The CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus for 2024-25 outlines the key topics and themes that students need to study for the academic year. It is divided into two parts: Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India Since Independence. In the first part, students will explore global political events such as the end of the Cold War, the rise of new power centers like China and the European Union, and the role of international organizations like the United Nations. This section also covers pressing global issues like environmental concerns, security, and globalization.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25
The second part focuses on India’s political journey since gaining independence. Topics include the challenges of nation-building, the dominance of the Congress party, India’s foreign relations, and regional aspirations within the country. The syllabus also highlights recent developments in Indian politics, such as coalition governments and socio-economic welfare programs. This well-structured syllabus helps students understand both international and Indian political landscapes, preparing them for examinations and developing a deeper understanding of the subject.
The syllabus is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Contemporary World Politics
- Part B: Politics in India Since Independence
Part A: Contemporary World Politics
| Chapter No. | Chapter Name | No. of Periods | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The End of Bipolarity | 15 | 6 |
| 2 | Contemporary Centres of Power | 18 | 6 |
| 3 | Contemporary South Asia | 18 | 6 |
| 4 | International Organizations | 10 | 6 |
| 5 | Security in the Contemporary World | 10 | 6 |
| 6 | Environment and Natural Resources | 12 | 6 |
| 7 | Globalisation | 12 | 4 |
| Total | 95 | 40 |
Part B: Politics in India Since Independence
| Chapter No. | Chapter Name | No. of Periods | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Challenges of Nation-Building | 16 | 6 |
| 2 | Era of One-Party Dominance | 8 | 4 |
| 3 | Politics of Planned Development | 12 | 2 |
| 4 | India’s External Relations | 20 | 6 |
| 5 | Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System | 12 | 4 |
| 6 | The Crisis of Democratic Order | 15 | 4 |
| 7 | Regional Aspirations | 15 | 6 |
| 8 | Recent Developments in Indian Politics | 20 | 8 |
| Total | 118 | 40 |
Key Topics Covered in Each Chapter
1. The End of Bipolarity
- Topics: The Soviet System, Gorbachev and the disintegration, Causes and consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Shock Therapy, New entities in world politics (Russia, Balkan States, Central Asian States), India’s relations with Russia and post-communist countries.
- Suggested Learning: Group discussions, documentaries, and newspaper analysis.
- Learning Outcome: Students will understand the Soviet system, its disintegration, and its effects on India-Russia relations.
2. Contemporary Centres of Power
- Topics: European Union, ASEAN, Rise of China, Japan and South Korea as emerging powers.
- Suggested Learning: Comparative study, map activities, and cartoon interpretation.
- Learning Outcome: Students will be able to analyze the rise of new global powers and India’s relations with China.
3. Contemporary South Asia
- Topics: Military and democracy in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Monarchy in Nepal, India-Pakistan conflicts, SAARC, India and its neighbors.
- Suggested Learning: Map activities, group discussions on South Asia’s current crises.
- Learning Outcome: Students will appreciate democracy in South Asia and understand India’s relations with neighboring countries.
4. International Organizations
- Topics: Importance of international organizations, structure and functions of the UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO, and the need for UN reforms.
- Suggested Learning: Debates, model UN activities.
- Learning Outcome: Students will understand the significance of international organizations and their role in global governance.
5. Security in the Contemporary World
- Topics: Traditional and non-traditional security, new threats like terrorism, India’s security strategies.
- Suggested Learning: Concept mapping, debates.
- Learning Outcome: Students will be able to analyze various security threats and India’s strategies to combat them.
6. Environment and Natural Resources
- Topics: Environmental issues, global commons, resource geopolitics, India’s environmental movements.
- Suggested Learning: Presentations, debates.
- Learning Outcome: Students will gain insights into global environmental challenges and the need for sustainable development.
7. Globalisation
- Topics: Concept and consequences of globalization, India’s role, and resistance to globalization.
- Suggested Learning: Group discussions, cartoon analysis.
- Learning Outcome: Students will critically assess the impact of globalization on India and the world.
Part B: Politics in India Since Independence
1. Challenges of Nation-Building
- Topics: Partition and its aftermath, integration of princely states, reorganization of states.
