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25 days ago

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Highlights: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today conducted the Class 12 English examination from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Students are required to secure at least 33 per cent marks to pass the exam.

According to an analysis by Principal Dr Alka Kapur of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, the English paper was well-balanced and effectively assessed students' understanding of the subject.

"The MCQs were competency-based, testing students' comprehension and application skills rather than simple recall. Most of the questions were analytical in nature, encouraging students to think critically and interpret the content carefully. Overall, the paper maintained a good balance between knowledge, understanding, and analytical ability," she said.

Khushboo Arya, PGT (English) at JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru, said the literature section was also largely similar in pattern.

"Overall, the question paper was easy for students who had practised sample question papers. In the 'Invitation and Replies' topic, it was easy to identify whether to write a card or a letter. Thoroughly prepared students should be able to score above 90 per cent, while average students can also easily score above 75 per cent," she said.

Here's What Students Have To Say About The Paper

Ishaan Srivastava of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "I found the questions to be direct. The questions on literature, however, required thorough knowledge. The comprehension section was relatively easier and had more MCQs."

Kartik Srivastava of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "I found the comprehension questions easier than expected. The writing section was lengthy, but the topics were easy."

Aditya and Shashwat, students of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "Comprehension was much easier than in previous years. A few questions were quite direct. In literature, the prose passages were easier, and no poetic devices were asked. Overall, the paper was easy but lengthy."

Anusha Tyagi of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School said, "The paper was easy. Only the reading section was ambiguous."

Here are the key highlights and the complete analysis by teachers from various schools:

CBSE Class 12 English 2026: Clear, Balanced Paper With Analytical Questions, Says Gurugram school HOD (English)

Rachana Takshak, HOD (English), DPS Sector 45, Gurugram, said, "Overall, the English Core paper was clear, balanced, and student-friendly in its design. The paper included short, long, and analytical questions, drawing on both direct recall and inferential reasoning."

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Here's what students have To Say About The paper

Ishaan Srivastava of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "I found the questions to be direct. The questions on literature, however, required thorough knowledge. The comprehension section was relatively easier and had more MCQs."

Kartik Srivastava of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "I found the comprehension questions easier than expected. The writing section was lengthy, but the topics were easy."

Aditya and Shashwat, students of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "Comprehension was much easier than in previous years. A few questions were quite direct. In literature, the prose passages were easier, and no poetic devices were asked. Overall, the paper was easy but lengthy."

Anusha Tyagi of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School said, "The paper was easy. Only the reading section was ambiguous."

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: The overall level was moderate, says Jaipuria School HOD (English)

Parul Tyagi, HOD (English), Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said the English Core question paper was thoughtfully designed to assess students' comprehension, writing proficiency, and analytical abilities in a balanced manner. The overall level of the paper was moderate.

Here is what she found in her analysis:

Section A (Reading Skills) included comprehension passages that were slightly tricky, particularly the vocabulary questions. The case-based and factual MCQs were also somewhat ambiguous.

Section B (Writing Skills) featured familiar and relatable topics. The formats were conventional, and students found them approachable. The questions allowed scope for creativity as well as structured expression, making this section scoring for well-prepared candidates.

Section C (Literature) required deeper textual understanding and careful interpretation. The questions tested analytical ability, inferential skills, and clarity of concepts. Students who had thoroughly prepared the chapters and poems were able to respond effectively.

Overall, the paper maintained a good balance between knowledge-based and competency-based assessment. Most students were able to complete the paper within the stipulated time, and the overall level of difficulty was moderate and fair.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE:"Literature Section had an average difficulty level"

Analysis By Heena Kulkarni, Subject Matter Expert, Lancers Army Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 English Core Board examination paper was overall well-structured and balanced. The question paper reflected the pattern suggested in the latest sample papers and fairly covered reading, writing, and literature skills. The reading comprehension passages were clear and manageable for most students, while the writing section allowed students to express their ideas effectively through formats. The paper tested not only language skills but also students' ability to organise thoughts logically and present them clearly.

Section C (Literature) had an average difficulty level, but it required thorough textual knowledge and strong interpretative skills. Students who had carefully studied the prescribed texts and understood themes, characters, and literary devices would have found the questions approachable. Extract-based questions demanded close reading and contextual understanding. Overall, the paper successfully assessed both conceptual clarity and analytical ability, making it a fair examination for well-prepared students.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: "Most of the questions were analytical in nature, encouraging students to think critically"

Analysis by Principal Dr. Alka Kapur, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh.


