Haryana Board (BSEH) Class-12 English-Previous Year Question Paper 2026 (HBSE) PDF Download (Free)
General Instructions :
(i) This question paper is divided into four Sections : A, B, C and D.
(ii) All the sections are compulsory.
(iii) Attempt all the parts of a question together.
(iv) Stick to the word-limit wherever prescribed.
SECTION-A
(Reading Skills)
[M.M.:15
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a single indirect tax applied on the supply of goods and services across India. It replaced many earlier indirect taxes such as excise duty, service tax, and VAT. The main aim of GST is to remove the problem of "tax on tax" (cascading effect) and to make the taxation system simple, transparent, and uniform throughout the country.
GST was implemented in India on 1 July 2017 after the passing of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. It brought the entire nation under one tax structure and is considered one of the most important tax reforms in independent India.
Under GST, tax is collected on the "value added" at each stage of the supply chain. Businesses can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), which means they can reduce the tax already paid on inputs from their tax liability on outputs. GST is also a destination-based tax, which means the revenue goes to the state where the goods or services are consumed, not where they are produced.
Recent Changes and Amendments (September 2025) In 2025, the GST system in India underwent major reforms to make it easier for businesses and beneficial for consumers. Some important changes include :
New GST Rate Structure (Effective 22 September 2025) : The GST Council, in its 56th meeting (3 September 2025), decided to rationalize tax slabs to make them fewer and simpler. Many items earlier taxed at higher rates have been shifted to moderate slabs of 5% or 18%. The new rates apply to most goods and services from 22 September 2025.
Simplification for Services :
The same rationalized rates also apply to services, reducing confusion for businesses and customers. Educational services, healthcare, and essential items continue to receive priority treatment with lower or zero tax.
Operationalisation of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) :
A new appellate body is being set up to resolve tax disputes more quickly. Appeals will be accepted from September 2025, and hearings are planned to begin by December 2025.
Amendments in GST Rules :
New rules make the system more digital and transparent. Refunds will be processed faster- up to 90% provisional refunds in certain cases. Better guidelines have been introduced for restaurants, small traders, and e-commerce platforms.
Benefits of GST 2.0 (Next- Generation GST Reforms) :
Simpler structure with fewer slabs. Reduced disputes and faster resolution of cases. Support for small businesses through easier compliance. Consumer benefit with lower tax burden on many essential goods and services.
More use of technology to ensure faster filing, online tracking, and easy refunds.
Overall, the 2025 reforms are called "GST 2.0". They are expected to make taxation more predictable, business-friendly, and fair to consumers, while strengthening India's economy.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions mentioned below :
Questions :
10 × 1 = 10
(i) GST was introduced in India from which date ?
(a) 1 April 2016
(b) 1 July 2017
(c) 1 January 2018
(d) 15 August 2017
(ii) Which amendment of the Indian Constitution enabled the implementation of GST ?
(a) 100th Amendment
(b) 101st Amendment
(c) 99th Amendment
(d) 102nd Amendment
(iii) What is the main purpose of GST ?
(a) To increase the number of taxes
(b) To reduce cascading effect and simplify taxation
(c) To collect income tax
(d) To remove direct taxes
(iv) What is Input Tax Credit (ITC) ?
(a) A tax charged by input suppliers
(b) A refund of customs duty
(c) Credit for tax already paid on inputs to reduce output liability
(d) A penalty for late payment of tax
(v) In which year was the 56th GST Council Meeting held ?
(a) 2023
(b) 2024
(c) 2025
(d) 2026
(vi) What does GST stand for ?
(vii) What type of tax is GST in terms of consumption ?
(viii) What is the full form of GSTAT ?
(ix) What is meant by GST 2.0 ?
(x) Name one sector that continues to get lower tax or exemption under GST.
OR
Panipat : The Historic Battlefield Turned Global Textile Hub
Panipat, located in Haryana, is one of the most historically important districts of India. It is famous for being a pivotal battlefield that shaped Indian history and for its present status as a Global Textile Hub, often called the "City of Weavers."
