Key Points
- ISC Class 12 English Language (Paper I) exam is scheduled for Feb 13, 2026.
- Theory paper is 80 marks, internal assessment is 20 marks; total is 100.
- Practice past papers (2021-2025) for exam pattern & time management.
The Indian School Certificate (ISC) Class 12 English Language (Paper I) examination is a critical component of a student's final assessment. The ISC Class 12th English paper has been scheduled for 13 Feb, 2026. Success in this paper requires not only a strong grasp of grammar, composition, and comprehension but also strategic practice with time management, as students find English papers lengthy and time taking to answer.
To aid students in their preparation, this resource compiles the ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Papers and Past Years' Question Papers for the last five years (2021-2025). Utilizing these papers is the most effective way to understand the exam pattern, the typical structure of questions, time management, and the Council's expectations regarding the standard of writing. Download the PDF links below to begin your comprehensive and targeted preparation for the upcoming board examinations.
ISC Class 12th English Exam Pattern 2026
The ISC Class 12 English Language (Paper 1) for the 2026 examination follows a structured pattern designed to test a candidate's writing proficiency, grammatical accuracy, and comprehension skills. It is similar to the previous year pattern only. The total assessment is out of 100 marks, split between an 80-mark theory paper and a 20-mark internal assessment.
ISC English Language Paper 1: Marking Scheme 2026
The theory paper consists of four compulsory questions, with internal choices available within specific sections such as Composition.
| Question | Section / Topic | Marks | Description & Word Limit |
| Question 1 | Composition | 20 | Write one essay (400–450 words) from six choices (Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative, Reflective, Discursive, or Short Story). |
| Question 2 | Directed & Proposal Writing | 25 | (a) Directed Writing (15 Marks): Article, Report, Speech, or Review (250–300 words). (b) Proposal Writing (10 Marks): Structured proposal with heading, objectives, and measures (~150 words). |
| Question 3 | Grammar & Usage | 15 | Short-answer questions testing sentence transformation, tenses, prepositions, and phrasal verbs. |
| Question 4 | Comprehension | 20 | Based on an unseen passage (approx. 500 words). Includes vocabulary (3m), analytical questions (9m), and summary writing (8m). |
| Total | Theory Paper | 80 | Time Duration: 3 Hours |
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
The remaining 20 marks are evaluated through school-based project work, focusing on practical language application.
| Component | Description | Marks |
| Listening Skills | Answering questions after listening to an unseen passage. | 5 |
| Speaking Skills | Individual presentations and topical discussions. | 5 |
| Writing Skills | Externally assessed 500-word creative piece (e.g., brochure or process description). |
ISC Class 12th English Language Specimen Paper: Previous 5 years Paper
The table below provides direct download links for the ISC Class 12 English Language (Paper I) Question Papers from the past five years (2025 to 2021). Practicing with these papers is essential for familiarizing yourself with the examination structure and question types.
ISC Class 12th English Language Specimen Paper Year-wise | Download Link |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2025 | Download PDF |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2024 | Download PDF |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2023 | Download PDF |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2022 (Semester-I) | Download PDF |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2022 (Semester-II) | Download PDF |
ISC Class 12 English Language Specimen Paper 2021 | Download PDF |
Strategic Preparation Tips
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Time Management: To complete the paper on time, it is suggested to spend roughly 45 minutes on the Composition, 55 minutes on Directed Writing/Proposal, 50 minutes on Grammar, and 55 minutes on Comprehension.
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Drafting a Proposal: Ensure you use a formal tone and follow the mandatory structure: Heading, Introduction, Objectives, List of Measures, and Conclusion.
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Grammar Practice: Focus heavily on sentence transformation and prepositions, as these are high-scoring areas where precise answers are expected.
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