ICSE English Exam 2026 LIVE: Paper 1 answer key available, student reviews

08 40 PM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English 2026 Live Blog Coverage Ends

As the unofficial answer key and enough student reviews have been provided on this page. We are ending the live blog coverage of the ICSE English Exam 2026. All the best to students appearing for upcoming subjects. 

02 05 PM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Student Reviews

Student Review 1: Easy level. Expected score 70+ marks.

Student Review 2: Easy level. Expected score 65 or maybe more.

Student Review 3: Moderate level. Expected score 55-60 marks.

Student Review 4: Moderate level. Expected score 60+ marks.

01 00 PM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE Class 10 English Paper 1 Exam Ends

Day 1 ICSE Class 10 English Paper 1 exam ends. Soon, the CollegeDekho team will connect to the test takers and collect their feedback. 

12 00 PM IST - 17 Feb'26

When will the ICSE Class 10 English Paper 2 Exam take place?

As per the schedule, the ICSE Class 10 Paper 2 English exam will be held on February 20, 2026 (Friday). The exam will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM. 

11 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026: Paper 1 Exam Starts

ICSE English Paper 1 Exam starts. Once the exam ends, the unofficial answer keys will be added here. 

10 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE Class 10 English Paper 1 Exam 2026: Exam Day Instructions

• Candidates should carry their own ICSE Class 10 admit card to the exam centre. Do not forget to carry it, their entries will not be permissible.
• Carry your own black/ blue ballpoint pen. 
• For the Precis, the candidates should use a pencil for drafting the answer. Then copy the final version into the grid.
• It is advised to leave a margin on the right side of the page, where the examiners can add their marks

09 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

When the ICSE Class 10 English Paper 1 Exam will start?

As per the schedule, the ICSE English Paper 1 exam will begin at 11 AM and will end at 1 PM. Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least an hour before the exam starts. 

08 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

What should be order of attempt for ICSE English Exam 2026?

• Start with Notice & Email (quick marks)
• Grammar
• Letter writing
• Essay and then Comprehension

07 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026: Most Important Topics

• The "Transformation" Trio
• High-Frequency Phrasal Verbs
• Synthesis Mastery
• Format Precision
• The 50-Word Precis

06 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026: Last Minute Questions

• The "No Sooner" vs. "Hardly" Test
• The "Unless" Logic Check
• Preposition "Hotspots" (Question 5b)
• Direct to Indirect Speech (The Triple Threat)
• Synthesis without "and, but, so" (Question 5c)

05 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026: CISCE Board's Suggestion

• Candidates should not spend more than 30 minutes on question 1. Candidates will get 5 questions in question 1, and among them, they should answer only one question and answer a composition of 300-350 words.
• It is necessary not to spend more than 20 minutes on question 2. 

04 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Email Writing 4

1. Your school is organising a fete/carnival to raise funds for victims of the
recent floods in your State. Write a notice to be put up on the school notice board giving details of the event.

2. Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school, inviting him/ her to
send their students to attend the fete/carnival.

03 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Letter Writing 4

1. You have changed your school recently. Write a letter to your friend in your
old school telling him/her what you like about your new school, but also what
you miss about your old school.

2. Some taps in your locality are left open all day, resulting in a tremendous waste of water. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your town/city,
complaining about the problem. Suggest ways in which this waste of water
can be prevented

02 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 8

1. Which do you prefer – morning, afternoon, evening or night? Describe your favourite time of the day. What are the sights, sounds, smells and feelings that you associate with your favourite time of the day? Why do you like this part of the day better than the others?

2. Have you ever said or done something that changed the life of another person? Give an account of your words or actions that led to this change and describe how the experience made you feel.

01 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 7

1. Write an original short story entitled ‘The Secret’.

2. ‘A family without pets is an incomplete family’. Express your views either for or against this statement.

12 00 AM IST - 17 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Email Writing 3

1. Write a notice to be put up in your school informing the pupils of Classes IX
and X about the Remedial Classes to be held after school hours, and asking
them to register their names for it.

2. Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school inviting their pupils
to attend the classes if they so wish. Give all details of the classes to be held.

11 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Letter Writing 3

1. You have had to shift to a new house recently. Write a letter to your
grandmother telling her what you miss about your old house. Tell her also
what you like about your new house and what you plan to do to make it
comfortable for yourself.

2. A certain book/chapter has been included in your syllabus. You have heard
that a film version is now available. Write a letter to the Manager of a film
theatre near your school, requesting that the film be shown. Tell him/her why
it will be beneficial to the students.

10 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 6

1. Imagine a situation where you get an opportunity to change one thing in your
school. What would it be? Why do you want to change it? How would you
bring about the change?

