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CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26: English is one of the most important subjects in CBSE Class 12. Whether you are preparing for your board exams or competitive tests like CUET or UPSC in the future, having a strong command of English is a must. This guide will help you understand the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26, including both English Core and English Elective. We’ll also cover the best books, exam pattern, and study tips to help you score high marks.
📝 CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025-26
The English Core syllabus is the one followed by most CBSE-affiliated schools. It is designed to improve reading, writing, and literature skills in a practical and balanced way.
📂 Syllabus Breakdown
The syllabus is divided into three sections:
1. Reading Skills (22 Marks)
- Unseen Passage (Factual, Descriptive, or Literary)
- Case-based Passage with Data Interpretation, Inference, and Vocabulary
Skills tested: comprehension, interpretation, vocabulary, and inference
Tip: Practice 1-2 passages daily to improve reading speed and accuracy.
2. Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
- Notice Writing
- Formal and Informal Invitations and Replies
- Letter to the Editor/Job Application with Bio-data or Resume
- Article Writing or Report Writing
Skills tested: coherence, format, grammar, tone, and clarity
Tip: Stick to proper formats and word limits. Read examples from reference books.
3. Literature (40 Marks)
This section includes questions from two NCERT books:
📖 Flamingo (Prose + Poetry)
Prose
- The Last Lesson
- Lost Spring
- Deep Water
- The Rattrap
- Indigo
- Poets and Pancakes
- The Interview
- Going Places
Poetry
- My Mother at Sixty-Six
- An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
- Keeping Quiet
- A Thing of Beauty
- Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
📖 Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
- The Third Level
- The Tiger King
- Journey to the End of the Earth
- The Enemy
- Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
- On the Face of It
- Evans Tries an O-Level
- Memories of Childhood
Tip: Learn the main themes, characters, and literary devices. Practice long and short answer questions regularly.
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🧪 Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening and Speaking Skills: 10 marks
- Project Work (Based on Listening/Reading): 10 marks
📘 CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2025-26
English Elective is more advanced than English Core and is ideal for students who enjoy literature or want to pursue higher studies in English.
📂 Syllabus Breakdown
1. Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
- Two unseen passages with multiple-choice, short-answer, and vocabulary questions.
2. Creative Writing (20 Marks)
- Essay Writing (Descriptive or Reflective)
- Article/Report Writing
- Speech/Debate Writing
3. Literature (40 Marks)
Prescribed Books:
📗 Kaleidoscope – NCERT (Short Stories & Poems)
- Short Stories like “A Wedding in Brownsville”, “Pappachi’s Moth”, etc.
- Poems like “A Lecture Upon the Shadow”, “Kubla Khan”, etc.
📘 Fiction: A Tiger for Malgudi or The Invisible Man (Choose One)
📙 Drama: Chosen Plays from NCERT
Tip: This syllabus includes deeper literary analysis. Ideal for students passionate about English or planning for exams like BA English, CUET, UPSC, etc.
4. Project Work & Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening and Speaking
- Literature Review Project
📚 Best Books for Class 12 English (Core & Elective)
Choosing the right books can make a big difference in your preparation. Here’s a list of the most recommended books for scoring well in the English exam:
✅ For English Core:
- NCERT Flamingo (Main Reader)
- NCERT Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
- BBC Compacta for Class 12 English Core (Full Practice Guide)
- Oswaal Question Bank & Sample Papers
- Arihant CBSE English Core Sample Papers
- Xam Idea English Core Class 12
Bonus Tip: Solve the previous year’s board papers for better confidence.
✅ For English Elective:
- NCERT Kaleidoscope
- NCERT A Tiger for Malgudi / The Invisible Man
- Oswaal English Elective Sample Papers
- Self-study Guide for CBSE English Elective – Arihant/Xam Idea
Bonus Tip: Regular reading of newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express improves writing and vocabulary.
🧾 CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understanding the paper pattern helps in better preparation. Here’s the structure:
| Section | English Core (Marks) | English Elective (Marks) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Skills | 22 | 20 |
| Writing Skills | 18 | 20 |
| Literature | 40 | 40 |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Time Duration: 3 hours
Question Types: MCQs, Short Answers, Long Answers, Analytical & Discursive questions
✍️ Study Tips to Score 90+ in Class 12 English
1. Read every day
- Read newspapers, novels, and practice unseen passages daily.
2. Master formats
- Learn the exact format for reports, letters, articles, and notices.
3. Make notes
- Create summaries and key points from each chapter.
4. Practice writing
- Set a timer and practice writing answers within word limits.
5. Understand characters & themes
- Don’t just memorize—focus on message, themes, and character development.
6. Solve sample papers
- Attempt mock papers in real exam conditions to boost speed and confidence.
7. Work on vocabulary
- Learn new words daily and revise them weekly.
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🎯 Why English in Class 12 Is Super Important
Even though some students think English is “easy,” it actually plays a big role in your academic and professional future. Here’s how:
💼 Helps in Competitive Exams:
- CUET: English section is compulsory for most UG courses
- UPSC/SSC/Banking: English comprehension and grammar are always tested
- IELTS/TOEFL: Required for overseas studies
🗣️ Builds Communication Skills:
- Good English helps in writing emails, resumes, interviews, and presentations.
📖 Supports Higher Studies:
- English literature, journalism, law, mass communication, and more.
✅ Conclusion for CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26:
The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 is well-balanced and designed to help students improve essential skills in reading, writing, grammar, and literature. Whether you choose English Core or English Elective, knowing the syllabus and using the right books can help you achieve your goals.
Stay consistent, read and write every day, and use the best resources. With smart preparation, scoring 90+ in English is absolutely possible!
CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26
