Searching for the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27? You are in the right place. This page covers the complete and updated CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus with all sections, chapters, topics, marks distribution, exam pattern, important dates, and expert tips to help you score 90+ marks in your board exam. Bookmark this page and share it with your classmates.

CBSE Class 12 English 2026-27: Quick Overview

CBSE Class 12 English Core Exam Structure 2026-27

The CBSE Class 12 English Core paper is divided into three sections. Understanding the paper design is essential for time management and scoring strategy.

Theory Paper Pattern (80 Marks)

Internal Assessment Breakdown (20 Marks)

CBSE Class 12 English Marks Distribution 2026-27: Section-Wise

Use this marks weightage table to plan how much time and effort to invest in each section. Section C - Literature carries the highest weightage and must be the top priority.

CBSE Class 12 English Core Complete Syllabus 2026-27: All Sections and Topics

Below is the complete CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus for 2026-27, covering every section, sub-section, and topic. Use this as your preparation checklist throughout the academic year.

Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)

Sub-section A1: Unseen Passage (Factual / Discursive / Literary)

•        One unseen prose passage of 400-500 words

•        Question types: Multiple Choice Questions, Short Answer Questions, and one Long Answer Question

•        Skills tested: skimming, scanning, inference, vocabulary in context

•        Marks: 12 marks

Sub-section A2: Unseen Case-Based Passage

•        One case-based factual passage with visual inputs (graphs, charts, tables, infographics)

•        Question types: MCQs and objective-type questions based on data interpretation

•        Skills tested: comprehension, data reading, factual accuracy

•        Marks: 10 marks

Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)

Notice Writing

•        Format: Heading, date, body, name and designation

•        Word limit: 50 words

•        Topics: school events, lost and found, meetings, announcements

Advertisement Writing

•        Two types: classified advertisements and display advertisements

•        Classified: situations vacant, property, matrimonial, sale/purchase

•        Word limit: 50 words for classified; one box for display

Formal Letter Writing

•        Letter to the Editor - expressing opinion on social/civic issues

•        Application Letter with Bio-data - job applications, internship requests

•        Format: sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, body, closing

•        Word limit: 150-200 words

Article Writing

•        Format: Title, by-line, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion

•        Topics: social issues, environment, technology, youth, education

•        Word limit: 150-200 words

Speech Writing

•        Format: Salutation, introduction, main points, conclusion, vote of thanks

•        Topics: social awareness, school functions, motivational themes

•        Word limit: 150-200 words

Debate Writing

•        For and against format on a given motion

•        Format: Introduction, arguments for/against, conclusion

•        Word limit: 150-200 words

Report Writing

•        Two types: newspaper report and formal report (for school/organisation)

•        Newspaper report format: Headline, dateline, byline, body

•        Formal report format: To, From, Date, Subject, Findings, Recommendations

•        Word limit: 150-200 words

Section C: Literature Textbooks (40 Marks)

The literature section carries the highest marks (40) and tests reading comprehension, critical thinking, and textual knowledge. It covers two prescribed textbooks: Flamingo and Vistas.

Flamingo - Prose Chapters (Class 12 English Core)

•        Chapter 1: The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

•        Chapter 2: Lost Spring by Anees Jung

•        Chapter 3: Deep Water by William O. Douglas

•        Chapter 4: The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlof

•        Chapter 5: Indigo by Louis Fischer

•        Chapter 6: Poets and Pancakes by Asokamitran

•        Chapter 7: The Interview by Christopher Silvester and Umberto Eco

•        Chapter 8: Going Places by A.R. Barton

Flamingo - Poetry Chapters

•        Poem 1: My Mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das

•        Poem 2: Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda

•        Poem 3: A Thing of Beauty by John Keats

•        Poem 4: A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost

•        Poem 5: Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich

Vistas - Supplementary Reader Chapters

•        Chapter 1: The Third Level by Jack Finney

•        Chapter 2: The Tiger King by Kalki

•        Chapter 3: Journey to the End of the Earth by Tishani Doshi

•        Chapter 4: The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck

•        Chapter 5: Should Wizard Hit Mommy by John Updike

•        Chapter 6: On the Face of It by Susan Hill

•        Chapter 7: Evans Tries an O-Level by Colin Dexter

•        Chapter 8: Memories of Childhood by Zitkala-Sa and Bama

Literature Section: Question Type Breakdown

Chapter-Wise Themes and Key Topics: CBSE Class 12 English 2026-27

Knowing the central themes and key topics of each chapter helps you write focused, high-scoring answers.

Flamingo - Prose: Key Themes

Flamingo - Poetry: Key Themes

Vistas: Key Themes and Topics

Section B Writing Formats: Quick Reference Guide

Mastering writing formats is one of the easiest ways to secure full marks in Section B. Follow these formats strictly.

Notice Format

•        Name of Organisation / School (centred, bold)

•        NOTICE (heading, underlined, centred)

•        Date (left aligned)

•        Title of the notice (underlined)

•        Body: concise, factual, 40-50 words

•        Name and Designation of the issuing authority (bottom left)

Formal Letter Format

•        Sender's address (top left)

•        Date

•        Receiver's name, designation and address

•        Subject line (brief and clear)

•        Salutation: Sir/Madam

•        Body: Para 1 - purpose, Para 2 - elaboration, Para 3 - request/conclusion

•        Closing: Yours faithfully + full name

Article Format

•        Title (centred, bold)

•        By-line: By [Name] (centred)

•        Introduction: hook sentence to grab attention

•        Body: 2-3 paragraphs with arguments, examples, facts

•        Conclusion: call to action or summary statement

CBSE Class 12 English 2026-27: Important Dates

Plan your preparation calendar around these key CBSE dates to stay ahead throughout the academic year.