2. You are a regular visitor to your school library. Describe your library. Give
details of the familiar sights. What do you see and feel as different students
come in and check out the books? Why is this place so important?

10 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 5

1. Write an original short story in which two children and their school teacher
are the main characters.

2. ‘School examinations do not test intelligence.’
Express your views either for or against this statement.

10 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 17 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so.

Ques. He fled somewhere. His pursuers could not follow him.
(a) He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.
(b) He pursued somewhere his followers could not flee.
(c) He fled somewhere when his pursuers could not follow him.
(d) He fled where his pursuers cannot follow him.

Answer: (a): He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.

09 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 16 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so.

This work must be completed. There is a deadline.
(a) Since this work must be completed, there is a deadline.
(b) This work must be completed because there is a deadline.
(c) This work must be completed though there is a deadline.
(d) This work must be completed when there is a deadline.

Answer: (b): This work must be completed because there is a deadline.

09 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 15 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so.

Ques. The magician took pity on the mouse. He turned it into a cat.
(a)Showing pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
(b)Taking pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
(c)The magician turned the mouse into a cat by taking pity.
(d)Taking pity on the mouse the magician turned it into a cat.

Answer. (d): Taking pity on the mouse the magician turned it into a cat.

09 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 14 and Correct Answer

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) There’s a black cat sitting __________ the wall.
(b) The horse jumped __________ the hedge.
(c) Mother goes __________ the market every day.
(d) Several people have climbed Mount Everest __________ recent years.
(e) I often go to school __________ my friend.
(f) I have left my keys __________ home.
(g) Instead of talking, prove your worth __________ doing something.
(h) I have not slept __________ yesterday.

08 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 13 and Correct Answer

Fill in the Blanks:

He (1) __________ (select) clothes for me, and my aunt (2) __________
(give) my face a scrub and (3) __________ (groom) me. My uncle
(4) __________ (follow) me about (5) __________ (utter) several pieces of
advice before (6) __________ (let) me out. ‘You must never scowl even if the
sun (7) __________ (hit) you in the eyes. You must try (8) __________ (look)
pleasant.’

Answer. 

1. Selected

2. Gave

3. Groomed

4. Followed

5. Uttering

6. Letting

7. Hits

8. To look

08 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Notice & Email Writing 2

1. Your school is hosting an Inter-School Dance Competition. Write a notice to
be put up on your school notice board informing the students about the event.

2. Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school to request him/her to
send their dance teacher to act as a judge for the competition.

08 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Letter Writing 2

1. Your friend was absent from school on a day when an unfortunate incident
took place for which you were blamed. Write a letter to your friend giving
details about the incident, your role in it, and how the matter was finally
resolved.

2. You wish to stage a play to create awareness about the importance of saving
electricity. Write a letter to the Manager of a nearby shopping
mall/supermarket requesting permission to use the space in front of the
shopping mall/supermarket to stage the play. Give him/her details about your
requirements and state why the play will be beneficial to the shoppers.

07 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 4

1. Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think
it is necessary to have these times of quietness and solitude?

2. Express your views either for or against the statement ‘Junk food should be
banned’.

07 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 3

1. Write an original short story entitled ‘A Strange Visitor’.

2. Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents entrusted you with a difficult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out, and
your feelings at the end.

07 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 12 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

Ques. No sooner did the film star arrive than the crowd cheered. (Begin: As soon as.........)
(a)As soon as the film star arrived then the crowd cheered.
(b)As soon as the film star arrives the crowd starts cheering.
(c)As soon as the crowd cheers the film star arrives.
(d)As soon as the film star arrived the crowd cheered.

Answer: (d): As soon as the film star arrived the crowd cheered.

06 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 11 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

Ques. The coach taught the children the rules of the game.
(Begin: The rules.........)
(a)The rules have being taught by the coach to the children.
(b)The rules of the game have been taught by the children to the coach.
(c)The rules of the game is taught by the coach to the children.
(d)The rules of the game were taught by the coach to the children.

Answer. (d): The rules of the game were taught by the coach to the children.

06 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 10 and Correct Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

Ques. I prefer aerobics to yoga. (Use: ‘rather’)
(a) I would rather do aerobics to yoga.
(b) I would rather do aerobics than yoga.
(c) I would rather prefer aerobics than yoga.
(d) I would rather do yoga than aerobics.

Answer. (b): I would rather do aerobics than yoga.

06 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 10 and Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

This is the most beautiful painting in the exhibition.
(Begin: No other......)
(a)No other painting is as beautiful as this exhibition.
(b)No other painting in this exhibition is beautiful.
(c)No other painting is beautiful as this painting in the exhibition.
(d)No other painting in the exhibition is as beautiful as this one.

Answer: (d): No other painting in the exhibition is as beautiful as this one.