Historical Significance
Panipat's fame comes mainly from the three decisive battles fought near the city, all of which changed the course of Indian history.
First Battle of Panipat (April 21, 1526): Fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi. Babur's victory ended the Delhi Sultanate and led to the foundation of the Mughal Empire.
Second Battle of Panipat (November 5, 1556): Fought between Akbar's forces and Hemu. The victory secured and strengthened Mughal rule under the young emperor Akbar. Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761): Fought between Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas. The defeat of the Marathas created a power vacuum that helped the British establish their control in India.
Because of these major wars, Panipat is often called the "Graveyard of Empires." According to the Mahabharata, it was one of the five cities demanded by the Pandavas and was earlier known as Panduprastha.
Modern Panipat : The Global Textile Hub
In modern times, Panipat is world-famous for its textile and handloom industry. It is often known by several names - the City of Weavers, Textile City, and Cast-Off Capital of the World due to its large recycling industry.
Handloom and Home Furnishings : Panipat has a long tradition of weaving. It produces high-quality carpets, blankets, durries (rugs), mats, curtains, and bedsheets that are exported worldwide.
Recycling Industry (Shoddy Yarn) : It is the world's largest center for manufacturing shoddy yarn - recycled yarn made from old or discarded clothes imported from countries like the USA, Canada, and Europe. Blanket Production : Panipat produces low-cost, good-quality blankets, including those supplied to the Indian armed forces and for global relief work.
This booming textile industry supports thousands of small and medium industries and provides employment to a large section of the population, making Panipat an economic powerhouse in Haryana.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions mentioned below :
Questions :
10 × 1 = 10
(i) Panipat is often referred to as the "City of Weavers" because of its :
(a) Ancient temples
(b) Textile and handloom industry
(c) Historical monuments
(d) Modern buildings
(ii) The First Battle of Panipat led to the foundation of :
(a) The British Empire
(b) The Mughal Empire
(c) The Delhi Sultanate
(d) The Maratha rule
(iii) The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in the year :
(a) 1556
(b) 1526
(c) 1761
(d) 1707
(iv) Panipat is also called the "Cast-Off Capital of the World" because :
(a) It produces cheap clothes
(b) It imports and recycles old clothes into yarn
(c) It exports raw cotton
(d) It manufactures silk garments
(v) What was the ancient name of Panipat according to the Mahabharata ?
(a) Indraprastha
(b) Panduprastha
(c) Hastinapur
(d) Kurukshetra
(vi) Name the rulers who fought in the First Battle of Panipat.
(vii) What was the result of the Second Battle of Panipat ?
(viii) Why is Panipat known as the "Graveyard of Empires" ?
(ix) Name two products made by Panipat's handloom industry.
(x) How does the textile industry help Panipat's economy ?
2. Read the following passage carefully and make notes on it. Supply a suitable title also : 4 + 1 = 5
A good business letter is one that gets results. Its primary aim is to convey information in a manner that is efficient, professional, and effective. The appearance, style, and content of a letter are important, since the letter represents the writer as well as the organization. To perform this function well, a business letter should be concise, clear, and courteous.
The first important quality is conciseness. A good business letter must be short and direct. Words should not be wasted on unnecessary introductions or excessive explanations. A busy reader usually has several documents to deal with, and therefore appreciates a letter that comes straight to the point. This does not mean that style or a touch of politeness should be absent, but it does
mean that repetition and rambling should be avoided. Re-reading and revising the draft is important to ensure that words and sentences are precise. A short, focused letter is far more impactful than a long and confusing one.
The second quality is clarity. The writer must have a firm idea of what needs to be said, and then express it in simple, well-organized language. Proper structure plays an important role here : paragraphs, topic sentences, introductions, and conclusions should guide the reader step by step through the message. Information such as dates, reference numbers, and names should be included for accuracy. A letter written in an accepted business format also adds professionalism. The essence of communication lies in a clear message that is clearly delivered.
