NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 - Download Syllabus PDF
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  • NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 - Download Syllabus PDF

NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 - Download Syllabus PDF

Vishal kumarUpdated on 03 Dec 2025, 12:08 AM IST

NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 is carefully developed in the sense that it reinforces the reading, writing, analytical and communication abilities of the students. This syllabus is mandatory for all Class 12 students regardless of the streams of Science, Commerce, or Arts that they choose, and is prescribed by the CBSE, as well as many state education boards. Class 12 NCERT English curriculum has three book series, namely Flamingo, Vistas, and Kaleidoscope (Elective English) that provide a well-balanced blend of prose, poetry, drama and literary essays to increase linguistic and literary competence.

This Story also Contains

  1. NCERT Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 – Overview
  2. NCERT English Class 12 Syllabus: Table of Contents
  3. How to Download the NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English?
  4. Benefits of the NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English
  5. CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus: Preparation Tips
  6. How to Increase Focus While Studying CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026?
NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 - Download Syllabus PDF
NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26- Download Syllabus PDF

Since English is significant in the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams, it requires students to dedicate some regular time to learn the language, among other subjects. The knowledge of the new CBSE examination pattern, keeping in pace with the Class 12 CBSE NCERT syllabus and the CBSE Class 12 date sheet 2026, can significantly enhance the management of time and exam preparation. Students are able to develop good comprehension skills, develop their writing skills with the aid of the NCERT English syllabus, and achieve better results in board exams as well as competitive entrance tests.

NCERT Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 – Overview

The NCERT 2025-26 Class 12 English Exam consists of three well-outlined segments: Reading Skills, Writing Skills, and Literature, which evaluate understanding, imagination, critical intellect and precision of the language. In the new NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English, three textbooks are prescribed, viz., Flamingo (Core), Vistas (Supplementary Reader) and Kaleidoscope (Elective).

CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 - Course Structure

SectionsTitleWeightage

A

Reading Section

22

B

Writing Section

18

C

Literature Section

40
Total80
Internal Assessment20
Grand total100

Section A - Reading Section

The objective of the section is to assess the student in their reading, understanding, interpretation, analysis, and inference of meaning in various texts.

  • Unseen Passage: Emphasis on meaning, understanding, interpretation and analysis.
  • Factual Passage Case-based: May contain visual/verbal information such as charts/tables or statistics to evaluate interpretation and evaluation skills.
  • Types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), objective-type items, and short answers (40-50 words).

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Section B - Writing Section

Section B of the Class 12 English NCERT Syllabus for 2025-26 is the writing section, which carries a weightage of 18 marks. This section evaluates the candidates' ability to write in various styles.

  1. Notice Writing (Up to 50 words): One of the two given questions must be answered.

  2. Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply (Up to 50 words): One of the two given questions must be answered.

  3. Letters based on verbal or visual inputs (120-150 words): This includes letter types such as job applications with bio-data or resumes, and letters to the editor.

  4. Article/Report Writing (120-150 words): One of the two given questions must be answered.

Section C- Literature Section

The Literature section carries a weightage of 40 marks. Questions in this section are based on the Literature textbooks and long reading texts. The prescribed NCERT Book for Class 12 English is:

  • Flamingo – Core textbook containing prose and poetry.

  • Vistas – Supplementary reader with engaging short stories and narratives.

  • Kaleidoscope (Elective) – A rich collection of short stories, poetry, drama, and non-fiction essays for students who opt for the English Elective.

This section consists of various types of questions, such as Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions, and Long Answer Type Questions. These questions check different skills like comprehension, reading, understanding, explaining, and figuring out the meaning beyond the text.

