The CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for the academic year 2025-26 is designed to enhance students’ proficiency in the language while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. The syllabus is divided into three main sections: Reading Skills, Writing Skills & Grammar, and Literature.
The Reading Skills section focuses on improving comprehension abilities through unseen passages, testing students on their analytical and inferential skills. The Writing Skills & Grammar segment includes formal writing tasks such as notices, advertisements, invitations, letters, reports, and articles, helping students develop structured and coherent writing techniques.
The Literature component consists of two prescribed books, Flamingo (Core) and Vistas (Supplementary Reader)—which include a selection of prose and poetry that explore diverse themes, cultures, and perspectives. These literary texts aim to enhance linguistic proficiency while encouraging interpretative and reflective thinking.
The syllabus emphasizes holistic language development through reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring a competency-based approach that nurtures creativity and the real-life application of language skills.
By engaging with this syllabus, students develop the necessary language skills for higher education and professional communication, making them confident and articulate individuals in a globalized world.
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26
We have provided the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26, including a PDF download link for easy access. In addition, students can also review the marking scheme, exam pattern, and course structure for the CBSE Board Class 12th English exam.
In this article, you will find detailed information about the course structure, exam pattern, and marking scheme for the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for the 2025 board exams. Understanding these elements is essential for effective preparation and to excel in the upcoming exams.
- Exam Pattern: Detailed analysis of question types and section-wise marks distribution.
- Marking Scheme: Understanding how each section is weighted in the final assessment.
- Course Structure: Complete breakdown of all topics, reading skills, creative writing skills, and literature components.
CBSE Class 12 English (Core) Exam Pattern 2025–26
Total Marks & Duration
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Total Marks: 100
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Theory Paper: 80 marks
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Internal Assessment: 20 marks (Listening & Speaking Skills + Project)
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Duration: 3 hours
Paper Structure (Theory: 80 Marks)
The written exam is divided into three compulsory sections:
1) Section A – Reading Skills
✔ Marks: 22 marks
✔ Tests comprehension, interpretation, inference, and vocabulary through unseen passages (factual, descriptive, literary, case-based etc.).
Typical inclusions:
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Unseen passages with objective and short-answer questions
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Case-based extracts with visual/verbal inputs (charts/data)
2) Section B – Creative Writing & Grammar
✔ Marks: 18–20 marks
✔ Evaluates writing and grammar skills with tasks such as:
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Notice Writing
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Formal/Informal Invitations & Replies
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Letters (e.g., job application, letter to editor)
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Article/Report Writing
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Grammar Based Tasks (sentence transformation, editing etc.)
3) Section C – Literature
✔ Marks: 40 marks
✔ Based on prescribed texts (NCERT English books: Flamingo and Vistas):
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Prose and poetry from Flamingo
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Short stories and chapters from Vistas
The section includes extract-based questions, short answer and long answer questions.
Internal Assessment – 20 Marks
This portion is completed by the school, and includes:
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Listening Skills Assessment: 5 marks
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Speaking Skills Assessment: 5 marks
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Project Work + Viva/Portfolio: 10 marks
CBSE Class 12 English (Elective) – Overview
For English Elective (Code 001) the pattern is similar in terms of section division and marks (80-theory + 20 internal).
Three sections — Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Textbooks/Literature
Reading may include multiple unseen passages and poetry comprehension with objective questions as per CBSE sample paper structure.
Section-Wise Marks Breakdown (Typical Format)
| Section | Focus | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Skills | Unseen passages, case-based extracts | ~20–22 |
| Creative Writing & Grammar | Notices, letters, articles, grammar tasks | ~18–20 |
| Literature | Prose & poetry interpretation | ~40 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | Listening, speaking, project | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
Class 12 English Syllabus Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)
I. Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage
- Unseen Passage
- Comprehension, interpretation, analysis, and inference will be assessed.
- Vocabulary assessment will also be based on inference.
- The passage may be factual, descriptive, or literary.
- Case-Based Factual Passage
- This passage will include verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts, etc., to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and evaluation.
Note: The combined word limit for both passages is 700-750 words.
Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Objective Type Questions, and Short Answer Type Questions (to be answered in 40-50 words).
Class 12 English Syllabus Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
II. Creative Writing Skills
| Task | Word Limit | Marks Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Notice | Up to 50 words | 4 Marks (Format: 1, Content: 2, Spelling & Grammar: 1) |
| Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply | Up to 50 words | 4 Marks (Format: 1, Content: 2, Spelling & Grammar: 1) |
| Letters (Job application with bio-data/resume or Letter to Editor) | 120-150 words | 5 Marks (Format: 1, Organisation of Ideas: 1, Content: 2, Spelling & Grammar: 1) |
| Article/Report Writing | 120-150 words | 5 Marks (Format: 1, Organisation of Ideas: 1, Content: 2, Spelling & Grammar: 1) |
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 Section C: Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text (40 Marks)
This section includes different types of questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and extrapolation beyond the text.
| Question | Source | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 7. Poetry Extract | Flamingo | 6 Marks (6×1) |
| 8. Prose Extract | Vistas | 4 Marks (4×1) |
| 9. Prose Extract | Flamingo | 6 Marks (6×1) |
| 10. Short Answer Questions (Flamingo Prose & Poetry) | Answer in 40-50 words, 5 out of 6 questions to be answered | 10 Marks (5×2) |
| 11. Short Answer Questions (Vistas Prose) | Answer in 40-50 words, 2 out of 3 questions to be answered | 4 Marks (2×2) |
| 12. Long Answer Question (Flamingo) | Answer in 120-150 words | 5 Marks (1×5) |
| 13. Long Answer Question (Vistas) | Answer in 120-150 words | 5 Marks (1×5) |
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26: Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
| Assessment Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Listening Skills | 5 |
| Speaking Skills | 5 |
| Project Work | 10 |
Prescribed Books
- Flamingo: Published by NCERT, New Delhi
- Prose: The Last Lesson, Lost Spring, Deep Water, The Rattrap, Indigo, Poets and Pancakes, The Interview, Going Places.