The third quality is courtesy. Harsh words, sarcasm, or insults can reduce the effectiveness of a letter. Even when the writer is right, the point must be made politely, explaining reasons with respect and outlining what is expected from the reader. Courtesy also extends to careful attention in writing, typing, and formatting. Errors of grammar and spelling create a poor impression and may lower the reader's opinion of the writer or organization. While ignorance can be excused, carelessness cannot. A letter that is neat, well-structured, and respectful is always valued.
Finally, a business letter is more than just a message. It is a representative document- a permanent record of communication that reflects the
professionalism and personality of its author. Investing time in making the letter concise, clear, and courteous pays rich dividends. It builds goodwill, strengthens relationships, and ensures that the intended results are achieved with efficiency.
SECTION-B
(Creative Writing Skills)
[M.M.:15
3. Attempt any one from (a), (b) and (c) given below : 5
(a) You are Bhavishya/Arti, Secretary of the Exam Warrior Cell of your school. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the students of class 10th & 12th about an upcoming session on 'How to Manage time to Succeed in Exams' by Naveen Sheoran, a renowned Educationist and life coach.
(b) You are working for an advertising agency. Draft an attractive advertisement for a company which is launching a new android mobile phone. Imagine the details.
(c) Draft and design an attractive poster on 'Road Safety'.
4. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : 5
(a) Your school recently held 'Sports Day'. Write a report of it for your School Magazine.
(b) Write a paragraph of about 100 words arguing for or against having to study three languages at school.
5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below : 5
(a) Write a letter to the Editor of a National Daily Expressing your views on 'Impact of Social Media on Modern Youth'. You are Siddhant/Prerita, 415, Main Street, Chandigarh.
(b) Write an application for the post of Principal for a reputed school in ambala, You are Keshav/Kamakshi of 122, New Urban Estates, Ambala. Include your detailed Bio-data.
SECTION-C (Grammar)
[M.M.:10
6. Attempt any two from each sub-part :
(a) Fill in the blanks with correct form of the verbs given in the brackets : 2
(i) The new English teacher Neetu ............. (teach) us for six months.
(ii) The police ............. the thief before he jumped from the roof.
(catch)
(iii) A brave man ............. (not lose) heart.
(a) has not lost
(b) do not lose
(c) does not lose
(d) None of the above
(b) Fill in the blanks with correct modal : 2
(i) I use your mobile phone to call my father ?
(ii) I am sure, I get full marks in English this year.
(iii) What you prefer black coffee or lemon tea ?
(a) could
(b) must
(c) would
(d) can
(c) Fill in the blanks with correct article : 2
(i) empty mind is a devil's workshop.
(ii) Please give me piece of chalk.
(iii) apple. day, keeps the doctor away.
(a) An a
(b) A an
(c) The a
(d) A the
(d) Change the voice of the following sentences : 2
(i) Her teacher praised her.
(ii) One should keep one's promise.
(iii) You must ask your parents.
(a) Your parents must be asked by you.
(b) You must be asked by your parents.
(c) Your parents must ask your.
(d) You ask your parents must be.
(e) Change the following sentences into indirect speech : 2
(i) I asked, "If I start a school, will you come ?"
(ii) The teacher said, "Be quiet and listen to my words".
(iii) 'Where is the railway station ?' asked the stranger.
(a) The stranger asked where the railway station was.
(b) The stranger asks where the railway station were.
(c) The stranger said where is the railway station.
(d) The stranger asked in surprise where is the railway station ?
SECTION-D
(Literature)
[M.M.:40
7. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
(A) Saul Bellow, who has consented to be interviewed on several occasions, nevertheless once described interviews as being like thumbprints on his
windpipe. Yet despite the drawbacks of the interview, it is a supremely serviceable medium of communication. "These days, more than at any other time, our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through interviews," Denis Brian has written. "Almost everything of moment reaches us through one man asking questions of another. Because of this, the interviewer holds a position of unprecedented power and influence."
Questions:
5 × 1 = 5
(i) Name the chapter and the writer :
(a) Poets and Pancakes : Asokamitran
(b) Deep Water : William Douglas
(c) The Interview : Part I : Christopher Silvester
(d) The Interview : Part II : An Interview with Umberto Eco
(ii) According to Denis Brian, why does the interviewer have power and influence ?
