CBSE Class 10 English · 2026

CBSE Class 10 English 2026 — Set 4

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Top topics in this paper
Literature63%Writing & Grammar22%Reading15%

This is the real CBSE Class 10 English board exam question paper for 2026, Set 4. CBSE issues several sets of each paper across regions; this is one of them. Practise it under timed conditions, then check your answers.

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Paper at a glance

Board
CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
Class
10
Subject
English
Year
2026
Set
Set 4
Type
Question paper (previous-year board exam)

Questions in this 2026 English paper (Set 4)

All 57 questions from this set, exactly as asked. Try each one, then open the question-paper PDF above for the complete paper.

  1. Read the following passage …
  2. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given: Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons as ________. (paragraph 2)
    • (a) they move to colder areas to hibernate
    • (b) they move to warmer places for food
  3. What is unique about the Bar-headed goose? (paragraph 2)
  4. Select the option that best explains the phrase 'navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery'. (paragraph 3)
    • (a) travelling to unknown destinations without getting lost is truly amazing
    • (b) travelling plans are predictable and well marked out by the leader of the pack
  5. State whether the following statement is True or False: Because of rapid urbanization and clear direction, it has become easier for migratory birds to find their way. (paragraph 4)
  6. The writer mentions that conservationists worldwide are working to find solutions to give migratory birds safe travel. Based on the information given in the passage, which of the following will protect these travellers?
    • (a) creation of more wetland sites.
    • (b) making people aware about the eating habits of migratory birds.
    • (c) work in cooperation with other countries.
    • (d) create eating spots…
  7. List any two points according to the passage that illustrate that migratory birds play an important role in maintaining nature's balance. (paragraph 6)
  8. What message does the passage convey about life on Earth? (paragraph 6)
    • (a) Man must provide cues to clear traffic routes for migratory birds.
    • (b) Deforestation is essential to stop uncontrolled growth.
    • (c) Harmony between man and nature is essential.
    • (d) Climate change can be controlled only by technological intervention.
  9. Read the following passage …
    • (a) disinterest
    • (b) progress and development
    • (c) frustration
    • (d) confusion
  10. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below: Assertion: Governmental and non-governmental organisations often use AI for social welfare. Reason: These organisations focus on disaster prediction, agricultural efficiency, and public health monitoring.
    • (a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
    • (b) Both the…
  11. Identify the word or phrase that indicates supervision as one of the areas of AI applications. (paragraph 2)
  12. How do AI applications contribute to societal development, especially in rural and underserved regions?
  13. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank: In a remote village, an AI powered system is used to monitor crop health and provide timely updates to farmers. The percentage of AI initiatives in this segment would be categorized under is _______. (10% / 30% / 45%)
    • (a) 10%
    • (b) 30%
    • (c) 45%
  14. What does the high percentage of AI implementations in urban areas suggest about the development and adoption of technology?
  15. Complete the sentence suitably: The collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders in developing AI applications demonstrates _______.
  16. Complete the following with a suitable reason: The most likely reason the passage mentions 'interactive AI' as a key focus area is because it enhances _______.
  17. In the context of the last paragraph, describe the significance of comparing various parameters such as ethical concerns, accessibility, industry-specific applications, and societal impact in understanding the evolving AI landscape.
  18. Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete a corporate communication letter from a company to its employee. Dear Sumit, This July, you _______ in Japan for three years. In six months the company will transfer you to Bengaluru at a senior position.
    • (a) will be have been living
    • (b) will have been living
    • (c) would have lived
    • (d) would have been living
  19. Read the given sentence from a self help book. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format. Sentence: 'Each one of the candidates have submitted the documents before the deadline.' Give the Error and Correction.
  20. Pratima asked the following question to her friend, Shifa - 'Do you like the painting, I gifted you yesterday.' Report Pratima's question correctly.
  21. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the concluding line from a school magazine report on a community outreach programme: _________ (Each / All) community member was given a different set of equipment.
    • (a) Each
    • (b) All
  22. Read Robert's reply to his swimming coach - 'Thank you sir for the opportunity. I will make sure I do you proud.' Complete: Robert thanked his coach for the opportunity and said _________.
  23. Identify and correct the error in the given line: 'I prefer the chocolate pudding than the vanilla truffle anyday.' Choose the option with the correct Error and Correction.
    • (a) prefer / preferred
    • (b) the / an
    • (c) than / to
    • (d) anyday / everyday
  24. Rishaan's parents asked him how he had fared in the speaking test in school that day. He excitedly told them that before the teacher could finish the question, he _______ the correct answer. Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
    • (a) gave
    • (b) has given
    • (c) would have given
    • (d) will give
  25. Detect the error and supply the correction for an advice by a grandparent: 'You should respect your parent and elders.' Give the Error and Correction.
  26. Report the dialogue between a customer and a worker at a grocery store. Customer: 'Did you pack all the items?' Complete: The customer asked the worker _______.
  27. Select the correct option to complete the given line: Earlier money _______ buy much more than it can today.
    • (a) could
    • (b) will
    • (c) can
    • (d) shall
  28. Complete the given poster displayed on a banner: Drinking and smoking _________ (is / are) injurious to health.
    • (a) is
    • (b) are
  29. Read the conversation between a student and a school counsellor. Counsellor: 'How do you feel after sharing your fears with your parents?' Student: 'I believe they understand me better as they now know all my fears.' Report the student's response by completing the following: The student replied that _________.
  30. You are Toshani / Toshan Singh a resident of Bharatpura. You observed that on weekend afternoon a group of senior residents teach children free of cost. You are delighted to see their spirit of giving back to the community. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on the need of volunteerism and senior participation in community engagement. Mention the benefits of such activities and…
  31. Read the given details of a fun zone designed for kids in a mall: A multi-level jungle themed play area with climbing walls, tunnels, and slides; A ball pit and trampoline section for younger kids; A gaming zone with arcade machines and interactive screens; Safety padding on all surfaces and trained staff for monitoring of activities; A dedicated toddler zone with soft toys, mini slides, and…
  32. Read the extract from … Choose the most suitable option.
    • (a) awed
    • (b) scared
    • (c) disgusted
    • (d) repulsed
  33. (Extract from 'Madam Rides a Bus') How does the author's use of descriptive language enhance the narrative technique in the passage?
  34. (Extract from … Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: The use of the word 'devoured' adds to a sense of _______ (fascination / hunger) in the extract.
    • (a) fascination
    • (b) hunger
  35. (Extract from 'Madam Rides a Bus') Which action of Valli shows that she did not want to miss out on any part of the experience?
  36. OR: Read the extract from …
  37. OR: (Extract from … Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket: 'All the men noticed her, asked her name and wanted to be presented' indicates that the men wanted to be formally _______ (introduced / withholden) to her.
    • (a) introduced
    • (b) withholden
  38. OR: (Extract from 'The Necklace') Which of the following best describe Matilda's state of mind in the context?
    • (a) overwhelmed
    • (b) anxious
    • (c) confused
    • (d) sad
  39. OR: (Extract from 'The Necklace') Explain the phrase 'this victory so complete and sweet to her heart'.
  40. Read the extract from …
  41. (Extract from 'Trees') Complete the following suitably: The trees' movement from the house to the forest, reflect the broader theme of _______.
  42. (Extract from 'Trees') What has the poet hardly mentioned in her letter?
  43. (Extract from … Select the correct option(s): 1. nostalgia 2. serenity 3. detachment 4. loss 5. joy
    • (a) 1 and 4
    • (b) Only 2
    • (c) 1, 2 and 3
    • (d) 2 and 5
  44. OR: Read the extract from …
  45. OR: (Extract from … Complete the following suitably: 'Money is external' implies that the boy _______
    • (a) values material possessions.
    • (b) learns the money cannot restore what is lost.
    • (c) believes money is the solution to all problems.
    • (d) is indifferent to material wealth.
  46. OR: (Extract from 'The Ball Poem') What does the poet mean by the phrase 'epistemology of loss'?
  47. OR: (Extract from … Select the correct option: 1. reflection 2. intrigue 3. acceptance 4. anger 5. fear
    • (a) 1, 4 and 5
    • (b) Only 2
    • (c) 1 and 3
    • (d) 4 and 5
  48. Answer in about 40-50 words: How are the cultural and social fabric of Goa closely knit together with the traditional baker and his bread? (Glimpses of India)
  49. Answer in about 40-50 words: Bring out the literal and metaphorical meaning of the word 'plunge' with reference to the young seagull who failed to muster up the courage to the plunge. (Stories About Flying)
  50. Answer in about 40-50 words: What lesson does 'For Anne Gregory' present for youthful love?
  51. Answer in about 40-50 words: 'Dust of Snow' presents the polar opposites black and white in a colour pallet. Justify that 'black' and 'white' signify something deeper than the superficial meaning in the poem.
  52. Answer in about 40-50 words: What is the vision of freedom that comes through the speech of Nelson Mandela?
  53. Answer in about 40-50 words: Why was Fowler interested in meeting Ausable? (The Midnight Visitor)
  54. Answer in about 40-50 words: Based on your understanding of the story, how do you assess Bholi's father? (Bholi)
  55. Answer in about 40-50 words: What vision did Ebright have in raising a flock of butterflies? (The Making of a Scientist)
  56. Answer in about 100-120 words: Compare the two stories, 'Letter to God' and 'The Black Aeroplane' from 'Stories About Flying'. Examine how both these stories illustrate that help can come in unexpected forms.
  57. Answer in about 100-120 words: Evaluate the elements of humour and endearment in 'A Triumph of Surgery'.

