CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 2
Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/2/1, section A, question 2, for 10 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.
Q2 · 10 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedReading (unseen passages)
Read the following passage carefully:
(1) The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising 'disposable incomes', increased urbanization, and changing lifestyles. In contemporary times, people are more aware about their personal grooming.
(2) In the year 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore and is projected to reach around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028. This robust performance is driven as a result of strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings due to increasing awareness of personal grooming, skin care routines among consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, who are the dominant demographic in cosmetics purchase, as they seek trendy and innovative solutions.
(3) The cosmetics industry is broadly divided into various segments such as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. Skincare leads the segments, accounting for nearly 35% of the market, followed by hair care at 25%. Colour cosmetics — including make-up products have seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic, due to the rise of e-commerce and social media. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding access to cosmetics especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. In fact, online sales contribute to around 25% of total cosmetics sales in India.
(4) Over and above that, men's grooming has emerged as a significant segment, valued at around ₹ 25,000 crore in the year 2024 with increasing demand for beard care, skin care and fragrances customized to men. This growth is fuelled by social media influencers, coupled with the increase of gender-neutral cosmetic formulations. This shows an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance augments confidence, dismantling archaic stereotypes associated with male cosmetics consumption.
(5) Though the cosmetics industry plays a vital role in the Indian economy, it faces several challenges including managing intense competition, complying with regulations, ensuring product quality, and addressing ethical sourcing concerns. In addition, the industry struggles with copied products, adapting to changing consumer preferences and navigating the complexities of the supply chain.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
- (i)1 mark
Complete the sentence with a reason: The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of ____________. [Paragraph (1)]
- (ii)1 mark
What does the phrase 'thrives on innovation' tell us about the cosmetic industry? [Paragraph (1)]
- (A)The industry is slow-growing.
- (B)The industry is growing and evolving by the day.
- (C)The industry is becoming popular in rural areas.
- (D)The industry is gradually becoming more expensive.
- (iii)1 mark
Identify the word that indicates that the cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow. [Paragraph (2)]
- (iv)1 mark
Given that teenagers and young adults form the primary group for cosmetics purchases, what are the key factors that shape their buying decisions? [Paragraph (2)]
- (v)1 mark
Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. [Paragraph (2)]
Assertion: The Indian cosmetics market generated a profit of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore in 2024.
Reason: It became possible due to strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings.- (A)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
- (B)Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
- (C)The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
- (D)The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
- (vi)1 mark
How has the rise of e-commerce platforms impacted the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry? Explain in 30 – 40 words. [Paragraph (3)]
- (vii)1 mark
Based on your understanding of Paragraph (3), fill in the blank with suitable options: The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is _________ (20%, 25%, 35%) approximately.
- (viii)1 mark
Complete the sentence suitably: That men's grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes ____________________________. [Paragraph (4)]
- (ix)2 marks
Mention any two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present. [Paragraph (5)]
Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/2/1.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
Read each paragraph named and pick out the exact phrase.
Hint 2
For (iii), look for a word meaning 'forecast' in paragraph 2.
Hint 3
For (v), check whether the Assertion matches the passage and whether the Reason explains it.
Step-by-step solution
Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.
- 1 mark
(i) The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of evolving beauty standards and the influence of social media.
- 1 mark
(ii) (B) The industry is growing and evolving by the day.
- 1 mark
(iii) The word is 'projected'.
- 1 mark
(iv) Increasing awareness of personal grooming and skincare routines, and the search for trendy, innovative solutions, shape their choices.
- 1 mark
(v) (A) The market earned about ₹1,34,000 crore, and strong e-commerce and demand for organic and premium products explain it. Note that the passage says 'revenue', not 'profit'. The scheme accepts A (or D in the alternate printing).
- 1 mark
(vi) E-commerce has widened access to cosmetics, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. Online sales now contribute about 25% of total cosmetics sales in India, which boosts revenue.
- 1 mark
(vii) 35%.
- 1 mark
(viii) It symbolizes an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance boosts confidence and old stereotypes are dismantled.
- 2 marks
(ix) Two challenges: intense competition; complying with regulations (also ensuring product quality, copied products).
Answer: (i) evolving beauty standards/social media influence; (ii) B; (iii) projected; (iv) awareness of grooming/skincare, trendy products; (v) A; (vi) wider access in Tier II/III cities, about 25% of sales; (vii) 35%; (viii) aspirational pursuit of refinement; (ix) intense competition, regulatory compliance
Where the marks are
- (i) A valid reason (1 mark)
- (ii) B (1 mark)
- (iii) projected (1 mark)
- (iv) One valid factor (1 mark)
- (v) A (1 mark)
- (vi) Expanded access or 25% share (1 mark)
- (vii) 35% (1 mark)
- (viii) Aspirational refinement or dismantling stereotypes (1 mark)
- (ix) Two challenges (2 marks)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Reading (unseen passages)
More questions from Reading (unseen passages)
- 2026 board paper, set 2/4/1, Q1 · 10 marksRead the following text: (1) Every year, countless flocks of birds take to the skies in one of nature’s most r…
- 2026 board paper, set 2/4/1, Q2 · 10 marksRead the following text: (1) A detailed study conducted across various industries and research sectors has she…
- 2026 board paper, set 2/5/1, Q1 · 10 marksRead the following text: (1) Forests are often called the lungs of the Earth, and in India, they are an integr…
The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.