- Suggested Learning: Documentaries, map activities, group discussions.
- Learning Outcome: Students will understand the challenges of nation-building and India’s political integration.
2. Era of One-Party Dominance
- Topics: Congress dominance in early elections, opposition parties’ rise.
- Suggested Learning: Group discussions, political party analysis.
- Learning Outcome: Students will evaluate the role of Congress and opposition parties in shaping Indian democracy.
3. Politics of Planned Development
- Topics: Ideas of development, the Planning Commission, the first Five-Year Plan.
- Suggested Learning: Comparative analysis of ideologies, debate on development policies.
- Learning Outcome: Students will learn about India’s developmental strategies and understand the need for long-term planning.
4. India’s External Relations
- Topics: Non-alignment, Indo-China conflicts, Indo-Pak wars, India’s nuclear policy.
- Suggested Learning: Group discussions, research reports.
- Learning Outcome: Students will gain knowledge of India’s foreign policy and its impact on world politics.
5. Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System
- Topics: Political succession, fourth general elections, split in Congress.
- Suggested Learning: Comparative analysis, group discussions.
- Learning Outcome: Students will analyze the challenges faced by the Congress party and its subsequent restoration.
6. The Crisis of Democratic Order
- Topics: Emergency period, lessons from the Emergency, post-Emergency politics.
- Suggested Learning: Newspaper analysis, discussions.
- Learning Outcome: Students will critically evaluate the causes and consequences of the Emergency in India.
7. Regional Aspirations
- Topics: Regional autonomy demands, insurgency in Kashmir, political struggles in Punjab and the Northeast.
- Suggested Learning: Group discussions, comparative analysis.
- Learning Outcome: Students will understand the regional aspirations and the government’s response to them.
8. Recent Developments in Indian Politics
- Topics: Coalition politics, Mandal Commission, communalism, and rise of BJP.
- Suggested Learning: Timeline activities, quizzes.
- Learning Outcome: Students will comprehend the political changes in India since the 1990s, focusing on the rise of coalition governments and the BJP.
Additional Reference Material
Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity
Sub-Topic: Arab Spring
The Arab Spring, which began in 2009, marked a significant moment for democratization in West Asia. It originated in Tunisia, where the people rose against corruption, unemployment, and poverty under autocratic rule. The movement quickly spread to other Arab nations, including Egypt, where long-serving president Hosni Mubarak was ousted after massive protests. The effects of the Arab Spring also reached Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, and Syria, where the public demanded democratic changes.
Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power
Sub-Topic: BRICS
BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Initially formed as BRIC in 2006, it expanded to BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2009. BRICS aims to promote economic cooperation and mutual benefits among member nations. The 11th BRICS summit, chaired by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, concluded in 2019.
Sub-Topic: Russia
Russia emerged as a strong successor to the Soviet Union after its dissolution in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Russia currently holds the 11th largest GDP globally and possesses significant natural resources, including minerals and gas. As a nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council (P-5), Russia holds considerable influence in global politics.
Sub-Topic: India
India is recognized as an emerging global power in the 21st century, with its growing economy and large population. India aims to achieve a $5 trillion economy and plays a significant role in global markets. The “Make in India” initiative and its indigenous nuclear technology further strengthen its global standing. India’s military and strategic capabilities position it as an important power in the current geopolitical landscape.
Sub-Topic: Israel
Israel has become one of the most powerful nations globally, excelling in science, technology, defense, and intelligence. Despite its geographic challenges and conflicts with Arab countries, Israel has made significant advancements in technology and agriculture. Its defense strength and resilience make it a key player in West Asian politics.
Chapter 4: International Organization
Sub-Topic: UNESCO
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was founded on November 4, 1946, with its headquarters in Paris, France. Its mission is to promote education, science, culture, and communication globally. UNESCO has been instrumental in advancing literacy, technical education, and independent media in its member states.
Sub-Topic: UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) was established in 1946 to support the development and health of children worldwide. With its headquarters in New York, UNICEF works in 193 countries to promote children’s rights and well-being.
