CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026, Download PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

CBSE has published the Class 12 English Syllabus for the academic year 2026 at the official website www.cbseacademic.nic.in. As per the released timetable, CBSE Class 12th English exam is expected to be held in the month of March 2026. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 for both core and elective includes all the topics and chapters to be covered to appear for the board exams. Students must not ignore English papers and they should start preparing for it along with other subjects because it hold equal marks as other subjects. The questions asked in English are quite easier than in other subjects, hence this subject can help students to boost their overall percentage. In this article, we have provided the complete details of the CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026 along with the marking scheme.

English Class 12 Syllabus 2026 [Core English]

The Class 12 English exam in 2025-26 will have a total of 100 marks. The written exam will be for 80 marks, while 20 marks will be given for Listening and Speaking Skills. This 20-mark assessment is divided into three parts: Listening Skills (5 marks), Speaking Skills (5 marks), and Project Work (10 marks). Students should focus on all sections to score well. The written exam tests reading, writing, and literature, while the listening and speaking assessment checks communication skills. Understanding this marking scheme will help students prepare better and improve their performance. By balancing their efforts in writing, speaking, and listening, students can aim for the best possible results in their Class 12 English exam.

CBSE Class 12th Core English Syllabus 2026
Section	Particulars	Marks
Reading Comprehension	1.Unseen passage (factual, descriptive or literary)(12 Marks) 2. Case-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage(10 Marks)	20 Marks
Creative Writing Skills	1.Short Writing Tasks – Notice up to 50 words(4 Marks), Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply up to 50 words(4 Marks). 2.Long Writing Tasks – Letters Writing( for a job with bio data or resume/Letters to the editor)up to 120-150 words(5 Marks), Article/ Report Writing up to 120-150 words(5 Marks)	20 Marks
Literature	Question Based upon MCQs, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, analysis, interpretation and extrapolation beyond the text Based upon Poetry(Flamingo)-6 Marks Based upon Prose (Flamingo)- 4 Marks Based upon Prose (Flamingo)- 6 Marks Short answer type from Prose and Poetry (Flamingo)- 10 Marks Short answer type from Prose (Vistas)- 4 Marks One Long answer type from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo)- 5 Marks One Long answer type based on the chapters (Vistas)- 5 Marks	40Marks
Total Marks		80 Marks

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 Literature (Core)

Book-Flamingo (Prose)

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

Book-Flamingo (Poetry)

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

Book-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

CBSE Class 12 Core English Syllabus Marking Scheme

According to the marking scheme for CBSE Class 12 Core English Syllabus 2026, the theory part including Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing Skills, Literature, carries 80 marks altogether. While the other section of Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills carries 20 marks and both sections together make the paper of 100 marks.

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

CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus 2025

English Elective is slightly different from English Core as Core is a mandatory subject whereas elective is an optional subject. Students who want to pursue higher studies in English choose electives. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 for Elective has been detailed below which provides insights on the topics to be asked in the exam.

CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus 2025
Sections	Particulars	Marks
Reading Comprehension	Unseen passage (literary or discursive)(12 Marks) Unseen Poem(4 Marks) Case-Based Factual Passage(4 Marks)	20 Marks
Applied Grammar	Transformation of Sentences	08 Marks
Creative Writing Skills	Three Long Writing Task (Discursive/interpretative writing)(15 Marks) 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		10 Marks
Seminar		20 Marks
Total Marks		100 Marks

CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2026 Literature (Elective)

MCQs (from Kaleidoscope) from short stories/poetry /non-fiction/ drama

Book- Kaleidoscope- Short Stories

I Sell my Dreams
Eveline
A Wedding in Brownsville

Book- 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

Book- Kaleidoscope- Nonfiction

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

Book- Kaleidoscope-Drama

Chandalika- RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Novel- Fiction- A Tiger for Malgudi or The Financial Expert by R.K. Narayan

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026 PDF- Click to Download

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

Go through the whole syllabus of English and create a monthly plan according to your convenience. Divide topics on a daily basis, and complete them on time. In this way, you can complete the entire syllabus in small chunks and you won’t feel any burden while preparing yet you will complete the syllabus on time. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026 is vast but interesting so you can enjoy reading all the chapters and going through all the details.

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

To improve focus, try meditating or exercising every day. If you don’t enjoy these, playing sports is a good option. Avoid multitasking—yes, that’s right! Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. This will help you stay more focused and work better. Simple daily habits like these can make a big difference in your concentration. Whether it’s a short workout, a game, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes, these activities train your mind to stay alert. Stay consistent, and you will see great improvement in your ability to focus.

Benefits CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

Some of the benefits of knowing the CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 have been discussed below:

The CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 covers various aspects of language development, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
The syllabus encourages students with all critical analysis of literature, fostering the development of analytical and interpretative skills.
It engages students in creative writing tasks, cultivating their imaginative abilities and encouraging original thought.
The syllabus is designed to align with the examination pattern, ensuring students are well prepared for the CBSE Class 12th English board exam.
It aims to enhance language proficiency, covering grammar, vocabulary, and language mechanics essential for effective communication.

Important Links
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26	CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus for 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus for 2025-26	CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus for 2025-26

Trending Articles:

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026: FAQs

Ans. No, the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus for the academic year 2026 has not changed changed.

Ans. Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 has Three Sections -Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills and Literature. The detailed syllabus has been given in the article.

Yes, NCERT books are more than enough to clear Class 12 English exams with flying colors.

Ans: The CBSE Class 12th English exam 2025 is expected to be conducted in the month of March 2026.