Class 12 English Elective Syllabus 2025-26 - Course Structure

SectionsTitleWeightage

A

Reading Section

20

B

Applied Grammar and Creative Writing

28

C

Textbook and Fiction

32
Total80
Seminar20
Grand Total100

NCERT English Class 12 Syllabus: Table of Contents

The Class 12 English NCERT Syllabus 2025-26 provides a good combination of reading, writing and literature to enhance knowledge of language and the power of thinking. This consists of three prescribed texts, i.e. Flamingo, Vistas, and Kaleidoscope (Elective), that contribute to improvement in understanding and expression in addition to making the learners fit into the board exams and beyond.

NCERT English Books for Class 12th

ChaptersSummary
Flamingo - Prose1. The Last LessonA French village school’s final French lesson under German rule. Highlights language, loss, and patriotism.
2. Lost SpringStories of two exploited children: Saheb (ragpicker) and Mukesh (bangle-maker). Child labour and poverty.

3. Deep Water

The author’s childhood fear of water and his determined battle to overcome it.

4. The Rattrap

A peddler is reformed by kindness and returns stolen money; themes of trust, redemption.

5. Indigo

Gandhi’s Champaran movement for indigo sharecroppers fought for justice using truth and non-violence.

6. Poets and Pancakes

Eccentric life at Gemini film studios; observation on creativity, gossip, and chaos.

7. The Interview

Examines interviews as a literary/journalistic form; includes perspectives of writers and celebrities.
8. Going PlacesSophie fantasises about a glamorous life and meeting a footballer. Deals with adolescent dreams and reality.
Flamingo - Poetry

1. My Mother at Sixty Six

Poet reflects on her mother’s ageing, mortality, and her own feelings of separation.

2. Keeping Quiet

Advocates for silence, introspection, world unity, and peace.

3. A Thing of Beauty

Celebrates the enduring beauty of nature and art that uplifts amidst hardships.

4. A Roadside Stand

Rural people’s hope for progress; city dwellers’ apathy.
5. Aunt Jennifer’s TigersAunt Jennifer’s embroidery symbolises her yearning for freedom from patriarchal society.
Vistas - Supplementary Reader

1. The Third Level

Charley fantasises about a mysterious train station as an escape from modern life stress.

2. The Tiger King

The king’s pride in killing tigers leads to his ironic downfall; a satirical tale on fate.

3. Journey to the End of the Earth

Antarctica travel inspires reflections on environmental change and interconnectedness.

4. The Enemy

Japanese doctor must choose between patriotism and humanity when treating an enemy soldier.

5. On the Face of It

A boy with facial burns and an old man learn to accept themselves and overcome isolation.
6. Memories of ChildhoodTwo autobiographical stories focused on caste and cultural discrimination in childhood.
Kaleidoscope

SHORT STORIES – INTRODUCTION

1. I Sell My Dreams

A magical tale about Frau Frieda, who profits by selling her prophetic dreams, revealing the mystery of intuition and fate.

2. Eveline

A young Irish woman, torn between duty to her family and the chance to escape, grapples with paralysis and indecision.

3. Wedding in Brownsville

Recounts an unexpected reunion and lost love among Jewish immigrants, exploring memory and cultural roots.

4. Tomorrow

An old woman, Miss Swaffer, waits years for her son’s return, poignantly showing the pain of hope and disappointment.
5. One CentimetreA subtle Chinese family tale about a daughter's emotional distance from her mother, reflecting generational gaps.

POETRY – INTRODUCTION

1. A Lecture Upon the Shadow

A metaphysical poem that uses a shadow as a metaphor for the changing nature of love over time.

2. Poems by Milton

Selections explore vision, faith, and endurance in adversity—most notably in 'On His Blindness.'

3. Poems by black

Includes themes of innocence, experience, nature, and the social order through striking imagery and allegories.

4. Kubla Khan

A visionary, dream-like poem describing Xanadu and the creative power and danger of imagination.

5. Trees

Celebrates the simplicity and beauty of nature, stating that nothing made by man can surpass a tree.

6. The Wild Swans of Coole

Yeats reflects on change, ageing, and the enduring beauty of nature as he observes swans at Coole Park.