The English examination conducted today was a well-balanced paper that effectively assessed students' understanding of the subject. The MCQs were truly competency-based, testing students' comprehension and application skills rather than simple recall. Most of the questions were analytical in nature, encouraging students to think critically and interpret the content carefully. Overall, the paper maintained a good balance between knowledge, understanding, and analytical ability.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: "Question paper was easy for any student who has practiced sample question papers"

Analysis By Khushboo Arya - PGT, English at JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bengaluru:

Set 1: 

Section A was easy and as per the sample papers available on the CBSE website.

Section B - Writing questions were also easy and as per the sample paper.

However, a minute detail in Q:5B(Job Application) can confuse the average slow learners, as they are used to seeing National Daily in questions and give a name to the paper but in the question paper, the name itself was given as 'The National Times' instead of national daily. The report-writing question required students to be mindful, as the event is not a one-day but a week-long event, but the Questions were very easy.

Section C -

Reference to context questions was very easy for students who have practiced sample papers. Overall, the literature questions were mostly aligned with the NCERT textbooks.

5 marker literature questions were competency-based but not very difficult for a student who has thoroughly practiced.

Set 2 : Section A: easy and as per the sample paper. (same as, SET 1)

Section B -  writing questions were easy to attempt.

Section C - Extracts were same as set -1.

However, in Set -2, a few 2-markers (Q10) needed a little more intricate knowledge of chapters when compared to Set 1. 5 markers were very easy.

Set 3 : Section A and Section C extracts same as set 1.

Literature was also more or less the same. Overall, the Question paper was easy for any student who has practiced sample question papers. In fact, in the 'Invitation and Replies' topic, it was very easy to identify which one to write- a card / letter. Thorough students should be able to get 90% above and average students can also easily score above 75%.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Paper concludes

The Class 12 English paper has concluded.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: What is on-screen marking?

On-screen marking for CBSE 12th board exams 2026 refers to the digital evaluation of answer sheets. This process aims to speed up checking and minimize errors, currently implemented only for class 12 answer sheets.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 Expected Date

The CBSE Class 12 result 2026 is expected to be announced in May 2026. Students will be able to check their results using their roll number.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: CBSE Class 12 English Exam 2026: Section-wise Marks Breakdown

The Class 12 CBSE English exam 2026 is structured into three main sections: Reading Skills (22 marks), Creative Writing Skills (18 marks), and Literature (40 marks). Each section plays a crucial role in securing a high score in the exam.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: When can students check paper analysis?

The Class 12 paper analysis can be checked by students after the English paper is over.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: CBSE Class 12 English Exam 2026 Starts at 10:30 AM

The Class 12 English board exam 2026 began today at 10:30 AM at centres across the country. In line with CBSE rules, students were given 15 minutes to read the question paper beforehand, helping them understand the questions and strategize their approach.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Entry Gate Closed

The entry gates at the examination centre for 12th board english exam CBSE has closed.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: CBSE Class 12 English Exam 2026 Reporting Time

Students appearing for the CBSE Class 12 English board exam 2026 must reach their exam centres on time. As per board guidelines, entry to the examination hall closes at 10 AM, so students should plan their travel accordingly to avoid last-minute issues.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: English exam 2026 reporting time

Students are advised to reach the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the exam begins to avoid last-minute issues. As the gate closes at 10 AM. Students are suggested to reach atleast at 9:45 AM for easy security checking at the exam hall.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Last Important literature chapters

The following chapters are important for CBSE class 12 english paper 2026:

  • The last lesson
  • Deep water
  • The rattrap
  • Indigo
  • My mother at sixty six
  • A thing of beauty
  • On the face of it

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Last-minute preparation tips

CBSE class 12 English exam 2026 will be conducted tomorrow. Students who are appearing for the exam must:

  • Reach the exam centre on time.
  • Do not carry any unauthorised material to the exam centre.
  • Read the question paper carefully
  • Do listen to the exam invigilator carefully.
  • Write the answers neatly.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: How many students are appearing this year In Class 12?

In Class 12, around 10.2 lakh boys and 8.3 lakh girls will be taking the board examinations this year.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: List of Allowed and Prohibited Items

Candidates appearing for the English board exam should ensure they have their CBSE admit card and a valid school identity card with them. Required stationery such as blue or black ballpoint pens, pencils, an eraser, and a transparent geometry box must also be carried. Students may bring a transparent water bottle.

They must not carry any electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, or calculators. Written notes, papers, or chits are not permitted inside the examination hall under any circumstances.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Important exam strategy

Experts suggest starting with the reading comprehension section to use time more efficiently. Once that is done, students can move on to the literature section, answering questions based on their understanding of the texts. After completing literature, they can proceed to the writing section. That said, every student may have a different approach, so it's fine to follow a strategy that suits one's own comfort and pace.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: What are the exam timings?

Exams for 12 are scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Entry closes sharply at 10:00 AM.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Which exams are scheduled today?

Class 12 English Elective and English Core papers will be held today in a single shift.

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