CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026: Core & Elective Marking Scheme, Books

Exam Structure & Marking Schemes

The final board examination consists of an 80-mark written paper and 20 marks awarded for the Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills (ASL). The 20-mark ASL component is structured into Listening Skills (5 marks), Speaking Skills (5 marks), and Project Work (10 marks).

Core English Breakdown

For Core English, Reading Comprehension carries 20 marks, Creative Writing Skills carries 20 marks, and Literature carries 40 marks, totaling 80 marks for the theory paper.

CBSE Class 12th Core English Syllabus 2026

Section	Particulars	Marks
Reading Comprehension	1. Unseen Passages (Factual, Descriptive, or Literary) – 12 Marks 2. Case-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage – 10 Marks	20 Marks
Creative Writing Skills	1. Short Writing Tasks: Notice writing (up to 50 words - 4 Marks) and Formal/Informal Invitations and Replies (up to 50 words - 4 Marks). 2. Long Writing Tasks: Job Applications (with Bio-data/Resume) or Letters to the Editor (120-150 words - 5 Marks), and Article or Report Writing (120-150 words - 5 Marks).	20 Marks
Literature	Literature assessment includes MCQs, objective-type questions, and both short and long-answer formats designed to test comprehension, critical analysis, interpretation, and extrapolation beyond the prescribed text. 1. Based upon Poetry(Flamingo)-6 Marks 2. Based upon Prose (Flamingo)- 4 Marks 3. Based upon Prose (Flamingo)- 6 Marks 4. Short answer type from Prose and Poetry (Flamingo)- 10 Marks 5. Short answer type from Prose (Vistas)- 4 Marks 6. One Long answer type from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo)- 5 Marks 7. One Long answer type based on the chapters (Vistas)- 5 Marks	40 Marks
Total Marks	Total Marks	80 Marks

CBSE Class 12 Core English Syllabus Marking Scheme

S.No.	Particulars	Marks
1.	Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing Skills, Literature	80 Marks
2.	Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills	20 Marks
Total	Total	100 Marks

Elective English Breakdown

Elective English includes Reading Comprehension (20 marks), Applied Grammar (8 marks), Creative Writing Skills (20 marks), Literature (22 marks), Fiction (10 marks), and Seminar (20 marks), totaling 100 marks.

CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus 2025

Sections	Particulars	Marks
Reading Comprehension	1. Unseen passage (literary or discursive)(12 Marks) 2. Unseen Poem(4 Marks) 3. Case-Based Factual Passage(4 Marks)	20 Marks
Applied Grammar	Transformation of Sentences	08 Marks
Creative Writing Skills	1. Three Long Writing Task (Discursive/interpretative writing)(15 Marks) 2. One Long Writing Task Essay (on an Argumentative/Discursive/Contemporary topics)	20 Marks
Literature	MCQs (from Kaleidoscope) from short stories/poetry /non-fiction/ drama	22 Marks
Fiction	Fiction	10 Marks
Seminar	Seminar	20 Marks
Total Marks	Total Marks	100 Marks

Prescribed Literature Checklists

Review the detailed chapter checklists for both Core and Elective English literature texts:

Core English - Flamingo (Prose)

• The Last Lesson
• Lost Spring
• Deep Water
• The Rattrap
• Indigo
• Poets and Pancakes
• The Interview
• Going Places

Core English - Flamingo (Poetry)

• My Mother at Sixty-Six
• Keeping Quiet
• A Thing of Beauty
• A Roadside Stand
• Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Core English - Vistas

• 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

Elective English - Kaleidoscope - Short Stories

• I Sell my Dreams
• Eveline
• A Wedding in Brownsville

Elective English - Kaleidoscope - Poetry

• A Lecture Upon the Shadow
• Poems by Milton
• Poems by Blake
• Kubla Khan
• Trees
• The Wild Swans of Coole
• Time and Time Again

Elective English - Kaleidoscope - Non-fiction

• Freedom
• The Mark on the Wall
• Film-making
• Why the Novel Matters
• The Argumentative Indian

Elective English - Kaleidoscope - Drama

• Chandalika- RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Elective English - Novel (Fiction)

• 'A Tiger for Malgudi' or 'The Financial Expert' by R.K. Narayan.

Benefits of CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

• Covers various aspects of language development, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• Encourages students with critical analysis of literature, fostering analytical and interpretative skills.
• Engages students in creative writing tasks, cultivating imaginative abilities and encouraging original thought.
• Designed to align with the examination pattern, ensuring students are well prepared for the board exam.
• Aims to enhance language proficiency, covering grammar, vocabulary, and language mechanics essential for effective communication.

How to complete the syllabus of the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26

1. Develop a structured monthly study plan to cover the English syllabus efficiently.
2. Break the content into manageable daily topics to avoid last-minute pressure.
3. Study the curriculum consistently to make the preparation rewarding and manageable.

How to increase focus while studying CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

1. Enhance your focus through daily mindfulness practices, such as meditation, light exercise, or sports.
2. Avoid the pitfall of multitasking; concentrate on one task at a time to significantly improve retention and work quality.
3. Maintain consistent daily habits to train your mind to remain alert and ensure a productive study routine throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026 changed?

Ans. No, the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus for the 2026 academic year remains consistent with the previous curriculum.

Q. What is the syllabus of Class 12 English 2026?

Ans. The Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 is divided into three sections: Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, and Literature. A detailed breakdown is provided in this article.

Q. Is NCERT enough for Class 12 English?

Ans. Yes, NCERT textbooks are the primary recommended resources and are sufficient to excel in the Class 12 English board examinations.

Q. When is the CBSE Class 12th English Exam 2026 scheduled to be conducted?

Ans: The CBSE Class 12th English examination for the 2026 session is tentatively scheduled for March 2026.