7. Time and Time Again

Ponders memory, time, and identity in the narrator’s return to his childhood home.
8. BloodExpresses angst about social inequality and history, using blood as a symbol for pain that runs through generations.

NON-FICTION – INTRODUCTION

1. Freedom

A witty essay analysing individual liberty, discipline, and the balance needed for genuine freedom.

2. The Mark on the Wall

Stream-of-consciousness narration; meditation on life, war, and reality sparked by noticing a mark on the wall.

3. Film making

Renowned filmmaker shares insights into the art, process, and emotion involved in creating movies.

4. Why the Novel Matters

Argues for the value of novels in capturing the complexity and essence of real life.

5. The Argumentative Indian

Sen reflects on India’s history of debate, plurality, and tolerance, highlighting its importance in modern times.
6. On Science FictionDiscusses science fiction’s roots and impact, drawing links with myth and imagination in human society.

DRAMA - INTRODUCTION

1. Chandalika

Centres on an 'untouchable' girl’s search for self-worth and spiritual freedom, challenging social norms and caste discrimination. The play explores identity, dignity, and transformation, set in Buddhist India.
2. Broken ImagesA psychological drama where a celebrated writer faces her alter ego on live TV. The work explores themes of identity, public versus private selves, language, and the shifting nature of truth and fame.

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How to Download the NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English?

NCERT Class 12 English syllabus 2025-26 is accessible online in an easily readable PDF format and, therefore, is easy to download and study. As the syllabus is mandatory in the CBSE and most senior secondary schools follow it, it is important to obtain the right version in preparation for exams. The official English syllabus for Class 12 CBSE 2025 is available and can be downloaded by the students using the careers360 website or the NCERT site. This will make sure that they read the most recent chapters, subjects, and exam-related material during the year.

Step 1: Click on the link https://cbseacademic.nic.in/curriculum_2026.html.

Step 2: A page will open on the screen. Click on "Senior Secondary Curriculum Class (XI-XII).

Step 3: Then click on 'Languages- (Group - L)' and click on the English Core subject.

Step 4: The Class 12 English Syllabus will be displayed on the screen.

Note: Students can download the NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English 2025-26 PDF by clicking on the link provided.

Benefits of the NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 English

The English syllabus for Class 12 CBSE 2025 gives a calm and organised structure to the students, which makes learning easy and without any pressure. It gives details about the prescribed textbooks, crucial chapters, and the pattern of examination so that students can plan on preparations in a clear and focused manner. With this syllabus, not only will the students be better prepared to take exams, but also improve their overall language competence.

  1. The CBSE Class 12 Syllabus provides clear and detailed explanations, allowing students to grasp the difficult topics easily.

  2. It also helps in the preparation for competitive exams.

  3. The Class 12 English syllabus NCERT helps students in creating a study plan, organising their study materials, and preparing accordingly.

  4. The syllabus gives the complete outline of different chapters and units, helping students understand the marks distribution and focus on high-scoring parts.

  5. By following the NCERT syllabus, students can deepen their knowledge and understanding of English, which is important for both academic exams and future opportunities.

NCERT Syllabus for Class 12 Other Subjects

CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus: Preparation Tips

The CBSE Class 12 English exam cannot be prepared without a balanced preparation to enhance the reading and writing, grammar, and literature interpretation skills. The NCERT English textbooks, flamingo, vista and kaleidoscope are significant in creating conceptual clarity and developing exam-ready knowledge. A well-planned revision and an understanding of the exam pattern help the students to achieve high marks without any doubts. Through appropriate preparation guidelines, there will be good time management and high accuracy and overall performance in the board examination.

