This page offers a comprehensive overview of the Class XII Political Science syllabus and marking scheme, helping students prepare effectively for their CBSE board exams. The syllabus covers crucial topics such as contemporary world politics, India's foreign policy, political ideologies, and the functioning of Indian democracy. The marking scheme provides insights into the weightage of various sections, enabling students to focus on key areas and structure their preparation for optimal results. By understanding these elements, students can approach the exam with confidence and clarity.
Class XII Political Science Syllabus and Marking Scheme
|
Class |
Subject Code |
Subject Name |
Theory Marks |
Time (h) |
Internal Assessments Marks |
Total Marks |
Group |
|
12 |
28 |
Political Science |
80 |
3 |
20 |
100 |
Group A1 |
The Class 12 Political Science syllabus explores key themes in contemporary world politics and India’s political developments since independence. It is divided into two parts: Contemporary World Politics, which examines global events like the Cold War, globalization, and international organizations, and Politics in India Since Independence, focusing on nation-building, economic reforms, and regional aspirations. This syllabus aims to develop students’ understanding of political systems, ideologies, and global interactions, equipping them for board exams and fostering critical thinking about political issues.
|
Class XII Political Science Syllabus (2026-27) |
||||
|
Books |
Chapter |
Topic |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
PART A-CONTEMPORARY WORLD POLITICS |
The End of Bipolarity |
The Soviet System, Gorbachev and the disintegration, Causes and Consequences of disintegration of Soviet Union, Shock Therapy and its Consequences, New entities in world politics: Russia, Balkan States, Central Asian States, India's relations with Russia and other post-communist countries |
6 |
6% |
|
Contemporary Centres of Power |
European Union Association of Southeast Asian Nations Rise of China as an economic power Japan and South Korea as emerging powers |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Contemporary South Asia |
Military and Democracy in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Monarchy and Democracy in Nepal, Ethnic Conflict and Democracy in Sri Lanka, India-Pakistan Conflicts, India and its Neighbours, Peace and Cooperation |
6 |
6% |
|
|
International Organizations |
Meaning and importance of International Organisations, Evolution of the UN, Structure and function of International Organisations, Principal Organs of UN, Reform of the UN after Cold War, Reform of Structures, Processes and Jurisdiction of the UN, India and the UN Reforms Key Agencies: IMF, World Bank, WTO, ILO, IAEA. NGO: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch. Implications and Future of International Organizations |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Security in the Contemporary World |
Meaning and Type of Security, Traditional concept of security, Non-tradition notions of Security, New Sources of Threats, Cooperative Security India’s Security strategy |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Environment and Natural Resources |
Environmental Concerns, Global Commons, Common but differentiated Responsibilities, India’s Stand on Environment Issues, Environmental Movements, Resource Geopolitics, Rights of Indigenous peoples |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Globalisation |
Concept of globalisation, Causes and Consequences of globalisation, India and globalization, Resistance to globalization, India and resistance to globalisation |
4 |
4% |
|
|
PART B-POLITICS IN INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE |
Challenges of Nation Building |
Challenges for the new Nation:Three Challenges Partition: Displacement and Rehabilitation Integration of Princely States Reorganisation of States. |
6 |
6% |
|
Era of One-Party Dominance |
Challenge of building democracy, Congress dominance in the first three general elect ions, Emergence of opposition parties |
4 |
4% |
|
|
Politics of Planned Development |
Political contestation, The Early Initiatives |
2 |
2% |
|
|
India’s External Relations |
International Context, The Policy of Non- Alignment, Peace and conflict with China, India’s Nuclear Policy |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System |
Challenge of Political Succession, Fourth General Election 1967, Split in the Congress, The 1971 Election and Restoration of Congress |
4 |
4% |
|
|
The Crisis of Democratic Order |
Background to Emergency, Declaration of Emergency, Lessons of the Emergency, Politics after Emergency |
4 |
4% |
|
|
Regional Aspirations |
Region and the Nation, Punjab, The Northeast |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Recent Developments in Indian Politics |
Context of 1990s, Era of Coalition, Political rise if the Backward Classes, Communalism, Secularism and Democracy, Emergence of New Consensus, Lok Sabha Elections 2004 |
8 |
8% |
|
|
Project /Practical |
20 |
20% |
||
|
Total |
100 |
100% |
||
The marking scheme provides a breakdown of the marks allocated to each chapter. This allows students to prioritize high-weightage topics and effectively allocate their study time. Here’s the chapter-wise weightage for Class 12 Political science.
