CBSE Class X Tips: ‘Focus on understanding and do not rush into reading’

In 2026, approximately 26.60 lakh Class X students are expected to sit for the CBSE Board exams. This figure represents a huge cohort spread across the country, highlighting the scale and importance of the Class X assessment. For many of these students, the English exam will be a key opportunity to showcase their language skills and set a strong foundation for future academic and career paths. The first phase of exams is scheduled in February–March, followed by a second phase in May, underscoring CBSE’s new flexible exam structure.

In the 2026 CBSE Class X English exam, students will be evaluated on a 100-mark scale, with 80 marks for the written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment. The 3-hour written test is divided into three main sections: Reading (20 marks), Writing & Grammar (20 marks), and Language through Literature (40 marks). The reading part includes two unseen passages, while the writing section features grammar questions plus either a formal letter or an analytical paragraph. The literature section tests comprehension through extracts and short-answer and long-answer questions from the prescribed textbooks.

Keeping in mind the above pattern, Ms Sonu Punni, TGT English at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, shares a few important revision tips for students to score better.

Literature

• Create concise revision notes for every chapter.
• Make mind maps for quick recall of themes and plot flow.
• Prepare character sketches for main and supporting characters.
• Highlight key quotes and their significance.
• Write short summaries of prose and poems for last-minute revision.

Grammar

• Practice all commonly tested topics: tenses, determiners, modals, subject–verb agreement
• Solve exercises such as: fill-in-the-blanks, editing/omission, sentence re-arrangement
• Revise rules daily to improve accuracy and reduce mistakes.

Writing

• Memorise proper formats for: Formal letters and analytical paragraphs
• For analytical paragraphs: write with a clear introduction, well-explained body, and a concise conclusion
• Practice one writing task every day to build speed and structure
• Review previous answers to identify areas for improvement.

Reading comprehension

• Read the unseen passage slowly and carefully to grasp the main idea.
• Ignore difficult words initially; focus on understanding the context.
• When answering, return to the text and quote relevant lines if needed.
• Practice different passage types to improve scanning and inference skills.

General revision strategies

• Solve previous years’ papers and sample papers under timed conditions.
• Use practice sessions to identify weak areas and revise them thoroughly.
• Avoid last-minute cramming; revise familiar concepts instead.
• Stay healthy with adequate sleep, hydration, and nutritious meals.

Best study time

• Morning (5:30-7 am): Ideal for learning new concepts with a fresh and focused mind.
• Evening (6-9 pm): Best suited for practice, writing tasks, solving papers, and revising.