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ISC Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27

Introduction

 

The ISC Class 11 Political Science syllabus for 2026-27 introduces students to the fundamental concepts of political theory, institutions, and contemporary governance. Designed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), this syllabus equips students with an analytical framework to understand political thought, constitutional structures, and international relations. Students develop critical thinking skills that are essential for higher studies in law, public administration, journalism, and social sciences.

The course is divided into theory and project work, encouraging learners to move beyond textbook knowledge and engage with real-world political processes. Understanding this syllabus thoroughly is the first step toward scoring well in the ISC board examinations.

 

Quick Facts

 

Subject Name

Political Science

Subject Code

868

Class

ISC Class 11

Session

2026-27

Theory Marks

80

Project Marks

20

Total Marks

100

Exam Duration

3 Hours

Number of Papers

1 (Theory) + Project

Medium

English

 

Exam Pattern and Structure

 

The ISC Class 11 Political Science examination follows a structured format set by CISCE. The table below outlines the components, marks, duration, and assessment type.

Component

Marks

Duration

Type

Theory Paper

80

3 Hours

Written

Project Work

20

Ongoing

Internal Assessment

Total

100

 

 

 

Detailed Chapter-wise and Topic-wise Syllabus

 

The following section provides a comprehensive breakdown of all units and topics included in the ISC Class 11 Political Science syllabus for the session 2026-27.

 

Unit 1: Political Theory

 

•       Meaning and scope of Political Science

•       Key concepts: State, Nation, Sovereignty, Government

•       Liberty, Equality, Justice

•       Rights and Duties

•       Democracy and its forms

•       Liberalism, Socialism, Fascism, Gandhism

 

Unit 2: Indian Government and Politics

 

•       Salient features of the Indian Constitution

•       Preamble and Fundamental Rights

•       Directive Principles of State Policy

•       Union Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers

•       Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

•       Union Judiciary: Supreme Court

•       State Government: Governor, Chief Minister, Legislature

•       Federal structure and Centre-State relations

 

Unit 3: Contemporary World Politics

 

•       End of Cold War and emergence of new world order

•       United Nations: structure and functions

•       Globalisation and its impact

•       Environmental issues and global politics

•       India's foreign policy and Non-Alignment Movement

•       South Asia and regional cooperation (SAARC)

 

Unit 4: Project Work

 

•       One investigative project on a political issue

•       Primary or secondary research methodology

•       Presentation and viva voce

•       Report of approximately 1500-2000 words

 

Chapter Overview and Weightage

 

Unit

Key Theme

Approx. Weightage

Political Theory

Concepts and ideologies

25 Marks

Indian Government and Politics

Constitutional structure

30 Marks

Contemporary World Politics

Global affairs and India

25 Marks

Project Work

Research and application

20 Marks

 

Marking Scheme

 

The ISC Class 11 Political Science marking scheme distributes marks across sections to test different cognitive levels. Understanding this breakdown helps students allocate study time effectively.

Section

Question Type

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Section A

Multiple Choice / Short Answer

1-2 Marks

20

Section B

Short Notes / Paragraph

4-5 Marks

30

Section C

Long Answer / Essay

8-10 Marks

30

Project

Internal Assessment

20 Marks

20

 

Recommended Books and Study Material

 

The following textbooks and reference materials are recommended for ISC Class 11 Political Science preparation. Students should prioritise NCERT or CISCE prescribed texts before moving to supplementary references.

Title

Author/Publisher

Relevance

Political Theory (NCERT)

NCERT

Core conceptual reading

Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT)

NCERT

Constitutional structure

Contemporary World Politics (NCERT)

NCERT

Global affairs

An Introduction to Political Theory

O.P. Gauba

In-depth theory

Indian Government and Politics

B.L. Fadia

Reference text

 

Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 Political Science

 

Preparing smartly for the ISC Class 11 Political Science examination requires a combination of consistent reading, structured revision, and regular practice. The following tips will help students cover the syllabus effectively.

 

•       Read the NCERT textbooks thoroughly before moving to reference books.

•       Maintain a separate notebook for important political terms and definitions.

•       Follow current affairs related to Indian politics and international relations.

•       Practice previous years question papers to understand the marking pattern.

•       For the project work, choose a relevant and researchable political topic early in the session.

•       Create mind maps linking concepts such as democracy, rights, and governance.

•       Revise constitutional articles regularly as questions on them are frequent.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is the subject code for ISC Class 11 Political Science?

 

The subject code for ISC Class 11 Political Science is 868.

 

How many marks is the ISC Class 11 Political Science exam?

 

The total marks are 100, divided into 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work.

 

Is Political Science a good subject for ISC Class 11?

 

Yes, Political Science is an excellent choice for students interested in law, public administration, journalism, social sciences, and civil services. It builds strong analytical and communication skills.

 

What topics are covered in ISC Class 11 Political Science?

 

The syllabus covers Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics, and Contemporary World Politics, along with a project component.

 

How should I prepare for the ISC Political Science exam?

 

Start with NCERT textbooks, follow current affairs, practice long-answer writing, and complete the project work diligently. Regular revision and previous year papers are key.

 

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