RIMC Entrance Exam 2026 Complete Preparation Hub
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Practice Papers (Mock Set 1)
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RIMC English Mock Test 1 Overview (125 Marks)
The Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) Entrance Examination 2026 for Class VIII admission will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 06 December 2026 (Sunday). As confirmed by official notification, the English paper carries 125 maximum marks and tests student command over grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, letter writing, composition, and story writing.
Student Instructions:
- Attempt all 45 questions in order.
- Write neat, grammatically correct answers with proper punctuation and spelling.
- Organize essay, letter, and story writing into distinct paragraphs.
- Respect word limits for writing skill tasks (120–180 words).
- Complete the paper within 120 minutes without referring to books or internet.
SECTION A – Grammar & Vocabulary
Questions 1–20 | 1 Mark Each | Total: 20 MarksQ1. Fill in the blank with the correct article:
Riya saw ___ elephant in the forest.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (b) an
Explanation: The word 'elephant' begins with a vowel sound (/ɛ/), so the indefinite article an is used.
Q2. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:
The children are sitting ___ the classroom.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (c) in
Explanation: The preposition in is used for enclosed spaces like a room or classroom.
Q3. Choose the correct plural form of “child”.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (c) Children
Explanation: 'Child' takes an irregular plural form Children (never 'Childrens' or 'Childs').
Q4. Write the opposite of:
Brave
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Cowardly / Timid
Explanation: The antonym of 'brave' is cowardly, fearful, or timid.
Q5. Write a synonym of:
Happy
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Joyful / Glad / Cheerful
Explanation: Synonyms for 'happy' include joyful, cheerful, delighted, or glad.
Q6. Choose the correctly spelt word:
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (c) Environment
Explanation: The correct spelling is E-N-V-I-R-O-N-M-E-N-T.
Q7. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb:
She ___ to school every day.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (b) goes
Explanation: Third-person singular subject ('She') with routine action ('every day') takes goes in Simple Present Tense.
Q8. Identify the adjective in the sentence:
“The little boy carried a heavy bag.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: little and heavy
Explanation: Little modifies the noun 'boy' and heavy modifies the noun 'bag'. Both are adjectives.
Q9. Identify the pronoun:
“They went to the market in the evening.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: They
Explanation: They is a third-person plural personal pronoun functioning as the subject of the sentence.
Q10. Write the feminine form of:
King
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Queen
Explanation: The feminine gender equivalent of 'King' is Queen.
Q11. Write the masculine form of:
Queen
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: King
Explanation: The masculine gender equivalent of 'Queen' is King.
Q12. Choose the correct conjunction:
I wanted to play, ___ it was raining.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: (b) but
Explanation: The conjunction but shows contrast between wanting to play and rain preventing it.
Q13. Change into plural:
“The farmer has a cow.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: The farmers have cows.
Explanation: Subject 'farmer' becomes farmers, verb 'has' becomes have, and object 'a cow' becomes cows.
Q14. Write the meaning of the idiom:
“A piece of cake”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Something very easy or effortless to do.
Explanation: Example: “Solving the first basic math problem was a piece of cake.”
Q15. Make a meaningful sentence using:
Honest
▶ View Answer & Solution
Model Sentence: Rohan is an honest boy who always speaks the truth.
Explanation: Ensure correct usage of 'honest' as an adjective with proper subject-verb structure.
Q16. Write the antonym of:
Ancient
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Modern / Recent
Explanation: 'Ancient' refers to long ago; its opposite is modern, recent, or contemporary.
Q17. Write the synonym of:
Quick
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Fast / Rapid / Swift
Explanation: Synonyms for 'quick' include fast, rapid, speedy, or swift.
Q18. Identify the adverb:
“The soldier walked slowly.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: slowly
Explanation: Slowly is an adverb of manner modifying the action verb 'walked'.
Q19. Change the sentence into the past tense:
“Rahul plays cricket.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Rahul played cricket.
