CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2025: ‘Always keep a few minutes to review your answers’

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class X exams for 2025 will take place from February 15 to March 18, 2025, in a pen-and-paper format. The exams will commence with English and conclude with Computer Application/IT/AI. The CBSE has also announced the syllabus for 2025, detailing essential chapters and topics. Familiarity with the exam pattern is vital, as it covers the marking scheme, question types, and duration.

To excel, students should practice with CBSE Class 10 sample papers, previous years’ question papers, and practice sets. This approach helps students understand the exam’s difficulty level and improves preparation for better performance, shares Ms Shilpi Singh, TGT, English, Apeejay School, Noida.

“As students prepare and gear up for the upcoming Boards, it is crucial to adopt effective strategies and follow essential tips during their revision and preparation phase to maximise their performance and excel in the exam,” the educator said and shared important preparation tips and key insights to help students perform confidently and efficiently in their exam, including the format of the question paper.

Format of the question paper

The CBSE Class X English Language and Literature paper consists of three sections:

1.       Section A: Reading (20 marks): Two unseen passages (factual and discursive) with comprehension and vocabulary questions.

2.       Section B: Writing and Grammar (20 marks): Formal/business letters and analytical paragraphs. Grammar questions covering the transformation of sentences, error correction, and fill in the blanks.

3.       Section C: Literature (40 marks): Reference to context from prose and poetry each. Includes short answers, long answers, and value-based questions.

10 preparation tips

1. Understand the syllabus and question paper pattern: Familiarise yourself with the weightage of each section and type of questions.
2. Practice reading comprehension: Improve your speed and accuracy with unseen passages.
3. Master writing formats: Memorise the formats of formal letters and analytical paragraphs, as marks are awarded for adhering to the structure. Learn standard openings and conclusions for business letters. Create a mental outline before starting. This will help ensure a logical flow of ideas and save time during the exam. Employ linkers such as “however,” “therefore,” “in addition,” “moreover,” and “thus” to maintain coherence in your writing.
4. Revise grammar rules: Solve grammar worksheets daily to identify patterns and gain confidence.
5. Analyse literature texts: Understand themes, characters, and poetic devices in the prescribed texts. Practice textual questions thoroughly. Prepare to compare themes, characters, or messages across different stories or poems. Use flowcharts or mind maps to remember key incidents and their outcomes.
6. Solve previous year’s papers: Practice sample papers to identify strengths and weaknesses.
7. Focus on time management: Allocate time for each section during practice to ensure you can complete the exam.
8. Highlight key points: While revising literature, underline important phrases, themes, and character traits.
9. Focus on coherence and clarity: Avoid overcomplicating sentences, and stick to simple, grammatically correct language.
10. Revise regularly: Review notes, sample answers, and key concepts to reinforce learning.

7 mistakes to avoid

1. Skipping instructions: Always read the instructions carefully.
2. Poor time management: Avoid spending too much time on one section and leaving others incomplete.
3. Ignoring word limit: Stick to the word count, especially in writing tasks, to avoid losing marks.
4. Poor presentation: Write legibly and structure your answers. Use clear paragraphs for long answers with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
5. Using Informal Language: Stick to formal and precise language, especially in writing tasks and literature.
6. Neglecting revision: Always keep a few minutes to review your answers and correct errors.
7. Leaving Questions Unanswered: Even if unsure, write something relevant rather than leaving a question blank.

Best of luck!