ICSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the Political Science (Subject Code - 852) as an elective subject for Class XI session 2026-27. This curriculum focuses on structural legalities and will help students create a logical worldview. The syllabus is split into two major halves: 

Section A: Political Theory and Section B: Contemporary International Relations 

Section A will introduce students to concepts such as law, liberty, sovereignty, and justice, while Section B will include post Cold-war geopolitical landscape, South Asian Bilateral Ties, and regional cooperation blocs. Through the integration of fundamental theoretical frameworks and research-oriented practical components, this curriculum will provide an analytical and highly reflective perspective on the complexities of contemporary statecraft and global affairs

ICSE Class XI Political Science Syllabus 

COUNCIL FOR THE INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS

NEW DELHI

Empowering Minds & Transforming Lives since 1958

POLITICAL SCIENCE (852)

Aims:

1. To enable students to gain an understanding of basic concepts in Political Science.

2. To facilitate acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the practices of governance.

3. To develop logical reasoning, research and application skills.

4. To create awareness of rights and duties and to sensitise students towards social concerns.

5. To expose students to divergent views and encourage them to develop their own world view.

There will be two papers in the subject:

PAPER I (THEORY) – 80 MARKS

CLASS XI

SECTION A: Political Theory

1. Introduction to Political Science and State

Meaning of Political Science (classical and modern); Scope of contemporary Political Science: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Administration and Political Economy. Difference between politics and political science. Meaning of State and elements of State: (a) Population (b) Territory (c) Government (d) Sovereignty; Difference between State and Nation.

2. The Origin of the State

Various theories of the origin of State: Divine Origin Theory (features only); the Social Contract Theory (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau—features only).

3. Political Ideologies

• Liberalism: meaning and features: Recognition of importance of individuals, Support for human rights and freedom, Constitutional and liberal government, and Support for democracy.

• Communism: meaning and features: Dialectical materialism, Class struggle, Dictatorship of Proletariat, Stateless and Classless society.

4. Sovereignty

Meaning, definition, kinds, and characteristics. Kinds: Titular and Real, Legal and Political; de-jure and de-facto Sovereign, Popular Sovereignty. Austin's Theory and Pluralistic view of Sovereignty (features only). A historical analysis.

5. Law

Meaning of law. Sources: Customs, Usages, Religion, Judicial Decisions, Scientific Commentaries, Equity, Legislation. Kinds of law: meaning and examples of Municipal, National, Constitutional and International Law, Statute Law, Ordinances.

6. Liberty

Meaning of Liberty; Dimensions: negative and positive; kinds of Liberty: Civil, Political and Economic.

7. Equality

Meaning and kinds of Equality: legal, social, political and economic.

8. Justice

Meaning of Justice; Contemporary theories of Justice: John Rawls and Amartya Sen (features only).

SECTION B: Contemporary International Relations

9. Disintegration of the Soviet Union

• Causes: Political and economic stagnation, Reforms of Gorbachev and Rise of nationalism.

• Its impact: End of cold war and emergence of new states (in brief).

10. Unipolar World

Meaning of unilateralism. U.S. unilateralism: case studies (causes and main events only) of U.S. intervention in:

• Iraq: Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom;

• Afghanistan: Operation Enduring Freedom;

• India's relations with USA after 1991 (Defence and trade relations only).

11. Regional Cooperation

ASEAN and the European Union, SAARC, BRICS, QUAD (Aims and economic achievements only).

12. South Asia

India's relationship with its neighbours:

• India-Pakistan Relations: 1965 war and Tashkent Agreement, 1971 war and Shimla Agreement, Lahore Declaration and Kargil war;

• India-Bangladesh Relations: Water dispute, Teen Bhiga corridor and illegal migration;

• India-China Relations: Panchsheel Agreement and Sino-Indian war of 1962.

PAPER II (PROJECT WORK) - 20 MARKS

Candidates will be required to undertake one project which may be any one of the following:

• (i) A case study.

• (ii) Survey study with a questionnaire.

• (iii) Research based project with in depth analysis.

• (iv) Any contemporary or relevant Social/Local/ national/ global political issue.

• (v) Book review/ film review/ documentaries/ posters/ newspapers/ advertisements/ cartoons and art.

The project must not be based primarily on the syllabus; students must be encouraged to produce original, creative and insightful perspectives on an allied aspect of the topic. For example, if the theme is Fundamental Rights, the project could deal with violation, protection, court verdicts, Public Interest Litigations (PILs), etc. related to socially relevant issues.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Mark allocation for the Project will be as follows:

List of suggested topics for Project Work:

1. "The Kingdom of Freedom begins where the Kingdom of Necessity ends".

