
| Subject-Verb Concord | Singular/plural verb agreement with either...or, neither...nor, along with, and as well as |
| Tenses & Modals | Past and present perfect tenses; modals expressing probability, obligation, and permission (should, must, would, might) |
| Formal Letter | Letters to the Editor, complaint letters, and order placement. Practise sender's address, date, receiver's designation, subject, salutation, body, and subscription |
| Analytical Paragraph | Analysing charts, graphs, and data; introductory statements, comparison connectors (whereas, in comparison to, strikingly), and concluding observations |
Most Important Prose Chapters
- Madam Rides the Bus and Bholi: Focus on character development, personal growth, and the changes in the protagonists throughout the stories.
- A Letter to God: Understand the difference between faith and blind faith, along with Lencho's beliefs and actions.
- The Proposal: Study its satirical portrayal of marriage, social status, and human behaviour, along with the characters of Lomov and Natalya.
| Chapter | Important Topics to Study |
|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Meaning of freedom, Mandela's twin obligations, and importance of the inauguration ceremony. |
| A Letter to God | Lencho's faith in God, his reaction to the post office employees, and the difference between faith and blind faith. |
| From the Diary of Anne Frank | Anne's feelings of loneliness, her bond with Mr. Keesing, and why she considers herself talkative. |
| Madam Rides the Bus | Valli's curiosity, planning, confidence, maturity, and experience during her bus journey. |
| Bholi | Bholi's journey from a shy girl to a confident person, and the role of education and self-respect in her life. |
| The Proposal | Lomov and Natalya's characters, their arguments, and the humorous portrayal of marriage and social status. |
Important Poems & Poetic Devices
- Fire and Ice and Dust of Snow: Focus on symbolism and the connection between nature, human emotions, and changes in mood.
- A Tiger in the Zoo and Amanda!: Understand the contrast between freedom and restriction through the experiences of a caged tiger and a child.
- The Tale of Custard the Dragon: Study the theme of appearance versus reality, particularly Custard's unexpected display of courage.
| Poem | Important Themes & Concepts |
|---|---|
| Dust of Snow | Nature's influence on human emotions and how a small incident can change one's mood |
| Fire and Ice | Destructive forces of desire and hatred; symbolism of fire and ice |
| A Tiger in the Zoo | Contrast between a tiger's restricted life in captivity and its natural habitat |
| Amanda! | Conflict between a child's desire for freedom and imagination and constant parental instructions |
| The Tale of Custard the Dragon | Appearance versus reality, courage, and the difference between perceived cowardice and actual bravery |
Ques. Which grammar topics carry the most weight in Class 10 English?
Ans. Reported Speech, Subject-Verb Concord, and Tenses & Modals are flagged as the highest-return grammar areas.
Ques. Which prose chapter is tested on faith versus blind faith?
Ans. A Letter to God, through Lencho's story and the post office employees' response.
Check Out:
CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 with Solutions
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 1 - 2/1/1) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 2 - 2/1/2) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 3 - 2/1/3) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 1 - 2/2/1) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 2 - 2/2/2) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 3 - 2/2/3) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 1 - 2/3/1) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 2 - 2/3/2) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 3 - 2/3/3) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 1 - 2/4/1) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 2 - 2/4/2) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 3 - 2/4/3) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 1 - 2/5/1) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 2 - 2/5/2) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CBSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2026 (Set 3 - 2/5/3) | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus: Deleted Topics 2027
The Class 10 English grammar syllabus NCERT PDF for this session removes specific chapters and grammar areas that were part of earlier cycles.
- Both parts of The Hundred Dresses are deleted entirely, removing an entire two-part prose narrative from First Flight.
- Passive Voice, Clauses, and direct Preposition questions are excluded from grammar.
- Two full Workbook units (5 and 6) are deleted, alongside the poem Animals and the supplementary chapter The Hack Driver.
| Section | Deleted Topics / Chapters | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Flight – Prose | The Hundred Dresses – Part I | Entire chapter deleted |
| The Hundred Dresses – Part II | Entire chapter deleted | |
| First Flight – Poetry | Animals (Walt Whitman) | Entire poem deleted |
| Footprints Without Feet | The Hack Driver (Sinclair Lewis) | Entire chapter deleted |
| Words and Expressions – II (Workbook) | Unit 5 | Entire unit deleted |
| Unit 6 | Entire unit deleted | |
| Grammar | Passive Voice | Excluded from the prescribed grammar topics |
| Clauses | Noun clauses, adverb clauses, and relative clauses excluded | |
| Prepositions | Direct questions on prepositions excluded |
Ques. Is The Hundred Dresses part of the current CBSE Class 10 English syllabus?
Ans. No. Both Part I and Part II have been entirely deleted from First Flight.
Ques. Is Passive Voice tested in CBSE Class 10 English grammar?
Ans. No. Passive Voice has been excluded from the prescribed grammar topics for this session.
All Class 10 English First Flight PYQ Chapters
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| A Letter to God PYQ | Chapter 1 PYQ PDF |
| Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom PYQ | Chapter 2 PYQ PDF |
| Two Stories about Flying PYQ | Chapter 3 PYQ PDF |
| From the Diary of Anne Frank PYQ | Chapter 4 PYQ PDF |
CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2027
The CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature (Subject Code 184) question paper follows an 80-mark theory paper plus a 20-mark internal assessment, aligned with NEP guidelines.
- Section C carries the highest number of questions, with 6 out of the paper's 11 questions, making literature the most question-heavy section.
- Sections A and B carry equal weightage of 20 marks each, but Section A has 2 questions, while Section B has 3.
