CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2026-27: Marks and Books

The CBSE Class 11 English Core syllabus 2026-27 carries subject code 301 and follows a 100-mark pattern: an 80-mark theory paper plus a 20-mark internal assessment. This page was verified against the official curriculum document on 2026-07-13; every marks figure and question format below comes directly from that CBSE academic website document. You can also use our broader Class 11 study material

hub for connected subjects.

CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2026-27: Course Structure

The 80-mark theory paper divides into three sections. The table below shows the exact marks distribution taken from the Question Paper Design on page 9 of the official curriculum document (NCERT, p. 9).

Reading Skills carries the highest weightage at 26 marks, assessing how well you decode and interpret unseen texts. Grammar and Creative Writing tests your application of rules and accurate format use in writing tasks. Literature evaluates your ability to think beyond the text and infer meaning.

Chapter-wise study material for every unit above:

Question Paper Design and Exam Pattern

The official CBSE class 11 english syllabus 2026-27 splits the 80-mark theory paper into sixteen questions across three sections. Internal choice is provided in most questions, allowing flexibility in how you answer.

Section A: Reading Skills (26 Marks)

This section assesses comprehension through unseen passages and note making (NCERT, p. 6).

• Q1: One unseen passage (factual, descriptive, or literary) to assess comprehension and vocabulary. MCQ/Objective Type questions. (10 marks)
• Q2: One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like charts. MCQ/Objective Type questions. (8 marks)
• Q3: Note Making and Summarisation based on a 200-250 word passage. (8 marks total)
  • Note Making (5 marks): Title (1), Numbering/indenting (1), Key/glossary (1), Notes (2).
  • Summary in up to 50 words (3 marks): Content (2), Expression (1).

The combined word limit for both unseen passages is 600-750 words. A common mistake students make is forgetting the key or glossary in Note Making, which costs an easy 1 mark.

Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (23 Marks)

This section combines grammar rules with writing formats (NCERT, p. 6).

• Q4: Gap filling (Tenses, Clauses). (Part of 7 marks)
• Q5: Re-ordering/transformation of sentences. (7 of 8 questions to be attempted).
• Q6: Classified Advertisement (up to 50 words). Choice of two.
  • 3 Marks: Format (1) / Content (1) / Expression (1).
• Q7: Poster (up to 50 words). Choice of two.
  • 3 Marks: Format (1) / Content (1) / Expression (1).
• Q8: Speech (120-150 words) based on verbal/visual cues. Choice of two.
  • 5 Marks: Format (1) / Content (2) / Expression (2).
• Q9: Debate (120-150 words) based on visual/verbal inputs. Choice of two.
  • 5 Marks: Format (1) / Content (2) / Expression (2).

Section C: Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text (31 Marks)

Literature tests critical thinking through extract-based and long-form answers (NCERT, p. 7).

• Q10: One poetry extract from Hornbill. Choice of two. (3 marks)
• Q11: One prose extract from Hornbill. Choice of two. (3 marks)
• Q12: One prose extract from Snapshots. Choice of two. (4 marks)
• Q13: Two short answer questions from Hornbill (40-50 words). 4 given, attempt 2. (6 marks)
• Q14: One short answer question from Snapshots (40-50 words). Choice of two. (3 marks)
• Q15: One long answer question from Hornbill Prose/Poetry (120-150 words). Choice of two. (6 marks)
• Q16: One long answer question from Snapshots (120-150 words). Choice of two. (6 marks)

Because three extracts carry 10 combined marks, practising extract-based analysis is crucial. To dive deeper into text analysis, check our Class 11 English notes.

Internal Assessment: 20 Marks

Your school conducts and grades the 20-mark internal assessment. The official document (NCERT, p. 8) mandates three components.

For assessment purposes in creative writing, the document notes there is no fixed word limit enforced beyond the prescribed task constraints (NCERT, p. 3). Class XI follows an absolute grading scale, which differs from the positional grading used in Class XII (NCERT, p. 15).

In absolute grading, your marks directly map to a grade. In Class XII positional grading, your grade depends on your rank relative to all passed candidates.

Prescribed Books and Reading Project

The syllabus prescribes two specific books published by NCERT, New Delhi (NCERT, p. 8).

1. Hornbill (English Reader)

• Prose: The Portrait of a Lady, We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can Be Together, Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues, The Adventure, Silk Road.
• Poetry: A Photograph, The Laburnum Top, The Voice of the Rain, Childhood, Father to Son.

2. Snapshots (Supplementary Reader)

• The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
• The Address
• Mother’s Day (Play)
• Birth
• The Tale of Melon City

The curriculum also includes a reading project (NCERT, p. 4). The chosen book is meant for independent reading and is not taught in class. Teachers assess it through verbal or written progress reports, discussions, or short quizzes.

Deletions and Changes for 2026-27

The official CBSE Class 11 English Core curriculum document for 2026-27 does not list any chapters as deleted or removed. This is a verified no change statement based on the current document. We will not claim any chapter is reduced or dropped unless the official document states it.

CBSE occasionally issues late-session circulars. Cross-check the official cbseacademic.nic.in portal for any sudden syllabus updates before your final exams.bookmarking our CBSE notes hub can help you stay aligned with these official curriculum requirements.

How to Use This Syllabus for Exam Preparation

Mapping your study plan to the actual marks distribution saves time and improves your score. Focus your energy based on the structure below.

• Target the Reading Section (26 marks): Practise two unseen passages weekly—one factual and one case-based with charts. Stick strictly to the 600-750 word limit to build speed for the actual exam.
• Lock in Note Making Rules: Always include a key or glossary for your abbreviations. A common mistake is skipping the key, which costs a full mark. Keep abbreviations consistent and clear.
• Master Long Writing Formats: For Speech and Debate questions, memorise the 120-150 word limit. Stick to the Format/Content/Expression marking split (1/2/2) by structuring your answer clearly.
• Practise Literature Extracts: Three extracts (Hornbill poetry, Hornbill prose, Snapshots prose) carry 10 combined marks. Read the chapters closely to answer analysis and inference questions fast.
• Do Not Skip the Reading Project: The reading project feeds directly into your 10-mark Project Work. Complete your independent reading early to prepare for the verbal or written assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total marks for CBSE Class 11 English Core 2026-27?

The total marks are 100, divided into an 80-mark theory paper and a 20-mark internal assessment.

Which books are prescribed for Class 11 English Core 2026-27?

CBSE prescribes two books: Hornbill (English Reader) and Snapshots (Supplementary Reader), both published by NCERT.

Has CBSE deleted any chapters from the Class 11 English Core syllabus for 2026-27?

The official 2026-27 curriculum document does not list any chapters as deleted. Always cross-check cbseacademic.nic.in for late-session circulars.

How is the internal assessment of 20 marks divided in Class 11 English Core?

The 20 marks are divided into Assessment of Listening Skills (5 marks), Assessment of Speaking Skills (5 marks), and Project Work (10 marks).

What is the difference between Class 11 and Class 12 English Core grading?

Class XI uses absolute grading (91-100 marks equals A1), while Class XII uses positional grading (top 1/8th of passed candidates get A1).

Reference: CBSE Class 11 English Core curriculum document, session as stated on cbseacademic.nic.in.