Full section weightage

Every question in this Class 10 English paper, mapped to its paper section — the complete breakdown:

  • Literature26 questions63%
  • Writing & Grammar9 questions22%
  • Reading6 questions15%

Sectionmapping is auto-derived from the paper’s questions; a cross-topic question is counted under its dominant section.

How to use these papers

  1. 1Start chapter-wise early in the year — solve only the English questions from a chapter you have just finished.
  2. 2Switch to full timed papers 2–3 months before the exam: one complete set in the real time limit, no notes.
  3. 3Self-mark against the marking scheme, then fix every mistake with our free NCERT solutions.
  4. 4Re-attempt your weakest chapters until the recurring question types feel routine.

CBSE Class 10 English 2026 paper — FAQ

Is this the real CBSE Class 10 English 2026 board exam paper?

Yes — it is the actual 2026 board question paper, Set 4, issued by CBSE. It is not a sample or mock paper.

Which sections does this 2026 English paper cover most?

Literature (63%), Writing & Grammar (22%), Reading (15%) are the most-tested sections in this set — see the full section weightage above.

How should I use this previous-year paper?

Solve the whole paper in one sitting under the real time limit, then check each answer against the textbook. Working through several years' sets builds familiarity with how CBSE frames English questions.

Where can I find more CBSE Class 10 English papers?

Every Class 10 English set and year is on the Class 10 English board papers page, each a free PDF.