Check CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus and Exam Pattern Here

Author : Akash Kumar Singh

Updated On : March 23, 2024

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Summary: Discover the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for both the Core and Elective streams, including major changes and updates for 2023-24. Discover the exam pattern, preparation tips, and the significance of English in your academic journey. Prepare thoroughly to excel in this high-scoring subject and increase your total percentage. 

The CBSE board prescribes the CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English for both Core and Elective, which provides crucial information about the course structure and mark distribution for each component. When studying for exams, students always ignore the language subjects and concentrate on the main subjects. 

However, language subjects have similar weightage as any other subject. English is a scoring subject in CBSE Class 12 that will assist students in improving their total percentage if they prepare properly. For CBSE Class 12 board students, English is separated into two sections: English Core and English Elective

It is strongly advised that students give equal importance to all of the topics presented in the syllabus English class 12 CBSE to attain commendable results in their final exams. Students are encouraged to completely review the entire English syllabus CBSE class 12 before beginning their preparations to guarantee a thorough understanding. 

Key changes in the syllabus: 

  • Enhanced focus on critical thinking and analytical skills. 
  • Addition of new topics, such as journalism and mass communication. 
  • Reduction of some topics, such as linguistics. 
  • high emphasis on English as a medium of communication. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Important Questions

CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English 2024 

The syllabus of CBSE class 12 English will inform students about the topics they will cover in English over the academic year. 

Section A: 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. 
  • 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. 

Read more: CBSE Divides Academic Year Into Two Sessions

Section B: Creative Writing Skills: 

  • Notice, up to 50 words – 4 Marks 
  • Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words – 4 Marks 
  • Letters based on verbal/visual input, to be answered in approximately 120-150 word – 5 Marks 
  • Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words – 5 Marks. 

Section C: Literature Textbook 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. 

CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English 2023-24 

Section A: Reading Comprehension – 20 Marks 

This section will have two unseen passages and a poem. 

Section B:  

The syllabus of English grammar for class 12 CBSE is as follows:

  1. Applied Grammar – 8 Marks 
  2. Creative Writing – 20 Marks 

Section C: 

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, analysis, interpretation and extrapolation beyond the text. 

  1. Textbook – 22 Marks 
  2. Fiction – 10 Marks 

Seminar – 20 Marks 

Studnets are also advised to go through CBSE class 12 English term 1 syllabus and CBSE class 12 English term 2 syllabus separately to prepare accordingly. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights 

CBSE exam pattern for class 12 2023-24 highlights can be checked from the table below: 

Particulars 

Details 

Conducting Body  

Central Board of Secondary Education  

Question Paper Pattern  

  • MCQs - 20% 
  • Competency-based questions in the form of case-based questions, source-based questions, or any other types - 30% 
  • Short answer/long answer type questions- 50% 

Duration  

3 hours  

Medium  

English / Hindi Note: Regional languages are an optional language exam for candidates and will not be used as the main form of examination. 

Mode  

Offline  

Number of subjects  

5 or 6 (as elected by the student)  

Maximum Marks  

100 (theory + practical) 

  • 80 marks theory + 20 marks Project works for Commerce subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies & Economics)  
  • 80 marks theory +30 marks practical for Physics, Chemistry & Biology  
  • 80 marks Maths written exam + 20 marks internal assessment  

Passing marks for each subject  

33% 

Passing marks for the overall exam  

Aggregate 33% 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Writing Formats

CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips 

Here are some CBSE class 12 English preparation tips that can assist students in effectively preparing for their CBSE class 12 exams: 

  • Develop a study schedule and adhere to it. Divide the CBSE class 12 English language syllabus into smaller sections and allocate adequate time to each. 
  • Arrange your studies based on the importance of each chapter within the syllabus. 
  • Place greater emphasis on chapters that carry a higher weightage in terms of marks. 
  • Utilize previous year's question papers to gain insight into the exam pattern and question types and enhance time management skills. 
  • Engage in practising sample papers regularly. 
  • Incorporate regular breaks between study sessions to relax and recharge, enhancing focus and concentration. 
  • Consistently review to reinforce understanding of concepts and information. 
  • Make and frequently revise your own notes. 
  • Pay attention to your physical and mental well-being by ensuring adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. These habits can help reduce stress levels and improve concentration. 
  • Don't hesitate to seek assistance from your teachers, mentors, or peers, as they can provide valuable guidance and support. 
  • Ensure that you write in the English language. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Preparation Tips and Tricks.

In conclusion, understanding of the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus is critical for academic achievement. With current reforms emphasizing critical thinking and communication, it is crucial to approach English courses seriously. The importance of thoroughly examining the curriculum, focusing on essential areas, and practising with a strategic plan cannot be overstated. 

Read more: CBSE Toppers Talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus, and why is it important?

Are there separate syllabi for English Core and English Elective in Class 12 CBSE?

How can I prepare effectively for the class 12 English board exam based on this syllabus?

What is the weightage of different sections in the CBSE Class 12 English exam pattern?

How many subjects can I choose for the CBSE Class 12 exam, and what's the passing criterion?

Are there any specific tips for preparing for English compared to other subjects?