Explanation: Simple Present verb 'plays' converts to Simple Past played.
Q20. Add a suitable question tag:
“You are ready, ______?”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: aren't you?
Explanation: A positive statement ('You are ready') takes a negative question tag (aren't you?).
SECTION B – Grammar, Sentence Formation & Transformation
Questions 21–35 | 2 Marks Each | Total: 30 MarksQ21. Change into negative:
“She likes mangoes.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: She does not like mangoes. (or: She doesn't like mangoes.)
Explanation: Present tense with third person singular subject uses does not + base verb.
Q22. Change into interrogative:
“He is your brother.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Is he your brother?
Explanation: Invert subject 'he' and auxiliary verb 'is' to form a question.
Q23. Rearrange the words to make a meaningful sentence:
morning / every / exercise / I / do
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: I do exercise every morning.
Explanation: Subject (I) + Verb phrase (do exercise) + Time modifier (every morning).
Q24. Correct the sentence:
“He do not like milk.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: He does not like milk.
Explanation: Singular subject 'He' takes does not instead of 'do not'.
Q25. Change into plural:
“The woman is carrying a basket.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: The women are carrying baskets.
Explanation: 'Woman' -> women, 'is' -> are, 'a basket' -> baskets.
Q26. Change into singular:
“The boys are playing in the field.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: The boy is playing in the field.
Explanation: 'Boys' -> boy, 'are' -> is.
Q27. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:
The book is ___ the table and the pen is ___ the book.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: on, near / beside / next to
Explanation: “The book is on the table and the pen is near (or beside) the book.”
Q28. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles:
___ sun rises in ___ east.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: The, the
Explanation: Definite article The is required before unique celestial bodies ('sun') and cardinal directions ('east').
Q29. Change into indirect speech:
Ravi said, “I am tired.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Ravi said that he was tired.
Explanation: First-person pronoun 'I' changes to 'he' matching Ravi, and present tense 'am' changes to past tense was.
Q30. Change into direct speech:
Mother said that she was busy.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Mother said, “I am busy.”
Explanation: Convert back to reported words enclosed in double quotes with present tense.
Q31. Change the following into the future tense:
“The students attend the examination.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: The students will attend the examination.
Explanation: Simple Future Tense is formed using will + base verb (attend).
Q32. Identify the subject and predicate:
“The brave soldiers defended the country.”
▶ View Answer & Solution
Subject: The brave soldiers | Predicate: defended the country
Explanation: The complete noun phrase performing the action is the subject, and the verb phrase + object forms the predicate.
Q33. Write the comparative and superlative forms:
Good
▶ View Answer & Solution
Comparative: Better | Superlative: Best
Explanation: 'Good' undergoes irregular degree transformation: Good -> Better -> Best.
Q34. Join the two sentences using a suitable conjunction:
Sentence 1: I was tired.
Sentence 2: I completed my homework.
▶ View Answer & Solution
Correct Answer: Although I was tired, I completed my homework. (or: I was tired, but I completed my homework.)
Explanation: Conjunctions like but or although express contrasting ideas effectively.
Q35. Correct the following sentences:
(a) He have two brothers.
(b) She go to school every day.
▶ View Answer & Solution
(a) He has two brothers.
(b) She goes to school every day.
Explanation: Both sentences contained subject-verb agreement errors for third-person singular subjects ('He' & 'She').
SECTION C – Reading Comprehension
Questions 36–40 | 5 Marks Each | Total: 25 MarksPassage
Discipline is an important quality in the life of every student. A disciplined student understands the value of time and completes his or her work regularly. Discipline does not mean that a person cannot enjoy life. Instead, it helps a person balance study, exercise, rest and recreation.
Students who develop good habits at an early age often find it easier to achieve their goals. Waking up on time, keeping books organised, listening carefully in class and completing homework regularly are simple examples of discipline.
