Complaint Letter Class 10: CBSE Format and 6 Solved Samples
Updated
The CBSE format for a Class 10 complaint letter, with the marking scheme and six solved samples on common exam topics.
A complaint letter class 10 answer is a formal letter that reports a problem to the person or office able to fix it, such as a company, a shop, a municipal officer or an electricity department. In CBSE Class 10 English Language and Literature, the formal letter carries 5 marks and should be 100 to 120 words: 1 for format, 2 for content, 1 for organisation of ideas and 1 for accuracy. Describe the problem, give dates and reference numbers, explain its effect and ask for a specific remedy.
This guide gives the format, a fill-in practice letter, six solved samples and the checklist examiners use.
Key Takeaways
- Write the sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject and “Sir/Madam”.
- Paragraph 1: introduce yourself and state the complaint with dates or order numbers.
- Paragraph 2: explain the inconvenience or loss.
- Paragraph 3: request a clear remedy, such as replacement, refund or repair, within a time frame.
- Close with “Yours faithfully”, your name and designation if the question gives one.
Marks and Word Limit
| Point | CBSE Class 10 (English Language and Literature) |
|---|---|
| Marks | 5 |
| Word limit | 100 to 120 words |
| Choice | One of two questions |
| Format | 1 mark |
| Content | 2 marks |
| Organisation of ideas | 1 mark |
| Accuracy | 1 mark |
Always check the sample paper for your session, as question choices change every year.
Complaint Letter Class 10 Format
| # | Part | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sender’s address | 45, Model Town, Jalandhar (or Examination Hall) |
| 2 | Date | 30 October 2026 |
| 3 | Receiver | The Customer Care Manager, company name, city |
| 4 | Subject | Complaint regarding a defective mixer grinder |
| 5 | Salutation | Sir/Madam, |
| 6 | Paragraph 1 | What happened, with date, bill or order number |
| 7 | Paragraph 2 | Effect or inconvenience |
| 8 | Paragraph 3 | Remedy requested and time frame |
| 9 | Closing | Yours faithfully, signature, name |
Practise a Complaint Letter
Enter the details from your question. The letter updates as you type, so you can check its structure.
[Your address]
[The Customer Care Manager]
[Company name]
[City]
Subject: Complaint regarding [a defective product]
Sir/Madam,
[I bought a mixer grinder from your store on 12 October 2026 (Bill No. 4521). It stopped working within a week.]
[I have been unable to use it for my daily cooking, which has caused great inconvenience.]
I request you to [replace the product or refund the amount within seven days].
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
6 Solved Samples
Each complaint letter class 10 sample below keeps the body close to 120 words. Names and numbers are fictional.
1. Defective product to a company
45, Model Town
Jalandhar
30 October 2026
The Customer Care Manager
BrightHome Appliances Ltd.
Ludhiana
Subject: Complaint regarding a defective mixer grinder
Sir,
I bought a BrightHome mixer grinder (Model MG-500) from your authorised dealer, Sharma Electronics, on 12 October 2026 (Bill No. 4521). Within a week, the motor started making a loud noise and then stopped working.
The appliance is under a one-year warranty. However, the dealer has asked me to contact you directly.
I request you to replace the mixer grinder or arrange a repair within seven days. Copies of the bill and warranty card are enclosed.
Yours faithfully,
Amit Kohli
2. Garbage in the locality to the municipal officer
B-12, Rajendra Nagar
Patna
30 October 2026
The Health Officer
Patna Municipal Corporation
Patna
Subject: Complaint about garbage heaps in Rajendra Nagar
Sir,
I wish to draw your attention to the heaps of garbage lying near Road No. 5 in Rajendra Nagar. The garbage has not been collected for the last ten days.
The foul smell has made life difficult, and stray animals scatter the waste on the road. Moreover, residents fear the spread of dengue and other diseases.
I request you to arrange regular garbage collection and spraying of disinfectant in the area at the earliest.
Yours faithfully,
Neha Sinha
3. Frequent power cuts
24, Shastri Nagar
Meerut
30 October 2026
The Executive Engineer
Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd.
Meerut
Subject: Complaint regarding frequent power cuts
Sir,
Through this letter, I wish to complain about the frequent and unscheduled power cuts in Shastri Nagar for the past two weeks. On most days, electricity goes off for four to five hours.
