CBSE Syllabus Class 9 English Communicative 2025-26

Lesson Plan

Studying Jane Austen is English Language and Literature, whereas learning how to be Jane Austen is English Communicative. CBSE has included English Communicative subjects to help students understand the practicality of the language in daily life for effective communication. Students who want a holistic language understanding can opt for the subject.

Mastering a language goes beyond memorising grammar rules and vocabulary; it’s about using it effectively in real-life situations. The CBSE Class 9 English Communicative syllabus is designed to enhance students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, ensuring they can express themselves fluently and confidently.

For the 2025-26 academic session, CBSE has structured the syllabus to provide a balanced mix of reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and literature, helping students develop both accuracy and fluency. This subject is an excellent choice for learners who want a practical understanding of English for everyday communication. In this blog, we provide a detailed breakdown of the syllabus, along with a direct PDF download link for easy access. Stay updated with the latest curriculum to prepare effectively for your exams!

For a more simplified language approach, learners can go with Hindi B, following the CBSE Class 9 Hindi B Syllabus. It allows students to build language proficiency at a more comfortable pace while continuing to develop their English skills.

Download the latest English L&L Communicative 2025-26
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Paper Design Class 9 English Communicative

Sections Competencies Weightage (%)
Demonstrative Knowledge
+ Understanding
(Knowledge-based simple recall questions,
to know specific facts, terms, concepts,
principles or theories, identify, define, or
recite, information, comprehension – to
be familiar with meaning and to understand
conceptually, interpret, compare, contrast,
explain, and paraphrase information)
30%
Conceptual Application (Use abstract information in concrete
situation, to apply knowledge to new situations,
and use the given content to
interpret a situation, provide an example
or solve a problem)
35%
Analysis, Evaluation and Creativity Analysis & Synthesis- classify, compare,
contrast, or differentiate between different pieces
of information; organise and/or integrate unique
pieces of information
from a variety of sources.
35%
TOTAL 100%

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Class 9 English Communicative Blueprint

Some students opt for English Communicative whereas some opt for CBSE English Literature and Literature which can be prepared using the PDF Class 9 Syllabus and NCERT books. From the table below, understand the exam pattern and the types of questions they can find in the final examination.

Section Topics Marks
A
Reading Skills
Literary/Factual/Discursive Passage 20
Objective Type and Very Short Questions
B
Creative Writing Skills
Notice Writing 24
Informal Letter
Dialogue Writing
Paragraph (from Main Course Book)
B
Grammar
Tenses 10
Modals, Subject–Verb Concord,
Reported Speech, Commands and
Requests, Statements, Questions
Clauses: Noun, Adverb, and Relative
Determiners
D
Literature Textbook
Reference to the Context. 26
Short Answer Questions
Long Answer-type Questions
Internal Assessment
Pen Paper Test + Multiple Assessment + Portfolio +
Subject Enrichment (Listening and Speaking Skills)
20
TOTAL 100

*NOTE: Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills will be for 5 marks. It is recommended that listening and speaking skills should be regularly practised.

CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Syllabus 2025: Structure

The syllabus for English Communicative is categorised into four sections- Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature. 

Section A: Reading Skills

  • The section will have two unseen passages with a maximum word limit of 600 words. The passages can be of any two types out of the following: literary/factual/discursive. Please refer to the Main Course Book.
  • Objective Type Questions (including Multiple Choice Questions), and Very Short Answer Type Questions will be asked to test inference, evaluation, analysis and vocabulary in context.

Section B: Writing Skills

This section will have a variety of short and long writing tasks.

  • Notice Writing for school assembly/ Resident Welfare Association/ School Events/ Classroom information etc. (maximum 50 words) 
  • Dialogue Writing, (maximum 100 words)
  • Informal Letter (maximum 120 words) 
  • Paragraph on one out of two themes from the Main Course Book, based on verbal or visual cues (maximum 150 words)

Section C: Grammar Skills

Grammar items will be taught and assessed over some time.

  1. Tenses
  2. Modals
  1. Subject-verb concord
  2. Reported Speech
  • Commands and Requests
  • Statements
  • Questions
  1. Clauses:
  1. Noun clauses
  2. Adverb clauses
  3. Relative clauses
  1. Determiners

The above items may be tested through test types as given below:

  • Gap filling
  • Editing or Omission
  • Sentence reordering or Sentence Transformation in context.

Section D: Literature Skills

Two out of three extracts from prose/poetry for reference to the context. Very Short Answer Questions and Short Answer Questions will be asked to assess local and global comprehension, interpretation and analysis.

Six Short Answer Questions out of seven from the Literature Reader, to test local and global comprehension of themes and ideas, analysis and evaluation (30-40 words each)

One out of two long-answer type Questions to assess how the values inherent in the text have been brought out. Creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the texts will be assessed. This can also be a passage-based question taken from a situation/plot from the texts. (120 words).

