CBSE Syllabus English Core Class 12 2026 | Free PDF for 2025-26 Exams

CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus for 2025-26 is finally released. Download the PDF below.

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Are you a Class 12 student gearing up for the CBSE board exams? Wondering what’s included in the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for 2025-26? You’re not alone! Every year, students look forward to updates in the syllabus—whether it’s new chapters, removed topics, or changes in exam patterns.

English is more than just a subject; it’s a skill that shapes your communication, writing, and critical thinking abilities. But let’s be honest—without a clear understanding of the syllabus, preparing for exams can feel overwhelming. So, what stories and poems will you study this year? Has CBSE made any major changes? And where can you download the latest CBSE Class 12 English syllabus 2025-26 PDF?

Don’t worry—we’ve got all the answers right here! In this blog, we’ll break down the syllabus, highlight important topics, and give you smart preparation tips to ace your exams. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

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CBSE Syllabus Class 12 English 2026: Breakdown 

Are you preparing for your Class 12 English exam and wondering what’s in store for you this year? Understanding the syllabus is the first step to effective preparation. Whether you're looking for the latest Class 12 English syllabus 2025-26 PDF download or a simple breakdown of the chapters and marking scheme, we’ve got you covered!

Reading Section 

1. One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis and inference. Vocabulary assessment will also be assessed via inference. The passage may be factual, descriptive or literary.
2. One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc. to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. Note: The combined word limit for both the passages will be 700-750 words.

Writing Section

1. Notice, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered.(4 Marks: Format :1 / Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1 ).
2. Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (4 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1 ).
3. Letters based on verbal/visual input, are to be answered in approximately 120-150 words. Letter types include applications for a job with bio-data or a resume. Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinions on issues of public interest). One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1 ).
4. Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 /Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1 ).

Literature Section

This section will have a variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and extrapolation beyond the text.

1. One Poetry extract out of two, from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation.
2. One Prose extract out of two, from the book Vistas, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and appreciation. 
3. One prose extract out of two from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. 
4. Short answer type questions (from Prose and Poetry from the book Flamingo), to be answered in 40-50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Five questions out of the six given, are to be answered.
5. Short answer type questions, from Prose (Vistas), to be answered in 40- 50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Any two out of three questions to be done.
6. One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo), to be answered in = 120-150 words. Questions can be based on incident/theme/passage/extract/event as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative responses from the student. Any one out of two questions to be done. 
7. One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Vistas, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses using incidents, events, and themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done.

Class 12 English 2025-26 Syllabus: Characteristics

Understanding the syllabus is the first step to scoring well! The CBSE Class 12 English syllabus is designed to enhance reading, writing, and literary skills while preparing students for higher education and competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and CUET. But what makes this syllabus unique? Let’s explore its important characteristics!

Balanced Structure

• The syllabus is divided into Reading Skills, Writing & Grammar, and Literature, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. It helps students develop both analytical and creative writing skills.

Focus on Critical Thinking

• The unseen passage section tests students' ability to analyze and infer information from complex texts.
• Literature questions now emphasize deeper understanding, interpretation, and real-world application of themes.

Updated Writing & Grammar Section

• Formal writing tasks such as letters, reports, notices, and articles reflect real-life communication needs.
• Grammar topics (like voice, narration, and transformation of sentences) focus on accuracy and fluency.

Engaging Literature Content

• The syllabus includes prose, poetry, and short stories from CBSE’s prescribed books (Flamingo and Vistas).
• Encourages students to connect literature with personal experiences and broader social issues.

Practical Assessment for Holistic Learning

• Internal Assessment (20 Marks) includes ASL (Speaking & Listening skills), project work, and periodic assignments.
• This encourages effective communication, a skill necessary for higher studies and professional life.

Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP 2020)

• Emphasis on experiential learning, interdisciplinary skills, and application-based knowledge.
• Promotes interactive and discussion-based learning rather than rote memorization.

CBSE Class 12 English Core is a scoring subject for the board exams in 2026. Students can integrate English Core with Class 12 Geography to make the learning interesting. They can use the 12 CBSE English syllabus and Geography Class 12 Syllabus for the preparation.

CBSE English Syllabus 2025-26 Class 12: Benefits

Students must commence preparing with the English Class 12 Syllabus for 2026 for efficient study planning. 

Fast coverage: By providing a succinct synopsis of each topic, students may comprehend and go through the syllabus more quickly. It raises their total score.

Effective preparation: Students can make a strong strategy to do well on the Class XII English Core examination in 2025–2026 by carefully reviewing the syllabus.

Prescribed book access: Students don't have to waste time looking for the books they require because the school's curriculum covers them. They easily find and buy the necessary literature, both online and offline.

Teachers and Students Connection: They are better-connected thanks to the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26, which makes it simpler for students to finish their syllabus with their teacher’s help.

Using CBSE Board Class 12 English Syllabus for 2026 Exams 

The English syllabus isn’t just about reading stories and poems—it’s about learning how to express your ideas clearly, whether in exams, debates, or future careers. Knowing the syllabus inside-out helps you:

• Focus on important topics
• Manage your study time efficiently
• Avoid wasting time on irrelevant material
• Practise the right types of questions for the exam.

Step 1: Break It Down – Divide the syllabus into manageable sections and set deadlines.

Step 2: Prioritise High-Scoring Areas – Focus on literature and writing since they carry major weightage.

Step 3: Practise Regularly – Solve past papers, attempt unseen passages, and improve your writing skills.

Step 4: Revise Smartly – Use summary notes and important question banks.

Where to Download CBSE Class 12 2025-26 English Syllabus PDF?

CBSE will release the official syllabus PDF on its website: cbseacademic.nic.in. Stay updated for any changes!

In general, the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 aims to give students a strong foundation in the language. It promotes creativity, critical thinking, and proficient communication. For students who want to pursue postsecondary education or occupations demanding fluency in foreign languages, this Class XII English Syllabus is crucial.