Students cannot study in the evenings, and elderly residents suffer in the heat. Our earlier complaints on the helpline have brought no relief.
I request you to look into the matter and restore regular supply at the earliest.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Tyagi
4. Wrong item delivered by an online store
12, Lake View Apartments
Bhopal
30 October 2026
The Customer Support Manager
ShopKart Online Pvt. Ltd.
Bengaluru
Subject: Wrong item delivered against Order No. SK12345
Sir/Madam,
I ordered a pair of black running shoes (size 8) on your website on 20 October 2026, Order No. SK12345. However, the parcel delivered on 27 October contained brown formal shoes of size 9.
I have raised a request in the app, but it has not been resolved yet.
I request you to arrange pick-up of the wrong item and deliver the correct pair within a week, or refund the full amount.
Yours faithfully,
Sana Qureshi
5. Poor condition of a public park
7, Civil Lines
Jaipur
30 October 2026
The Commissioner
Jaipur Municipal Corporation
Jaipur
Subject: Complaint about the poor condition of Nehru Park
Sir,
I am a resident of Civil Lines and wish to bring to your notice the poor state of Nehru Park. The swings are broken, the lights do not work and the walking track is full of potholes.
Children cannot play safely, and senior citizens avoid morning walks.
I request you to repair the park facilities and arrange regular maintenance.
Yours faithfully,
Kavya Mathur
6. Irregular school bus service
18, Green Avenue
Amritsar
30 October 2026
The Transport In-charge
Spring Dale School
Amritsar
Subject: Complaint regarding irregular school bus service on Route 7
Sir,
I am a student of Class X-B and travel by the school bus on Route 7. For the last two weeks, the bus has been arriving 20 to 30 minutes late in the morning.
As a result, many of us miss the first period and the morning assembly.
I request you to look into the matter and ensure that the bus runs on time.
Yours faithfully,
Gurleen Kaur
Class X-B
How to Score Full Marks
- Copy the details from the question. Use the name, address and designation given.
- Add specific facts. Dates, bill numbers and places earn content marks.
- Keep three paragraphs. Problem, effect and remedy show good organisation.
- Stay polite but firm. Avoid rude words even when you are upset.
- Check the word count. Aim for about 120 words in the body.
Complaint Letter vs Letter to the Editor
| Point | Complaint letter | Letter to the editor |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver | The person or office that can fix the problem | Editor of a newspaper |
| Purpose | Get a specific remedy | Raise public awareness |
| Opening | I wish to complain about… | Through the columns of your newspaper… |
| Ending | Request for action within a time frame | Hope that authorities will act |
Useful Phrases
| Purpose | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Opening | I wish to draw your attention to… |
| Stating the problem | I am writing to complain about… |
| Explaining the effect | This has caused great inconvenience to… |
| Requesting action | I request you to look into the matter and… |
| Closing | I hope you will take prompt action. |
Common Mistakes
These slips cost marks in many complaint letter class 10 answers.
- No subject. Every formal letter needs a subject line.
- Missing reference numbers. Mention bill, order or complaint numbers.
- No remedy. Always say what action you want.
- Wrong closing. Use “Yours faithfully” with “Sir/Madam”.
Related Guides
For the other business letter in Class 10, see our placing order letter class 10 guide. The letter to editor format covers public issues, and formal letter writing explains the general layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of a complaint letter class 10?
Sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject, salutation, three paragraphs (problem, effect, remedy) and “Yours faithfully” with your name.
What is the word limit for a formal letter in Class 10?
CBSE sets 100 to 120 words for the formal letter in Class 10 English Language and Literature.
How is the Class 10 formal letter marked?
Out of 5: 1 for format, 2 for content, 1 for organisation of ideas and 1 for accuracy.
Who should a complaint letter be addressed to?
To the person or office that can solve the problem, such as the customer care manager, the municipal health officer or the executive engineer.
Should I write “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely”?
Write “Yours faithfully” when you begin with “Sir/Madam”.
Can I write a complaint letter to the principal?
Yes, for school problems. Address it to the principal or the relevant in-charge and follow the same format.
Practise Before the Exam
Write one complaint letter class 10 answer every week and time yourself to about 12 minutes. More formats are in our bank and official letters and school letters sections.
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