|
Class XII Political Science Marking Scheme & Chapter-wise Weightage (2026-27) |
|||
|
Books |
Chapter |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Contemporary World Politics |
The End of Bipolarity |
6 |
6% |
|
Contemporary Centres of Power |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Contemporary South Asia |
6 |
6% |
|
|
International Organizations |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Security in the Contemporary World |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Environment and Natural Resources |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Globalisation |
4 |
4% |
|
|
Politics in India since Independence |
Challenges of Nation Building |
6 |
6% |
|
Era of One-Party Dominance |
4 |
4% |
|
|
Politics of Planned Development |
2 |
2% |
|
|
India’s External Relations |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System |
4 |
4% |
|
|
The Crisis of Democratic Order |
4 |
4% |
|
|
Regional Aspirations |
6 |
6% |
|
|
Recent Developments in Indian Politics |
8 |
8% |
|
|
Project /Practical |
20 |
20% |
|
|
Total |
100 |
100% |
|
The exam pattern for Class 12 Political science includes a mix of objective, subjective, and analytical questions. Understanding the exam pattern helps students focus on the structure of the exam, including the types of questions, marks distribution, and time allocation. Here’s an overview of the question format and total marks
|
Class XII Political Science Exam Pattern (2026-27) |
||||
|
Books |
Type of Questions |
No of Questions |
Marks |
Total Marks |
|
Contemporary World Politics |
MCQ |
6 |
1 |
6 |
|
Very short answer type |
3 |
2 |
6 |
|
|
Short answer type |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
|
map based questions |
1 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Long answer type |
2 |
6 |
12 |
|
|
Politics in India since Independence |
MCQ |
6 |
1 |
6 |
|
Very short answer type |
3 |
2 |
6 |
|
|
Short answer type |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
|
map based questions |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
|
Long answer type |
2 |
6 |
12 |
|
|
Practical |
20 |
|||
|
Total |
100 |
|||
Here is the latest paper design of class 12th Political science subject.
|
Political Science – Class XII (2026-27) Question Paper Design & Weightage |
||||
|
S. No. |
Competency |
Description |
Total Marks |
Weightage % |
|
1 |
Knowledge and Remembering |
Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts. |
22 |
27.50% |
|
2 |
Understanding |
Understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, explaining, describing, and stating main ideas. |
24 |
30.00% |
|
3 |
Applying |
Solve problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts to interpret a situation/ cartoon/ clippings/ sources/ Map |
22 |
27.50% |
|
4 |
Analysis and Evaluation |
Classify, compare, contrast, or differentiate between pieces of information; organize and/ or integrate from a variety of sources; Examine, synthesize information into parts and identify motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations. |
12 |
15.00% |
|
Total |
80 |
100.00% |
||
Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and marking scheme of Class 12 Political Science is essential for effective preparation and achieving success in the CBSE board exams. Here are the key benefits:
Focused Study Approach: The syllabus outlines the topics to be covered, including Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India Since Independence. This helps you stay focused and ensures comprehensive preparation without missing essential chapters.
Strategic Time Management: The marking scheme highlights the weightage of each section, allowing you to prioritize high-mark topics such as Globalization, Cold War Era, and Challenges to Indian Democracy, ensuring optimal time allocation.
Better Understanding of Exam Pattern: By knowing the marking scheme, you gain clarity on question types—objective, short-answer, and long-answer—helping you prepare for the exam format more effectively.
Confident Revision: The syllabus serves as a checklist during revision, while the marking scheme directs your attention to important areas. This structured approach boosts confidence and readiness for the exam.
Reduced Exam Stress: Knowing what to expect from the exam eliminates uncertainty, allowing you to prepare in a focused manner and reduce last-minute anxiety.
Preparing for Class 12 Political Science requires a balanced approach combining conceptual understanding and regular practice. Here are some effective tips:
Study the NCERT Textbooks Thoroughly: NCERT textbooks are the foundation for the CBSE syllabus. Read every chapter carefully, focusing on major themes like India’s Foreign Policy, Regional Aspirations, and New Centers of Power. Ensure that you understand key concepts, historical events, and political ideologies.
Create Conceptual Clarity: Political Science demands an understanding of theories and real-world applications. Grasp the causes and effects of events like the Cold War, globalization, and India’s economic reforms to tackle analytical questions effectively.
Prepare Notes for Quick Revision: Summarize key points, definitions, and examples from each chapter in concise notes. Use flowcharts and diagrams for complex topics like United Nations and International Organizations to simplify learning and make revision easier.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past board exam papers will familiarize you with the question pattern and improve your time management. Pay attention to recurring topics and practice framing detailed, structured answers.
Focus on Current Affairs: Political Science often involves linking textbook knowledge to contemporary events. Stay updated on recent developments in global and Indian politics to enhance the depth of your answers.
Understand the Marking Scheme: Prioritize high-weightage topics such as Challenges of Nation-Building and International Relations to maximize your score. Practice writing answers with the marking scheme in mind, ensuring clarity and precision.
Revise Regularly: Consistent revision is essential for retaining political concepts, dates, and significant events. Dedicate specific days for revising topics and solving practice questions to reinforce your knowledge.
Write Structured Answers: CBSE exams value clarity and organization. Practice writing answers with a proper introduction, a well-explained body, and a concise conclusion. Use relevant examples and data to support your points.
Stay Confident and Consistent: With a vast syllabus, staying organized and consistent is crucial. Follow a well-planned study schedule and maintain confidence in your preparation to achieve excellent results in the exam.
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