CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26: Complete Guide

1. Overview of Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26

The Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 for CBSE is designed to enhance learners’ critical thinking, reading comprehension, literary appreciation, and writing skills. The curriculum is divided into a theory paper of 80 marks and an internal assessment (listening-speaking + project) of 20 marks. The two primary textbooks are Flamingo (prose and poetry) and Vistas (supplementary reader). This structure ensures a balanced focus on language skills (reading and writing) and literature.

2. CBSE Changes for 2025-26

For the academic year 2025-26, CBSE has made a few important updates in the Class 12 English syllabus. While the core structure remains largely similar, the board has clarified competencies, added more case-based passages in reading, and reinforced internal assessment components. Here are some key changes:

• Reading:** The unseen passages now include a case-based factual passage with verbal or visual inputs (e.g., charts, statistics), aiming to test higher-order thinking. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Creative Writing:** The weightage, formats (notice, letter, article/report), and marking criteria remain precise, focusing on format, content, organization, and grammar. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Literature Assessment:** The literature section still includes extracts, as well as short- and long-answer questions; however, the question design emphasizes interpretation, evaluation, and extrapolation beyond the text. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Internal Assessment:** Listening and speaking skills, along with project work, continue to comprise 20 marks, reinforcing communicative competence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

3. Core English vs Elective English (Differences + Syllabus Tables)

In CBSE Class 12, students can opt for either English Core or English Elective. Here’s a breakdown of key differences and respective syllabus highlights:

Aspect	English Core	English Elective
Total Marks	100 (Written 80 + Internal 20) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}	Varies; higher literature content, more advanced texts
Books Prescribed	Flamingo (Prose & Poetry), Vistas supplementary reader :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}	Generally, NCERT’s Kaleidoscope or other literature texts + a novel
Focus	Balanced: reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, literature	More depth in literature analysis, critical appreciation, and a novel study
Grammar Component	Included in creative writing, comprehension, and implicit evaluation	More detailed grammar + complex usage may be required
Internal Assessment	Listening & speaking + project (20 marks) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}	Similar, but the project may lean more toward literary research

Note: While the official CBSE document for English Core is clearly available, the elective syllabus may vary per board or school. Always refer to your school’s curriculum or the CBSE Academic website.

4. Flamingo Book Syllabus (Prose & Poetry)

The Flamingo textbook is central to the Class 12 English Core syllabus. Here is a breakdown of prose and poetry chapters for 2025-26:

Unit	Chapters / Poems – Flamingo (2025-26)
Prose	The Last Lesson Lost Spring Deep Water The Rattrap Indigo Poets and Pancakes The Interview Going Places
Poetry	My Mother at Sixty-Six Keeping Quiet A Thing of Beauty A Roadside Stand Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

(These are the same prescribed chapters as in previous years, per the 2025-26 syllabus.) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

5. Vistas Book Syllabus

The Vistas supplementary reader is also included in the Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26. Here are its units:

• The Third Level
• The Tiger King
• Journey to the End of the Earth
• The Enemy
• On the Face of It
• Memories of Childhood – including The Cutting of My Long Hair and We Too Are Human Beings:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

6. Assessment & Marking Scheme

Understanding the CBSE class 12 English marking scheme 2025-26 is crucial for strategic preparation. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Section	Competency / Content	Marks
Section A	Reading Skills (Unseen Passage + Case-based passage)	22 Marks :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Section B	Creative Writing Skills (Notice, Invitation, Letter, Article / Report)	18 Marks :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Section C	Literature (Flamingo + Vistas) – extracts, short and long answers	40 Marks :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Internal Assessment	Listening & Speaking Skills + Project Work	20 Marks (5 + 5 for ASL, 10 for project) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Total		100 Marks :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Some key details in assessment design:

– Reading comprehension: The combined word limit for both passages (standard + case‐based) is about 700–750 words. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
– Question types: MCQs, objective, and short-answer (40–50 words) are used to assess comprehension, inference, and evaluation. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
– Literature: Extract-based questions (both poetry and prose) plus short and long answer questions to test interpretation, critical thinking, and extrapolation. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

7. Deleted Syllabus (If Any)

As per the official 2025-26 CBSE curriculum, there is no major deletion in the Class 12 English Core syllabus compared to the previous year. The prescribed chapters in Flamingo and Vistas remain consistent. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

8. Prescribed Grammar Topics

The syllabus does not list a separate “grammar book,” but grammar is assessed implicitly through writing tasks, creative writing, and comprehension. Key grammar competencies include:

• Vocabulary inference in comprehension (unseen passages) :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Correct use of syntax, sentence structure, and punctuation in writing tasks
• Spelling and grammatical accuracy in all creative writing (notice, letter, article, report) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Coherence and organization (grammar + style) in longer writing tasks

9. Writing Skills Format + Examples

One of the most important parts of the Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 is Creative Writing (Section B). Below are formats, criteria, and sample ideas for each form:

Writing Task	Word Limit	Marking Criteria	Example / Idea
Notice Writing	Up to 50 words	Format (1), Content (2), Grammar/Spelling (1) :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}	School lost & found notice: “Found — black wallet in corridor. Please contact …”
Formal / Informal Invitation & Reply	Up to 50 words	Same marking split as notice :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}	Invitation to farewell party / reply to a friend’s invitation.
Letter Writing	120–150 words	Format (1), Organisation (1), Content (2), Grammar (1) :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}	Application for a job with a résumé or a letter to the editor about an environmental issue.
Article / Report Writing	120–150 words	Same as letter (format, organisation, content, grammar) :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}	Article on the importance of digital detox / Report on a school science fair.

Writing Tips:

– Always begin with a clear heading (for notices), salutation & sign-off (for letters), title (for article/report).
– Stick to the word limit — exceeding may lead to a penalty.
– Use simple yet effective vocabulary; clarity matters more than fancy words.
– Focus on organizing ideas logically: introduction → body → conclusion.
– Check for grammar and spelling once you finish writing.

10. Internal Assessment Details

Internal Assessment (IA) contributes 20 marks toward the final grade in the Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26. The breakdown is as follows:

• Listening Skills: 5 marks
• Speaking Skills: 5 marks
• Project Work: 10 marks :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

The project work could be in the form of a seminar, skit, speech, report, or any interactive activity that demonstrates students’ linguistic abilities, creativity, and cultural insight. Teachers assess not just language accuracy but also content, presentation, and engagement.

11. Best Books for Preparation

To master the Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26, here are some recommended books and resources:

• NCERT Flamingo & Vistas – The primary textbooks for literature. Study prose and poetry thoroughly.
• Sample Question Papers (CBSE) – Solve official CBSE sample papers to understand the exam pattern.
• Supplementary Guidebooks: Reference books like GRB (Golden Reference Book) or Oswaal Guides for English Core can be helpful for practice.
• Grammar Workbook: Any well-structured English grammar workbook (e.g., Wren & Martin, Plinth to Paramount) to improve writing skills implicitly.
• Writing Practice Notebooks: Maintain a dedicated notebook for notices, letters, articles, and report writing practice weekly.

12. CBSE Official Link

For complete authenticity, always refer to the [official CBSE English Core syllabus document for 2025-26] from the CBSE Academic website. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

13. Important Tips for Scoring 90+ in English

Here are my expert tips (professor-style) for students aiming to score **90+** marks in Class 12 English:

1. Read & Revise Texts Thoroughly: Read Flamingo and Vistas chapters multiple times. Write short summaries, note down themes, character traits, and key quotes.
2. Practice Unseen Passages: Use varied reading materials (newspapers, essays) to get comfortable with case-based and literary passages.
3. Time Yourself: In mocks, allocate time smartly – e.g., 40 min for comprehension, 50 min for writing, 70 min for literature.
4. Writing Practice Daily: Write notices, invitations, letters, and articles regularly. Use the marking criteria (format, content, grammar) as your checklist.
5. Use Model Answers: Study sample answers for long and short questions in literature. But avoid rote learning — understand the reasoning.
6. Improve Grammar Implicitly: Since grammar isn’t asked as a separate section, improve grammar through writing and comprehension practice.
7. Internal Assessment Preparation: Participate actively in the project and speaking tasks. Choose a creative topic for your project that interests you.
8. Revise Smartly: Use flashcards for important literary terms, quotes, and vocabulary. Make mind-maps of themes and character relations.
9. Seek Feedback: Ask your teacher to review your writing (especially long tasks) and provide feedback. Correct mistakes early.

 FAQs: CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26

15. Conclusion & CTA

To summarise, the Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 emphasizes a balanced mastery of reading, writing, and literature through the NCERT textbooks Flamingo and Vistas. With the updated CBSE marking scheme, preparing thoughtfully and strategically can help you excel.

If you’re serious about scoring high, download the official CBSE syllabus PDF now, start early with writing and comprehension practice, and follow the study tips outlined here.

Download the Official CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF

All the best for your preparation — may you master your English board exam with confidence!
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