When you step into Class 11, English becomes a core subject that shapes your reading, writing, and communication skills. Knowing the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus is the first step to preparing effectively for exams and strengthening your foundation for Class 12 and competitive tests.
The syllabus of Class 11 English in CBSE Board is divided into two options—English Core and English Elective—each with specific objectives, prescribed books, and exam patterns.
Below, you’ll find the complete, updated syllabus for both Core and Elective, along with details of marks distribution, prescribed NCERT books, and the assessment scheme.
CBSE Class 11 English: Core vs Elective
In Class 11, CBSE offers two versions of English—Core (Subject Code 301) and Elective (Subject Code 001). Both are important, but they serve different purposes:
- English Core is designed for all students, regardless of stream. It focuses on developing reading comprehension, grammar, creative writing, and understanding literature.
- English Elective is more advanced and literature-oriented. It emphasizes critical appreciation, deeper reading of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction. This subject suits students with a keen interest in English literature, humanities, or those planning higher studies in English.
| Feature | English Core | English Elective |
| Focus | Language skills, grammar, comprehension, basic literature | Advanced literature, critical analysis, creative writing |
| Prescribed Books | Hornbill, Snapshots (NCERT) | Woven Words, The Old Man and the Sea, Arms and the Man |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate, suitable for all streams | Higher, suitable for literature-focused students |
| Internal Assessment | Listening, Speaking, Project Work (20 Marks) | Seminar, Projects, Reviews (20 Marks) |
| Applicable to | Science, Commerce, Arts students aiming for overall English proficiency | Humanities students or those interested in literature studies |
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CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2025–26
The Core English syllabus for Class 11 focuses on improving reading, writing, grammar, and literature skills. It helps you build strong communication abilities required in academics, competitive exams, and future careers.
| Section | Details | Marks |
| Section A – Reading Skills | – One unseen passage (factual/descriptive/literary) – One case-based factual passage with data/chart/visuals – Note Making & Summarization (200–250 words) | 26 |
| Section B – Grammar & Creative Writing | – Grammar (Gap filling, clauses, re-ordering, transformation) – Creative Writing: Classified Ads, Posters (50 words each), Speech & Debate (120–150 words) | 23 |
| Section C – Literature & Supplementary Reading | – Extract-based questions (Hornbill & Snapshots) – Short answer questions (40–50 words) – Long answer questions (120–150 words) | 31 |
| Internal Assessment | Listening Skills (5), Speaking Skills (5), Project Work (10) | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
Also checkout CBSE Class 11th all details!
Books & Chapters for CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus
These are books for CBSE Class 11 English core syllabus:
| Book | Chapters / Poems |
| Hornbill (English Reader) | Prose: 1. The Portrait of a Lady 2. We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can Be Together 3. Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues 4. The Adventure 5. Silk Road Poetry: 1. A Photograph 2. The Laburnum Top 3. The Voice of the Rain 4. Childhood 5. Father to Son |
| Snapshots (Supplementary Reader) | 1. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse 2. The Address 3. Mother’s Day (Play) 4. Birth 5. The Tale of Melon City |
Class 11 English Syllabus: Marking Scheme
| Section | Competencies Tested | Marks |
| Reading Skills | Comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, summarizing | 26 |
| Grammar & Creative Writing | Conceptual understanding, application, style, fluency, reasoning, creativity | 23 |
| Literature & Supplementary Reading | Recall, reasoning, appreciation, interpretation, critical thinking, analysis | 31 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | Listening (5) + Speaking (5) + Project Work (10) | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
Explore CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects complete list!
