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The CISCE has released the updated syllabus for ISC Class 12 English for the 2026-27 academic session, focusing on advanced communication skills and appreciation of literary works.
It is designed to develop better linguistic knowledge and a deep understanding of humanity through the study of Shakespearean drama, contemporary prose, and diverse poetry.
English Class 12 ISC Syllabus (2026-27): Check Here
ISC Class 12 English Overview (2026-27)
The subject of English is compulsory for ISC Class 12 students and is divided into two major components: English Language and Literature in English. Each component includes both a theory examination and internal assessment.
The updated syllabus for the academic year 2026-27 is designed to improve both language proficiency and literary understanding.
Major Highlights ISC Class 12 English 2026-27
Following are some major highlights of the ISC Class 12 English syllabus:
- English Language and Literature are compulsory papers
- 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal assessment for each paper
- English Language focuses on writing skills, grammar, and comprehension
- Essay writing, directed writing, and argumentative writing are important components
- Comprehension passages test interpretation and analytical reading skills
- Shakespearean drama included for detailed literary analysis
- Balanced literature syllabus covering drama, short stories, and poetry
- Strong focus on theme analysis, character study, and literary devices
- Project work based on literary appreciation and text-based analysis
- Answers in Literature require textual references and structured explanations
Unit-Wise Distribution ISC Class 12 English
The ISC English syllabus for Class 12 has two components - English Language and Literature in English. Both components consist of varied topics which are depicted clearly in the tables below.
English Language
Check out the ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper to see the latest solved examples and marking schemes
Literature in English
Check out the ISC Class 12 Literature in English Specimen Paper and start practicing today.
Sub-Units Under ISC Class 12 English (801) Chapters
The English syllabus is structured into two distinct sections: Part I - English Language and Part II - Literature in English.
Below, there is a clear and detailed breakdown of the sub-units within each section, along with the latest additions and deletions introduced for the 2026-27 academic session.
English Language
This subject may not be taken with Modern English.
Paper I: Theory
All questions are compulsory.
Q1. Candidates will be required to select one composition topic from a choice of six. The required length of the composition is 400-450 words. The choice will normally include narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative, <red>discursive<red>, <green>argumentative/ persuasive, expository<green> topics and original short story.
Q2. (a) Directed Writing - The piece of directed writing must be based on the information and all the points provided. The required length is 250-300 words. The range of subjects includes feature article, book review, <red>speech writing<red>, <green>blogs<green>, newspaper report and statement of purpose.
(b) Proposal Writing - Candidates will be required to write a proposal based on a given situation. The proposal should include (i) An Introduction<green>/ Heading<green>, (ii) Objectives, and (iii) List of measures to be taken. A concluding statement is necessary.
Q3. All the items in this question are compulsory and their number and type/ pattern may vary from year to year. They will consist of the transformation of sentences, phrasal verbs, and verbs/tenses, which will test the candidates’ knowledge of the essentials of functional English grammar and structure.
Q4. A passage of about 700 words will be provided.
Paper II: Project Work
No changes in Listening/ Speaking assignments, themes 1-5, evaluation tables, or Writing Skills suggested assignments 1-6. All tables and criteria are identical.
Literature in English (Prescribed Texts)
Paper I: Theory
I. Drama: Macbeth: William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)
II. Prism: A Collection of ISC Short Stories
III. Rhapsody: A Collection of ISC Poems
(No changes in any prescribed texts or notes)
Paper II: Project Work
List of suggested assignments for Project Work:
- Analysis of a theme from any short story/ poem in the syllabus.
- Analysis of a character from the drama or any short story/ poem in the syllabus.
- Background - historical, cultural, literary context and relevance of the writer/ poet chosen.
- Summary/ paraphrase of the chosen text.
- Appreciation of literary qualities of the chosen text.
- Identifying with a character in the chosen text and presenting his/ her personal perspective.
- Imagining an alternate outcome or ending or extension of the chosen text and its impact on the plot/ setting/ characters/ mood and tone.
- A script for dramatization, based on the short story/ poem chosen.
- Writing a short story based on a poem.
- Comparing and contrasting two characters/ themes from different short stories/ poems of the syllabus.
Deleted Chapter Class ISC Class 12 English
As per the new syllabus of ISC for English Class 12 prescribed by CISCE, there are no deletions in the chapters whereas some minor additions and deletions of topics within some sub-topics are given for the academic year 2026-27.
ISC Class 12 English Exam Ready Tips
Preparation for Class 12 English ISC exams 2027 can be structured by using these tips given below.
English Language
- Composition: Practice writing 400-450 words on various top ISC, including narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative, and short stories. You will be marked on language quality, vocabulary range, and organizational structure.
- Directed Writing: Familiarize yourself with formats for feature articles, book reviews, blogs, newspaper reports, and statements of purpose. Aim for 250-300 words.
- Proposal Writing: Follow the strict CISCE format: Heading, Objectives, and List of Measures.
- Grammar: Focus on sentence transformation, phrasal verbs, and tenses to handle functional grammar questions.
- Comprehension: Develop analytical skills to infer meanings from a ~700-word passage. The summary section must be done in a grid form without abbreviations.
Project Work
- Listening & Speaking: These are internally assessed (5 marks each). Practice listening to passages and answering objective questions, and prepare a 3-minute individual presentation.
- Writing Skills: This is externally assessed (10 marks). You must produce a 500-word piece, such as a brochure, product description, or review.
Literature in English
Your preparation should focus only on the Class 12 portion of the syllabus:
- Drama: Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV, & V).
- Short Stories (Prism): "Atithi/ Guest," "The Cookie Lady," "There Will Come Soft Rains," "Indigo," and "The Medicine Bag".
- Poetry (Rhapsody): "Telephone Conversation," "Tithonus," "Beethoven," "Small Towns and the River," and "Death be not Proud".
Theory Paper Strategy
- Analysis: Don't just memorize plots; questions test your ability to analyze, synthesize, and provide personal responses to literary features.
- Expression: Practice responding in your own words while maintaining a clear appreciation of the text's themes and style.
Literature Project Work
- Written Assignment: You must complete one 1000-1500 word assignment based on the Class 12 syllabus.
- Structure: It must include an Introduction (with a title in question form), Main Body with sub-headings, and a Conclusion.
- Constraint: You cannot repeat the text analyzed in your Class XI project
These tips are specific to each division i.e., Part I and Part II and should be followed accordingly to score better.
FAQs
Q1. What is the total marks distribution for ISC Class 12 English 2027?
Ans. The subject is divided into two components–English Language and Literature in English. Each carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment, making a total of 100 marks per component.
Q2. Which publication books are being prescribed for ISC Class 12 English Language and Literature in English?
Ans. The books Prism for short stories and Rhapsody for poems are by Evergreen Publication (India) Ltd. New Delhi.
Q3. What are the main sections in the ISC Class 12 English Language paper?
Ans. The English Language paper includes Composition, Directed Writing, Proposal Writing, Grammar & Structure, and Comprehension.
Q4. How is the ISC Class 12 English Language project work evaluated?
Ans. Project work carries 20 marks and includes internal assessment (Listening & Speaking skills) and external evaluation (Writing task by a visiting examiner).
Q5. What type of questions are asked in the Literature paper?
Ans. Questions focus on textual understanding, theme analysis, character study, and literary devices. Students must answer in their own words with proper references.
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