CBSE Class 11 – English Core (2025–26 Syllabus)
CBSE Class 11 – English Core (2025–26 Syllabus)
Class: XI
Subject: English Core
Board: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
Governing Body: NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training)
Question Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme (CBSE – English Core, Class 11)
Theory Examination: 80 Marks | Internal Assessment: 20 Marks
Section A – Reading Skills (26 Marks)
- Two unseen passages (discursive + factual/literary)
- MCQs, short answers, vocabulary-based questions
Section B – Writing Skills & Grammar (23 Marks)
- Creative writing tasks (notice, poster, speech, debate)
- Short composition (article/report)
- Grammar in context (editing, transformation, gap-filling)
Section C – Literature (31 Marks)
- Text-based questions from prescribed books
- Very Short Answer (VSA), Short Answer (SA), Long Answer (LA)
- Extract-based and theme-based questions
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening & Speaking Activities
- Portfolio & Project Work
- Periodic assessments
The CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 is designed to strengthen students’ language proficiency, literary appreciation, and critical thinking skills. Prescribed by NCERT and implemented by CBSE, this curriculum focuses on reading comprehension, effective writing, grammar accuracy, and in-depth study of prose, poetry, and drama. The syllabus prepares students for higher secondary education by developing communication skills essential for academic success and competitive examinations.
CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 (NCERT)
| Section / Book | Unit / Chapter | Chapter Title | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornbill (Prose) | Chapter 1 | The Portrait of a Lady | Understanding relationships, values, and narrative style |
| Chapter 2 | We’re Not Afraid to Die… | Courage, resilience, and human spirit | |
| Chapter 3 | Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues | History, archaeology, and scientific inquiry | |
| Chapter 4 | Landscape of the Soul | Art, culture, and philosophy | |
| Chapter 5 | The Ailing Planet | Environmental awareness and responsibility | |
| Chapter 6 | The Browning Version | School life, human emotions, and change | |
| Chapter 7 | The Adventure | History, science, and alternative realities | |
| Chapter 8 | Silk Road | Travel writing and cultural exploration | |
| Hornbill (Poetry) | Poem 1 | A Photograph | Memory, loss, and time |
| Poem 2 | The Laburnum Top | Nature and transformation | |
| Poem 3 | The Voice of the Rain | Nature’s cyclical processes | |
| Poem 4 | Childhood | Loss of innocence and maturity | |
| Poem 5 | Father to Son | Generation gap and relationships | |
| Snapshots (Supplementary Reader) | Chapter 1 | The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse | Honesty, trust, and childhood |
| Chapter 2 | The Address | War, loss, and human emotions | |
| Chapter 3 | Ranga’s Marriage | Social customs and humour | |
| Chapter 4 | Albert Einstein at School | Education system and creativity | |
| Chapter 5 | Mother’s Day | Family roles and satire | |
| Chapter 6 | The Ghat of the Only World | Life, death, and spirituality | |
| Chapter 7 | Birth | Compassion and humanity | |
| Chapter 8 | The Tale of Melon City | Political satire and irony |
- CBSE Class 11 English Core syllabus 2025–26
- NCERT Class 11 English Core curriculum
- CBSE English Core Hornbill Snapshots
- Class 11 English Core chapter list
- CBSE Class 11 English Core exam pattern
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the CBSE Class 11 English Core syllabus based on NCERT books?
Yes, the syllabus is strictly based on NCERT textbooks Hornbill and Snapshots.
Q2. How many books are prescribed for Class 11 English Core?
There are two books: Hornbill (Prose & Poetry) and Snapshots (Supplementary Reader).
Q3. What is the weightage of internal assessment in English Core?
Internal assessment carries 20 marks, including speaking, listening, and project work.
Q4. Are grammar topics tested separately in the exam?
Grammar is assessed in context through writing and editing tasks, not as isolated questions.
Q5. Is Class 11 English Core important for Class 12 board preparation?
Yes, it builds foundational skills essential for Class 12 English Core and competitive exams.
The CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 offers a balanced blend of literature, language skills, and critical thinking, aligned fully with NCERT guidelines. By mastering this syllabus, students develop strong communication abilities, analytical reading habits, and effective writing skills that form the backbone of senior secondary education. Regular practice of reading passages, writing formats, and literary analysis will ensure academic excellence and long-term success.