2. Right to Freedom and role of Media.

3. The Right to Information – ensuring political accountability.

4. Citing relevant examples, discuss the relative importance of negative and positive liberty in the Indian context.

5. India's response to ASEAN as a dialogue partner.

6. Relevance of SAARC as a forum of regional cooperation.

7. U.S. dominance in World politics in the Post Cold War era.

8. Civil Society Movements - Role and participation in India.

9. Relevance of the United Nations in a Unipolar World.

10. Crisis in the Middle East and its impact on World order.

11. Rise of Taliban in Afghanistan and the crisis of human rights.

12. Any other relevant contemporary issue.

ICSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The Political Science curriculum for Class XI offers a comprehensive and intellectual framework that integrates foundational political theory with the intricacies of modern international relations. Distributed across an 80-mark theoretical examination and a major 20-mark practical research component, this syllabus is designed to move beyond mere rote learning toward profound analytical inquiry. Through these organized modules, students are encouraged to advance from understanding basic state elements to critically assessing global geopolitical shifts, bilateral dynamics, and the institutional structures of contemporary statecraft.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the 2026-2027 evaluation curriculum for the ISC Art (Subject Code - 871). It has been designed to inculcate basic artistic values, authentic imaginative thinking in Class XI. The core of the curriculum is based on the pluralistic ethos and cultural psyche of the national art framework. The syllabus also keeps in mind the value of individual experimentation and creative liberty over the rigid standards.

As per the structural matrix of the curriculum, a student needs to complete three distinct 100-mark evaluation segments which are divided equally across observational methodologies i.e Section A: Papers 1-3 and applied imaginative processes (Section B: Papers 4-6). It will include geometric proportions of traditional still-life and natural flora. 

ICSE Class XI Art Syllabus 2026-27

ART (871)

Aims

1. To encourage creative expression in and through Art.

2. To develop the powers of aesthetic appreciation.

3. To develop an artistic attitude and values through the study of art.

4. To develop an interest in the world of art.

CLASSES XI & XII

Candidates will be required to take three papers, of 100 Marks each, including at least one paper from Section A and at least one paper from Section B.

Papers 1-3 form Section A. Papers 4-6 form Section B.

Papers 1-5 shall be of three hours duration each. Paper 6 (Craftwork) will be assessed by a Visiting Examiner appointed locally. No question paper shall be set by CISCE for Paper 6.

Success or failure will depend on a candidate's performance in the subject as a whole.

SECTION A

Paper 1: (3 hours), Drawing or Painting from Still Life

A group of objects which will be artificial and natural and may include such things as cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, a growing plant, as well as domestic or other artificial objects; the group may be drawn or painted. The work can be carried out, if the candidate wishes, in relation to the surroundings of the part of the room in which the group is placed. If the group is painted, the background must be included.

Paper 2: (3 hours), Drawing or Painting from Nature

This paper is divided into two separate sections. Candidates may offer either A or B. In both sections, the subject may be interpreted freely, either in a decorative or in a realistic manner.

• A. Study of the structure of natural forms such as a spray or branch, which may include flowers; foliage or fruit; fossils, bones, etc. Candidates are expected to reveal their appreciation of natural growth or structure by means of drawing or painting.

• B. A subject will be set for drawing or painting outdoors. There should be evidence of direct study from nature.

Paper 3: (3 hours), Drawing or Painting of a Living Person

Two alternatives will be given. In alternative (A) the model (who may be a boy, girl, man or woman) is to be placed in an attitude which will be described. The whole figure must be drawn, together with any necessary artificial or natural objects. If the subject is painted, the model must be seen against a suitable background. Clothing should be simple and the limbs exposed as much as possible.

Alternative (B) will be mainly a study of the head but may include the arms and hands. Instructions for each examination will be given. Candidates should be placed closer to the model than for Alternative (A).

If candidates consider that they have completed their drawings before the end of the examination period, they may make a separate study. Candidates taking Alternative (A) may choose head, hands or other details. Those taking Alternative (B) may draw the portrait from another position or make a study of a part of the head or the hands. In either (A) or (B) the second drawing may be made on the same sheet or paper or on another sheet, which must be attached. Candidates are to be told that the two drawings will be considered together and that marks will not be lost if a second drawing is not attempted.

SECTION B

Paper 4: (3 hours), Original Imaginative Composition in Colour

A paper containing a list of alternative subjects will be given to candidates one week before the examination. The actual composition will be executed in the examination room after a period of not less than seven days from the distribution of the paper to the candidates; sketches, or other notes must not be taken into the examination room. Since this is a test of original work, it would be inappropriate for any form of guidance to be given to candidates other than that printed on the question paper.