(a) he is the one man asking questions of another
(b) the interview is a supremely serviceable medium
(c) our most vivid impressions of our contemporaries are through interviews
(d) interviews are like thumbprints on the interviewee's windpipe
(iii) The word "serviceable" in the extract means that interviews are :
(a) significant
(b) powerful
(c) advanced
(d) useful
(iv) Which of the following best shows Saul Bellow's feeling about interviews ?
(a) He enjoys them
(b) He feels uncomfortable with them
(c) He finds them very useful
(d) He thinks they are easy
(v) The phrase "unprecedented power and influence" refers to the :
(a) Interviewee
(b) Interviewer
(c) Audience
(d) Newspaper
OR
(B) His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements- or so his critics felt. He composed several truly original 'story poems' in folk
refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor- he never aspired to the lead roles - but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances.
Questions:
5 × 1 = 5
(i) Name the chapter and the writer :
(a) The Interview : Part I : Christopher Silvester
(b) Poets & Pancakes : Asokamitran
(c) The Interview : Part II : An Interview with Umberto Eco
(d) The Rattrap : Selma Lagerlof
(ii) Subbu's literary work "Thillana Mohanambal" mainly depicts :
(a) Life of British rulers
(b) Life of Devadasis in early 20th century
(c) Modern urban life
(d) Mythological stories
(iii) How did Subbu perform in films despite not being the lead actor ?
(a) He performed worse than the main actors
(b) He performed as well as other actors
(c) He performed better than the supposed main players
(d) He refused to perform
(iv) Subbu's house was known for :
(a) Being very quiet and private
(b) Hosting dozens of relatives and acquaintances
(c) Rarely having visitors
(d) Being used only for writing
(v) Subbu's ability to create "dozens of very deftly etched characters" shows that he was :
(a) Careless in writing
(b) Skillful in character creation
(c) Only interested in films
(d) Uninterested in literature
8. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-120 words each : 5 (i) How did William Douglas overcome his fear of water ? (Deep Water) (ii) What made the peddler finally change his ways ? (The Rattrap) 9. Answer any three of the following questions in about 30-40 words each : 3 × 2 = 6 (i) Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey ? (Going Places) (ii) What had been put up on the bulletin-board ? (The Last Lesson) (iii) What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps ? Where is he and where has he come from ? (Lost Spring) (iv) Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers ? (Indigo) (v) What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose ? (The Interview) 10. Read the stanza given below and answer the questions that follow : (A) No, in country money, the country scale of gain, The requisite lift of spirit has never been found, Or so the voice of the country seems to complain, I can't help owning the great relief it would be To put these people at one stroke out of their pain. And then next day as I come back into the sane, I wonder how I should like you to come to me And offer to put me gently out of my pain. Questions : 5 × 1 = 5 (i) Name the poem and the poet : (a) A Thing of Beauty : John Keats (b) A Roadside Stand : Robert Frost (c) My Mother at Sixty-Six : Kamala Das (d) Keeping Quiet : Pablo Neruda (ii) What does the phrase "the voice of the country seems to complain" suggest ? (a) The people are happy with their lives. (b) The country people feel tired and hopeless. (c) The poet praises rural life. (d) The country is becoming rich.
(iii) What feeling does the poet express for the people of roadside stand in the line "To put these people at one stroke out of their pain"?
(a) Anger
(b) Sympathy and pity
(c) Indifference
(d) Happiness
(iv) What change does the poet feel "next day" as mentioned in the extract?
(a) He becomes angry.
(b) He returns to a more sensible state of mind.
(c) He becomes careless.
(d) He forgets everything.
(v) The word "relief" in the extract means:
(a) Anger
(b) Comfort or ease from pain
(c) Confusion
(d) Surprise
OR
(B) Aunt Jennifer's tigers prance across a screen, Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree, They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
Questions:
(i) From which poem these lines have been taken?
