CBSE Class 12 – English Core (2025–26 Syllabus)
CBSE Class 12 – English Core (2025–26 Syllabus)
Class: XII
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 Class 12 English Core)
Theory Examination: 80 Marks | Internal Assessment: 20 Marks
Section A – Reading Skills (22 Marks)
- Two unseen passages (one factual, one literary)
- MCQs and short response questions testing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary
Section B – Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
- Short writing task (notice, invitation, advertisement)
- Long writing task (article, report, speech, letter)
Section C – Literature (40 Marks)
- Questions from prescribed NCERT textbooks
- Extract-based questions
- Short Answer (SA) and Long Answer (LA) questions
- Theme, character, and value-based questions
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
- Listening and Speaking Skills
- Project Work / Portfolio
- Periodic Assessments
The CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 is designed to enhance advanced language proficiency, literary analysis, and effective communication skills. Prescribed by NCERT and implemented by CBSE, the curriculum focuses on reading comprehension, creative writing, and in-depth literary appreciation through prose, poetry, drama, and supplementary texts. This syllabus plays a crucial role in board exam preparation while equipping students with analytical and expressive skills essential for higher education and competitive examinations.
CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 (NCERT)
| Book / Section | Unit / Chapter | Title | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo (Prose) | Chapter 1 | The Last Lesson | Patriotism, linguistic identity, and human emotions |
| Chapter 2 | Lost Spring | Social injustice, poverty, and child labour | |
| Chapter 3 | Deep Water | Fear, courage, and self-confidence | |
| Chapter 4 | The Rattrap | Human kindness and moral values | |
| Chapter 5 | Indigo | Civil disobedience and leadership | |
| Chapter 6 | Poets and Pancakes | Life behind cinema and satire | |
| Chapter 7 | The Interview | Fame, identity, and journalism | |
| Chapter 8 | Going Places | Dreams, aspirations, and realism | |
| Flamingo (Poetry) | Poem 1 | My Mother at Sixty-Six | Ageing, separation, and love |
| Poem 2 | An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum | Social inequality and education | |
| Poem 3 | Keeping Quiet | Introspection and peace | |
| Poem 4 | A Thing of Beauty | Beauty as a source of joy | |
| Poem 5 | A Roadside Stand | Rural-urban divide and compassion | |
| Poem 6 | Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers | Gender roles and oppression | |
| Vistas (Supplementary Reader) | Chapter 1 | The Third Level | Fantasy, reality, and escapism |
| Chapter 2 | The Tiger King | Satire on power and authority | |
| Chapter 3 | Journey to the End of the Earth | Climate change and environmental awareness | |
| Chapter 4 | The Enemy | Humanity beyond war | |
| Chapter 5 | Should Wizard Hit Mommy? | Parenting, authority, and values | |
| Chapter 6 | On the Face of It | Disability, optimism, and empathy | |
| Chapter 7 | Evans Tries an O-Level | Crime, intelligence, and humour | |
| Chapter 8 | Memories of Childhood | Identity, discrimination, and dignity |
- CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus 2025–26
- NCERT Class 12 English Core curriculum
- CBSE English Core Flamingo Vistas
- Class 12 English Core exam pattern
- CBSE Class 12 English Core chapters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which books are prescribed for CBSE Class 12 English Core?
NCERT prescribes Flamingo (Prose & Poetry) and Vistas (Supplementary Reader).
Q2. What is the weightage of literature in the Class 12 English Core exam?
Literature carries the highest weightage of 40 marks in the theory paper.
Q3. Is grammar asked as a separate section in Class 12 English Core?
No, grammar is assessed contextually through reading and writing tasks.
Q4. How important is internal assessment in English Core?
Internal assessment carries 20 marks and significantly impacts the final result.
Q5. Does Class 12 English Core help in competitive exams?
Yes, it strengthens reading, writing, and analytical skills useful for CUET and other exams.
The CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 offers a comprehensive framework for mastering language skills and literary understanding. Fully aligned with NCERT guidelines, the syllabus emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values. Consistent practice of reading passages, writing formats, and literature-based answers will help students excel in board examinations and build a strong foundation for higher education and professional success.