05 40 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 9 and Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

Ques. She said she would not be available. (Add a question tag)
(a) Didn’t she say that she would not be available?
(b) She said she would not be available, did she?
(c) She said she would not be available, didn’t she?
(d) She said she would not be available, wouldn’t she?

Answer: (c): She said she would not be available, didn’t she?

05 20 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 8 and Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.

Ques. Rahul not only plays the guitar but also the drums.
(Use: ‘as well as’)
(a) Rahul plays the guitar as well as the drums.
(b) Rahul plays the guitar as well the drums.
(c) Rahul plays the guitar as well as he does the drums.
(d) Rahul play’s the guitar and the drums as well.

Answer: (a): Rahul plays the guitar as well as the drums.

05 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 7 and Answer

Choose the correct option and rewrite the sentence according to the instructions given after each.
Ques. The teacher said, “Come early tomorrow, the examination begins at eight
o’clock.”
(Begin: The teacher told us to.........)
(a) The teacher told us to come early the next day as the examination
would begin at eight o’clock.
(b) The teacher told us to come early tomorrow as the examination
begins at eight o’clock.
(c) The teacher told us the examination will begin at eight o’clock so
come early tomorrow.
(d) The teacher told us to come by eight o’clock as the examination
will begin early the next day.

Ans. (a): The teacher told us to come early the next day as the examination would begin at eight o’clock.

04 45 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 6 and Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and,
but or so.

Ques. The disciple was wise. The teacher did not trust him.
(a) Although the disciple was wise yet the teacher trusted him.
(b) Although the disciple was not wise the teacher trusted him.
(c) Although the disciple is wise, the teacher trusted him.
(d) Although the disciple was wise, the teacher did not trust him.

Ans. (d): Although the disciple was wise, the teacher did not trust him.

04 30 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 5 and Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and,
but or so.

Ques. The rain came down. All the people ran away.
(a)When the rain came down, all the people ran away.
(b)When it rained, the people ran away.
(c)The rain had come down all the people ran away.
(d)The rain having come, all the people ran away.

Ans.(a): When the rain came down, all the people ran away.

04 15 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 4 and Answer

Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and,
but or so.

Ques. The debating teams were very happy. They were declared joint
champions.
(a) The debating teams were very happy as they have been declared
joint champions.
(b) The debating teams are very happy as they are declared joint
champions.
(c) The debating teams were very happy as they had been declared
joint champions.
(d) The debating teams will be very happy as they will be declared
joint champions.

Answer: (c) The debating teams were very happy as they had been declared joint champions.

04 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 3 and Answer

Ques. Choose the correct option to make one complete sentence without using and,
but or so.
1. These are fresh mangoes. I bought them yesterday.
(a)These are fresh mangoes which I bought yesterday.
(b)These mangoes were fresher when I bought them yesterday.
(c)These are fresh mangoes which were bought yesterday.
(d)These are fresh mangoes brought by me yesterday.

Answer. (a): These are fresh mangoes which I bought yesterday.

03 45 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 2 and Answer

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) My best friend, John is named __________ his grandfather.
(b) A grey mist hung __________ the fields.
(c) The little girl spoke __________ against the bully.

(d) They accused him ___________ theft.
(e) The police got the fire ___________ control.
(f) There is a bridge ___________ the river.
(g) The driver jumped __________ the car.
(h) I have not seen my uncle __________ last summer.

Answer.

a. After

b. Over

c. Out

d. Of

e. Under

f. Across

g. Into/ Out of

h. Since

03 30 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Grammar Question 1 and Answer

Fill in the Blanks:

We (1) __________ (find) a dead mouse (2) __________ (lie) among our
treasures. It (3) __________ (be) an exciting discovery. A boy took it up by
its tail and (4) __________ (wave) it in front of our faces.
“What shall we do with it?” he (5) __________ (cry). “It stinks!” someone
(6) __________ (shout).
“Throw it out of the window quick!”
He (7) __________ (hesitate). They all (8) __________ (look) at me.

Answer.

1. Found

2. Lying

3. Was

4. Waved

5. Cried

6. Shouted

7. Hesitated

8. Looked

03 15 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Notice & Email Writing 1

1. Your school is hosting an Inter-School Story Writing Competition. Write a notice informing the students about the event.
2. Write an email to a famous person inviting him/her to be the Judge on the occasion.

03 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Letter Writing 1

1. Your grandmother has taught you a special skill. Write a letter thanking her. Explain how you will use that skill and why it is important to you.
2. There is no bus stop in your locality. Write a letter to the Municipal
   The commissioner of your town/city is complaining about the problem. Offer possible solutions.

02 45 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 2

1. Describe what you see and hear as you move about the corridors and
compound during your school break time. How does the scene change after
the bell rings?

