CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus is not just another subject outline you study for exams. It directly shapes how you write answers, express ideas, and communicate clearly in everyday situations. A strong grip on English can improve your performance in subjects where clear explanation matters.
The syllabus focuses on three important areas: language, literature, and communication. You practise grammar through real usage, learn writing formats like letters and analytical paragraphs, and study stories and poems with clear themes. The syllabus also aligns closely with the board exam pattern. Section A tests reading skills, Section B covers writing and grammar, and Section C focuses on literature. Along with this, internal assessment includes periodic tests and activities that contribute to your final marks.
This guide helps you understand each part of the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus step by step. You will find section-wise details, marking scheme, grammar topics, and internal assessment components, so you can prepare with clarity and confidence.
CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus
The CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus gives you a clear plan for your board exam preparation. It shows what to study, how questions are asked, and which areas need more practice.
The syllabus is divided into 3 sections; Reading Skills, Writing Skills and Grammar, and Language through Literature. In Reading, you solve two unseen passages with questions on meaning and analysis. In Writing, you practise formats like formal letters and analytical paragraphs. In Literature, you study chapters and poems.
The exam follows a fixed structure of 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment. The question paper includes MCQs, short answers, and long answers, so you need both accuracy and clear writing. Internal assessment adds marks through periodic tests, notebook work, and speaking or listening activities.
Below are the major highlights that define Class 10th CBSE English Syllabus assessment.
| CBSE Class 10th English Sections | Marks | Description of the Sections |
| Reading Skills | 20 | – Two unseen passages (discursive + case-based), – Comprehension and Interpretation Questions |
| Writing Skills and Grammar | 20 | – Formal Letter, – Analytical Paragraph, – Grammar (Tenses, Modals, Determiners, and more) |
| Language through Literature | 40 | – Prose, – Poetry, – Supplementary Texts (First Flight & Footprints Without Feet) |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | – Periodic Tests, – Notebook Submission, – Subject Enrichment (Listening & Speaking) |
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Class 10th CBSE English Syllabus 2026-27 PDF
The CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus PDF helps you stay clear about what to study and what to skip. Instead of guessing topics, you can follow the exact structure given by CBSE and prepare with confidence.
The Class 10th CBSE English Syllabus PDF includes section-wise details, marking scheme, prescribed books, and internal assessment components in one place.
CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus (Section-wise)
The CBSE Board Class 10th English syllabus follows a clear section-wise structure that helps you prepare step by step for the board exam. You work on reading, writing, grammar, and literature through three main sections. Each section carries a fixed weightage, so you know exactly where to focus your effort and how to plan your preparation.
To understand how each section is structured and what it includes, look at the detailed breakdown below.
Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
CBSE Board Class 10th English syllabus Section A focuses on reading comprehension through unseen passages. You read two passages and answer questions based on your understanding of the text. The section checks how well you can interpret ideas, analyse information, and respond clearly in short answers.
Here is a clear breakdown of the components included in the reading skills section.
| CBSE Class 10th English Reading Skills Section | Details of the English Paper Sections | Alloted Marks |
| Discursive Passage | 400-450 words based on opinions or ideas | 10 |
| Case-based Factual Passage | 200-250 words with visual input (chart, graph, statistical data) | 10 |
| Total Length | Combined passage length of 600-700 words | – |
| Question Types | – MCQs, – Objective, – Very short answer questions | – |
Section B: Writing and Grammar (20 Marks)
CBSE Board Class 10th English syllabus Section B focuses on your ability to use grammar correctly and present ideas in a structured format. You solve grammar-based questions and write short responses based on given situations or visual inputs. Section B checks accuracy in language along with clarity in writing.