(a) Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
(b) A Thing of Beauty
(c) Keeping Quiet
(d) My Mother at Sixty-Six
(ii) Name the poet of the poem:
(a) Robert Frost
(b) Adrienne Rich
(c) John Keats
(d) Kamala Das
(iii) What are Aunt Jennifer's tigers doing?
(a) They are not prancing across a screen.
(b) They are prancing across a screen.
(c) They are prancing across a river.
(d) None of the above
(iv) How do the tigers look ?
(a) They do not look like the bright denizens of a world of green.
(b) They look like the bright denizens of underworld.
(c) They look like the bright denizens of a world of green.
(d) None of the above
(v) What are the tigers not afraid of ?
(a) They are not afraid of the men sitting under the tree.
(b) They are not afraid of aunt sitting under the tree.
(c) They are not afraid of the deer sitting under the tree.
(d) They are not afraid of hunter sitting under the tree.
11. Answer any two of the following questions in about 30-40 words each :
2 × 3 = 6
(a) What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify ?
(My Mother at Sixty-Six)
(b) What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem ? (Keeping Quiet)
(c) Why is 'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead' ? (A Thing of Beauty)
12. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
(A) That night, among my oldest first-day covers, I found one that shouldn't have been there. But there it was. It was there because someone had
mailed it to my grandfather at his home in Galesburg; that's what the address on the envelope said. And it had been there since July 18, 1894 - the postmark showed that - yet I didn't remember it at all. The stamp was a six-cent, dull brown, with a picture of President Garfield. Naturally, when the envelope came to Granddad in the mail, it went right into his collection and stayed there - till I took it out and opened it.
Questions :
4 × 1 = 4
(i) Where did the narrator find the first-day cover that shouldn't have been there ?
(a) In his desk drawer
(b) In his grandfather's diary
(c) Among his oldest first-day covers
(d) In a post office box
(ii) What was the address written on the envelope ?
(a) New York City
(b) Galesburg
(c) Illinois
(d) Washington D.C.
(iii) What was the value of the stamp on the envelope ?
(a) Five cents
(b) Ten cents
(c) Six cents
(d) Two cents
(iv) Which President's picture was printed on the stamp ?
(a) President Lincoln
(b) President Garfield
(c) President Roosevelt
(d) President Washington
OR
(B) Gazing at all this, one day, I came to my street, my bag slung over my shoulder. At the opposite corner, though, a threshing floor had been set up, and the landlord watched the proceedings, seated on a piece of sacking spread over a stone ledge. Our people were hard at work, driving cattle in pairs, round and round, to tread out the grain from the straw. The animals were muzzled so that they wouldn't help themselves to the straw. I stood for a while there, watching the fun.
Questions :
4 × 1 = 4
(i) Where was the narrator when the scene took place ?
(a) In a field
(b) On the street near her home
(c) Inside his house
(d) At a marketplace
(ii) What was slung over the narrator's shoulder ?
(a) A water pot
(b) A basket
(c) A bag
(d) A stick
(iii) What had been set up at the opposite corner ?
(a) A cattle shed
(b) A threshing floor
(c) A playground
(d) A market stall
(iv) Who was watching the proceedings from a stone ledge ?
(a) The narrator's father
(b) The landlord
(c) A village elder
(d) The headman
13. Answer any one question of the following in about 100-120 words : 5
(i) What did the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram do to find the required number of tigers to kill ? (The Tiger King)
(ii) Dr. Sadao faces a moral dilemma between his duties as a doctor and as a patriot. Evaluate his character by highlighting how he balances his professional ethics and national loyalty. Support your answer with evidence from the story. (The Enemy)
14. Answer any two of the following questions in about 30-40 words each : 2 × 2 = 4
(i) Who was Mr. Lamb ? How does Derry get into his garden ? (On the Face of It)
(ii) What does 'The Third Level' refer to in the story ? (The Third Level)
(iii) What was the aim of 'Students on Ice' programme ? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
(iv) What did Zitkala-Sa feel when her long hair was cut ? (Memories of Childhood : The Cutting of My Long Hair)
Haryana Board Class 12 English 2026 , Free PDF Download link
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