2. 'More collaboration, less competition is the need of the hour’.
Express your views either for or against this statement.

02 30 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Composition Question 1

1. Write an original short story in which a poor tailor wins an award that
changes his/her life.

2. Your friends once played a harmless prank on you. Give an account of what
happened, your response to the prank and what you learnt from the experience.

02 15 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

CollegeDekho Expert's Tip: How to write a Precis?

• The Grid: 5 columns X 10 rows
• Content: Focus on the specific main points asked in the questions 
• Drafting: Write down the rough version of the first, which ensures that the candidates cover 50 words

02 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

How to perfectly write an Email in ICSE 10th Paper 1 English exam 2026?

• To: Don't forget to use a valid-looking ID (principal@school.com).
• Subject: It is mandatory to match the Notice 
• Opening: "Dear Sir/ Madam"
• Body: State the event, date, and time, and ask for a response 

01 45 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

What is the letter writing format?

• Sender's Address: Top left. No name should be there.
• Date should be written in full format (For instance: 16th February, 2026). It should not be written like "Feb"
• Receiver's Address (Formal Only): Designation on the first line (Eg, The Principal)
• Salutation: Dear Sir/ Madam (Formal) or Dearest (Name in case of Informal)
• Subscription: Formal: Yours faithfully (Small 'f') and Informal: Yours Affectionately (Small 'a')
• Content: Keep the formal letters brief (it should be wrapped up in 3 paragraphs). Keep the informal letters conversational. 

01 30 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

What is the expert time management strategy?

01 15 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

What are the most important topics for Grammar?

CollegeDekho expert addresses the Grammar section as the most scoring section of the ICSE Paper 1 exam, and hence, it is called the "Mathematical" section. 

• Prepositions: This is coomparatively tricky part. Also, candidates are advised to practice the "Phrasal Verbs" more.
• Synthesis (Joining Sentences): Try to avoid "and", "but" or "so" unnecessarily. In turn, use participles or relative pronouns 
• Transformation Rules: Memorize the specific "pairs", such as 
  • No sooner...than
  • Hardly....when
  • Despite......(no 'of')/ In spite of
  • Too....to/ So....that

01 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

CollegeDekho's Expert Tip: How to add extra marks in Composition section?

Composition is the "First Impression" section, which carries 20 marks. Here are the pro expert's tips:

• Before you write the answers, spend 5 minutes planning the outline
• Avoid using "Flowery" words; instead, use precise vocabulary
• Always check the tense. For instance, if the candidates start a narrative in the past tense, then they should maintain it thoroughly

12 45 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

Important Instructions regarding ICSE English 1 Unseen Passage

• Comprehension: Examine the ability of the candidates to find the answers within the given text
• Vocabulary: Finding the word in the passage that is similar in meaning (as given synonyms)
• Precis/ Summary: Candidates should summarize a specific part of the passage (exactly 50 words)

12 30 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

What are the important revision checklist?

Notice: Is the venue split into Small venue? For instance: Small venue: Hall and Large venue: School)?

Grammar: Have you memorized the "No sooner... than" and "Hardly....when" rules?

Letter: Do you use "Yours faithfully" (for formal letter) vs "Yours affectionately" (for informal letter)

12 15 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

Which is the most scoring section of ICSE English 1 exam 2026?

Functional Grammar is the most scoring section. The test takers should focus on four pillars:

• Tenses: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb
• Prepositions: Select the correct word (e.g., "complied with," "abstain from")
• Synthesis: Joining of two sentences into one without using the "And", "But", or "So"
• Transformation of Sentences: Rewriting the sentences using "No sooner...than", "Too...to", or changing the Active to Passive voice without changing the meaning

12 00 PM IST - 16 Feb'26

Instructions for ICSE English Exam Notice & Email Writing

• Notice: There should be one creative title, the name of the event, date, the time, and the venue properly mentioned
• Email: It needs a professional subject line, a clear Call to Action, and a formal Salutation.

11 45 AM IST - 16 Feb'26

Instructions for ICSE Paper 1 English Composition

• Narrative: Writing a story
• Argumentative: Representation of a "For" and "Against" case
• Picture Composition: Describe a story based on a provided image

Pro Tip: There should be a clear structure while writing the Picture composition questions, for instance, there should be an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

11 30 AM IST - 16 Feb'26

Instructions for ICSE Paper 1 Exam Formal Letter Writing

Usually, the candidates are asked to write a letter to:

• A principal
• Municipal Commissioner
• Editor

There should be a clear "Subject," and your writing should be in a professional tone. 

11 13 AM IST - 16 Feb'26

ICSE English Exam 2026 Section-Wise Weightage