ISC Class 12 English Language Exam Pattern 2025-26: Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, and Topic-wise Weightage

Jan 13, 2026, 18:40 IST

The ISC Class 12 English subject comprises two exams: English Language and English Literature. Each is graded out of 100 total marks (80 theory + 20 internal assessment). The English Language paper has four compulsory questions with internal choices, emphasizing time management. Effective preparation requires strictly following the ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 and practicing with the ISC Class 12 English Sample Paper 2025-26 to master the exam structure and time division.

ISC Class 12 English Language Exam Pattern 2025-26: Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, and Topic-wise Weightage
ISC Class 12 English Language Exam Pattern 2025-26: Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, and Topic-wise Weightage

Key Points

  • ISC Class 12 English has 2 papers: Language & Literature, each 80 marks theory + 20 internal.
  • The English Language paper (2025-26) requires answering 4 compulsory questions.
  • Effective time management is crucial; use ISC syllabus & sample papers for prep.

ISC Class 12 English consists of two separate exams: English Language and English Literature, each valued at 80 marks for the theory paper and 20 marks for internal assessment. The English Language paper requires students to answer all four questions. The paper provides internal choices and is structured to emphasize time management. Students are advised to dedicate 45 minutes to the first question, 55 minutes each to the second and third questions, and 50 minutes to the fourth question to ensure timely completion.

For comprehensive preparation for the English Language exam, students must adhere to the ISC Class 12 English Syllabus 2025-26 and solve the ISC Class 12 English Sample Paper 2025-26. This practice is crucial for understanding the overall exam pattern, question format, and mastering the necessary time allocation skills for the compulsory, yet internally choice-based, 4-question structure of the English Language paper.

ISC Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2025-26

The English examination is split into a theory paper and a practical assessment. The theory component is weighted at 80 marks and comprises two sections. The first section accounts for 20 marks, while the second section is worth 60 marks. Refer to the ISC Class 12 English Blueprint for more details.

ISC Class 12 English Language Blueprint 2025-26

Subject

Exam Pattern

English Language

Paper 1 (Theory): 80 Marks

There will be four sections in the paper:

Section 1: Composition needs to be written by students in 400-500 words

Section 2: Directed writing, Proposal Writing based on a given situation

Section 3: Short-answer questions on grammar

Section 4: Grammar

ISC Class 12 English Language Marking Scheme 2025-26

The table below outlines the ISC Class 12 English Literature blueprint, showing the mark distribution across various question types in the examination paper.

Types of Questions

Marks

Question 1: Composition Writing

20 marks

Question 2: Detailed writing, proposal writing

25 marks

Question 3: Short answer questions to examine grammar, structure and usage

15 marks

Question 4: Comprehension

20 marks

ISC Class 12 English Unit-wise Exam Pattern 2026

The ISC Class 12 English examination pattern is structured into two main components. Refer to the table below for details on the unit-wise division.

Paper

Component

Details

Marks

English Language (Paper I – Theory)

1. Composition

Write one composition (400–450 words) from given choices:

• Narrative

• Descriptive

• Reflective

• Argumentative

• Discursive

• Short Story

20

 

2. Directed Writing & Proposal Writing

Directed Writing: Article, Report, Speech, or Book Review (250–300 words)

Proposal Writing: Write a short proposal including an introduction, objectives, and suggested measures.

15

 

3. Grammar

Tests grammatical knowledge through:

• Sentence transformation

• Tenses

• Prepositions and phrasal verbs

15

 

4. Comprehension

Based on an unseen passage. Includes:

• Vocabulary questions

• Logical reasoning

• Summary writing

30

 

Total (Paper I – Theory)

 

80 Marks

English Language (Paper II – Project Work)

Listening Skills

Respond to a passage (about 500 words) read aloud.

5

 

Speaking Skills

Present a 3-minute talk on a given topic followed by a discussion.

5

 

Writing Skills

Write a 500-word task evaluated by an external examiner.

10

 

Total (Paper II – Project Work)

 

20 Marks

Literature in English (Paper I – Theory)

Drama

Macbeth by William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)

 

Short Stories

Atithi – Rabindranath Tagore

The Cookie Lady – Philip K. Dick

There Will Come Soft Rains – Ray Bradbury

Indigo – Satyajit Ray

The Medicine Bag – Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

 

Poetry

Telephone Conversation – Wole Soyinka

Tithonus – Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Beethoven – Shane Koyczan

Small Towns and the River – Mamang Dai

Death Be Not Proud – John Donne

 

Total (Paper I – Theory)

 

80 Marks

Literature in English (Paper II – Project Work)

Written Assignment (1000–1500 words)

Topics may include:

• Character analysis

• Comparison of two stories/poems

• Rewriting alternate endings

• Literary appreciation

(Evaluated internally and externally)

20

Tips for Answering the ISC Class 12 English Exam 2025-26

  1. Follow the ISC Master Syllabus & Blueprint for all topics and section weightage (Composition, Directed Writing, Grammar, Comprehension).

  2. Thoroughly study prescribed texts.

  3. Structure Answers Strategically:

    • Composition (20 Marks): Write a 400–450 word, coherent essay.

    • Directed Writing (15 Marks): Adhere to the format and 250–300 word limit.

    • Comprehension (20 Marks): Provide precise answers and a focused, length-appropriate summary.

  4. Maintain formal, error-free language (grammar and spelling).

  5. Use Effective Time Management (e.g., Composition: 45 min; Directed Writing/Comprehension: 55 min; Grammar: 50 min).

  6. Analyze the Question carefully (e.g., narrative vs. argumentative) to tailor your response.

To master the 80-mark ISC Class 12 English Language theory paper and 20-mark internal assessment, students must practice diligently with the syllabus and sample papers. Focus on strategically managing the four compulsory questions: composition, directed writing, grammar, and comprehension, by strictly adhering to formal language, word limits, and the suggested time allocation to maximize scores in this high-scoring subject.

Anisha Mishra
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