What is the structure of the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus for 2025-26?

The syllabus is divided into four main sections: Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Literature (Hornbill), and Supplementary Reader (Snapshots).

Which textbooks are prescribed for Class 11 English?

The NCERT textbooks Hornbill (Main Reader) and Snapshots (Supplementary Reader) are prescribed by CBSE.

Is the Class 11 English syllabus aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023?

Yes, the 2025-26 syllabus is designed in alignment with NEP 2020 and developed under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.

What are the main literary genres covered in the syllabus?

The syllabus includes prose, poetry, short stories, drama, biographical sketches, and essays.

Are grammar topics included in the syllabus?

Grammar is integrated contextually through reading and writing tasks rather than taught as isolated rules.

What types of writing tasks are included?

Students will practice notice writing, advertisements, speech, debate, articles, reports, and formal letters.

Will there be unseen passages in the exam?

Yes, Reading Comprehension includes unseen passages for testing understanding, vocabulary, and inference skills.

How is speaking and listening assessed in Class 11 English?

Speaking and listening are encouraged through classroom discussions, presentations, and internal assessments, as per school discretion.

How can students prepare for the literature section?

Students should read the texts carefully, understand the themes, characters, and literary devices, and practice writing value-based answers.

Is the Class 11 English syllabus important for Class 12 preparation?

Yes, Class 11 builds a strong foundation in language and literature that is essential for success in Class 12 and board exams.

CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2025-26

The CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2025-26 is designed in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Rooted in the textbook Hornbill, this syllabus offers students a rich and varied selection of prose, poetry, and non fiction to enhance their linguistic and literary competence. It promotes a deeper engagement with language through reflective reading, analytical writing, and meaningful conversation.

The curriculum focuses on the holistic development of the four core language skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing-by integrating real-life contexts, thought-provoking texts, and collaborative classroom activities. Students explore themes related to identity, environment, human relationships, and social issues, encouraging critical thinking and personal response. With a strong emphasis on literary appreciation and language accuracy, the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus fosters effective communication and interpretative skills. It also prepares students for academic excellence and equips them with the tools necessary for lifelong proficiency in English.

Chapters and Topics Covered in Hornbill for CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus

Unit 1: Reading Skills
Lesson No.	Chapter Title	Type
1	Unseen Passage	Discursive/Descriptive/Factual Passage
2	Note Making & Summary	Based on given passage
Unit 2: Writing Skills
Lesson No.	Chapter Title	Type
3	Notice Writing	Format-based Writing
4	Poster & Advertisement	Creative Writing
5	Speech / Debate / Article	Argumentative / Opinion-based
6	Report Writing	Factual Report Writing
7	Letter Writing (Formal)	Enquiry, Complaint, Placement, etc.
*Unit 3: Literature – Hornbill* (Main Reader)**
Lesson No.	Chapter Title	Type
8	The Portrait of a Lady	Prose
9	A Photograph	Poem
10	We're Not Afraid to Die...	Prose
11	Discovering Tut	Prose
12	The Laburnum Top	Prose
13	Landscape of the Soul	Prose
14	The Voice of the Rain	Prose
15	The Ailing Planet	Prose (Essay)
16	The Browning Version	Drama/Play
17	Childhood	Poem
18	Father to Son	Poem
Unit 4: Literature – Snapshots (Supplementary Reader)
Lesson No.	Chapter Title	Type
19	The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse	Short Story
20	The Address	Short Story
21	Ranga’s Marriage	Short Story
22	Albert Einstein at School	Biographical Sketch
23	Mother's Day	Drama/Play
24	The Ghat of the Only World	Tribute/Biographical
25	Birth	Narrative/Medical Drama
26	The Tale of Melon City	Poetic Satire

Learning Outcomes from CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2025-26

At the end of the CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus 2025-26, students will be able to:

Enhanced Comprehension Skills: Students will develop the ability to critically read and comprehend prose, poetry, and non-fiction from diverse genres and cultures.
Effective Communication: Learners will express ideas clearly and confidently in both oral and written forms, using appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Creative and Reflective Writing: Students will be able to compose coherent essays, articles, reports, and creative pieces that reflect personal opinions and insights.
Critical Thinking and Interpretation: Learners will analyze texts for deeper meanings, identify themes, and evaluate character motivations, tone, and author intent.
Language Accuracy and Usage: Students will demonstrate command over English grammar, syntax, and punctuation in both spoken and written communication.
Appreciation of Literature: Learners will cultivate sensitivity towards human emotions, cultural contexts, and ethical issues through engagement with literary texts.
Listening and Speaking Proficiency: Students will participate actively in classroom discussions, debates, and presentations, enhancing their listening and spoken interaction skills.
Contextual and Real-world Application: Learners will relate the themes and messages from texts to real-life situations, fostering relevance and practical application of language skills.

Disclaimer: The syllabus and academic information provided here are taken from official CBSE and NCERT sources. For any updates or confusion, please refer to the official CBSE or NCERT websites.