Discipline is also important for members of the armed forces. Soldiers must follow instructions, respect their responsibilities and work together as a team. These qualities help them face difficult situations with courage and determination.
Q36. What is discipline according to the passage? (5 Marks)
▶ View Answer & Solution
Model Answer:
According to the passage, discipline is an essential quality in every student's life that helps them understand the value of time and complete work regularly. Rather than restricting enjoyment, discipline helps individuals maintain a healthy balance between study, exercise, rest, and recreation.
Q37. Write two examples of discipline mentioned in the passage. (5 Marks)
▶ View Answer & Solution
Model Answer:
Two simple examples of discipline mentioned in the passage are:
1. Waking up on time every day.
2. Keeping books organised and completing homework regularly. (or: listening carefully in class).
Q38. Why is discipline important for students? (5 Marks)
▶ View Answer & Solution
Model Answer:
Discipline is important for students because it instills good habits at an early age, helping them manage their time effectively and achieve their personal and academic goals with greater ease.
Q39. Why is discipline important for members of the armed forces? (5 Marks)
▶ View Answer & Solution
Model Answer:
Discipline is vital for members of the armed forces because soldiers must strictly follow orders, honour their duties, and function smoothly as a team. These qualities enable them to tackle difficult and high-risk situations with bravery, courage, and determination.
Q40. Find words from the passage that have meanings similar to: (5 Marks)
(a) Objectives
(b) Bravery
▶ View Answer & Solution
(a) Objectives = Goals
(b) Bravery = Courage
Both words are directly taken from Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 of the comprehension passage.
SECTION D – Writing Skills & Composition
Questions 41–45 | 10 Marks Each | Total: 50 MarksQ41. Letter Writing – 10 Marks
Write a letter to your friend describing how you are preparing for the RIMC Entrance Examination. Include proper format, greeting, preparation routine, subjects studied, your goal, and closing. (Word limit: 120–150 words)
▶ View Model Answer & Format
Flat No. 42, Green Park Avenue
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Date: 22 September 2026
Dear Aarav,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to share how my preparation for the RIMC Entrance Examination 2026 is progressing.
My exam is scheduled for December 2026, and I have created a disciplined study routine. Every morning, I dedicate two hours to descriptive Mathematics, solving algebraic equations and geometry problems. In the afternoon, I work on English grammar, vocabulary, and daily essay composition to improve my writing speed. For General Knowledge, I regularly read newspapers and solve current affairs quizzes.
My goal is to secure admission in Class VIII at RIMC Dehradun and eventually serve the nation. I am confident that consistent hard work will help me achieve my goal.
Please give my regards to your parents.
Yours affectionately,
Rohan
Q42. Composition – 10 Marks
Write a composition on: “My Aim in Life”. You may include your goal, reason for choice, preparation strategy, and how you will serve society. (Word limit: 150–180 words)
▶ View Model Essay
MY AIM IN LIFE
Everyone has an ambition that guides their actions and gives direction to their life. My ultimate aim in life is to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces by getting selected into the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun.
I have chosen this goal because I deeply respect the selfless service, courage, and discipline of our soldiers. Wearing the military uniform and guarding our nation's borders is the highest honor for me. To achieve this dream, I am preparing dedicatedly for the entrance exam by strengthening my Mathematics, English writing skills, and General Knowledge. Along with studies, I take part in outdoor sports and physical exercise to maintain physical fitness.
By joining the Defense Forces, I will serve my country with utmost dedication and protect its integrity. A life spent in service to the motherland is the most fulfilling purpose I can imagine.