CBSE Class 11 English Grammar Syllabus
| Grammar Area | Details / Examples |
| Tenses | Usage of past, present, and future tenses in different contexts |
| Clauses | Noun, adjective, and adverb clauses – identification and usage |
| Transformation of Sentences | Active ↔ Passive voice, Direct ↔ Indirect speech, sentence conversions |
| Re-ordering of Sentences | Jumbled sentences arranged into meaningful order |
| Gap Filling / Editing | Fill in blanks with correct grammar forms, error correction exercises |
CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus (for Elective)
Below is the syllabus of Class 11th English elective subject in CBSE:
| Section | Details | Marks |
| Section A – Reading Comprehension | – One literary/discursive passage (950–1000 words) – MCQs – One poem (10–12 lines) – interpretation & appreciation – One case-based passage with data/chart (100–120 words) | 25 |
| Section B – Creative Writing Skills | – Essay (argumentative/discursive/reflective/descriptive) – 120–150 words (5) – Article on contemporary issues – 120–150 words (5) – Speech on contemporary issues – 120–150 words (5) | 15 |
| Section C – Textbook | – Prose extract & Poetry extract (5+5=10) – Short Answer Questions (30–40 words) – 2×2=4 – Short Answer Questions (50–60 words) – 2×3=6 | 20 |
| Drama | Two Long Answer Questions (80–100 words) on Arms and the Man | 10 |
| Fiction | – Short Answer (30–40 words) – 2 marks – Short Answer (50–60 words) – 3 marks – Long Answer (120–150 words) – 5 marks | 10 |
| Seminar (Internal) | Book review, poetry reading, critical review of film/play, theatre workshop | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
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Books & Chapters for Elective English Syllabus of Class 11th
| Book | Chapters / Content |
| Woven Words (Textbook) | Short Stories: 1. The Lament 2. A Pair of Mustachios 3. The Rocking-horse Winner 4. The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 5. Pappachi’s Moth 6. The Third and Final Continent Poetry: 1. The Peacock 2. Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds 3. Coming 4. Telephone Conversation 5. The World is Too Much with Us 6. Mother Tongue 7. Hawk Roosting 8. Ode to a Nightingale Essays: 1. My Watch 2. My Three Passions 3. Patterns of Creativity 4. Tribal Verse 5. What is a Good Book? 6. The Story 7. Bridges |
| Fiction (Novel) | The Old Man and the Sea (Unabridged) – Ernest Hemingway |
| Drama | Arms and the Man – George Bernard Shaw |
CBSE Class 11 Elective English Syllabus: Marking Scheme
| Section | Competencies Tested | Marks |
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding, inference, analysis, interpretation, appreciation, vocabulary | 25 |
| Creative Writing Skills | Reasoning, style & tone, creativity, fluency | 15 |
| Textbook (Woven Words) | Recall, interpretation, analysis, appreciation | 20 |
| Drama (Arms and the Man) | Character analysis, events, incidents, critical appreciation | 10 |
| Fiction (The Old Man and the Sea) | Literary appreciation, inference, forming personal viewpoints | 10 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Seminar (Internal) | Speaking skills, interpretation, critical analysis, presentation | 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
| The Portrait of a Lady | Discovering Tut |
| The Ailing Planet | The Browning Version |
| The Landscape of The Soul | We’re Not Afraid to Die |
| The Adventure |
CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus PDF
Download the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus PDF today and start planning your study schedule. A clear roadmap will help you score better in exams and manage time effectively.
| Syllabus | Download Link |
| CBSE Class 11 English Core Syllabus 2025–26 | Download PDF |
| CBSE Class 11 English Elective Syllabus 2025–26 | Download PDF |
Preparation Tips for Class 11 English
- Understand the Syllabus First: Go through the complete CBSE Class 11 English syllabus and mark the weightage of each section—Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature.
- Read NCERT Texts Thoroughly: Stick to Hornbill, Snapshots, and Woven Words (for Elective). Questions come directly from prescribed books, so detailed reading is essential.
Check all Hornbill chapters and syllabus.
- Practice Reading Comprehension Daily: Solve at least one unseen passage or poem daily to improve speed, vocabulary, and analytical skills.
- Work on Grammar Regularly: Revise tenses, clauses, transformation, and sentence re-ordering. Practice worksheets to avoid losing easy marks.
- Master Writing Skills: Practice classified ads, notices, articles, speeches, debates, and essays. Learn correct format and presentation.
- Make Notes for Literature: Write short notes on themes, characters, and important quotations. This will help in quick revisions before exams.
- Focus on Internal Assessment: Actively participate in listening, speaking, projects, or seminars. These 20 marks are easy to score with consistent effort.
- Improve Vocabulary & Expression: Maintain a personal word journal. Use new words in writing and speaking to build confidence.
- Practice Previous Year Papers & Sample Papers: Attempt timed practice to understand the exam pattern and manage time effectively.
- Revise Smartly Before Exams: Dedicate the last few days to revising notes, important passages, and writing formats instead of starting anything new.
FAQs About CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus
The cbse class 11 english syllabus includes reading skills, grammar, creative writing, and literature with prescribed NCERT books.
Yes, the cbse class 11 english syllabus for Core focuses on reading and writing, while Elective emphasizes literature analysis.
The cbse syllabus for class 11 english Core lists prose and poems in Hornbill, including The Portrait of a Lady and A Photograph.
The english syllabus for class 11 cbse allocates 20 marks for internal assessment through listening, speaking, and project work.
Yes, the cbse class 11 english syllabus strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar, which are useful for exams like CLAT and CUET.
Yes, the CBSE class 11 English syllabus Core includes 10 marks for listening and speaking assessment.