Updated CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus for 2025-26 – Get the latest chapter-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and study tips. Download the official PDF at the end!
Overview of CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26
The Class 12 CBSE syllabus for English plays a crucial role in board exams and competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, etc. This year, CBSE has introduced competency-based questions and a revised weightage system to encourage conceptual learning over rote memorization.
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 12 |
| Session | 2025-26 |
| Subject | English (Core) |
| Content-Type | Syllabus/Curriculum |
| Official Website | https://cbseacademic.nic.in |
CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus (2025-26)
Total Marks: 100
(Written Exam: 80 | Internal Assessment: 20)
Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)
I. Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)
1. Passage 1 (12 Marks)
- Factual, descriptive, or literary passage.
- Assesses comprehension, interpretation, analysis, and inference.
- Vocabulary tested via inference.
2. Passage 2 (10 Marks)
- Case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs (charts, graphs, data).
- Tests comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and evaluation.
Word Limit: 700–750 words combined.
Question Types: MCQs, Objective Type, and Short Answers (40–50 words).
Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
3. Notice (4 Marks)
- 50 words.
- 1 out of 2 topics.
- Marking: Format (1), Content (2), Spelling/Grammar (1).
4. Formal/Informal Invitation & Reply (4 Marks)
- 50 words.
- 1 out of 2 topics.
- Marking: Format (1), Content (2), Spelling/Grammar (1).
5. Letter Writing (5 Marks)
- 120–150 words.
- Types: Job application (with bio-data) or Letter to the Editor.
- Marking: Format (1), Organisation (1), Content (2), Spelling/Grammar (1).
6. Article/Report Writing (5 Marks)
- 120–150 words (descriptive/analytical).
- 1 out of 2 topics.
- Marking: Format (1), Organisation (1), Content (2), Spelling/Grammar (1).
Section C: Literature (40 Marks)
Prescribed Books:
- Flamingo (Prose & Poetry)
- Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
Question Types: MCQs, Short/Long Answers, Inference-based.
- Poetry Extract (Flamingo) – 6 Marks (1 out of 2).
- Prose Extract (Vistas) – 4 Marks (1 out of 2).
- Prose Extract (Flamingo) – 6 Marks (1 out of 2).
- Short Answers (Flamingo Prose/Poetry) – 10 Marks (5 out of 6, 40–50 words each).
- Short Answers (Vistas Prose) – 4 Marks (2 out of 3, 40–50 words).
- Long Answer (Flamingo Prose/Poetry) – 5 Marks (1 out of 2, 120–150 words).
- Long Answer (Vistas) – 5 Marks (1 out of 2, 120–150 words).
Prescribed Texts
1. Flamingo
- 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
2. Vistas (Supplementary)
- The Third Level | The Tiger King | Journey to the End of the Earth | The Enemy | On the Face of It | Memories of Childhood
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening Skills – 5 Marks
- Speaking Skills – 5 Marks
- Project Work – 10 Marks
Question Paper Design
| Section | Competencies Tested | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Comprehension, Analysis, Vocabulary | 22 |
| Writing | Creativity, Format, Grammar | 18 |
| Literature | Critical Thinking, Inference, Analysis | 40 |
| Total | 80 |
Best Study Tips for CBSE Class 12 English
- Master Reading Comprehension: Practice unseen passages daily (factual, literary, and case-based) to improve speed and accuracy. Focus on interpreting data from charts/graphs and inferring meanings from context to tackle Section A effectively.
- Enhance Writing Skills: Write one notice, letter, or article daily within the word limit (50 or 120–150 words). Use sample formats and past papers to perfect structure, content organization, and grammar for Section B.
- Deep Dive into Literature: Read all chapters from Flamingo and Vistas thoroughly. Summarize themes, characters, and key quotes for quick revision. Practice short and long answers to build analytical skills for Section C.
- Time Management: Simulate exam conditions by solving full-length sample papers within 3 hours. Allocate time wisely—e.g., 40 minutes for reading, 50 minutes for writing, and 70 minutes for literature.
Download CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click the button below to download the official CBSE syllabus PDF for 2025-26.
📂 Download CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus PDF
Related Guides
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus – All Subjects
CBSE Class 12 Important Questions & Sample Papers
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus for 2025-26?
The syllabus includes Reading Skills (unseen passages), Creative Writing (notices, letters, articles), and Literature from Flamingo and Vistas. It’s divided into a written exam (80 marks) and internal assessment (20 marks). Check the detailed breakdown above!
How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 English Writing Section?
Practice notices, invitations, letters, and articles daily. Follow the marking scheme (format, content, grammar) and stick to word limits. Review sample answers for clarity.
Are Previous Years’ Questions Enough for CBSE Class 12 English Prep?
They’re a great start but not enough alone. Combine them with unseen passage practice, writing drills, and literature revision to cover all sections comprehensively.
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