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CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27 PDF Download (Updated NCERT Curriculum, Chapters & Marks Distribution)

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Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27 FREE PDF Download

Preparing for the board exam becomes much easier when you start with the Class 12 English Syllabus

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It gives you a clear picture of what to study, the chapters you need to cover, the writing skills to practise, and the marks distribution for each section. Following the syllabus helps you stay focused on topics that matter most for the exam.


This page provides the complete English Core Class 12 Syllabus 2026-27 in a simple, easy-to-understand format. 

CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27

The CBSE Class 12 English Marks Distribution 2026-27 helps students understand the weightage of each section, making it easier to prioritise preparation and revision.


Theory Examination Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27

Section-wise Weightage

Section

Title

Weightage

A

Reading Skills 

22

B

Creative Writing Skills

18

C

Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text

40

TOTAL

80


Overview of Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27

Section A Reading Skills

Section A Reading Skills

Marks

Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage 


One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis and inference. Vocabulary assessment will also be assessed via inference. The passage may be factual, descriptive or literary.

12

One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc. to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation.


Note: The combined word limit for both passages will be 700-750 words. Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions and Short Answer Type Questions (to be answered in 40-50 words) will be asked.

10

Total

22


Creative Writing Skills

Creative Writing Skills

Marks

Notice, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. 

(4 Marks: Format :1 / Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1). 

Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. 

(4 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1). 

Letters based on verbal/visual input, are to be answered in approximately 120-150 words. Letter types include applications for a job with bio-data or a resume. Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinions on issues of public interest). One out of the two given questions to be answered. 

(5 Marks: Format: 1 / Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1). 

Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered.

(5 Marks: Format: 1 /Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2 / Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1).

Total 

18


Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text

This section will have a variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and extrapolation beyond the text. 


Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text

Marks

One Poetry extracts out of two, from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. 

(6x1=6 Marks)

One Prose extract out of two, from the book Vistas, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and appreciation. 

(4x1=4 Marks)

One prose extract out of two from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. 

(6x1=6 Marks)

Short answer type questions (from Prose and Poetry from the book Flamingo), to be answered in 40-50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Five questions, out of the six given, are to be answered.

(5x2=10 Marks)

Short answer type questions, from Prose (Vistas), to be answered in 40- 50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Any two out of three questions to be done.

(2x2=4 Marks)

One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo), to be answered in 120–150 words. Questions can be based on incident/theme/passage/extract/event as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative responses from the student. Any one out of two questions to be done. 

(1x5=5 Marks)

One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Vistas, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses using incidents, events, and themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. 

(1x5=5 Marks)



English Core XII (Code No. 301) 2026-27 Question Paper Design 

Sections

Competencies

Marks 

Reading Skills Internal Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills  Listening  Speaking 10 5+5  Project Work 10 GRAND TOTAL 100

Conceptual understanding, decoding, Analysing, inferring, interpreting, appreciating, literary, conventions and vocabulary, summarizing and using appropriate format/s.

22

Creative Writing Skills

Conceptual Understanding, application of rules, Analysis, Reasoning, appropriacy of style and tone, using appropriate format and fluency, inference, analysis, evaluation and creativity.

18

Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text

Recalling, reasoning, critical thinking, appreciating literary convention, inference, analysis, creativity with fluency. 

40

TOTAL 

80

Internal Assessment   

Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills

  • Listening  

  • Speaking 

5+5


Project Work

10 

GRAND TOTAL 

100


Class 12 English Deleted Syllabus 2026-27

  • The following chapters are removed from the English textbook Flamingo

    • Poetry Chapter 2: An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum by Stephen Spender


  • The following chapters are removed from the English textbook Vistas

    • Chapter 5: Should Wizard Hit Mommy by John Updike 

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


Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27 Chapters (Flamingo)

Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27 Chapters (Flamingo)

Prose

Poem

The Last Lesson     

My Mother at Sixty-Six     

Lost Spring

Keeping Quiet

Deep Water

A Thing of Beauty

The Rattrap

A Roadside Stand

Indigo

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Poets and Pancakes


The Interview


Going Places



Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27 Chapters (Vistas)

Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2026-27 Chapters (Vistas)

The Third Level

The Tiger King

Journey to the End of the Earth

The Enemy

On the Face of It Memories of Childhood

The Cutting of My Long Hair

We Too are Human Beings


Prescribed Books for Class 12 English Core

  1. Flamingo, Published by NCERT

  2. Vistas, Published by NCERT


How to Prepare Using the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus

A well-planned study routine can make board exam preparation easier. Focus on understanding concepts, practising regularly, and revising consistently to improve your confidence and score.


  • Understand the sections, marks distribution, and question pattern before you begin.

  • Give extra attention to Literature while practising Reading and Writing Skills regularly.

  • Master notices, letters, invitations, articles, and reports by writing them frequently.

  • Attempt sample papers and previous year questions to improve speed and accuracy.

  • Prepare chapter summaries and key points for quick revision before the exam.


Benefits of Downloading the Latest Syllabus

The latest syllabus helps you prepare with the right study plan and ensures you cover only the prescribed topics for the current academic session.


  • Covers the updated curriculum and chapters

  • Explains the latest exam pattern and marks distribution

  • Helps create an effective study schedule

  • Prevents studying outdated topics

  • Makes revision more organised


Prepare for Boards with Vedantu

Get everything you need for board exam preparation in one place with Vedantu's learning resources.


  • NCERT Solutions with step-by-step explanations

  • Chapter-wise Revision Notes

  • Important Questions and PYQ

  • CBSE Sample Papers and Mock Tests

  • Live Classes by expert teachers

  • Doubt-solving support and exam tips


These resources are designed to help you revise more effectively, strengthen your concepts, and perform confidently in your board exams.


Important Topics from Class 12 English


Related Study Materials for Class 12 English

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FAQs on CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27 PDF Download (Updated NCERT Curriculum, Chapters & Marks Distribution)

1. What is the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for 2026-27?

The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27 includes Reading Skills, Creative Writing Skills, Literature, and Internal Assessment. It also outlines the prescribed NCERT books, exam pattern, and marks distribution to help students prepare effectively for the board exam.

2. Has CBSE changed the Class 12 English syllabus for 2026-27?

No. The CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27 has no major changes. The course structure, prescribed books, and marks distribution remain the same as per the latest CBSE curriculum.

3. How many chapters are there in Class 12 English?

The Class 12 English Core Syllabus includes 19 prescribed chapters and poems from two NCERT textbooks:

  • Flamingo: 8 prose chapters and 5 poems

  • Vistas: 6 supplementary chapters

4. Is the deleted syllabus applicable in 2026-27?

No. Students should prepare using the latest CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27. Only the topics included in the current curriculum are applicable for the board examination.

5. How many marks are allotted for literature?

The Literature section carries 40 marks, making it the highest-weightage section. Questions are based on the prescribed NCERT books Flamingo and Vistas.

6. Where can I download the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus PDF?

You can download the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus PDF for the 2026-27 academic session from Vedantu. The PDF includes the latest course structure, chapter list, exam pattern, and marks distribution to help you prepare confidently for your board exams.

7. How should I prepare using the Class 12 English syllabus?

Start by understanding the syllabus and section-wise weightage. Focus on Literature, practise Reading and Writing Skills regularly, and solve sample papers to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence for the board exam.