CBSE Class 12 – English Elective (2025–26 Syllabus)
CBSE Class 12 – English Elective (2025–26 Syllabus)
Class: XII
Subject: English Elective
Board: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
Governing Body: NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training)
Question Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme (CBSE – English Elective, Class 12)
Theory Examination: 80 Marks | Internal Assessment: 20 Marks
Section A – Reading Skills (20 Marks)
- Unseen literary and discursive passages
- MCQs and short answer questions assessing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary
Section B – Creative Writing & Applied Grammar (30 Marks)
- Creative, critical, and discursive writing tasks
- Short compositions and analytical responses
- Grammar tested contextually through writing
Section C – Literature (30 Marks)
- Text-based questions from prescribed NCERT books
- Short Answer (SA) and Long Answer (LA) questions
- Extract-based and theme-based literary analysis
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening and Speaking Skills
- Project / Research Work
- Portfolio and periodic assessments
The CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2025–26 is designed for students who wish to pursue an advanced and in-depth study of literature. Prescribed by NCERT and followed by CBSE, the course emphasizes critical thinking, textual analysis, creative expression, and literary appreciation. With a strong focus on fiction, poetry, essays, and drama, the English Elective curriculum prepares learners for higher studies in humanities, literature, journalism, and communication.
CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2025–26 (NCERT)
Book 1: Kaleidoscope – Textbook in English (Literature Reader)
| Section | Unit / Chapter | Title | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Fiction | 1 | I Have a Dream | Equality, freedom, and persuasive rhetoric |
| 2 | On Saying “Please” | Politeness, social behaviour, and ethics | |
| 3 | The Argumentative Indian | Reasoning, debate, and democratic values | |
| Poetry | 4 | A Leaf from a Tree | Feminism, identity, and resilience |
| 5 | The Wild Swans at Coole | Memory, ageing, and reflection | |
| 6 | Ulysses | Heroism, determination, and purpose | |
| Drama | 7 | Chandalika | Social discrimination, desire, and transformation |
Book 2: Fiction
| Unit | Title | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Novel | A Tiger for Malgudi | Childhood, human emotions, and symbolism |
- CBSE Class 12 English Elective syllabus 2025–26
- NCERT Class 12 English Elective curriculum
- CBSE English Elective Kaleidoscope Class 12
- Class 12 English Elective exam pattern
- CBSE Class 12 English literature syllabus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is English Elective in CBSE Class 12?
English Elective is a literature-focused subject offering in-depth study of texts, themes, and critical perspectives.
Q2. Which books are prescribed for Class 12 English Elective?
NCERT prescribes Kaleidoscope and the novel A Tiger for Malgudi.
Q3. How is English Elective different from English Core?
English Elective emphasizes literary criticism and advanced analysis, while English Core focuses more on functional language skills.
Q4. Is internal assessment compulsory for English Elective?
Yes, internal assessment carries 20 marks and includes projects, speaking skills, and portfolios.
Q5. Is English Elective useful for higher studies?
Yes, it is highly beneficial for courses in literature, humanities, mass communication, and liberal arts.
The CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2025–26 offers a rich and intellectually stimulating literary curriculum aligned with NCERT guidelines. By engaging deeply with diverse texts and themes, students develop analytical thinking, creative expression, and interpretative skills essential for academic excellence and future careers in humanities and communication. Regular reading, critical writing, and thoughtful discussion are key to mastering this subject.
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