A variety of themes will be set; these may be given in the form of titles indicating the subjects, or of specified objects for inclusion in a composition, or in any other form that will stimulate the imagination. Candidates should base their work if possible on scenes that they have themselves observed. Any style, or technique, including that which is traditional in the candidates' own area, may be used.

Paper 5: (3 hours), Crafts 'A'

Candidates will be required to answer any one question. The object of this paper is to test the ability of candidates in craftwork where the material is restricted to flat paper, ink and/or colour. Question will be set requiring the design and execution of the following:

• the page of a book, book cover, or end papers;

• a notice or pictorial poster;

• a card such as a Christmas card or invitation card or emblem;

• a patterned paper for a specific purpose.

Several but not all of these alternative subjects will be set and candidates will be required to select any one of them. There will be an opportunity to make full use of the calligrapher's art with drawn and painted, pen-made or brush-written lettering.

Paper 6: Crafts 'B'

This Paper is restricted to school candidates. The candidates must submit at least one and not more than two examples of Craftwork, which they have executed during the school year in any one craft from the following eight categories. Further evidence of study in the form of working drawings, small notebook or photographs may also be submitted.

• (a) Earthenware or stoneware pottery such as a jug, bowl, dish, vase or hollowed pottery form which the candidate has either moulded, hand built or thrown on the wheel and decorated if he or she so wishes.

• (b) Abstract or figurative sculpture including reliefs. These can be carved, constructed, assembled, cast or modelled in any suitable material. Candidates must be warned not to submit work in material that is likely to break in transit; clay must always be fired and modelling in plaster must be supported by strong armatures. Sculpture over 60 cm in any dimension is not acceptable because of difficulties in handling.

• (c) Cloth or rug designed and woven by the candidate on the loom for any specified purpose. When possible this should show experience of spinning and dyeing.

• (d) Cotton, wool, silk, bark cloth or other material dyed in a pattern as in block-printing, screen-printing, batik, tie-and dye, etc. The piece should be at least a square metre in area. Blocks should not be sent.

• (e) Embroidery, mosaic, collage or decorative panels, unframed, but simply and suitably mounted, showing evidence of ability to relate design to media.

• (f) Puppet or marionette (including the type used in shadow plays) representing a specified character or person. It is desirable that the puppets should be made in relation to a play, and notes on their particular dramatic use should be included.

• (g) Prints in colour or black and white, from an original wood or lino block or a monotype. The main work must be clearly labelled and suitably mounted. Blocks need not be sent.

• (h) Example of a local craft made by the candidate. This should be supported by a second entry showing a personal development of this craft.

Each candidate must confine his entry to ONE craft. The work submitted must be the unaided work of the candidate. It must be accompanied by a statement from the Principal of the school to this effect.

GENERAL

1. Any medium may be used provided that it is suitable for the subject. Painted work must be carried out in a quick-drying medium and must be completely dry before it is dispatched. When acrylic paint is used for examination work, it must be mixed with water. All paints used must be of adequate quality: if coloured crayons or chalk are used, they must have a range and quality comparable with that of paints and must be carefully fixed at the examination centre before the work is sent to CISCE. Monochrome may be used where permitted by the regulations for each Paper but will not be accepted as satisfying the requirement in respect of colour for Paper 4.

2. Candidates must use their judgment with regard to (i) the size of a drawing or painting, (ii) the proportion of height to width within the space available. In all cases credit will be given for good composition.

3. In each of Papers 1 to 4, the test is one of free drawing or painting, therefore, any mechanical means of execution of the drawing or painting, (such as measuring or ruling) are not allowed. Instruments and tracing paper are allowed for Paper 5, but candidates are advised to restrict their use as far as possible.

4. Where question or printed instructions are provided for alternative groups, etc., the Supervising Examiner in consultation with an Art Teacher will decide which of these alternatives is to form the subject of the examination, after taking account of local convenience, etc. At centres for candidates from more than one school, both the alternative subjects in Paper 2 (Plant Drawing) must be provided if they are required by schools or candidates.

5. Suitable alternative subjects will be provided for the different areas, so far as this may appear desirable; account will be taken of different climatic conditions in the selection of flower specimens, etc.

6. The paper supplied for use in the examination room will be about 35 cm × 25 cm. Schools or candidates wishing to work on a larger scale, not larger than Half Imperial or Royal (64 cm × 51 cm) or on a different type or tone of paper, will be at liberty to provide their own. Work which is carried out on stiff boards or which is mounted cannot be accepted. The paper used by candidates must not be less than 35 cm × 25 cm and the work submitted must fill or approximately fill the page.

7. All drawings must be packed flat and not rolled: Half-Imperial and Royal sheets should be folded across the middle. When drawings are too large to enclose in the envelopes provided, it is essential that the information required on the front of the envelope be given and that the envelope itself be packed in the same parcel with the drawings.

