CBSE Class 10 English 2026: question 2
Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2026, paper 2/5/1, 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:
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in India:
(1) Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction globally. In India, the push for EVs is driven by concerns over air pollution, rising fuel costs and government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The Indian Government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, and 80% of two wheelers and three-wheelers to be electric by 2030.
(2) The benefits of EVs extend beyond environmental impact: Lower running cost due to cheaper electricity, reduces maintenance because of fewer moving parts, and lowers noise pollution in urban areas.
(3) Despite the promising outlook, the EV industry in India faces several challenges currently. While public charging stations are slowly increasing, their availability, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, remains a bottleneck. The initial high purchase cost of EVs and concerns about range or the fear of running out of charge are other causes of anxiety.
(4) To overcome these hurdles, the government is offering subsidies and tax benefits to make EVs more affordable. Private companies are investing in developing new EV models with improved battery technology for longer ranges and battery swapping technology is also being explored as a quick alternative to traditional charging.
(5) The Indian EV market is witnessing rapid growth, with sales figures steadily climbing. In 2023, India recorded sales of over 1.5 million EVs, a significant jump from previous years. Two-wheelers dominated the sales, followed by three-wheelers and then passenger cars. States like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have emerged as leaders in EV adoption, largely due to supportive state policies and greater awareness among consumers.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
- (i)2 marks
Electric vehicles offer multiple benefits in India. Support the above statement in 40 words with evidence from the text.
- (ii)1 mark
Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. Assertion: EVs are gaining traction in India. Reason: The Indian government is committed to reducing carbon emissions.
- (A)Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
- (B)Both the assertion and 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.
- (iii)1 mark
Justify the following statement: Despite governmental support, the initial cost of EVs remains a challenge for consumers.
- (iv)1 mark
Complete the following with one suitable reason from the text: The silent operation of EVs contributes to better urban living because _________.
- (v)1 mark
“In 2023, India recorded sales of over 1.5 million EVs, a significant jump from previous years.” State any one inference that can be drawn from the above statement.
- (vi)1 mark
According to the passage, what is ‘range anxiety’ in the context of electric vehicles?
- (vii)1 mark
Based on the given text, which type of EV dominated sales in India in 2023?
- (viii)1 mark
Complete the sentence suitably: To address the challenge of charging infrastructure, various initiatives are being undertaken, such as _________.
- (ix)1 mark
Give one reason to support why the adoption of EVs is slow in some parts of India.
Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 2/5/1.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
Paragraph 2 lists the benefits of EVs.
Hint 2
Range anxiety is explained in paragraph 3.
Hint 3
Paragraph 4 lists the efforts being made on charging.
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.
- 2 marks
(i) EVs have lower running costs because electricity is cheaper. They need less maintenance as they have fewer moving parts. They also reduce noise and air pollution in cities.
- 1 mark
(ii) Option A: both are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
- 1 mark
(iii) The purchase cost is high, which is why the government offers subsidies and tax benefits. Even so, the cost remains a cause of anxiety for consumers.
- 1 mark
(iv) It reduces noise pollution in urban areas.
- 1 mark
(v) The EV market is growing, and consumer acceptance of EVs is rising.
- 1 mark
(vi) Range anxiety is the fear of running out of charge while driving.
- 1 mark
(vii) Two-wheelers.
- 1 mark
(viii) Private companies investing in robust charging networks, or exploring battery swapping technology.
- 1 mark
(ix) Limited charging infrastructure, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.
Answer: (i) lower running cost, less maintenance, less pollution; (ii) A; (iii) high initial cost; (iv) reduces noise pollution; (v) EV market is growing; (vi) fear of running out of charge; (vii) two-wheelers; (viii) battery swapping; (ix) limited charging stations
Where the marks are
- (i) Any two benefits in about 40 words (2 marks)
- (ii) Option A (1 mark)
- (iii) Cost remains a challenge despite subsidies (1 mark)
- (iv) Reduces noise pollution (1 mark)
- (v) Valid inference (1 mark)
- (vi) Fear of running out of charge (1 mark)
- (vii) Two-wheelers (1 mark)
- (viii) Charging initiative (1 mark)
- (ix) One reason for slow adoption (1 mark)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Reading (unseen passages)
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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.