The ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27 is divided into two papers: Paper I (Theory) and Paper II (Project Work). Paper I covers topics related to government forms, constitutions, political systems, and Indian democracy, while Paper II is focused on project work, encouraging students to explore topics beyond the syllabus.
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27
The ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27 provides an in-depth understanding of political systems, constitutions, and democracy, both in India and globally. It aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills among students by comparing different forms of government and focusing on the challenges of Indian democracy.
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27: Paper I- Theory (80 Marks)
Section A: Constitution and Government
- Forms of Government
- Totalitarian and Authoritarian States: Definition and features of totalitarian and authoritarian states. Comparison of these forms of government.
- Liberal Democratic State: Features of a liberal democratic state.
- Unitary and Federal States: Meaning and characteristics of unitary and federal systems, with one example of each.
- Parliamentary and Presidential Forms: Study of both forms of government and comparison between parliamentary and presidential systems.
- Constitution
- Meaning and Types: Understand the meaning of a constitution and its types—written and unwritten, rigid and flexible.
- Amending Procedures: Study the amendment process in the constitutions of the U.K., U.S.A., and India.
- Franchise and Representation
- Universal Adult Franchise: Importance and reasons for its acceptance.
- Representation: Methods of representation—First Past the Post System and Proportional Representation.
- Political Parties: Meaning and types (single-party, bi-party, and multi-party systems).
- The Legislature
- Indian and U.S. Legislatures: Comparative study of the structure, election process, and functions of the legislature in India and the U.S.A.
- Unique Powers: Special powers of the Senate and a comparison of the U.S. Senate with the Indian Rajya Sabha.
- The Executive
- Political vs. Permanent Executive: Understanding the differences between the two in India.
- Political Executives in India and U.S.A.: Comparative study of the powers and functions of the heads of state in India (President and Prime Minister) and the U.S.A. (President).
- The Judiciary
- Judiciary in India and U.S.A.: Comparative study of the composition and powers of the Supreme Courts of India and the U.S.A.
- Judicial Review: Meaning and principles, with an understanding of Judicial Activism and Judicial Restraint.
Section B: Indian Democracy
- Indian Constitution
- Preamble: Importance and the key words contained in the Preamble.
- Salient Features: Study features like federal structure, single citizenship, judicial review, emergency powers, and others.
- Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
- Fundamental Rights: Meaning and detailed study of all Fundamental Rights in India.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Types (Liberal, Gandhian, and Socialist) and comparison with Fundamental Rights.
- Local Self-Government
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts: Key features of these amendments, including Zila Parishad and Municipal Corporation functions.
- Challenges Faced by Indian Democracy
- Challenges like caste, communalism, regionalism, and political violence.
- Measures for strengthening democracy, addressing issues like linguistic demands, river water disputes, and secessionist movements.
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27 Paper II- Project Work (20 Marks)
For Paper II, students are required to undertake a project that involves in-depth research and analysis. The project should not be based entirely on the syllabus and should encourage original thinking. Some suggested topics include:
- Judicial Activism: Study two cases where the judiciary safeguarded human rights or the environment.
- Public Accountability of Civil Servants: Analyze whether civil servants are accountable to the public.
- Party System in India: Examine the phases and evolution of the party system in India.
- Supreme Court Cases on Fundamental Rights: Analyze a major Supreme Court ruling on Fundamental Rights.
- Local Self-Government and Women Empowerment: Study how local self-government institutions contribute to empowering women.
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27: Assessment of Project Work
| Internal Evaluation by Teacher | Marks |
| Process (topic selection, research, methods) | 3 |
| Understanding and Analysis (interpretation and arguments) | 4 |
| Presentation (format, referencing, word limit) | 3 |
| Total | 10 |
| Evaluation by Visiting Examiner | Marks |
| Choice of Technique/Procedure & Presentation | 4 |
| Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| Viva (questions on project) | 3 |
| Total | 10 |
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27 PDF Download
Students can download the complete ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27 in PDF format from the official CISCE website. The syllabus outlines the theory and project work, helping students prepare for their board exams efficiently.
ISC-Political-Science PDF
ISC Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27: FAQs
1. What are the main sections of the ISC Class 12 Political Science syllabus?
The syllabus is broadly divided into two sections:
- Section A: Constitution and Government
- Section B: Indian Democracy
2. What are the key topics in Section A (Constitution and Government)?
Section A includes:
- Forms of Government (Unitary, Federal, Parliamentary, Presidential)
- Constitution (types, features, amendment)
- Franchise and Representation
- Organs of Government: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
3. What topics are covered in Section B (Indian Democracy)?
Section B mainly focuses on:
- Indian Constitution (Preamble, features)
- Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles
- Local Self-Government (73rd & 74th Amendments)
- Challenges to Indian Democracy (caste, communalism, etc.)
4. What is the marking scheme for ISC Political Science?
- Theory Paper: 80 marks
- Project Work: 20 marks
- Total: 100 marks
5. Is project work compulsory in ISC Class 12 Political Science?
Yes, project work is mandatory and contributes 20 marks. It includes internal assessment and external evaluation.
6. What type of questions are asked in the exam?
The exam includes:
- Short answer questions
- Long answer questions
- Analytical and conceptual questions
- Case-based or application-based questions
7. Does the syllabus include comparative government?
Yes, students study comparative analysis of India and the USA in topics like Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
8. What are the important units for scoring good marks?
High-scoring topics include:
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Legislature & Judiciary
- Challenges to Democracy
9. Has the ISC Political Science syllabus changed for 2026–27?
Yes, CISCE periodically revises the syllabus to improve academic relevance and align with modern learning standards.
10. Where can students download the ISC Political Science syllabus 2026–27 PDF?
Students can download the official syllabus from the CISCE website or trusted education portals offering updated PDFs.
11. Is ISC Political Science useful for competitive exams?
Yes, it helps in exams like:
12. How should students prepare for ISC Political Science?
Preparation tips:
- Focus on concepts, not rote learning
- Practice previous year papers
- Revise definitions & case studies
- Prepare notes for each topic
13. How many units are there in ISC Class 12 Political Science?
There are 10 major units, covering both theory and Indian political system topics.
14. Is diagram/map work included in ISC Political Science?
Unlike Geography, map work is not a major component, but conceptual clarity and structured answers are important.
15. What is the best strategy to score 90+ marks?
- Master NCERT/ISC prescribed content
- Write structured answers (Intro–Body–Conclusion)
- Use examples and current affairs
- Revise regularly