The English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 plays a very important role in a student’s academic journey because it directly impacts board exam performance as well as competitive exams, college admissions, and personality development. CBSE has carefully designed the English syllabus to improve students’ reading, writing, grammar, literature analysis, and communication skills.
In this detailed guide, you will find complete information about the English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26, including section-wise syllabus, book details, chapter lists, marks distribution, subject-topic table, exam pattern, and preparation strategy. This article is ideal for students, teachers, and parents looking for an authentic and exam-oriented syllabus breakdown.
Overview of English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
The English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 is divided into three major sections:
- Reading Skills
- Writing Skills & Grammar
- Literature Textbooks
CBSE follows the NCERT curriculum, and the prescribed textbooks remain Flamingo and Vistas. The syllabus is designed to test comprehension, analytical ability, creative writing, and understanding of literary texts.
English is a scoring subject, and proper understanding of the syllabus helps students secure high marks in the board examination.
Objectives of English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
The main objectives of the English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 include:
- Enhancing reading comprehension skills
- Developing effective writing abilities
- Strengthening grammar and language usage
- Encouraging critical thinking through literature
- Improving spoken and written communication
- Preparing students for higher education and competitive exams
CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2025-26
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial before diving into the syllabus.
| Section | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Reading Skills | 22 |
| Section B | Writing Skills & Grammar | 18 |
| Section C | Literature | 40 |
| Total | 80 Marks | |
| Internal Assessment | Projects & Activities | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 Marks |
The English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 focuses more on competency-based questions and analytical responses.
Section A – Reading Skills (22 Marks)
The Reading section evaluates comprehension, interpretation, and vocabulary skills.
Topics Covered in Reading Skills
- Unseen Passage (Factual/Discursive)
- Unseen Case-Based Passage
- Inferential and Analytical Questions
- Vocabulary in context
Students must practice reading newspapers, editorials, and sample passages regularly to perform well.
Section B – Writing Skills & Grammar (18 Marks)
The Writing section tests creativity, clarity, and grammatical accuracy.
Writing Skills Topics
- Notice Writing
- Invitation & Reply
- Letters (Formal)
- Article Writing
- Report Writing
Grammar Topics
- Tenses
- Modals
- Determiners
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Editing & Omission
The English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 emphasizes real-life writing formats and functional grammar.
Section C – Literature (40 Marks)
The Literature section is the backbone of the English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26. It includes prose, poetry, short stories, and long answer questions.
CBSE prescribes two NCERT books:
- Flamingo
- Vistas
English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26 – Subject Topic Table
Flamingo (Prose & Poetry)
| Book | Section | Chapter Name | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo | Prose | The Last Lesson | Alphonse Daudet |
| Flamingo | Prose | Lost Spring | Anees Jung |
| Flamingo | Prose | Deep Water | William Douglas |
| Flamingo | Prose | The Rattrap | Selma Lagerlöf |
| Flamingo | Prose | Indigo | Louis Fischer |
| Flamingo | Prose | Poets and Pancakes | Asokamitran |
| Flamingo | Prose | The Interview | Christopher Silvester |
| Flamingo | Prose | Going Places | A.R. Barton |
| Flamingo | Poetry | My Mother at Sixty-Six | Kamala Das |
| Flamingo | Poetry | An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum | Stephen Spender |
| Flamingo | Poetry | Keeping Quiet | Pablo Neruda |
| Flamingo | Poetry | A Thing of Beauty | John Keats |
| Flamingo | Poetry | A Roadside Stand | Robert Frost |
| Flamingo | Poetry | Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers | Adrienne Rich |
Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
| Book | Chapter Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Vistas | The Third Level | Jack Finney |
| Vistas | The Tiger King | Kalki |
| Vistas | Journey to the End of the Earth | Tishani Doshi |
| Vistas | The Enemy | Pearl S. Buck |
| Vistas | Should Wizard Hit Mommy? | John Updike |
| Vistas | On the Face of It | Susan Hill |
| Vistas | Evans Tries an O-Level | Colin Dexter |
| Vistas | Memories of Childhood | Zitkala-Sa & Bama |
Important Changes in English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
CBSE has focused more on:
- Case-study based questions
- Analytical and inference-based answers
- Competency-based assessment
- Reduced rote memorization
The English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 encourages students to understand themes, characters, and social messages deeply.
Internal Assessment for English Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
Internal Assessment carries 20 marks and includes:
- Project Work
- Listening & Speaking Activities
- Periodic Tests
- Portfolio Submission
Internal assessment marks are added to the board exam score, making it essential for students to participate actively.
How to Prepare English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26 Effectively
Reading Preparation Tips
- Read unseen passages daily
- Practice previous year questions
- Improve vocabulary through newspapers
Writing Preparation Tips
- Follow CBSE format strictly
- Practice time-bound writing
- Keep answers concise and relevant
Literature Preparation Tips
- Understand themes and messages
- Learn character sketches
- Practice extract-based questions
Best Books for English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
- NCERT Flamingo
- NCERT Vistas
- CBSE Sample Papers
- Previous Year Question Papers
- Grammar Practice Workbooks
NCERT books are mandatory as most questions are framed directly from them.
Important Link
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions on English Syllabus Class 12 CBSE 2025-26
Is the English syllabus class 12 CBSE 2025-26 changed?
The syllabus remains largely the same, with emphasis on competency-based learning.
Which books are prescribed?
Flamingo and Vistas by NCERT
Is English a scoring subject in CBSE Class 12?
Yes, English is considered one of the highest scoring subjects if prepared properly.
How many marks is English for Class 12 CBSE?
English carries 100 marks including internal assessment.
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