On February 15, 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the much-anticipated CBSE Class 10th English question paper for students across India. As per expert analysis and student feedback, the paper was well-balanced, with a mix of easy, moderate, and slightly challenging questions. The difficulty level ranged from easy to moderate, making it accessible for most students who had prepared diligently.
Expert Insights on the CBSE Class 10th English Question Paper
According to Mahima Dudeja, an English educator at JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, “The CBSE Class 10th English question paper featured lucid language, enabling students to comprehend and attempt the questions comfortably.” She further noted that the paper covered a significant portion of the syllabus, ensuring that students were tested on key topics from the prescribed literature.
Similarly, Sunita Virmani, TGT English at Global Indian International School (GIIS), Noida, remarked, “While the Grade 10 English CBSE examination was slightly lengthy, our students managed to complete it confidently. The grammar section was straightforward, though one comprehension passage posed a minor challenge.”
Student Reactions to the CBSE Class 10th English Question Paper
Students who appeared for the exam expressed mixed but largely positive reactions. Riya, a student from Vidyagyan School, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, shared, “The CBSE Class 10th English question paper was easy overall, except for one or two tricky questions in the second passage.” Her peers, Akshay and Saurabh, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We’ve done well, and we expect good scores.”
At KIIT World School, Gurugram, students like Aryan, Parnika, and Aarav Verma found the paper manageable, with only a few inferential questions in the reading section requiring extra focus.
Section-wise Breakdown of the CBSE Class 10th English Question Paper
To provide a clearer understanding of the exam, here’s a detailed section-wise analysis:
- Writing Section
- The analytical paragraph questions were consistent across all sets.
- Letter writing included two types: Letter to the Editor and either a Complaint Letter or a Suggestion Letter.
- Students found this section relatively easy, as hints and key points were clearly provided.
- Reading Comprehension
- The reading section was identical in all three sets.
- While most questions were manageable, one or two required deeper analysis.
- The passages were not overly complex, but answering them accurately demanded careful reading.
- Reference to Context (Literature)
- RTC questions were uniform across sets but varied in difficulty.
- Some questions, especially those based on poems, were competency-based and required critical thinking.
- Short-answer questions were mostly straightforward, focusing on themes and values from the lessons.
- Grammar Section
- Grammar questions were consistent across all sets and aligned with the syllabus.
- Students with a strong grasp of grammar concepts could easily score high in this section.
- Overall Difficulty Level
- The CBSE Class 10th English question paper leaned toward being time-consuming due to its emphasis on comprehension and critical thinking.
- However, it was entirely based on the NCERT syllabus, ensuring fairness and alignment with board standards.
Key Observations and Suggestions
Experts highlighted several strengths and areas for improvement in the CBSE Class 10th English question paper:
- Strengths:
- The paper emphasized higher-order thinking skills while including recall-based questions.
- It tested students’ comprehension, critical thinking, and application-based knowledge effectively.
- Areas for Improvement:
- Some educators, like Pratima Jha from Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, pointed out errors, ambiguous questions, and repetition in certain sections.
- To enhance clarity and fairness, a thorough review of the paper is recommended before future exams.
Preparation Tips for Future Exams
For students preparing for the CBSE Class 10th English question paper, here are some actionable tips:
- Practice Sample Papers: Solve previous years’ papers and sample papers to familiarize yourself with the question patterns.
- Focus on Grammar: Strengthen your understanding of grammar rules, as this section is often straightforward and scoring.
- Improve Reading Skills: Practice reading unseen passages regularly to enhance comprehension speed and accuracy.
- Revise Literature Thoroughly: Understand the themes, tones, and literary devices used in the prescribed texts to tackle RTC and short-answer questions confidently.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE Class 10th English question paper for 2025 successfully tested students’ linguistic abilities, comprehension skills, and critical thinking. While some sections were slightly challenging, the overall consensus among students and educators was positive. With adequate preparation and practice, students can confidently approach the exam and achieve excellent results.
As Tasmina Alam, PGT English at KIIT World School, aptly summarized, “The paper aimed to assess students’ knowledge, understanding, and ability to articulate their thoughts coherently—a true reflection of their learning journey.”