Sub-Topic: ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its mission is to promote social justice and set global labor standards, ensuring safe and fair working conditions for both men and women.
Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World
Sub-Topic: Terrorism
Terrorism involves the use of extreme violence to instill fear in society, often for political or religious reasons. It can be understood in three ways:
- Systematic use of terror as coercion.
- Acts aimed at creating fear for ideological or political goals.
- Unlawful violence and warfare.
There is no country that has escaped the impact of terrorism. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that terrorism should not be categorized as good or bad but should be addressed globally and collectively.
Part B: Politics in India Since Independence
Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation Building
Sub-Topic: Patel and National Integration
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played a pivotal role in the integration of 565 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. Patel’s diplomatic approach and strong leadership helped merge key states like Hyderabad and Junagarh into India. Though Patel faced challenges in integrating Kashmir fully, he remains a monumental figure in India’s nation-building process.
Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development
Sub-Topic: NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, following the abolition of the latter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2014 Independence Day speech. NITI Aayog, functioning as a think tank, advises the Indian government on policy making and emphasizes cooperative federalism, allowing states to participate in the national policy framework.
Sub-Topic: National Development Council (NDC)
Established in 1952, the NDC is the highest authority for decision-making on national development issues. Chaired by the Prime Minister, it includes members of the Union Cabinet, Chief Ministers, and NITI Aayog representatives. The NDC’s primary goal is to ensure balanced, rapid development across all parts of India.
Chapter 4: India’s External Relations
Sub-Topic: India-Israel Relations
India and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992, although their ties date back centuries. Since then, the nations have strengthened cooperation in various fields, including security, counterterrorism, agriculture, and science. Key visits by leaders from both countries in 2017 and 2018 further solidified their partnership.
Sub-Topic: India’s Nuclear Program
India follows a “No First Use” nuclear policy, reflecting its commitment to peace. However, this policy can be reassessed based on regional security concerns. India continues to advocate for inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) while opposing discriminatory nuclear treaties like the CTBT and NPT.
Chapter 6: The Crisis of Democratic Order
Sub-Topic: Jaya Prakash Narayan
Jaya Prakash Narayan led campaigns against corruption and advocated for “Total Revolution,” a movement for social, political, and economic change. He believed in empowering the youth and focused on transforming both individuals and society.
Sub-Topic: Ram Manohar Lohia and Socialism
Ram Manohar Lohia advocated for “Democratic Socialism” in India. His ideology emphasized both economic (food, housing) and non-economic (freedom, democracy) aspects of development. He promoted political action at multiple levels—center, region, district, and village—and believed in affirmative action for marginalized groups.
Sub-Topic: Deendayal Upadhyaya and Integral Humanism
Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism places the human being at the center of development. His ideas focus on balancing individual and societal needs while promoting sustainable use of resources. He opposed both capitalist and socialist ideologies and advocated for Indianization of democracy.
Sub-Topic: Democratic Upsurges
India has seen three major “Democratic Upsurges”:
- First Upsurge (1950s-1970s): The early participation of adult voters.
- Second Upsurge (1980s): Greater political participation from marginalized communities, such as SCs, STs, and OBCs.
- Third Upsurge (1990s onwards): The rise of a competitive market society with increased youth participation in electoral politics.
Chapter 7: Regional Aspiration
Sub-Topic: The Kashmir Issue
Since its integration with India, Kashmir has faced ongoing political challenges, exacerbated by Article 370 and Article 35A, which granted it special status. These articles were abrogated in 2019, leading to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Chapter 8: Recent Developments in Indian Politics
Sub-Topic: NDA III & IV
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a landslide victory in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This marks a significant shift towards one-party dominance in Indian politics, resembling the earlier “Congress System.”
Sub-Topic: Issues of Development and Governance
Several government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jan-Dhan Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana have been launched to improve governance and ensure that development reaches the rural and marginalized sections of society.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25 PDF Download
The CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25 PDF is available for download and provides a detailed chapter-wise breakdown, marks distribution, and key learning objectives. It covers topics in two parts: Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India Since Independence. The PDF helps students plan their studies effectively and is accessible for offline use.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2024-25-Click Here To Download PDF
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