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CBSE Class 12CBSE

CBSE Class 12 English Core past papers

CBSE has published 3 question papers for English Core, each with its mark scheme. They are listed newest first, and each one opens the PDF on cbseacademic.nic.in in a new tab. The specification is linked below as well.

Specification (PDF) (opens cbseacademic.nic.in in a new tab)About the specificationCBSE's own past paper page (opens cbseacademic.nic.in in a new tab)Everything for English Core
My papersRevision plan

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Make fresh exam-style questions from your own notes or the specification, and cookie marks your answers. Some are made for this course already, and you can add them to your own.

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How CBSE grades are worked out

CBSE grades are relative, so there are no marks boundaries to publish. Everyone who passes a subject is ranked and split into eight equal groups, and the grade depends on the group, so the same mark can earn different grades in different subjects.

How CBSE grades are worked out
GradeWho gets it
A1The top eighth of candidates who passed
A2The next eighth
B1The next eighth
B2The next eighth
C1The next eighth
C2The next eighth
D1The next eighth
D2The next eighth
EEssential repeat

Source: CBSE, relative grading notification (16 May 2024) (opens cbse.gov.in in a new tab)

"Do it in cookie" opens the question paper in a small window beside cookie (a new tab on a phone). Download it, then choose the file in cookie to time yourself, mark it and see its grade, and your score is kept in My papers. It is all optional, and the file stays on your device.

Sample paper 2025-26

1 paper

Sample paper 2024-25

1 paper

Sample paper 2023-24

1 paper

Common questions

Where can I find English Core past papers from CBSE?

This page links every English Core paper CBSE publishes for everyone to download, newest first, starting with Sample paper 2025-26. Each link opens the PDF on CBSE's own website. The most recent series is usually released a year or so after the exam, and it will appear here once CBSE makes it public.

Are there mark schemes for these English Core papers?

Yes, every question paper here has a mark scheme.

Are there grade boundaries for English Core?

CBSE grades are relative, so there are no marks boundaries to publish. Everyone who passes a subject is ranked and split into eight equal groups, and the grade depends on the group, so the same mark can earn different grades in different subjects.

Where is the English Core specification?

It is linked at the top of this page: CBSE's own English Core specification, a PDF on its website, which sets out what you can be examined on and how the exams are marked.

How can I practise more English Core questions?

Once you have worked through the papers, cookie has a practice deck for this course with fresh questions based on the specification and past papers, feedback on what you write, and spaced repetition.

Can I get help with English Core?

Cookie Tutoring may have tutors for English Core. The Find a tutor link keeps the subject and qualification filters from this page, so you can check the marketplace without assuming that a suitable tutor is available.

Also worth a look

cookie is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board. Every paper here is a link to the board's own copy on its own website, and the papers belong to the boards that set them. If a link has stopped working, the board's own past paper page is linked on each course.