ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27: Download PDF for CISCE Board Exam

ISC Syllabus Class 12 English 2026-27: For students in the academic year 2026–2027, the updated syllabus has been made available by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) Board. Our ISC Class 12th English Syllabus 2026 includes a comprehensive syllabus, required textbooks, internal assessment information, course structure, and more. Students can also find out what kinds of questions will be asked on the test. The curriculum is released by the board before the beginning of the school year so that students are aware of the chapters to be studied, the topics to be covered, and the books to be utilised. 

ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27: Highlights

ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2026-27

The subject English consists of two components: English Language and Literature in English. Each component comprises a Theory Paper (80 Marks) and Project Work (20 Marks).

COMPONENT 1: ENGLISH LANGUAGE

• Paper I: Theory (3 Hours) – 80 Marks 
• Paper II: Project Work – 20 Marks

Paper I: Theory (80 Marks)

All questions are compulsory.

Question 1: Composition (20 Marks)

Candidates must select one composition topic from a choice of six

• Topics include: Narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative/persuasive, expository topics, or an original short story.

Question 2: Directed Writing & Proposal Writing (20 Marks)

Both parts are compulsory:

• (a) Directed Writing (15 Marks): Based on provided points.

  • Formats include: Feature article, book review, blog, newspaper report, or statement of purpose.

• (b) Proposal Writing (5 Marks): Based on a given situation following the prescribed CISCE format:

  • Heading / Introduction
  • Objectives
  • List of measures to be taken
  • Concluding statement

Question 3: Short-Answer Grammar Questions (15 Marks)

Testing essentials of functional English grammar, structure, and usage through:

• Sentence transformations
• Phrasal verbs
• Tenses and verbs

Question 4: Reading Comprehension (25 Marks)

Based on an unseen prose passage of approximately 700 words:

• Analytical, vocabulary, and inference-based short-answer questions.
• Summary Question: Expressing the main ideas in grid format (strict word limit, full sentences, no abbreviations/contractions).

Paper II: Project Work (20 Marks)

Evaluated through three internal/external assessments:

1. Listening Skills (Aural - 5 Marks): Internally assessed via an unseen passage (~500 words) read aloud twice, followed by objective questions.
2. Speaking Skills (Oral - 5 Marks): Internally assessed via a 3-minute individual presentation + 2-3 minute discussion.
3. Writing Skills (10 Marks): Externally assessed by a Visiting Examiner (500-word written piece on brochure text, product/process description, sporting event description, autobiographical experience, or TV serial review).

COMPONENT 2: LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

• Paper I: Theory (3 Hours) – 80 Marks 
• Paper II: Project Work – 20 Marks

Note: The Class XII Examination paper will be set ONLY on the portion of the syllabus prescribed for Class XII.

Class XII Prescribed Syllabus Portion

I. DRAMA

• Macbeth: William Shakespeare — Acts III, IV & V

II. PRISM: A Collection of ISC Short Stories (Evergreen Publications)

1. Atithi / Guest – Rabindranath Tagore
2. The Cookie Lady – Philip K. Dick
3. There Will Come Soft Rains – Ray Bradbury
4. Indigo – Satyajit Ray
5. The Medicine Bag – Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

III. RHAPSODY: A Collection of ISC Poems (Evergreen Publications)

1. Telephone Conversation – Wole Soyinka
2. Tithonus – Alfred, Lord Tennyson
3. Beethoven – Shane Koyczan
4. Small Towns and the River – Mamang Dai
5. Death be not Proud – John Donne

Paper II: Literature Project Work (20 Marks)

Candidates are required to undertake one written assignment of 1,000 – 1,500 words exploring prescribed Class XII literature texts in depth.

Evaluation Breakdown:

• Internal Evaluation (Teacher): 10 Marks
• External Evaluation (Visiting Examiner): 10 Marks

Structure of Assignment:

• Title: In the form of a central analytical question.
• Introduction: Explanation of question, choice of text, and methodology/approach.
• Main Body: Well-structured treatment with sub-headings.
• Conclusion: Comprehensive summary of main points.

Suggested Project Topics:

1. Analysis of a theme from any short story/poem in the syllabus.
2. Analysis of a character from the drama or any short story/poem.
3. Background historical, cultural, and literary context of the author/poet.
4. Summary/paraphrase and literary appreciation.
5. Identifying with a character to present their personal perspective.
6. Imagining an alternate ending or extension of the story/play.
7. Script for dramatization based on a story/poem.
8. Comparing and contrasting characters/themes across two stories or poems.

How to Download ISC Class 12 Syllabus 2026-27

• Viist the official website of CISCE
• Select the Examinations tab from the menu bar
• Select the ISC Examination from the dropdown box
• Click on the Regulations and Syllabus 2027 option
• Scroll through the page to download the syllabus

ISC Class 12 Specimen Papers 2026-27

Students wants to score 90+ in their board exams should start practising these ISC Class 12 Sample Papers 2026 regularly, before the board exam begins. Daily practice and smart study will ensure outstanding results in the ISC Board Exam 2027.

Check: ISC Class 12 Specimen Papers 2026-27: Download Subject-Wise PDFs

All ISC Board students enrolled in the 2026–2027 academic year appearing for the 2027 ISC Board Exams can view and download the ISC Class 12 Syllabus 2026-27 for each subject in PDF format.