Preparing for the Class 10 English Board Exam is not just about reading chapters or memorising answers. One of the smartest strategies to score well is to practice CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers with official solutions. On this page, you will find year-wise CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers PDFs along with solutions for free download.
But before you scroll down and download the files, let me share an important truth that most students overlook.
CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper with Solutions – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | English Language & Literature (Code No. 184) |
| Class | 10 |
| Session | 2025–26 |
| Available Resources | Official CBSE Sample Papers (Year-wise) + Solutions PDF |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | 80 |
| Sections in Paper | A – Reading Skills (20 Marks) B – Grammar & Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks) C – Literature Textbook (40 Marks) |
| Extra Resources | Recommended Sample Paper Books |
| Best Way to Use | Solve section-wise while completing chapters, then attempt full papers under exam conditions |
Why Solving Sample Papers is More Important Than Just Downloading Them
Every year, lakhs of students download CBSE sample papers on their phones or laptops. But what happens after that?
- The papers remain unopened.
- The files take up storage space.
- Students get a false sense of achievement — as if downloading the papers means they’ve studied.
But the reality is: you have not done the real task until you sit down, solve the paper, and check your answers with the official CBSE solutions.
Only then will you know your weak areas, time management issues, and the exact pattern of questions asked in the board exam.
Common Mistakes Students Make with Sample Papers
- Waiting till the end: Many students wait to complete the entire syllabus before attempting sample papers. By the time they start, it’s already too late, and they don’t get enough time to practice properly.
- Not analysing mistakes: Some students solve the papers but never check with the official CBSE solutions. Without analysis, the practice is incomplete.
- Selective solving: Instead of attempting the full paper, students only do a few questions, which defeats the purpose of simulating exam conditions.
Will the board exam questions be exactly the same as the sample papers?
No, the board exam questions will not be the same. However, CBSE sample papers are designed on the exact pattern and difficulty level of the board exam. They give you a very accurate idea of the type of questions, marking scheme, and weightage.
Where can I download the official CBSE Class 10 English sample papers?
You can download the official CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers and their marking schemes (solutions) from the CBSE academic website or directly from the links provided on this page.
Are CBSE Class 10 English sample papers enough for board exam preparation?
Sample papers are extremely helpful, but they should be used along with NCERT textbooks and regular practice. The best way is to complete a chapter, revise it, and then attempt related sample paper questions.
Do I really need to solve the sample papers or is reading them enough?
Simply reading won’t help. You should attempt the paper in exam-like conditions and then check your answers with the CBSE solutions. This practice improves writing speed, time management, and accuracy.
The Best Way to Use CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers
The smart approach is to integrate sample paper practice into your regular study routine:
- Step 1: Study one chapter from your NCERT textbook.
- Step 2: Immediately solve the related questions from the latest CBSE English sample paper.
- Step 3: Match your answers with the official CBSE marking scheme and note where you went wrong.
- Step 4: As exams come closer, start solving full papers in 3-hour exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
This way, you are not just storing PDFs but actually using them as a powerful tool to secure excellent marks.
CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper PDFs with Solutions (Year-wise)
Here you can download official CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers and their marking schemes (solutions) in PDF format:
| Year | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Download | Download |
| 2024-25 | Download | Download |
| 2023-24 | Download | Download |
| 2022-23 | Download | Download |
| 2021-22 Term 1 | Download | Download |
| 2021-22 Term 2 | Download | Download |
| 2020-21 | Download | Download |
| 2019-20 | Download | Download |
| 2018-19 | Download | Download |
| 2017-18 | Download | Download |
| 2016-17 | Download | Download |
How do I know if my answers are correct?
Always cross-check with the official CBSE marking scheme (solutions). This helps you understand how marks are awarded, and how to frame answers in a way that fetches full marks.
How many sample papers should I solve before the English board exam?
Ideally, solve at least 4–5 full sample papers under timed conditions. Along with that, practice important questions from previous years and NCERT exercises.
When is the right time to start solving Class 10 English sample papers?
Don’t wait till the last moment. The best approach is to start solving section-wise questions as you finish each chapter, and then switch to full papers 1–2 months before the board exam.
Recommended Books for CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers
While official CBSE sample papers are the best starting point (you can download them free from the links above), many students also prefer to practice additional sample paper books by reputed publishers. These books contain:
- Multiple model papers based on the latest CBSE pattern
- Chapter-wise important questions
- Solved examples with detailed explanations
- Extra practice beyond the official sample papers
Here are some highly recommended books for CBSE Class 10 English Sample Papers:
Where can I get CBSE Class 10 previous year English question papers?
You can download them from the official CBSE academic website or directly from this: CBSE Class 10 English PYQs.
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Hi Sir
Sir, how to score full 20 marks in Discursive and Case based factual passage??
Please reply sir, please
Hi Sir
Sir, how to score full 20 marks in Discursive and Case based factual passage??
Please reply sir, please.
To score full 20/20 in Discursive & Case-Based Passages:
Read smartly: Skim for main idea, scan for keywords.
Answer to the point: Use exact words/phrases from the passage.
Manage time: Max 8–9 mins per passage.
Practice regularly: Solve sample & previous year papers, check with CBSE marking scheme.
Discursive: Focus on author’s opinion/tone, inference questions.
Case-based: Read charts/tables carefully, write short factual answers.
Practice 8–10 passages before the exam — speed + accuracy = full marks!