Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially released the ISC Class 12 English syllabus for the academic year 2025-26. Students can access and download the detailed syllabus from the official CISCE website at cisce.org.
The syllabus includes key areas such as Reading Skills, Writing Skills with Grammar, and Literature, covering prescribed textbooks and supplementary reading texts.
Understanding the syllabus helps students organize their studies and prepare effectively for the board examinations.
Along with the syllabus, CISCE has also published the exam pattern that explains the marks distribution and structure of the question paper, enabling students to focus on important topics and manage their preparation efficiently.
Below is an overview of the ISC Class 12 syllabus for the academic year 2025-26, highlighting key details such as the board, subject code, marks distribution, and medium of instruction.
ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 Overview |
|
Aspect |
Details |
Education Board |
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) |
Class |
12th (XII) |
Subject |
English (801) |
Academic Year |
2025-26 |
Total Marks |
100 (80 Theory + 20 Project Work) |
Medium |
English |
The ISC English syllabus is divided into two main papers:
English Language
Literature in English
Each section includes:
80 marks for theory
20 marks for project work
The ISC Class 12 English syllabus is divided into two major components:
English Language (Paper I – Theory: 80 Marks)
This paper checks your language usage and writing ability through four types of questions:
1. Composition (20 Marks)
Write a composition of 400–450 words. You’ll get choices from:
Narrative
Descriptive
Reflective
Argumentative
Discursive
Short Story
2. Directed Writing & Proposal Writing (15 Marks)
Directed Writing: Write an article, report, speech, or book review in 250–300 words.
Proposal Writing: Write a short proposal with an introduction, objectives, and suggested measures.
3. Grammar (15 Marks)
This section tests your command of grammar:
Sentence transformation
Tenses
Prepositions and phrasal verbs
4. Comprehension (30 Marks)
Answer questions based on an unseen passage:
Vocabulary-based questions
Logical reasoning
Summary writing
English Language (Paper II – Project Work: 20 Marks)
Listening Skills (5 Marks)
Respond to a passage of around 500 words that is read aloud.
Speaking Skills (5 Marks)
Prepare and present a 3-minute talk on a given topic, followed by a discussion.
Writing Skills (10 Marks)
A 500-word written task will be evaluated by an external examiner.
Literature in English (Paper I – Theory: 80 Marks)
This paper includes drama, short stories, and poems.
Drama
Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)
Short Stories
Atithi by Rabindranath Tagore
The Cookie Lady by Philip K. Dick
There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
Indigo by Satyajit Ray
The Medicine Bag by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Poetry
Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka
Tithonus by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Beethoven by Shane Koyczan
Small Towns and the River by Mamang Dai
Death Be Not Proud by John Donne
Literature in English (Paper II – Project Work: 20 Marks)
Students must submit one written assignment (1000–1500 words). Topics may include:
Character analysis
Comparison of two stories or poems
Rewriting alternate endings
Literary appreciation
This assignment is evaluated both internally and externally.
Students can download the ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 PDF from the link below for easy access and detailed study.
This PDF contains the complete course structure, exam pattern, and topics to help with effective preparation.
Study without using the internet
Get familiar with the detailed syllabus to focus your preparation on important topics.
Study all prescribed poems, prose, and drama carefully, paying attention to themes, literary devices, and characters.
Regularly write essays, letters, and précis to improve your expression and writing speed.
Work on grammar exercises and learn new words daily to enhance your language skills.
Practice ISC Class 12 English sample papers and previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern, types of questions, and time management.
Make concise notes and revise them frequently to retain important points and formulas.
Practice unseen comprehension passages to improve understanding and answering techniques.