Check CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus and Exam Pattern Here

Author : Akash Kumar Singh

March 23, 2024

SHARE

Summary: Discover the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus for both the Core and Elective streams, including major changes and updates for 2023-24. Discover the exam pattern, preparation tips, and the significance of English in your academic journey. Prepare thoroughly to excel in this high-scoring subject and increase your total percentage. 

The CBSE board prescribes the CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English for both Core and Elective, which provides crucial information about the course structure and mark distribution for each component. When studying for exams, students always ignore the language subjects and concentrate on the main subjects. 

However, language subjects have similar weightage as any other subject. English is a scoring subject in CBSE Class 12 that will assist students in improving their total percentage if they prepare properly. For CBSE Class 12 board students, English is separated into two sections: English Core and English Elective

It is strongly advised that students give equal importance to all of the topics presented in the syllabus English class 12 CBSE to attain commendable results in their final exams. Students are encouraged to completely review the entire English syllabus CBSE class 12 before beginning their preparations to guarantee a thorough understanding. 

Key changes in the syllabus: 

  • Enhanced focus on critical thinking and analytical skills. 
  • Addition of new topics, such as journalism and mass communication. 
  • Reduction of some topics, such as linguistics. 
  • high emphasis on English as a medium of communication. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Important Questions

CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English 2024 

The syllabus of CBSE class 12 English will inform students about the topics they will cover in English over the academic year. 

Section A: 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. 
  • 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. 

Read more: CBSE Divides Academic Year Into Two Sessions

Section B: Creative Writing Skills: 

  • Notice, up to 50 words – 4 Marks 
  • Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words – 4 Marks 
  • Letters based on verbal/visual input, to be answered in approximately 120-150 word – 5 Marks 
  • Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words – 5 Marks. 

Section C: Literature Textbook 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. 

CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 English 2023-24 

Section A: Reading Comprehension – 20 Marks 

This section will have two unseen passages and a poem. 

Section B:  

The syllabus of English grammar for class 12 CBSE is as follows:

  1. Applied Grammar – 8 Marks 
  2. Creative Writing – 20 Marks 

Section C: 

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, analysis, interpretation and extrapolation beyond the text. 

  1. Textbook – 22 Marks 
  2. Fiction – 10 Marks 

Seminar – 20 Marks 

Studnets are also advised to go through CBSE class 12 English term 1 syllabus and CBSE class 12 English term 2 syllabus separately to prepare accordingly. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 Elective English Syllabus

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights 

CBSE exam pattern for class 12 2023-24 highlights can be checked from the table below: 

Particulars 

Details 

Conducting Body  

Central Board of Secondary Education  

Question Paper Pattern  

  • MCQs - 20% 
  • Competency-based questions in the form of case-based questions, source-based questions, or any other types - 30% 
  • Short answer/long answer type questions- 50% 

Duration  

3 hours  

Medium  

English / Hindi Note: Regional languages are an optional language exam for candidates and will not be used as the main form of examination. 

Mode  

Offline  

Number of subjects  

5 or 6 (as elected by the student)  

Maximum Marks  

100 (theory + practical) 

  • 80 marks theory + 20 marks Project works for Commerce subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies & Economics)  
  • 80 marks theory +30 marks practical for Physics, Chemistry & Biology  
  • 80 marks Maths written exam + 20 marks internal assessment  

Passing marks for each subject  

33% 

Passing marks for the overall exam  

Aggregate 33% 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Writing Formats

CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips 

Here are some CBSE class 12 English preparation tips that can assist students in effectively preparing for their CBSE class 12 exams: 

  • Develop a study schedule and adhere to it. Divide the CBSE class 12 English language syllabus into smaller sections and allocate adequate time to each. 
  • Arrange your studies based on the importance of each chapter within the syllabus. 
  • Place greater emphasis on chapters that carry a higher weightage in terms of marks. 
  • Utilize previous year's question papers to gain insight into the exam pattern and question types and enhance time management skills. 
  • Engage in practising sample papers regularly. 
  • Incorporate regular breaks between study sessions to relax and recharge, enhancing focus and concentration. 
  • Consistently review to reinforce understanding of concepts and information. 
  • Make and frequently revise your own notes. 
  • Pay attention to your physical and mental well-being by ensuring adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. These habits can help reduce stress levels and improve concentration. 
  • Don't hesitate to seek assistance from your teachers, mentors, or peers, as they can provide valuable guidance and support. 
  • Ensure that you write in the English language. 

Read more: CBSE Class 12 English Preparation Tips and Tricks.

In conclusion, understanding of the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus is critical for academic achievement. With current reforms emphasizing critical thinking and communication, it is crucial to approach English courses seriously. The importance of thoroughly examining the curriculum, focusing on essential areas, and practising with a strategic plan cannot be overstated. 

Read more: CBSE Toppers Talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus, and why is it important?

Are there separate syllabi for English Core and English Elective in Class 12 CBSE?

How can I prepare effectively for the class 12 English board exam based on this syllabus?

What is the weightage of different sections in the CBSE Class 12 English exam pattern?

How many subjects can I choose for the CBSE Class 12 exam, and what's the passing criterion?

Are there any specific tips for preparing for English compared to other subjects?

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