
The CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 is designed to strengthen students’ language proficiency while developing critical reading, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills. English Core prepares students for academic writing, literary appreciation, and real-world language use.
CBSE curriculum focuses on reading comprehension, creative and formal writing, grammar usage, and prescribed literary texts. Students must follow the CBSE Class 11 Syllabus for English Core to express ideas clearly and interpret texts with depth.
The CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 is structured into reading, writing, grammar, literature, and listening–speaking components. The syllabus encourages active learning through textual analysis, writing practice, and discussion-based activities.
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CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 |
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Section |
Topics Covered |
Marks Allotted |
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A- Reading Skills |
I. Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passages |
10 |
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3. Note Making and Summarization |
8 |
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B- Grammar and Creative Writing Skills |
II. Grammar: 4. Questions on Gap filling (Tenses, Clauses) 5. Questions on re-ordering/transformation of sentences |
7 Marks |
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III. Creative Writing Skills 6. Short writing task – Classified Advertisements, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered 7. Short writing task –Poster up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. 8. Long Writing task: Speech in 120-150 words based on verbal / visual cues related to contemporary / age-appropriate topic. One out of the two given questions to be answered. 9. Long Writing Task: Debate based on visual/verbal inputs in 120-150 words, thematically related to contemporary, topical issues. One out of the two given questions to be answered. |
16 Marks |
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C- Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text |
10. One Poetry extract out of two, from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. |
31 Marks |
Internal assessment in the CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 focuses on continuous evaluation rather than one-time testing. It includes speaking and listening activities. This assessment method helps students improve language skills gradually.
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CBSE English Core Syllabus For Class 11 Internal Assessment |
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Assessments |
Marks Allotted |
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Assessment of Listening Skills |
05 |
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Assessment of Speaking Skills |
05 |
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Project Work |
10 |
According to CBSE guidelines, the CBSE English Core Syllabus for Class 11 includes the following prescribed textbooks:
Hornbill (English Reader) – Prose and Poetry
Snapshots (Supplementary Reader) – Short Stories
Below are the CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus Chapters that must be prepared well for Class 11 exams:
1. Hornbill: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
• The Portrait of a Lady (Prose)
• A Photograph (Poem)
• “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can Be Together
• Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues
• The Laburnum Top (Poem)
• The Voice of the Rain (Poem)
• Childhood (Poem) The Adventure
• Silk Road (Prose) Father to Son
2. Snapshots: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
• The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (Prose)
• The Address (Prose)
• Mother’s Day (Play)
• Birth (Prose) The Tale of Melon City
CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26 is available here in PDF format. This makes it easier to check chapters, exam requirements, and internal assessment details as well. The PDF clearly lists the Class 11 English Syllabus chapters, prescribed books, and assessment structure as approved by CBSE.
Referring to the official CBSE English Core Syllabus for Class 11 in PDF format helps students stay focused on relevant topics and avoid unnecessary study material. It is useful while planning revision schedules, preparing for tests, and tracking syllabus completion.
https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain26/SrSec/English_core_SrSec_2025-26.pdf
CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus PDF Download
To score well in the CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025-26, students should follow a consistent and structured preparation strategy:
Read prose and poems carefully to understand themes and literary devices
Practise writing formats regularly to improve clarity and organisation
Revise grammar rules and apply them in writing tasks
Participate in speaking activities to build fluency and confidence
Use the CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus PDF as a checklist for revision
Study without using the internet