Here is a clear breakdown of the components included in the CBSE Board Class 10th writing and grammar section.
| CBSE Class 10th English Paper Section | Details of the English Paper Sections | Alloted Marks |
| Grammar Topics | – Determiners, – Tenses, – Modals, – Subject-Verb Concord, – Reported Speech (commands, requests, statements, questions) | 10 |
| Grammar Format | – Gap Filling, – Editing, – Transformation | — |
| Formal Letter | Writing a formal letter based on a given situation (100-120 words) | 5 |
| Analytical Paragraph | Writing based on map/chart/graph/cues (100-120 words) (attempt 1 out of 2) | 5 |
Section C: Language through Literature
CBSE Board Class 10th English syllabus Section C focuses on your understanding of literature from the prescribed textbooks. You read extracts, answer questions, and explain ideas based on themes, characters, and events. Section C checks how well you interpret the text and present answers in a clear and structured way.
Here is a clear breakdown of the components included in the language through literature section.
| CBSE Class 10th English Paper Section | Details of the English Paper Sections | Alloted Marks |
| Reference to Context (RTC) | One extract out of two from Drama/Prose and one extract out of two from Poetry | 10 (5+5) |
| Question Types (RTC) | – MCQs, – Objective Type Questions, – Very Short Answer (one word/one sentence), – Short Answer (30-40 words) | – |
| Short Answer (First Flight) | You will get 5 questions, and you need to answer any four. Each answer should be short and precise, around 40-50 words. | 12 (4×3) |
| Short Answer (Footprints Without Feet) | You will choose any 2 of the 3 questions. Each answer should stay within 40-50 words. | 6 (2×3) |
| Long Answer (First Flight) | You will get 2 options and choose 1. The question may include a passage from the chapter. Read it carefully and explain its meaning, context, and key idea in 100-120 words. | 6 |
| Long Answer (Footprints Without Feet) | Question asks about the theme, message, or overall story. Write a detailed answer in 100-120 words using examples from the chapter. | 6 |
Explore the complete CBSE Class 10th Syllabus here!
CBSE Board Class 10th English Deleted Syllabus
As you move ahead with the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, you also need to know what has been removed. Knowing the deleted topics helps you avoid wasting time on content that will not appear in the exam.
Get clear insights into the CBSE Class 10th English deleted syllabus below:
| Sectionwise Deleted Topics for CBSE Class 10th | Deleted Content |
| Grammar | – Use of Passive Voice, – Noun Clauses, – Adverb Clauses, – Relative Clauses, – Prepositions |
| First Flight (Prose) | – The Hundred Dresses – I, – The Hundred Dresses – II |
| First Flight (Poem) | Animals |
| Footprints Without Feet (Prose) | The Hack Driver |
| Words and Expressions – II | Units 5 and 6 |
| Footprints Without Feet (Supplementary Reader) | ||
| Deleted Chapter | Page Numbers | Deleted Portion |
| The Hack Driver | 47 to 53 | Full chapter removed |
| Words and Expressions – II (Workbook) | ||
| Deleted Unit | Page Numbers | Deleted Portion |
| Unit 5 | 57 to 70 | Full unit removed |
| Unit 6 | 71 to 83 | Full unit removed |
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CBSE Board Class 10th English Internal Assessment
CBSE Board Class 10th English internal assessment focuses on your listening and speaking skills. You practise how to understand spoken English and express your ideas clearly in real situations. Schools assess these skills through regular activities, so consistent participation helps you score better.
Here is a clear breakdown of the components included in the English internal assessment section.
| CBSE Class 10th English Paper Internal Assessment | Details of English Internal Assessment | Allotted Marks |
| Listening and Speaking Competencies | Assessment of listening and speaking skills through classroom activities | 5 |
| Practice Approach | Regular practice of listening and speaking skills is recommended | — |
| Activity-Based Assessment | Art-integrated activities like Role Play, Skit, and Dramatisation | — |
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NCERT Books for Class 10th English
After understanding the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus structure and sections, the next step is to focus on the prescribed NCERT books. These books form the core of Section C: Language through Literature, and most exam questions come directly from them. When you study these chapters carefully, you can answer extract-based, short, and long questions with better clarity.
Below are the major highlights that define the chapter-wise content of NCERT textbooks.