- Competency-based questions account for 50% of the total marks, testing students' understanding, application, and analytical skills rather than simple memorisation.
| Section | Target Skill Area | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Reading Skills (Comprehension) | Q1 & Q2 | 20 Marks |
| Section B | Grammar & Creative Writing Skills | Q3 to Q5 | 20 Marks |
| Section C | Language through Literature | Q6 to Q11 | 40 Marks |
| Total | Theory Examination | 11 Questions | 80 Marks |
Ques. How many questions are in the CBSE Class 10 English theory paper?
Ans. 11 compulsory questions across three sections, within an 80-mark, 3-hour paper.
Ques. How much of the CBSE Class 10 English paper is competency-based?
Ans. 50% of the total marks, testing application, inference, and critical thinking over rote memorisation.
Best Books for CBSE Class 10 English Board Exam 2027
The NCERT English Class 10 textbook remains the primary source, with reference guides used only for extra practice once both NCERT books are complete.
- First Flight and Footprints Without Feet cover all prescribed chapters and poems.
- Words and Expressions – II focuses on vocabulary and contextual writing practice.
- Arihant and Oswaal differ in focus: Arihant offers summaries and explanations, while Oswaal emphasises exam-oriented practice.
| Book Name | Publisher | Purpose / Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| First Flight: Textbook in English for Class X | NCERT | Primary textbook covering all prescribed prose chapters and poems |
| Footprints Without Feet: Supplementary Reader | NCERT | Important for character sketches, value-based questions, and long-answer preparation |
| Words and Expressions – II | NCERT | Provides reading practice, vocabulary-building exercises, and contextual writing activities |
| All in One English Language & Literature Class 10 | Arihant | Offers chapter summaries, character analyses, simplified explanations of poems, competency-based questions, and extract-based exercises |
| CBSE & NCERT One for All Class 10 English Language & Literature | Oswaal | Reference guide for syllabus-based practice, exam-oriented questions, and revision |
Preparation Tip: Complete both NCERT textbooks first. Use Arihant or Oswaal for additional practice with competency-based, extract-based, and analytical questions.
Ques. Which NCERT textbooks are prescribed for CBSE Class 10 English?
Ans. First Flight and Footprints Without Feet, alongside the Words and Expressions – II workbook.
Class 10 English First Flight Notes: All Chapters
Open the notes for any other First Flight chapter from this table.
| Chapter | Resource |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | A Letter to God Notes |
| Chapter 2 | Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Notes |
| Chapter 3 | Two Stories about Flying Notes |
| Chapter 4 | From the Diary of Anne Frank Notes |
| Chapter 5 | Glimpses of India Notes |
| Chapter 6 | Mijbil the Otter Notes |
| Chapter 7 | Madam Rides the Bus Notes |
| Chapter 8 | The Sermon at Benares Notes |
| Chapter 9 | The Proposal Notes |
CBSE Class 10 English Preparation Tips 2027
Follow the CBSE Class 10 English tips during your preparation:
- Practise reading comprehension regularly: Solve unseen passages within a 15-minute target and focus on keywords, tone, and inference-based questions.
- Revise grammar and writing formats: Learn key grammar rules, practise formal letters, and build a vocabulary bank for analytical paragraphs.
- Connect characters with their traits, revise poetic devices, and practise competency-based questions comparing themes and situations.
| Section | Important Tips |
|---|---|
| Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks) | Solve one unseen passage every alternate day and aim to complete it within 15 minutes. |
| Read the questions first, then skim the passage to identify relevant keywords, dates, and information. | |
| Learn common tones such as sarcastic, humorous, analytical, and objective to tackle inference-based questions. | |
| Section B: Grammar & Creative Writing (20 Marks) | Note important rules and exceptions in subject-verb concord, tenses, and reported speech. |
| Practise the formal letter format: sender's address, date, receiver's designation, subject, salutation, body, and closing. | |
| Practise quantitative expressions such as sharp surge, fluctuated, gradual decline, and reached its peak for data-based paragraphs. | |
| Section C: Literature (40 Marks) | Connect characters' actions with their personality traits. For example, analyse Valli's planning, self-restraint, and maturity in Madam Rides the Bus. |
| Create a table of poems and identify devices such as metaphor, simile, enjambment, alliteration, and oxymoron with examples. | |
| Attempt competency-based questions comparing characters, themes, and situations across different chapters, including imaginary dialogues. |
Additional Tip: Focus on understanding character motivations, central themes, poetic devices, and textual evidence instead of memorising chapter summaries. Practise sample papers regularly to improve answer accuracy and time management.
Source: Reddit
Ques. How should I prepare for Section A of CBSE Class 10 English?
Ans. Practise one unseen passage every alternate day within 15 minutes, using the reverse reading technique of checking questions before skimming the passage.
CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus FAQs
Ques. Which chapters were deleted from the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus 2027?
Ans. The Hundred Dresses (Part I & II), the poem Animals, and the supplementary chapter The Hack Driver, along with Workbook Units 5 and 6.
Ques. Is Passive Voice part of the CBSE Class 10 English grammar syllabus?
Ans. No, Passive Voice is excluded from the prescribed grammar topics for this session.
Ques. How many chapters are in the Class 10 English syllabus?
Ans. 12 prose chapters and 10 poems from First Flight, plus 9 chapters from Footprints Without Feet.
Ques. What is the weightage of literature in CBSE Class 10 English?
Ans. 40 of the 80 theory marks, making it the highest-weighted section on the paper.
Ques. Are Clauses tested in CBSE Class 10 English grammar?
Ans. No. Noun clauses, adverb clauses, and relative clauses are excluded from this session's grammar syllabus.
Ques. How many questions are compulsory in the CBSE Class 10 English paper?
Ans. 11 compulsory questions across the three sections, to be completed in 3 hours.
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