Q43. Picture / Creative Writing – 10 Marks
Imagine a picture showing students participating in a school cleanliness drive. Write a paragraph describing the scene. Include where they are, what they are doing, teacher support, importance of cleanliness, and the core message. (Word limit: 120–150 words)
▶ View Model Writing
SCHOOL CLEANLINESS DRIVE
The picture depicts an inspiring scene of a school cleanliness drive organized in the school campus. A group of enthusiastic students dressed in neat uniforms can be seen actively collecting dry leaves, plastic wrappers, and discarded paper from the playground and corridors. Some students are holding green and blue dustbins to segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, while others are sweeping the pathways with brooms. Their teachers are guiding them and encouraging their efforts with warm appreciation. This activity highlights the essential truth that cleanliness is next to godliness. Maintaining a clean environment prevents diseases and creates a positive learning atmosphere. The activity sends a powerful message that keeping our surroundings clean is the collective responsibility of every citizen.
Q44. Unseen Passage & Vocabulary – 10 Marks
Read the short passage below and answer questions (a) to (e):
“Books are valuable friends. They provide knowledge, improve our imagination and help us understand the world around us. A good book can teach us about history, science, nature and different cultures. Reading also improves vocabulary and writing skills. Students should develop the habit of reading every day. Even reading for twenty minutes can gradually improve language skills. However, students should choose books that are suitable for their age and interests.”
Questions (2 Marks Each):
- Why are books called valuable friends?
- Name any two things we can learn from books.
- How does reading help students?
- How much daily reading is suggested in the passage?
- Write the opposite of “valuable”.
▶ View Answers & Explanations
(a) Books are called valuable friends because they provide knowledge, expand imagination, and help us understand the world around us.
(b) We can learn about history, science, nature, and different cultures from books.
(c) Reading helps students by expanding their vocabulary, enhancing writing skills, and strengthening language proficiency.
(d) The passage suggests reading for at least twenty minutes every day.
(e) Opposite of 'valuable' is worthless or valueless.
Q45. Story Writing – 10 Marks
Complete the story starting with: “One morning, a boy named Arjun was walking to school. On the way, he saw a wallet lying near a bus stop. He picked it up and found some money and an identity card inside...” (Word limit: 150–180 words)
▶ View Model Story
THE LOST WALLET
One morning, a boy named Arjun was walking to school. On the way, he saw a wallet lying near a bus stop. He picked it up and found some money and an identity card inside. Instead of keeping the money for himself, Arjun read the name and phone number on the identity card, which belonged to a senior citizen named Mr. Sharma.
Without hesitation, Arjun informed his school principal about the lost wallet. The principal helped him contact Mr. Sharma, who arrived at the school shortly after. Mr. Sharma was immensely relieved as the wallet contained important medical prescriptions along with cash. He thanked Arjun with tears of gratitude and offered him a reward, but Arjun politely declined, saying that helping someone in need was his duty.
The principal praised Arjun's honesty in front of the entire school assembly. Moral: Honesty is the best policy, and good deeds are always rewarded with respect.
RIMC English Marks Distribution & Structure
| Section | Topic & Skill Focus | Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Grammar, Vocabulary, Articles, Prepositions & Tenses | 1–20 | 1 Mark | 20 Marks |
| Section B | Sentence Transformation, Speech, Voice & Clauses | 21–35 | 2 Marks | 30 Marks |
| Section C | Reading Comprehension Passage | 36–40 | 5 Marks | 25 Marks |
| Section D | Writing Skills (Letter, Essay, Story, Picture & Unseen) | 41–45 | 10 Marks | 50 Marks |
| Total | Full English Descriptive Paper | 45 | — | 125 Marks |
Suggested 120-Minute Time Management Strategy
0–20 Mins
20 MinsComplete Section A Grammar & Vocabulary (Q1–Q20) quickly.
20–45 Mins
25 MinsSolve Section B Sentence Transformations (Q21–Q35).
45–70 Mins
25 MinsRead Passage carefully & answer Section C Comprehension (Q36–Q40).
70–112 Mins
42 MinsWrite Section D Letters, Essay & Story with proper paragraphs.
Final 8-Minute Checklist (112–120 Mins):
Check spelling, capital letters, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, letter layout format, paragraph separation, and confirm all 45 questions have been attempted.