NCERT Class 10th English Book: First Flight (Prose and Poems)
In the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, the First Flight textbook includes both prose and poems that cover real-life situations, values, emotions, and human experiences. These chapters and poems help you build strong interpretation skills, which are important for solving extract-based questions and writing clear, well-structured answers in the board exam.
| Chapter Number | Prose | Poems |
| Chapter 1 | A Letter to God | Dust of Snow |
| Chapter 2 | Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom / A Tiger in the Zoo | Fire and Ice |
| Chapter 3 | Two Stories About Flying / How to Tell Wild Animals / The Ball Poem | A Tiger in the Zoo |
| Chapter 4 | From the Diary of Anne Frank | How to Tell Wild Animals |
| Chapter 5 | Glimpses of India | The Ball Poem |
| Chapter 6 | Mijbil the Otter | Amanda |
| Chapter 7 | Madam Rides the Bus / The Tale of Custard the Dragon | The Trees |
| Chapter 8 | The Sermon at Benares | Fog |
| Chapter 9 | The Proposal (Play) | The Tale of Custard the Dragon |
| For Anne Gregory |
NCERT Class 10th English Book: Footprints Without Feet
In the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, the Footprints Without Feet book includes supplementary stories that focus on real-life situations, values, and human behaviour. These chapters help you improve your understanding of themes and characters, which is important for answering short and long questions in the board exam.
| Chapter Number | Name of Story |
| Chapter 1 | A Triumph of Surgery |
| Chapter 2 | The Thief’s Story |
| Chapter 3 | The Midnight Visitor |
| Chapter 4 | A Question of Trust |
| Chapter 5 | Footprints Without Feet |
| Chapter 6 | The Making of a Scientist |
| Chapter 7 | The Necklace |
| Chapter 8 | Bholi |
| Chapter 9 | The Book That Saved the Earth |
The CBSE Class 10th English syllabus gives you a clear and limited set of topics to prepare. Use that clarity to your advantage. Focus only on the prescribed chapters, practise writing formats regularly, and revise grammar that remains in the syllabus.
Set a simple routine. Read one chapter, solve its questions, and write at least one answer every day. For example, practise a letter or analytical paragraph in 15 minutes and check it against the marking criteria. This builds speed and accuracy at the same time.
Do not spread your effort across unnecessary topics. Stick to the syllabus, solve sample papers, and review your mistakes after each test. When you prepare with this level of focus, you improve your scores and walk into the exam with confidence.
Checkout more important resources for the CBSE Exam here:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 12th Syllabus |
| CBSE Class 11th Syllabus | CBSE Class 11th Commerce Books |
| CBSE Class 11th: All details | CBSE Class 11th Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Class 11th Hornbill |
FAQs on CBSE Class 10th English Syllabus
The CBSE Class 10th English syllabus includes three sections, Reading Skills, Writing Skills and Grammar, and Language through Literature. You read unseen passages, practise writing formats, and study chapters from NCERT books like First Flight and Footprints Without Feet.
The total marks distribution in CBSE Class 10th English is 100 marks. You write a theory exam for 80 marks, and your school evaluates the remaining 20 marks through internal assessment activities.
The CBSE Class 10th English question paper has three sections. Section A covers reading skills for 20 marks, Section B includes writing skills and grammar for 20 marks, and Section C focuses on literature for 40 marks.
The books prescribed in the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus are First Flight and Footprints Without Feet. The first book includes prose and poems, while the second book includes supplementary stories.
In Section A of the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, you read unseen passages and answer MCQs and short questions. Each question checks how well you understand, interpret, and analyse the text.
In Section B of the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, you write a formal letter and an analytical paragraph. You follow proper format and present ideas clearly based on given situations or visual inputs like charts and graphs.
The important grammar topics in the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus include determiners, tenses, modals, subject-verb concord, and reported speech. You apply these topics while solving grammar-based questions.
Section C of the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus includes extract-based, short, and long answer questions from NCERT books. You explain themes, describe characters, and analyse events from the chapters and poems.
The internal assessment in the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus includes listening and speaking skills. Schools assess performance through activities like role play, presentations, and discussions.
To prepare effectively for the CBSE Class 10th English syllabus, you should read NCERT chapters regularly, practise writing formats, and revise grammar topics. Solving sample papers also helps you improve accuracy and understand the exam pattern better.
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