8. Examiners are caused great inconvenience by candidates failing to write their examination numbers either clearly or correctly, thus making identification difficult. Schools are asked to co-operate by directing the candidates to clearly write their Unique Identification Number (UID Number) and Index Number both, clearly and correctly on their examination work and that on drawings and paintings this must be written on the front (top right hand corner) and also on the back. They must not write anything else on the front of the picture. Failure to observe this instruction may result in loss of marks.

STANDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPERVISING EXAMINERS

Papers 1-3

The printed 'Instructions' for these papers which are sent to schools well in advance of the examination will be limited as far as possible to the subjects of the tests. They are for the use of the Supervising Examiner only, in consultation with the Art Teacher. It is important that early attention should be given to the provision of the objects and / or models required.

In papers 1 to 3, both alternatives must be set if required by candidates.

The group or subject should be so arranged that each candidate obtains an uninterrupted view: for Paper 1 candidates should not be more than 3.60 meters from the group. Candidates may form a semicircle but not a complete circle round the group; more than one session may be arranged if there is a large number of candidates. The examination must be held in good light but care must be taken that sunlight does not fall upon the group or subject while work is in progress.

If the group or subject is painted, the background must be included. The surface on which the group of objects for Paper 1 and the group for painting only in Paper 2 is arranged must be below the eye level of the candidates.

Drawing or Painting from Still Life

This is a test of direct observation and free drawing. Both themes as given in the question paper should be set by the art teacher and the candidates should select the theme they want to attempt. Proper space and seating arrangements must be provided to enable the candidates to draw and colour their desired option. In the setting of the objects of the theme, care must be taken to ensure that each item is visible either fully or partially to all candidates. Care must be taken by the art teacher in selection of the objects. They should not be unnecessarily complicated in shape or have complex patterns or labels over and above the basic requirements.

Drawing or Painting from Nature

• Alternative A: Study of the structure of natural forms It is desirable that each candidate be given a separate specimen and be permitted to handle and arrange it. If the specimens named in the Instructions are not available, Supervising Examiners may, with the assistance of the Art Teacher, substitute other specimens as similar as possible to those, which have been set. The name of the specimen used must be stated on the back of the drawing in small block capitals. Sprays, when these are set, must be reasonably large and full and in good condition; they should be displayed in a vase or bottle and be clearly visible against a plain background. The container must not be drawn.

• Alternative B: Drawing or painting outdoors One subject will be set for painting or drawing outdoors. It can include a study of plants, creepers or climbers growing against walls, pergolas, rockeries and other such features. Plants grown in pots and containers which can be kept indoors can be set. There should be evidence to understand the general characteristic and growing habit of the subject as it grows in its natural environment.

Drawing or Painting of a Living Person

The Supervising Examiner should avail himself of the services of the Art Teacher for posing the model and for re-posing after the model has been resting. Five minutes will be allowed for the model to relax after each twenty minutes' posing. During these intervals candidates may continue to work on their drawings. The Supervising Examiners may vary the length of the posing periods and of the intervals at their discretion. The period of 2 or 3 hours includes the time during which the model is resting.

Two models must be provided if Alternatives A and B are required by different candidates at the same session. If more than one model is employed for either A or B, this should be stated on the answer envelope. The model is to be posed in good light and shade. Candidates must be so placed that each has a good view of the pose.

Original Imaginative Composition in Colour

Copies of the Paper are to be given to the candidates at least a week before the paper is taken in the examination room and candidates should be instructed to bring their copies of the question paper with them at the time fixed for this paper.

'Crafts A'

At centres where the necessary arrangements can be made, candidates may cut and print from a block in the examination room. Folded and cut-out paper may be used in making designs. Collage may be used.

Paper 6 (Craftwork)

The specimens of Craftwork should not be dispatched to CISCE. Pieces of pottery, sculpture or carving must not exceed 1m in any dimension nor weigh more than 18 kg. Craftwork submitted for one examination must not be submitted for a subsequent one. This paper is to be assessed by a Visiting Examiner appointed locally.

The ISC year 2027 art syllabus lays a solid foundation for students to align there technical capabilities with observational focus. This curriculum ensures that a student’s capability is measured thoroughly and fairly through extensive three-hour execution sessions and a school year continuous assessment. 

Moreover, the academic regulations strictly forbid any mechanical aids during the core drawing assessments, ensuring that students cultivate profound motor dexterity and spatial intuition. By emphasizing instinctive composition over technical measuring instruments, the curriculum establishes a rigorous baseline for those pursuing professional trajectories in architecture, fine arts, or global design fields.