Principal Dr Alka Kapur, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said the English Communicative paper was fairly easy, while the literature section focused on NCERT texts and comprehension rather than tricky details.

"The English Communicative paper was balanced and fairly easy for students to handle. Most students were able to complete it comfortably within the given time. The questions were clear and direct, mainly assessing how well students understood the material they had studied. The unseen passage was moderate in difficulty, but students could grasp it and attempt the answers without much trouble," she said.

"The literature section was based on NCERT and focused on understanding the text rather than tricky details. Students who were clear about the themes, messages, and deeper meanings-especially figurative and metaphorical expressions-found this section particularly manageable," she added.

Sunita Virmani, TGT English, Global Indian International School, Noida, said the paper effectively assessed students' understanding and application of concepts.

"The Class 10 English paper was easy to moderate in difficulty. The question paper followed the prescribed format and presented a balanced distribution of questions from all sections of the syllabus. It was a very good blend of questions catering to below-average, average, and above-average students, allowing learners of different ability levels to attempt the paper with confidence. The comprehension, writing, grammar, and literature sections were clear and well-structured. Thanks to ample practice and revision conducted prior to the examination, students were well-prepared and able to complete the paper within the stipulated time. Overall, the paper effectively assessed students' understanding and application of concepts," she said.

JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, Post Graduate Teacher English Mahima Dudeja, said overall, the paper was fair, syllabus-aligned, and student-friendly, with a clear focus on competency and comprehension. 

Section A (Reading):

The factual passage included an Assertion-Reason question, while the discursive passage largely featured straightforward, direct questions. Overall, this section was accessible, with comprehension relying on careful reading rather than unusually complex interpretation.

Section B (Grammar and Writing):

The grammar component was largely consistent across all three sets, with only one question differing in Set 2. However, the reported speech question contained a punctuation error: it was framed as an interrogative sentence but ended with a full stop, which may briefly confuse attentive students.

In the writing section, all sets emphasized the Letter to the Editor. The analytical paragraph was more fact-based in paragraph form rather than strongly data-driven; nonetheless, it remained easy to understand and attempt for prepared students.

Section C (Literature):

Short-answer questions varied across the three sets, whereas long-answer questions remained identical. Literature questions focused on comprehension and were easiest for students with a firm grasp of themes and messages, particularly those able to interpret figurative and metaphorical meanings within the text.

JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, Post Graduate Teacher English Mahima Dudeja, rated the Class 10 English Language and Literature paper moderately easy.

"The overall Class 10 English Language and Literature paper was moderately easy. The language used was lucid and coherent, likely enabling smooth comprehension for most students. The paper appeared balanced and well-structured, giving due weightage to the prescribed syllabus. Most questions were competency-based, expecting students to think critically, compare and contrast ideas, and draw logical conclusions rather than rely solely on rote learning," she said.

"Students who could interpret figurative and metaphorical meanings clearly had an advantage, as several questions served as a subtle test of analytical ability. A well-prepared and well-read student would be able to handle the paper with confidence, with preparation proving truly beneficial and leaving them content after the attempt," she added.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 on the fifth day today, with Class 10 students appearing for English (Communicative) and English (Language and Literature), and Class 12 students appearing for the Automotive and Fashion Studies papers. The examinations for both classes were conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 examinations for the 2026-27 academic session are currently underway. With over 43 lakh students appearing for the exams between February 17 and April 10, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced special measures to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel for candidates.

To manage the increased footfall during this period, the DMRC, in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), will implement special facilitation arrangements at metro stations. Centralised announcements will also be made to guide and assist students.

DELHI METRO TO PRIORITIZE STUDENTS IN FRISKING & TICKETING DURING CBSE BOARD EXAMS 2026
With the CBSE Board Examinations 2026 for Classes X and XII scheduled from February 17 to April 10, 2026, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has made arrangements to ensure smooth and…

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) February 20, 2026

Class 10 students are appearing for English (Communicative) and English (Language and Literature), while Class 12 students are taking the Automotive and Fashion Studies papers. The examinations for both classes are being held in a single shift from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

CBSE had advised students to reach their examination centres well in advance, considering traffic conditions. Entry closed sharply at 10 am.

Last year's Central Board of Secondary Education Class 10 English exam was rated easy to moderate by teachers. Many questions were drawn from the sample paper and aligned with the syllabus. The grammar section was largely simple, though some reading and value-based questions required careful attention. Students completed the 80-mark paper within three hours and had time for revision.

"The Class 10 CBSE English paper was a treat for students. The paper was easy, as many questions were present in the sample paper. All questions aligned with the syllabus. The grammar section was a cakewalk, with a question or two slightly tricky in the reading and writing sections. The short answer questions in Literature were of average difficulty, with a few challenging value-based questions," said Prarthana Bajpai, TGT English, Vidyagyan School, Sitapur.

"According to students, the level of difficulty was moderate. The question paper was a balanced mix of knowledge-, analysis-, and application-based questions. Most students were able to complete the paper on time and also saved time for revision. The English Language & Literature exam was for 80 marks and was to be attempted within three hours," said Tasmina Alam, PGT English, KIIT World School, Gurugram.

"Section A passages were not tricky, but the questions were value-based; however, the second passage required focused attention. Section B (Grammar) was simple, with direct answers in Sets 1 and 2. However, in Set 3, a few questions were slightly difficult. In Writing Skills, questions on letter writing and analytical paragraph writing were simple and straightforward. Section C was inference-based. The Literature section was easy but expected learners to have thorough knowledge of the topics and subtopics, along with an understanding of themes, characters, and literary techniques used in the text," added Alam.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an advisory cautioning students, parents, and schools against the circulation of fake news and rumours related to the board exams 2026.

Urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant, the Board noted that in previous years, certain unscrupulous elements attempted to mislead students and parents by spreading unverified information on social media during the examination period. Such misinformation often includes false claims about question paper leaks and the circulation of purported question papers for Class 10 and Class 12 examinations.

"Believing in, engaging with, or forwarding such baseless content may create unnecessary anxiety and confusion, and may adversely affect the preparedness of students at this crucial stage. The Board assures all stakeholders that robust arrangements and strict measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth, secure, and fair conduct of the Board's examinations, as in previous years," the advisory stated.

Missing three or more subjects places the student in "Essential Repeat." Compartment students can appear in the second exam.

From 2026, all students must appear in the first board exam. Direct entry to the second exam is not allowed.

Class 10 exams will end on March 10 while Class 12 exams will conclude on April 10.

Over 43 lakh students are appearing, around 25 lakh in Class 10 and 18.5 lakh in Class 12 across thousands of centres.

Exams for both Class 10 and 12 are scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Entry closes sharply at 10:00 AM.

Class 10 English (Communicative and Language) and Class 12 Automotive and Fashion Studies papers will be held today in a single shift.