CBSE Class 12 English Sample Paper 2026 | Free PDF Download

CBSE has officially released the Class 12 English sample papers for the 2025–26 academic session.

With the introduction of the dual-board exam format—offering November and March attempts—these sample papers are very useful for your preparation. English is a subject where good reading, writing, and grammar skills matter a lot. These sample papers help you understand the updated pattern, question types, and marking scheme so you can improve your answers and manage time better. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Class 12 English sample papers for 2025–26. For effective practice, make sure you’re familiar with the latest Class 12 English Syllabus 2025–26, especially for any updates across sections.

a) CBSE Class 12 English Year-wise Sample Papers

The complete set of CBSE Class 12 English Language and Literature Sample Papers, together with their marking scheme solutions, are available here. Below are provided the downloadable links for the CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers with Solutions.

b) How to Access the Latest Class 12 English Sample Papers 2025-26?

Follow these simple steps to get the latest English sample papers:

Visit the  CBSE Academic Website → Sample Question Papers → Class XII → English Core

c) CBSE Class 12 Additional Practice Papers 

English Core additional sample papers for Class 12 CBSE students were released to help them prepare as per the competency-based exam pattern. The sample question paper also includes a marking scheme to prepare for the exams more effectively. 

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 English Core Set 1 SQP  + Marking Scheme

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 English Core Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme

Edudel Class 12 Practice Papers 

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 English Core Set 1 SQP  + Marking Scheme

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 English Core Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme

Understanding the Class 12 English Exam Paper

The Class 12 English Core Sample Paper is aligned with the latest exam pattern of the CBSE; this will help you understand the exam format and types of questions you may receive in the exam.

a) Key Changes in the Exam Pattern for English (2025–26)

Though the dual-board structure is new, the exam blueprint for English remains broadly similar. However, you’ll need to align your preparation with the specific term pattern (November and March).

Here’s the breakdown for English Core (301):

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b) English Board Paper Pattern 2025-26 - Section-wise

The English Elective (001) paper follows a more advanced and analytical pattern, including fiction and critical appreciation tasks, but is also out of 80 marks with 20 for internal assessment.

Section A: Reading (20 marks)

• One long passage (400-450 words) with questions (10 marks)
• One short passage (200-250 words) with a chart/graph and questions (10 marks)

Section B: Writing & Grammar (20 marks)

• Grammar questions (10 marks)
• Writing tasks like essays, letters, or articles (10 marks)

Section C: Literature (40 marks)

• Extract-based questions: Short answers about given parts of poems or stories.
• Short answer questions: About 30-40 words each, usually worth 2-3 marks.
• Long answer questions: Detailed answers, about 80-100 words, usually worth 5-6 marks each.

How Does the Two-Exam Format Affect English Preparation?

The new format introduces two full exams in a year, requiring a focused and structured preparation plan:

• November Exam (Exam 1): May feature questions based on selected chapters, grammar and concise writing formats
• March Exam (Exam 2): Will likely include long-form answers, literary analysis, and extended writing formats

Practising English Sample Papers 2025-26 Before Exams Helps in:

• Balancing speed and depth in writing tasks
• Getting familiar with tone and structure of long-answer literary questions
• Improving comprehension speed for unseen passages
• Understanding marking trends and answer length expectations

How to Use English Sample Papers 2025-26 Effectively?

1. Practise in timed conditions: Especially for reading comprehension and writing tasks
2. Focus on structure and clarity: In letters, reports, notices, and articles
3. Refer to marking schemes: To understand how much detail is rewarded
4. Revise the theme and character-based questions for Flamingo and Vistas thoroughly
5. Practise vocabulary and tone in writing tasks to avoid repetition or flat language
6. Use sample papers to fine-tune your grammar, sentence structure, and transitions

In conclusion, regular practice with Class 12 English sample papers is key to mastering the dual-exam format and excelling in both board exams. These papers help you build speed, refine your writing skills, and gain confidence in tackling comprehension and literature questions. Until the official 2025–26 papers are released, make use of previous years’ papers and trusted resources like Educart to stay ahead.

Also explore:

• CBSE Class 12 Hindi Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 12 Physical Education Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Papers 2025–26

Stay tuned for latest update and all the best for your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the main sections in the Class 12 English Core paper?

The English Core paper includes three main sections: Reading Comprehension (22 marks), Creative Writing Skills (18 marks), and Literature – Flamingo & Vistas (40 marks). Sample papers provide balanced practice for each.

Q2. Do sample papers help improve writing skills in English?

Yes. Practising writing tasks like formal letters, notices, reports, and articles through sample papers helps improve structure, tone, and clarity—key areas CBSE evaluates in writing sections.

Q3. How do English sample papers help with literature preparation?

They include theme-based and character analysis questions from prescribed texts (Flamingo & Vistas), helping students practise framing well-organized, analytical responses with supporting references.

Q4. Is solving one sample paper enough for English preparation?

Not really. Solving at least 3 - 5 full-length papers under timed conditions is ideal. It helps build confidence, improve writing speed, and identify areas where you're losing marks.

Q5. Do English sample papers 2025-26 include answer keys and marking schemes?

Yes. Both CBSE and trusted publishers like Educart provide sample papers with detailed marking schemes and model answers, showing how to write answers that score full marks.