- Poetry: My Mother at Sixty-Six, Keeping Quiet, A Thing of Beauty, A Roadside Stand, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers.
- Vistas: Published by NCERT, New Delhi
- Chapters: The Third Level, The Tiger King, Journey to the End of the Earth, The Enemy, On the Face of It, Memories of Childhood, The Cutting of My Long Hair, We Too are Human Beings.
CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2025-26
| Section | Competencies | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Skills | Conceptual understanding, decoding, analyzing, interpreting, appreciating, summarizing, using appropriate formats. | 22 |
| Creative Writing Skills | Conceptual understanding, application, analysis, evaluation, creativity, appropriate style/tone, using suitable formats. | 18 |
| Literature Text Book & Supplementary Reading Text | Recalling, reasoning, critical thinking, appreciating literary convention, creativity, fluency. | 40 |
| TOTAL | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 English Internal Assessment Marks
In this section, we have discussed the internal assessment marks, which are crucial for students to understand thoroughly to score well in the exams. Proper knowledge of the internal assessment helps students plan and perform better in both practical and theoretical components.
| Internal Assessment | Marks |
|---|---|
| Listening Skills | 5 |
| Speaking Skills | 5 |
| Project Work | 10 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF Download
The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 is now available for students to download in PDF format. This updated syllabus outlines the course structure, exam pattern, and marking scheme, providing essential details for effective exam preparation. Students can easily access the syllabus to ensure they are well-prepared for the board exams.
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26-Click Here To Download PDF
Tips to Cover CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26
Simple and practical tips to cover the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus 2025–26 easily and effectively, especially useful if you want good scores with smart effort:
Know the Syllabus & Weightage First
CBSE Class 12 English includes:
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Flamingo (Prose + Poetry)
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Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
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Creative Writing Skills
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Reading Comprehension
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Literature-based questions
Tip: Focus more on literature + writing skills, as they carry maximum marks.
Read NCERT Thoroughly (Key Rule)
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Read each chapter/poem at least 2–3 times
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Focus on:
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Theme
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Character sketch
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Central idea & message
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Poetry: Learn poetic devices with examples
NCERT lines are often used directly in exam questions.
Make Short Chapter Notes
For every chapter/poem, note:
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Summary (120–150 words)
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Important quotes
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Literary devices
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Expected questions
This helps in quick revision before exams.
Master Writing Skills (Scoring Area)
Practice formats regularly:
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Notice & Invitation
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Formal Letters
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Article & Report Writing
Tip: Use simple language, proper format, and clear headings to score full marks.
Practice Reading Comprehension Daily
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Practice 1 unseen passage daily
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Focus on:
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Keywords
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Vocabulary-based questions
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Inference-based answers
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Improves speed and accuracy.
Learn Answer Writing Technique
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Write to-the-point answers
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Support answers with textual references
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Avoid unnecessary explanations
Pro tip: Use paragraph form for 5–6 mark questions.
Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers
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Solve last 5 years’ CBSE papers
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Identify repeated themes and questions
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Practice within time limit
Revise Smartly Before Exams
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Revise:
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Summaries
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Quotes
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Formats
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Do full mock tests in the last month
Best plan: Revise literature every alternate day.
Use Reference Books Wisely
Best books:
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NCERT (Most important)
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Oswaal / Arihant Question Banks
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Xam Idea English Core
Avoid reading too many guides.
Stay Consistent (Not Lengthy Study)
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Study English 30–45 minutes daily
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Mix reading + writing practice
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Revise weekly
Final Tip for Easy Scoring
English is a high-scoring subject if:
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Concepts are clear
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Writing is neat & structured
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NCERT is followed strictly
If you want, I can also share:
✔️ Chapter-wise important questions
✔️ Sample study timetable
✔️ Most expected questions for 2025–26
Related Articles:
Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26: FAQs
1. What are the main sections in the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for 2025-26?
- The syllabus is divided into three sections:
- Section A: Reading Skills (Unseen Passages, Note-making & Summarization)
- Section B: Creative Writing Skills (Notice, Advertisements, Letters, Article Writing, etc.)
- Section C: Literature (Flamingo & Vistas textbooks)
2. Which books are included in the Class 12 English syllabus?
- The prescribed NCERT textbooks are:
- Flamingo (Main Reader)
- Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
3. What are the major topics covered in the literature section?
- Some important prose and poetry chapters include:
- Flamingo:
- The Last Lesson (Prose)
- Lost Spring (Prose)
- Deep Water (Prose)
- My Mother at Sixty-Six (Poetry)
- Keeping Quiet (Poetry)
- Vistas:
- The Third Level (Prose)
- The Tiger King (Prose)
- Journey to the End of the Earth (Prose)
- Flamingo:
4. What is the exam pattern for CBSE Class 12 English in 2025-26?
- The theory paper is worth 80 marks, divided as follows:
- Reading Skills (20 Marks)
- Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks)
- Literature (40 Marks)
- The remaining 20 marks are for the Internal Assessment, which includes listening and speaking skills.
5. Are there any changes in the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for 2025-26?
- CBSE may introduce minor modifications, so it is recommended to check the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) for the latest updates on the syllabus.
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