CBSE Class 12 English Core sample paper 2026-27 released: 13 compulsory questions, 80 marks
In short
- The CBSE Class 12 English Core Sample Paper 2026-27 is now available for students preparing for the upcoming board examinations.
- The paper carries a maximum of 80 marks and has a duration of 3 hours, comprising 13 compulsory questions across three sections.
- The question paper pattern includes 20% MCQs, 30% competency-based questions, and 50% short and long answer questions.
- Students can download the sample paper and solutions from the CBSE Academic Website or other educational platforms.
- The remaining 20 marks for English Core will be awarded through internal assessment, making a grand total of 100 marks.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today, 23 September 2026, released the Sample Question Paper and Marking Scheme for the Class 12 English Core Exam for the Academic Session 2026-27. This release aims to assist students in preparing for the upcoming board examinations by providing insight into the expected exam pattern, question typology, and difficulty level.
The sample paper, which aligns with the latest CBSE curriculum and examination pattern, includes a detailed set of practice questions along with full solutions. The theoretical board examination for English Core (Code No. 301) is set for a maximum of 80 marks and a duration of 3 hours, with the remaining 20 marks allocated for internal assessment, leading to a grand total of 100 marks.
English Core Exam Structure and Marking Scheme
The CBSE Class 12 English Core question paper for the 2026-27 academic session consists of 13 compulsory questions divided into three distinct sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B: Creative Writing Skills, and Section C: Literature. Internal choices are provided in selected Writing and Literature questions.
The distribution of marks across these sections is as follows:
| Section | Name of Section | Marks | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Reading Skills | 22 | Two unseen passages (objective, MCQ, and short answer questions). |
| B | Creative Writing Skills | 18 | Notice, Formal/Informal Invitations, Letter to the Editor, Job Application, and Article/Report Writing. |
| C | Literature | 40 | Based on Flamingo and Vistas, including extract-based questions and analytical long-answer questions. |
Section A, dedicated to Reading Skills, carries 22 marks and features two unseen passages with objective, multiple-choice, and short answer questions. Section B, focusing on Creative Writing Skills, is allotted 18 marks and covers topics such as Notice writing, Formal/Informal Invitations, Letter to the Editor, Job Applications, and Article/Report Writing. Section C, Literature, holds the highest weightage at 40 marks, drawing questions from the prescribed textbooks, Flamingo and Vistas, including extract-based and analytical long-answer questions.
General Question Paper Pattern for 2026-27 Board Exams
The overall question paper pattern for CBSE Class 12 board examinations in the 2026-27 academic session generally incorporates a diverse range of question types. This approach aims to assess various competencies among students, from factual recall to critical thinking and application.
The general distribution of question types is outlined below:
| Component | Weightage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs | 20% | Objective-type questions including single correct answers |
| Competency-Based Questions | 30% | Case-based, source-based, assertion-reason, and application-based questions |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | 50% | Descriptive type questions testing conceptual clarity and explanation |
According to the CBSE, 20% of the questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), while 30% will be competency-based questions, encompassing case-based, source-based, assertion-reason, and application-based formats. The remaining 50% will comprise short and long answer questions designed to evaluate conceptual clarity and explanatory abilities. The assessment scheme implemented in the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue for English Core in the 2025-26 session.
Guidance for Students
The CBSE provides sample question papers and marking schemes for various subjects for Class 12 exams across multiple academic sessions, including those from 2015-16 to 2025-26. These resources are designed according to the latest syllabus, updated exam patterns, and revised marking schemes released by the board.
Students are advised to download the CBSE Class 12 English Core Sample Paper 2026-27 with solutions from the CBSE Academic Website (cbseacademic.nic.in) or other educational platforms. Practicing these sample papers under specific time limits, focusing on structure and clarity, referring to marking schemes, revising the literature syllabus, and improving identified mistakes are recommended steps for effective preparation for the upcoming board examinations.
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