CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026, Download PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

CBSE has published the Class 12 English Syllabus for the academic year 2026 at the official website www.cbseacademic.nic.in. As per the released timetable, CBSE Class 12th English exam is expected to be held in the month of March 2026. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 for both core and elective includes all the topics and chapters to be covered to appear for the board exams. Students must not ignore English papers and they should start preparing for it along with other subjects because it hold equal marks as other subjects. The questions asked in English are quite easier than in other subjects, hence this subject can help students to boost their overall percentage. In this article, we have provided the complete details of the CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026 along with the marking scheme.

English Class 12 Syllabus 2026 [Core English]

The Class 12 English exam in 2025-26 will have a total of 100 marks. The written exam will be for 80 marks, while 20 marks will be given for Listening and Speaking Skills. This 20-mark assessment is divided into three parts: Listening Skills (5 marks), Speaking Skills (5 marks), and Project Work (10 marks). Students should focus on all sections to score well. The written exam tests reading, writing, and literature, while the listening and speaking assessment checks communication skills. Understanding this marking scheme will help students prepare better and improve their performance. By balancing their efforts in writing, speaking, and listening, students can aim for the best possible results in their Class 12 English exam.

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 Literature (Core)

Book-Flamingo (Prose) 

1. The Last Lesson
2. Lost Spring
3. Deep Water
4. The Rattrap
5. Indigo
6. Poets and Pancakes
7. The Interview
8. Going Places

Book-Flamingo (Poetry)

1. My Mother at Sixty-Six
2. Keeping Quiet
3. A Thing of Beauty
4. A Roadside Stand
5. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Book-Vistas 

1. The Third Level
2. The Tiger King
3. Journey to the end of the Earth
4. The Enemy
5. On the Face of It
6. Memories of Childhood
7. The Cutting of My Long Hair
8. We Too are Human Beings

CBSE Class 12 Core English Syllabus Marking Scheme

According to the marking scheme for CBSE Class 12 Core English Syllabus 2026, the theory part including Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing Skills, Literature, carries 80 marks altogether. While the other section of Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills carries 20 marks and both sections together make the paper of 100 marks.

CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus 2025

English Elective is slightly different from English Core as Core is a mandatory subject whereas elective is an optional subject. Students who want to pursue higher studies in English choose electives. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 for Elective has been detailed below which provides insights on the topics to be asked in the exam. 

CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2026 Literature (Elective)

MCQs (from Kaleidoscope) from short stories/poetry /non-fiction/ drama

Book- Kaleidoscope- Short Stories

1. I Sell my Dreams
2. Eveline
3. A Wedding in Brownsville

Book- Kaleidoscope-Poetry

1. A Lecture Upon the Shadow
2. Poems by Milton
3. Poems by Blake
4. Kubla Khan
5. Trees
6. The Wild Swans of Coole
7. Time and Time Again

Book- Kaleidoscope- Nonfiction

1. Freedom
2. The Mark on the Wall
3. Film-making
4. Why the Novel Matters
5. The Argumentative Indian

Book- Kaleidoscope-Drama

1. Chandalika- RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Novel- Fiction- A Tiger for Malgudi or The Financial Expert by R.K. Narayan 

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026 PDF- Click to Download

How to complete the syllabus of the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26?

Go through the whole syllabus of English and create a monthly plan according to your convenience. Divide topics on a daily basis, and complete them on time. In this way, you can complete the entire syllabus in small chunks and you won’t feel any burden while preparing yet you will complete the syllabus on time. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026 is vast but interesting so you can enjoy reading all the chapters and going through all the details. 

How to increase focus while studying CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026?

To improve focus, try meditating or exercising every day. If you don’t enjoy these, playing sports is a good option. Avoid multitasking—yes, that’s right! Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. This will help you stay more focused and work better. Simple daily habits like these can make a big difference in your concentration. Whether it’s a short workout, a game, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes, these activities train your mind to stay alert. Stay consistent, and you will see great improvement in your ability to focus.

Benefits CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

Some of the benefits of knowing the CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 have been discussed below:

1. The CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 covers various aspects of language development, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
2. The syllabus encourages students with all critical analysis of literature, fostering the development of analytical and interpretative skills.
3. It engages students in creative writing tasks, cultivating their imaginative abilities and encouraging original thought.
4. The syllabus is designed to align with the examination pattern, ensuring students are well prepared for the CBSE Class 12th English board exam.
5. It aims to enhance language proficiency, covering grammar, vocabulary, and language mechanics essential for effective communication.