The CBSE Class 12 English Core (301) board exam is being held today, March 12, 2026, with lakhs of students appearing across the country under revised marking guidelines.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is conducting the Class 12 English Core (301) examination on March 12, 2026, as part of the ongoing board exams. The exam is scheduled in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across thousands of centres in India.
Students were given the question paper at 10:15 AM for reading, while writing officially began at 10:30 AM. As per CBSE rules, no student is allowed to enter the examination hall after 10:00 AM.
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The Class 12 board exams this year are being conducted from February 17 to April 10, covering 114 subjects at more than 8,000 examination centres. Around 18–20 lakh students are expected to appear for the exams.
What is the marking scheme for the English paper?
The structure of the CBSE Class 12 English exam has been designed to test analytical thinking, comprehension and writing skills, rather than just memorisation.
The paper is divided into three main sections:
- Section A – Reading Skills: 22 marks
- Section B – Writing Skills: 18 marks
- Section C – Literature: 40 marks
An additional 20 marks are allotted for listening and speaking skills, which are assessed internally by schools.
Students must score at least 33% marks to pass the examination.
Important exam guidelines for students
CBSE has issued several instructions for candidates appearing for the Class 12 exams:
- Students must reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.
- The CBSE admit card and school ID card are mandatory for entry.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, or calculators are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
- Candidates are allowed 15 minutes to read the question paper before writing begins.
Exam strategy for the English paper
Education experts say the English paper now emphasises interpretation and structured writing rather than simple recall.
One recommended strategy for the reading section is to read the questions before the passage, which helps students identify relevant information quickly and save time during the exam.
Experts also advise students to focus on clear arguments, structured answers, and well-developed writing in literature and essay questions to maximise marks.
When will exam analysis be released?
The CBSE Class 12 English exam analysis 2026 is expected to be released shortly after the exam concludes. It will include:
- Question paper difficulty level
- Student reactions
- Expert reviews of the paper
- Expected trends in marking
The analysis will help students appearing for upcoming board exams understand the paper pattern and marking expectations more clearly.
Published: 12 Mar 2026, 09:42 am IST
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