Reading Section:

  1. This section focuses on comprehension. Students have been given an extra 5 minutes to read the question paper.

  2. It is advised to use those 5 mins to read the comprehension section after quickly going through the question paper.

  3. This way helps students understand the comprehension, allowing them to answer questions more confidently.

  4. Regular reading should be a part of the study routine to increase imagination, perspective, and critical thinking.

  5. Students should complete this section within 45 minutes to manage time for other parts of the exam.

  6. Practising comprehension regularly improves speed and accuracy in answering.

Writing Section:

  1. This section consists of writing letters, emails, notices, reports, paragraphs, etc.

  2. Students should make themselves comfortable with the format of each writing type and need to practice at least twice before the exam.

  3. Avoid rushing in this section; take your time to allow creative thoughts to come into the writing.

  4. Keep the language simple, but make it appealing and to the point.

  5. Need to pay attention to the word limit and format while practising, to answer in the exam skillfully and confidently.

Literature:

  • This section allows you to score well, as it tests your understanding of the chapters.

  • Avoid stretching the answers; giving unnecessary details wastes time.

  • Keep your answers short and within the given word count.

  • Focus on key points while answering to ensure clarity and precision.

  • Go through the previous year's CBSE Class 12th question papers to understand the exam pattern.

  • Practice writing short yet best answers to improve time management during the exam.

How to Increase Focus While Studying CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026?

It can be difficult to remain focused and keep in mind that you are preparing for Class 12 English, as it has long chapters, poems, and grammar exercises. However, through proper strategies, it is possible to be more focused, comprehend lessons, and learn more effectively. The following are some simple and useful methods to ensure that you are attentive and covering the CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026.

  • Select a quiet and noisy place with neither noise nor phone usage nor other unnecessary distractions. Having a clean, organised study area will keep your brain relaxed, too, as well as enhance your focus.
  • Study 25 minutes, then have a 5-minute break. It avoids boredom and stress, keeps your brain fresh, particularly when reading lengthy prose or using writing skills.
  • Mark relevant lines, give emphasis to major themes and make brief notes in the margin. Active reading will keep your mind alive and will also enable you to follow up on the chapter at a deeper level.
  • Rather than reading a whole prose or chapter consecutively, break them into smaller parts. This facilitates easier learning and avoids mental tiredness.
  • Devote at least 30-45 minutes per day to revising literature, grammar or writing. It is beneficial as consistency keeps your brain focused on the language and enhances concentration.
  • Avoid switching between apps or browsing social media while studying. Put off notifications or leave your phone in another place so that you are not distracted.
  • Solve questions, practice formats, and rewrite answers creatively. Writing helps keep your brain busy and enhances focus, and strengthens what you are learning.
  • Take a lot of water and have short breaks to stretch or to relax your mind. A rested brain is more efficient in concentration and recalling ideas.
  • Instead of studying randomly, decide exactly what you want to finish--like one poem, a few grammar exercises, or a writing task.

Also, check:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the weightage of literature and language sections in the Class 12 English exam?
A:

The Literature will carry 40 marks, and Language (Reading: 22 marks, Creative Writing Skill: 18 marks) also totals 40 marks in the Class 12 English Exam.

Q: Is grammar included in the 12th CBSE?
A:

The CBSE English grammar for class 12 is divided into two parts. The first half of CBSE Class 12 English Grammar assists students with writing abilities, while the second portion of CBSE Class 12 English Grammar helps students with reading skills.

Q: Are there any prescribed poems in the Class 12 NCERT English syllabus?
A:

Yes, there are prescribed poems in the Class 12 NCERT English syllabus, i.e. Flamingo includes five poems like My Mother at Sixty-Six and A Thing of Beauty.

Q: Which books are prescribed for Class 12 English in the NCERT syllabus?
A:

The prescribed books for Class 12 English in the NCERT syllabus are Flamingo (English Reader) and Vistas (Supplementary Reader).

Q: What is the syllabus for Class 12 English (Core) in the NCERT curriculum?
A:

The Class 12 English (Core) syllabus covers Reading Comprehension, Creative Writing Skills, and Literature.

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