Note: All dates are indicative. Verify on cbse.gov.in and cbseacademic.nic.in for official announcements.

Chapter-Wise Priority and Expected Marks: CBSE Class 12 English

Based on 10 years of CBSE board paper analysis, here is how you should prioritise your preparation:

Expert Study Tips for CBSE Class 12 English 2026-27

Follow these proven study strategies to maximise your English board exam score:

1. Read All Chapters Thoroughly

•        Read every chapter in Flamingo and Vistas at least twice

•        Understand the themes, characters, symbols and literary devices of each lesson

•        Prepare short summary notes for each chapter in your own words

•        For poems, note down all poetic devices with examples from the text

2. Master Writing Formats for Section B

•        Learn and practise all seven writing formats: Notice, Advertisement, Letter, Article, Speech, Debate, Report

•        Practice at least 2-3 samples of each format before the exam

•        Focus on structure first, then content - examiners reward correct format adherence

•        Stay within the word limit - going over or under can cost marks

3. Build Strong Reading Comprehension Skills

•        Practice at least one unseen passage daily in the months leading up to the exam

•        For MCQs, always go back to the passage - the answer is always textual not inferential for objective types

•        For case-based passages, read graphs and tables carefully before attempting questions

•        Expand vocabulary by reading English newspapers and editorials regularly

4. Prepare Model Answers for Literature

•        Prepare long answer model responses for the most frequently asked chapters

•        Each long answer must have: introduction, textual evidence, analysis, conclusion

•        Memorise at least 2-3 direct quotes from each chapter for use in answers

•        For poetry, always mention rhyme scheme, tone, and at least 3 poetic devices

5. Solve Previous Year Papers and Sample Papers

•        Solve last 10 years CBSE English Core papers to identify recurring question patterns

•        Practise CBSE sample papers 2026-27

•        Time your practice - complete the full paper in 3 hours to simulate exam conditions

Top Scoring Tips for CBSE Class 12 English Board Exam

Apply these exam-day strategies to maximise your score in the CBSE Class 12 English board exam:

•        Attempt Section A first - unseen passages are straightforward and build momentum

•        In Section B, follow the exact prescribed format - even average content in correct format scores well

•        Use a separate paragraph for each point in long answers - avoid writing walls of text

•        Begin every answer with the question restated as a statement - it signals clear understanding

•        For poetry questions, always quote lines from the poem to support your analysis

•        In article and speech writing, use rhetorical questions and strong concluding lines to impress

•        Maintain consistent formal register throughout your answers - avoid casual language

•        For letter writing, the subject line must be crisp and relevant - never skip it

•        Leave 15 minutes at the end to review answers for spelling and grammar errors

•        Write in neat, legible handwriting with clear paragraph breaks - presentation matters in English

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CBSE Class 12 English

These are the most common errors that cost students valuable marks in the English board exam:

•        Not following writing formats - skipping the by-line in articles or date in letters loses format marks

•        Exceeding word limits in Section B - going over 200 words in articles or speeches can lead to deductions

•        Writing plot summaries instead of analytical answers for literature questions

•        Not using textual evidence or quotes in long answer responses

•        Confusing characters across chapters - e.g., mixing up Saheb and Mukesh from Lost Spring

•        Leaving Section A questions unattempted - every mark in unseen passage is achievable

•        Poor time management - spending too long on Section C and rushing Section B writing tasks

•        Using informal language - phrases like 'gonna', 'wanna', 'lots of' in formal writing formats

•        Not practising poetry questions - students often skip poems and lose 8-10 marks

•        Ignoring Vistas chapters - these are compulsory and consistently appear in the paper

Best Books and Resources for CBSE Class 12 English 2026-27

Official Resources

•        NCERT Flamingo - Class 12 English Core - primary textbook, must complete fully

•        NCERT Vistas - Class 12 English Core - supplementary reader, all chapters are in syllabus

•        CBSE Sample Papers 2026-27

•        CBSE Question Bank - chapter-wise questions and answers with marking scheme

Recommended Reference Books

•        Together with English Core Class 12 - comprehensive guide with practice papers

•        Oswaal CBSE Sample Question Papers - English Core - includes CBSE marking scheme

•        Arihant All in One English Core Class 12 - good for writing section formats and practice

•        Previous Year CBSE Papers (10 years)

Frequently Asked Questions: CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27

Q1. What are the two textbooks prescribed for CBSE Class 12 English Core?

The two prescribed textbooks are Flamingo (Main Reader with prose and poetry) and Vistas (Supplementary Reader). Both are published by NCERT and are mandatory for the board exam.

Q2. How many marks does the literature section carry?

Section C - Literature carries 40 out of 80 theory marks, making it the single highest-weightage section. It covers questions from both Flamingo and Vistas.

Q3. Is grammar included in the CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus?

From the 2023-24 syllabus revision, standalone grammar questions have been removed from the Class 12 English Core paper. Grammar is now assessed implicitly through reading comprehension and writing tasks.

Q4. How many writing formats must students prepare for Section B?

Students must prepare seven writing formats: Notice, Advertisement, Formal Letter (to Editor and Job Application with Bio-data), Article, Speech, Debate, and Report. All formats carry specific marks and follow prescribed structures.

Q5. Can students score 100 out of 100 in CBSE Class 12 English?

Yes, scoring full marks in English is achievable with consistent practice. Focus on mastering writing formats, preparing model answers for all chapters, practising unseen passages daily, and ensuring neat presentation. Many students score 99-100 each year in CBSE English Core.

Disclaimer

This content is prepared based on the official CBSE English Core curriculum and is for educational reference only. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in and cbseacademic.nic.in. Syllabus details are subject to change by CBSE at any time without prior notice.