The CBSE Class 12 English Core and Elective exams for 2026 were conducted successfully on March 12, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across various examination centres. Students were given an additional 15 minutes for reading time, starting at 10:15 AM. The exam aimed to evaluate students’ language proficiency, comprehension abilities, and analytical thinking.
Overview of the Exam
The board paper this year is assessed to be moderate to tough primarily owing to the use of tricky and complicated vocabulary by both students and teachers. The paper adhered to the pattern of Official Sample paper with a balanced mix of competency based and analytical questions. While some sections required careful time management, the paper was largely accessible, staying true to the NCERT syllabus and prescribed formats. However, for most students and experts, the paper was moderately more difficult and lengthier than previous years.
Section-Wise Breakdown of the Exam
- Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)- This section consisted of unseen passages followed by comprehension questions. The passages were of latest topics of interest of youth like Robotics and Urban Farming, etc. The questions were more towards inferential queries, testing students’ ability to grasp key ideas and interpret meanings effectively. Students found this section manageable, as most answers could be derived from the passage.
- Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)- This section required students to demonstrate their writing proficiency through tasks like notice writing, formal letter, invitations, reports, and analytical articles. While the writing tasks were straightforward and followed expected formats, some students found this section time-consuming. Effective time management was the key to completing all answers within the allotted time.
- Section C: Literature (40 Marks)- The literature section featured questions from prescribed textbooks, including Flamingo and Vistas. Extract-based questions required in-depth analysis and skills like Assertion-Reason. Students who had a thorough understanding of themes, characters and literary elements found this section easier to navigate. The long-answer type questions required critical thinking, with some demanding comparisons between different literary pieces.
Student Reactions: Moderate with Some Challenges
- Overall Difficulty: The paper was moderately tough, with a few tricky and application-based questions.
- Reading Section: Moderate; multiple readings and in-depth analysis of the passages was required to efficiently answer the questions.
- Writing Section: Required precise, clear responses and strict adherence to format. Some students found it lengthy but manageable with proper planning.
- Literature Section: A mix of competency based and analytical questions. Some required deep understanding, especially the reference-to-context (RTC) questions.
- Time Management: While the paper was not excessively long, students needed to maintain a steady pace to complete all sections and have time for revision.
Final Verdict: A moderate yet tricky paper
A Challenging Yet Fair Paper Overall, the CBSE Class 12 English exam for 2026 was found to be moderate to tough by both students and teachers. It struck a balance between knowledge-based and application-oriented questions, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of students’ language skills. While the exam posed challenges, it remained within expected difficulty levels.
For students preparing for the 2027 exams, this paper serves as a valuable reference for understanding the exam structure, expected question types, and key focus areas. With consistent practice and a thorough understanding of literature and writing formats, students can excel in future CBSE English examinations.
