The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the Class 10th and 12th board exam datesheet for 2026, marking the start of the most crucial academic season of the year. According to the schedule, Class 12th exams will commence on February 26 and conclude on April 9, 2026, with the highly anticipated English Core paper scheduled for March 12, 2026.
English holds unique significance among all subjects, as it is the only paper common to every academic stream – Science, Commerce, and Humanities. More than just a language subject, it meticulously assesses a student’s analytical thinking, interpretative capabilities, and the ability to articulate ideas with clarity and precision. Excelling in English often reflects a student’s overall readiness for higher education and future professional endeavors.
English Class 12th Marking Scheme: Understanding the Paper Structure
As per CBSE’s official guidelines, the Class 12 English (Core) exam is worth 80 marks, with an additional 20 marks allocated for internal assessment. The written paper is strategically divided into three main sections, each designed to evaluate distinct skills: comprehension, creative expression, and literary insight.
Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)
This section is designed to test students’ ability to effectively comprehend, interpret, and analyze unseen passages and case-based extracts. It typically features a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions that assess factual understanding, inferential reasoning, and vocabulary knowledge.
Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
Students are evaluated on their proficiency in crafting various written formats, including notices, invitations, letters, and reports. The assessment focuses on correct format, logical coherence, and grammatical accuracy, with a strong emphasis on precise expression, appropriate tone, and effective organization of ideas.
Section C: Literature (40 Marks)
The literature section challenges students to demonstrate their interpretative and critical abilities. This includes questions based on extracts, as well as short-answer and long-answer questions drawn from the prescribed NCERT texts: ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Vistas’.
Section B: Sample Questions (Creative Writing Skills)
Students must select one option from each question type, as illustrated in the sample paper released by CBSE:
Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. (1×4 = 4 marks)
A. You are Daljeet Kaur, a member of the Teen Well-Being Association, Chandigarh. The Association is planning to organize free pottery classes every Sunday morning at the community hall to encourage creativity among young residents. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the residents of the event and inviting registrations. Include all the necessary details. Put your notice in a box.
OR
B. You are Keerthi, the Secretary of the Environmental Club of ABC School, Madurai. Your school is organizing an ‘Eco-Fiesta’ to raise awareness about environmental issues. Draft a notice in about 50 words, inviting students to participate in various activities and setting up of food stalls. Include all the necessary details. Put your notice in a box.
4. Attempt any one of the two, (A) or (B), in about 50 words. (1×4 = 4 marks)
A. As the Cultural Secretary, Vignesh Kumar, of JKL School, Jamshedpur, draft an invitation for the Annual Music Festival, inviting Gajendra Hansda, an acclaimed local musician, to perform and judge the event. Provide the essential details in about 50 words.
OR
B. You are Bina Bedekar, residing at 45, Ashok Vihar, Nagpur. You have been invited to inaugurate a science exhibition at your alma mater, National Public School, Mumbai. Write a formal reply in about 50 words, accepting the invitation and expressing gratitude.
These questions are designed to test not only adherence to format and vocabulary but also the student’s ability to convey information concisely and effectively – a crucial skill for both academic and professional success.
To download the CBSE Class 12th English Core sample paper for 2025, please refer to the official CBSE academic website.
Preparation Tips: Mastering the English Core Exam
Effective preparation is key to achieving desired results. Students can begin by creating a detailed timetable to kickstart their preparations. Here are some actionable tips to help you ace the exam:
- Start early and stay consistent: Begin your preparation at least three months before the exam. Regularly practice comprehension passages to enhance your reading speed and inference skills.
- Enhance writing skills: Dedicate time daily to solving at least one writing task – be it letters, notices, or reports. This practice will develop your coherence, grammatical accuracy, and overall presentation.
- Focus on literature analysis: Move beyond simple memorization. Strive to deeply understand the themes, character motivations, and authorial intent within the prescribed ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Vistas’ texts.
- Time management practice: Conduct mock tests under simulated exam conditions to refine your time allocation strategy across the reading, writing, and literature sections.
- Revise format-based questions: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the prescribed CBSE formats for notices, invitations, and reports. Even minor errors in format can lead to mark deductions.
Exam Day Guidelines: What Students Must Remember
Adhering to crucial exam day guidelines is vital for a smooth and successful experience. Remember these important points:
- Reporting time: Arrive at the exam center at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Admit card: It is mandatory to carry your CBSE admit card. Entry will not be permitted without it.
- Answer presentation: Use only black or blue pen. Underline key points and ensure your handwriting is legible throughout the paper.
- Avoid overwriting: Write your answers neatly and structure them logically with clear paragraph breaks.
- Electronic devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
- Mental readiness: Utilize the 15-minute reading time wisely. Skim through the entire paper, plan your answering sequence, and maintain a calm demeanor.