CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Paper- Download Free PDF

Roumik Roy

Updated on - Sep 19, 2025

CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers are great preparation material for you to achieve a good result in the board examination. The CBSE Class 10th Previous Year Question Paper allow you to understand the types of questions and the question weightage, as well as gain an idea of the marking scheme.

The CBSE 10th Exam 2026 for English will be a total of 100 marks, which consists of 80 marks for theory and 20 internal assessment. The question paper consists of three sections—Reading, Writing and Grammar, and Literature. The Reading, Writing, and Grammar sections contain various types of questions such as short answer and long answer questions.

You can know more details about the CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers below. 

CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers – Download Year-Wise PDF 

Given below are the CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers:

CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers (Year-Wise)

 

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CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2025

Download Now (Literature) 

Download Now (Communicative)

CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2024

Download PDF (Communicative)

Download PDF (Literature) 

CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2023

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CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2022

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CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2020

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CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2019

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CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Paper 2017

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Also Read: CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026

How to download the CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers?

The CBSE board has posted the previous year's english papers for the class 10 on the board's homepage. You can download the papers from the official website or this page. Given below is the step-by-step instructions on how to download below:

Step 1. Go to the CBSE's official website at cbse.gov.in. 

Step 2: Click on “Main website".

Step 3: Next, click on the tab labeled "Board Examinations." 

Step 4: Select "Previous Year Question Papers" from the list of options that will appear on a new tab 

Step 5: Select the year of the paper you want to download. 

Step 6: Choose the “Class X".

Step 7: English subject  will appear in a table with downloadable PDF links. Click on the English subject link and the year you want the paper for. The question paper will appear on a new tab.

Step 8: Download it and save it for your future reference!

Read More: CBSE Class 10 Solved Question Papers 2026

What is the CBSE Class 10th English Exam Pattern?

The CBSE Class 10 English Exam 2026 is designed to test your skills in reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and literature. You will be given three hours and the exam will be worth 80 marks. This exam will have no negative marking. The exam will consist of different types of questions; twenty-five multiple choice questions (MCQs), objective questions, short answer questions (30-50 words), and long answers (100-120 words). It is also a good idea to look at past years' question papers so that you understand the format, difficulty level, and types of questions asked in the same context. The internal assessment is worth an additional 20 marks, making the total marks 100.

Section

Type of Questions

Details

No. of Questions

Marks

A. Reading Skills

Reading Comprehension (2 unseen passages)

• One Discursive passage (400–450 words)

• One Case-based factual passage (200–250 words)

Question types: MCQs, objective, short responses (30–40 words)

10 + 10 = 20

B. Writing Skills & Grammar

Grammar

Topics: Determiners, Tenses, Modals, Subject–Verb Agreement, Reported Speech (commands, statements, questions)

Attempt 10 out of 12

12 (10 to attempt)

10

 

Writing

• Formal Letter (100–120 words, situation-based) – attempt 1 out of 2

• Analytical Paragraph (map/chart/graph/cues, 100–120 words) – attempt 1 out of 2

2 (choice-based)

10

C. Literature (Language through Literature)

Reference to Context

Two extracts:

• One from prose/drama

• One from poetry

Question types: MCQs, one-word, short answers (30–40 words)

2

10

 

Short Answer – First Flight

4 out of 5 questions (40–50 words each)

5 (4 to attempt)

4 × 3 = 12

 

Short Answer – Footprints Without Feet

2 out of 3 questions (40–50 words each)

3 (2 to attempt)

2 × 3 = 6

 

Long Answer – First Flight

1 out of 2 questions (100–120 words)

2 (1 to attempt)

6

 

Long Answer – Footprints Without Feet

1 out of 2 questions (100–120 words)

2 (1 to attempt)

6

Total

80 Marks

Also Read: CBSE 10th English Deleted Syllabus 2026

What are the benefits of downloading the CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers?

Below are the benefits of downloading the CBSE Class 10th English Previous Year Question Papers:

1. You can also know what kind of questions are being asked, what the marks distribution is, and which section carries the most weight.

2. Previous year papers will provide exposure to the difficulty level and the framing of the questions, which will help reduce any surprises on exam day.

3. Practicing the papers with a time limit allows you to learn how to appropriately allocate time for reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar, and literature within the allocated time limit.

4. Repeated practice can help alleviate exam fear and help you feel more confident in attempting the paper.

5. You learn to frame your answers concisely, write using proper grammar, and write within the word limit, which are essential for scoring marks in English.

6. By attempting past papers, you can assess your preparation, identify areas of weakness, and then work to improve these weak areas prior to the board exam.

7. Previous year papers can act as a quick reference guide to revise important topics and writing forms (letters/report essays, etc.).

FAQs on CBSE 10th CBSE 10th English Previous Year Question Papers

Q: Q1. Where can I find previous year question papers for CBSE Class 10 English?

Q: Q2. Are the previous year papers helpful for the 2026 CBSE Class 10 English exam?

Q: Q3. How many years of CBSE English previous papers should I solve?

Q: Q4. Will solving past papers help improve my marks in English?

Q: Q5. When should I begin practicing these CBSE Class 10th English question papers?

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