CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025–26
English is more than a Class 10 subject—it’s the skill that improves how you understand ideas, express yourself, and perform better across subjects. The CBSE Class 10 English syllabus 2025–26 is structured to strengthen reading, writing, grammar accuracy, and literary understanding in a clear, exam-focused way.
This 10/10 guide gives you a complete, easy-to-follow breakdown of the syllabus, section-wise marks, textbook chapters, internal assessment, and smart preparation tips.
Quick Snapshot
Here’s a quick overview you can save for revision:
| Total Marks (English) | 100 |
|---|
| Theory Exam | 80 marks |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks |
| Books Prescribed | First Flight + Footprints Without Feet |
| Key Writing Tasks | Formal Letter, Analytical Paragraph (100–120 words) |
| Core Grammar Topics | Tenses, Modals, Determiners, Concord, Reported Speech |
| Main Skill Focus | Reading comprehension + structured writing + literature answers |
What’s Included in the Class 10 English Syllabus?
The syllabus is divided into three scoring sections, designed to test real language skills:
1) Reading Skills
You’ll be assessed on comprehension, interpretation, and vocabulary through unseen passages.
2) Writing Skills with Grammar
This section checks your ability to write in the correct format, along with grammar accuracy in real exam-style tasks.
3) Language Through Literature
You’ll answer questions from the textbooks, including extracts, short answers, and long answers—testing both understanding and expression.
Practical Tip: Keep checking CBSE’s official updates so you don’t miss any small syllabus or pattern changes.
Section-Wise Weightage (Class 10 English Theory: 80 Marks)
A) Reading Skills — 20 Marks
Includes:
Scoring Tip: Practice 2 passages every week to build speed and accuracy.
B) Writing Skills + Grammar — 20 Marks
Grammar Topics (Assessed in Context)
Grammar is tested via:
Gap filling
Editing
Sentence transformation
Topics included:
Writing Skills (100–120 Words Each)
You will attempt:
Scoring Tip: Stick to word limit + proper format. These are high-scoring questions when structured well.
C) Language Through Literature — 40 Marks
From:
First Flight
Footprints Without Feet
Includes:
Scoring Tip: Strong vocabulary + clean answer structure makes a big difference in literature.
Detailed Literature Syllabus (Books + Chapters)
1) First Flight
Prose
A Letter to God
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Two Stories About Flying
From the Diary of Anne Frank
Glimpses of India
Mijbil the Otter
Madam Rides the Bus
The Sermon at Benares
The Proposal (Play)
Poems
Dust of Snow
Fire and Ice
A Tiger in the Zoo
How to Tell Wild Animals
The Ball Poem
Amanda!
The Trees
Fog
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
For Anne Gregory
2) Footprints Without Feet
A Triumph of Surgery
The Thief’s Story
The Midnight Visitor
A Question of Trust
Footprints Without Feet
The Making of a Scientist
The Necklace
Bholi
The Book That Saved the Earth
Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Full Breakdown
Internal assessment is crucial because it’s easier to score consistently if you stay regular. It has 4 components of 5 marks each:
1) Periodic Test — 5 Marks
2) Portfolio — 5 Marks
May include:
Classwork and notebook completion
Self/peer assessment
Journals, reflections, short tasks
Best work/achievements in English
3) Multiple Assessment — 5 Marks
May include:
Quizzes
Oral tests
Concept maps
Exit cards
Visual expression tasks
4) Subject Enrichment — 5 Marks
Listening and speaking skills testing:
Scoring Tip: Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently in listening/speaking activities.
Best Study Resources to Score Higher
NCERT is the base, but mixing a few smart resources improves performance dramatically.
Use These for Strong Preparation
NCERT Solutions: Helps with well-structured answers for literature and writing
Support Material/Guides: Chapter summaries, key themes, vocabulary, practice questions
Grammar Workbooks: Best for editing, transformation, and common grammar traps
Sample Papers + PYQs: Improves speed, confidence, and exam accuracy
Flashcards + Mind Maps: Perfect for literary devices, themes, and quick revisions
Reference Books (Optional): Use only for extra practice and model answers
Tips to Ace CBSE Class 10 English (High Scoring Strategy)
Make a Chapter + Skill Checklist
Create 3 lists:
Literature chapters
Grammar topics
Writing formats
Tick them weekly to stay on track.
Strengthen Literature with Smart Notes
For every chapter, prepare:
5–7 line summary
Theme/message
Character sketches
Key literary devices
Practice Grammar Daily (15 Minutes)
Rotate topics:
Editing (most scoring)
Gap fill
Transformation
Write in Format (Not in Story Style)
For letter/paragraph:
Follow a clear structure
Use simple vocabulary
Keep the tone correct
Stay within word limit
Solve Papers Like a Real Exam
Treat Internal Assessment as Free Marks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.) Is the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus 2025–26 changed?
Usually, CBSE makes minor or no changes. Still, it’s best to verify the official syllabus PDF for the latest updates.
2.) Which books are included in Class 10 English?
The prescribed books are First Flight and Footprints Without Feet.
3.) What is the marks distribution for English in CBSE Class 10?
4.) Which writing topics are most important?
Focus on:
Conclusion
Now that you have the full CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025–26, use the quick snapshot to build your study plan, practice writing formats weekly, and revise literature with short notes.
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Want a 30-day English study timetable or chapter-wise important questions? Drop a comment below—I’ll share a ready-to-use plan.
