ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-2027

The ISC Class 12 English syllabus for the academic session 2026-2027, prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), is one of the most comprehensive language and literature programmes offered at the senior secondary level in India. The syllabus is divided into two papers:

English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2), each designed to develop distinct yet complementary skills in communication, critical thinking, and literary appreciation.

Students preparing for the ISC 2027 board examinations must thoroughly understand the syllabus structure, the prescribed literary texts, and the types of questions tested in each paper. This page provides a complete, up-to-date breakdown of the ICSE Class 12 English syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, chapter-wise details, and expert preparation tips to help students plan their studies effectively.

Quick Facts

Exam Pattern

Paper 1: English Language

Paper 1 tests the functional and communicative aspects of English. It focuses on the candidate's ability to use the language accurately and effectively in written form. The paper is divided into multiple sections, each testing a different writing or comprehension skill.

Paper 2: Literature in English

Paper 2 assesses literary understanding, textual analysis, and the ability to respond critically to prescribed texts spanning drama, poetry, and prose. Candidates are expected to demonstrate comprehension, analytical insight, and the ability to support their responses with textual evidence.

Detailed Syllabus: Paper 1 (English Language)

Section A: Essay Writing

Students must write a formal or descriptive essay on one of the provided topics. Topics span a wide range of areas including current affairs, social issues, environmental themes, and abstract concepts. The essay must demonstrate clarity of thought, coherence, logical organisation, and command over vocabulary and grammar.

•         Argumentative and discursive essays

•         Descriptive and narrative essays

•         Reflective and personal essays

•         Formal analytical essays on social, environmental, and cultural topics

Section B: Directed Writing

This section requires students to produce directed written responses in formats such as formal reports, speeches, articles, and reviews. The ability to adapt tone, register, and style to the specified audience and purpose is the core skill being assessed.

•         Formal report writing (investigative, event-based, survey-based)

•         Speech writing for formal occasions

•         Article writing for newspapers and magazines

•         Review writing (book, film, performance)

Section C: Short Story Writing

Students must write an original short story based on a given opening line, a closing line, or a visual prompt. The story should have a clear narrative structure, developed characters, and controlled use of descriptive and dramatic techniques.

•         Narrative structure: exposition, rising action, climax, resolution

•         Character development and dialogue

•         Use of descriptive language, imagery, and pacing

Section D: Notice, Email, and Letter Writing

This section tests formal and semi-formal correspondence skills. Students must produce well-formatted notices, formal emails, and letters, observing appropriate conventions of format, salutation, and tone.

•         Formal and informal letter writing

•         Official email composition

•         Notice writing for school or community contexts

Section E: Comprehension and Vocabulary

Two unseen passages are provided. Students must answer comprehension questions based on the passages and complete vocabulary-based tasks such as word-meaning, contextual usage, and phrase identification.

•         Reading comprehension (literal and inferential)

•         Vocabulary in context

•         Summary writing from a given passage

•         Grammar application (transformation, gap-fill, error correction)

Detailed Syllabus: Paper 2 (Literature in English)

Section A: Drama (Shakespeare)

The Shakespeare section tests close reading and critical response to the prescribed Shakespearean drama. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the play's themes, characters, dramatic techniques, and language. Questions include extract-based analysis and essay-type responses.

•         Prescribed text: The Merchant of Venice / Othello (as per school's selection)

•         Character analysis and development

•         Theme and motif identification

•         Language, imagery, and dramatic irony

•         Context-based passage questions

Section B: Prose

The prose section includes questions on prescribed short story collections or novels. Students are expected to demonstrate comprehension of the narrative, character motivations, thematic content, and the author's craft.

•         Prescribed prose texts as per CISCE prescription

•         Narrative perspective and tone

•         Character relationships and motivation

•         Themes and social context

Section C: Poetry

The poetry section tests appreciation of poetic form, language, structure, and themes from the prescribed anthology. Students must analyse poems for their use of literary devices, voice, mood, and meaning.

•         Prescribed poetry anthology (as per CISCE list)

•         Analysis of poetic form: metre, rhyme, stanza

•         Figures of speech: metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration

•         Contextual and thematic understanding

Section D: Prescribed Drama (Non-Shakespeare)

This section covers a modern or classical drama text as prescribed by CISCE. Students must respond to text-based questions and write analytical essays on themes, characters, and dramatic techniques.

•         Prescribed drama text as notified by CISCE

•         Stage directions and dramatic structure

•         Conflict, resolution, and dramatic tension

•         Characterisation and dialogue

Chapter Overview Table

Marking Scheme

Preparation Tips

For Paper 1: English Language

English Language preparation demands consistent daily practice across all sections. Students who invest time in regular reading of newspapers, editorials, and quality fiction develop a natural command over vocabulary and sentence construction that is difficult to acquire through cramming alone.

•         Practice essay writing on diverse topics each week and review for coherence and vocabulary range

•         Study standard formats for reports, speeches, letters, and notices and practise one format per day

•         Read unseen passages daily to improve speed of comprehension and accuracy in answering inference-based questions

•         Maintain a vocabulary notebook and learn 10 new words in context every day

•         Revise grammar rules for transformation of sentences, active and passive voice, and reported speech

For Paper 2: Literature in English

Literature preparation requires a deep engagement with the prescribed texts rather than rote learning of summaries. Students must read each text multiple times, annotate key passages, and develop their own analytical responses to themes and characters.

•         Read the Shakespeare text at least three times and annotate all key soliloquies and scenes

•         Create character maps showing relationships, motivations, and development arcs

•         Study all prescribed poems using a SLIMS approach (Structure, Language, Imagery, Mood, Subject)

•         Practise writing essay responses within the word limit and under timed conditions

•         Refer to past ISC question papers from the last five years to understand the pattern and difficulty level

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there any internal assessment for ISC English?

Yes. ISC includes an internal assessment component for English. The internal assessment typically contributes to the overall result and may include project work, oral communication, and reading records. Candidates should check the latest CISCE guidelines for the exact internal assessment structure for 2026-2027.

Q2. Are the prescribed texts the same every year?

The CISCE prescribes texts for a multi-year cycle. However, students must always verify the current prescriptions from the official CISCE website or their school, as texts can be revised for new academic sessions. The 2026-2027 prescriptions should be confirmed through the official CISCE notification.

Q3. How are Essay and Story Writing marked in Paper 1?

Writing tasks in Paper 1 are assessed on content (relevance, ideas, and depth), organisation (structure, paragraphing, logical flow), expression (vocabulary, sentence variety, tone), and accuracy (grammar, spelling, punctuation). Students should aim for a balance across all four dimensions.

Q4. Can students bring a dictionary into the examination?

No. Dictionaries or any reference material are not permitted inside the ISC examination hall. Students must rely on their prepared vocabulary and language knowledge during the examination.

Q5. What is the passing mark for ISC English?

Students must score at least 35 marks out of 100 in each paper to be considered as having passed the subject. Overall, a minimum aggregate is required for the certificate to be awarded. Students should refer to the official CISCE passing criteria for complete information.