Prescribed Books: Interact in English Series by CBSE or can be downloaded from this link

  • Main Course Book (Revised Edition)
  • Literature Reader (Revised Edition)
  • Workbook (Revised Edition)

Why is CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Syllabus 2025-26 Important

The CBSE Class 9 English Communicative syllabus plays a crucial role in shaping students' language skills, focusing on practical communication rather than just theoretical knowledge. Here’s why it is important:

Enhances Real-Life Communication

Unlike traditional English courses, English Communicative is designed to help students speak, write, and understand English fluently in everyday situations. This skill is essential for academic success and future career opportunities.

Develops Strong Writing Skills

The syllabus includes creative writing, letter writing, essays, and reports, helping students express their thoughts clearly and effectively. Strong writing skills are beneficial not just in exams but also in professional life.

Improves Reading and Comprehension

Through reading comprehension passages and literature, students learn to analyse texts, understand meanings, and improve their vocabulary. These skills are valuable for competitive exams and higher studies.

Strengthens Grammar and Accuracy

A solid foundation in grammar and sentence structure ensures students communicate with clarity and correctness, reducing common language errors.

Encourages Critical Thinking

By studying literature, poems, and prose, students develop analytical and interpretative skills, enabling them to understand different perspectives and express their own ideas more effectively.

Prepares Students for Higher Education and Competitive Exams

A good command of English is essential for higher studies, entrance exams, and professional courses. The communicative syllabus ensures students are well-equipped for future academic and career challenges.

Boosts Confidence in Public Speaking

The syllabus promotes spoken English through activities like debates, discussions, and presentations, helping students build confidence in public speaking and interactions.

The CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Syllabus 2025-26 is not just about scoring marks—it’s about learning English as a life skill. By focusing on practical applications, interactive learning, and overall language development, it prepares students for both academic and real-world success.

How is English Communicative Different from English Language and Literature

Choosing between English Communicative and English Language & Literature can be confusing for students. Both subjects focus on improving English skills, but their approach and purpose are quite different.

Focus and Objective

  • English Communicative is designed to enhance practical communication skills. It helps students use English effectively in daily life, focusing on speaking, writing, listening, and reading for real-world situations.

  • English Language & Literature is more academic and literature-based. It involves studying classic and modern literary works, including stories, poems, and plays, to develop a deeper understanding of English as a subject.

Course Content

  • English Communicative includes reading comprehension, grammar, creative writing, and speaking activities. The focus is on everyday language usage.
  • English Language & Literature includes detailed study of prose, poetry, and drama. It requires students to analyse texts, understand themes, and interpret literary works.

Writing and Speaking Skills

  • In English Communicative, students practise writing emails, letters, reports, and essays, which are useful for formal and informal communication. It also encourages speaking exercises like debates, role-plays, and presentations.
  • In English Language & Literature, writing tasks focus more on analysing characters, themes, and summarising texts. Speaking activities are usually based on reciting poetry, discussing literary works, and expressing opinions.

Examination Style

  • English Communicative exams test a student’s ability to communicate ideas clearly and accurately through structured writing, grammar usage, and comprehension exercises.
  • English Language & Literature exams focus on interpreting literary texts, understanding deeper meanings, and expressing views on literature.

Who Should Choose Which?

  • English Communicative is ideal for students who want to develop strong practical communication skills for everyday use, career growth, and competitive exams.
  • English Language & Literature is better for students who enjoy reading, analysing literature, and exploring creative writing.

Both subjects help improve English skills, but their focus is different. If you want to learn English for practical communication, English Communicative is the right choice. If you enjoy literary analysis and deeper text study, go for English Language & Literature.

Choose wisely based on your interests and future goals!

How to Score 98+ in English CBSE Class 9?

CBSE Class 9 lays the foundation for the higher classes, and if prepared properly, it is easy to score above 95 in the exams. English is an easy and scoring subject. Here is how students can score 98+ in English CBSE Class 9. 

  • Go through the CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Syllabus or Language & Literature Syllabus based on what subject the student has chosen. 
  • For the reading and writing section, attempt questions from sample paper books and previous year's papers regularly. Make sure to understand the format 
  • For the literature section, divide the syllabus into units, and prioritise the chapters based on marks weightage. 
  • Start reading the chapter and write short notes based on your understanding. 
  • Attempt related questions from the CBSE books.

The sequence to attempt the exam can vary from student to student but the literature section holds the maximum marks weightage in the examination along with the writing section. Take your time to complete both sections respectively first. Keep the Section A- Reading section for last. 

Downloading the CBSE Class 9 English Communicative Syllabus for 2026 exams can help in starting preparation.

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