ISC Class 12 Art Syllabus 2026-27

ISC Class 12 Fine Art is a practical and creative subject that allows students to demonstrate artistic skill, original thought, and observational ability. The syllabus is prescribed by CISCE and covers six papers across two sections, from still life and nature drawing to original composition, craftwork, and imaginative design.

This subject is ideal for students planning to pursue Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Architecture, Design, or Art Education at the undergraduate level. Unlike most subjects, Art is assessed primarily through the quality of submitted work, not written theory.

Exam Structure

Candidates must take three papers of 100 marks each, choosing at least one from Section A and at least one from Section B.

Paper 6 (Craftwork) is assessed by a Visiting Examiner appointed locally. No question paper is set by CISCE for Paper 6. It is restricted to school candidates only.

Section A: Papers 1 to 3

Paper 1 - Drawing or Painting from Still Life (100 Marks)

A group of natural and artificial objects is arranged for candidates to draw or paint. Natural items may include cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and growing plants. Artificial items include domestic objects.

•        The group may be drawn or painted in any medium

•        Work may relate to the surroundings of the room where the group is placed

•        If painted, the background must be included

•        Candidates must sit no more than 3.60 metres from the group

•        The surface holding the group must be below the eye level of candidates

•        Both themes given in the question paper are set by the art teacher; candidates select one

Paper 2 - Drawing or Painting from Nature (100 Marks)

Candidates choose either Alternative A or Alternative B. The subject may be interpreted freely in a decorative or realistic manner.

Alternative A - Study of Natural Forms

•        Study of structure of sprays, branches, flowers, foliage, fruits, fossils, bones

•        Each candidate given a separate specimen to handle and arrange

•        Sprays must be reasonably large and full, displayed in a vase against a plain background

•        The container must NOT be drawn - only the specimen

•        Specimen name must be written on the back in small block capitals

Alternative B - Drawing or Painting Outdoors

•        Drawing or painting of a subject outdoors with direct evidence of study from nature

•        May include plants, creepers, climbers growing on walls, pergolas, rockeries

•        Plants in pots kept indoors may also be set

Paper 3 - Drawing or Painting of a Living Person (100 Marks)

Two alternatives are offered. The model may be a boy, girl, man or woman.

Alternative A - Full Figure

•        The whole figure must be drawn in a described attitude with any supporting objects

•        If painted, the model must be seen against a suitable background

•        Clothing should be simple with limbs exposed as much as possible

Alternative B - Head Study

•        Primarily a study of the head, may include arms and hands

•        Candidates placed closer to the model than for Alternative A

For both alternatives: if candidates finish early, they may make an additional second study. The two drawings are considered together and marks cannot be lost for not attempting the second drawing.

Section B: Papers 4 to 6

Paper 4 - Original Imaginative Composition in Colour (100 Marks)

The question paper is given to candidates at least one week before the examination. The actual composition is executed in the examination room.

•        Themes may be given as titles, specified objects for inclusion, or any form that stimulates imagination

•        Candidates should base work on scenes they have personally observed

•        Any style or technique including traditional regional styles is acceptable

•        Sketches or notes must NOT be taken into the examination room

•        Colour is mandatory - monochrome is not acceptable for Paper 4

Paper 5 - Crafts A: Flat Paper, Ink and Colour (100 Marks)

Candidates answer any one question from the following design and execution tasks:

•        Page of a book, book cover, or end papers

•        A notice or pictorial poster

•        A card such as a Christmas card, invitation card, or emblem

•        A patterned paper for a specific purpose

Materials are restricted to flat paper, ink and/or colour. Instruments and tracing paper are allowed for Paper 5 only but should be used sparingly. Calligraphic lettering quality is assessed.

Paper 6 - Crafts B: Craftwork (100 Marks, Visiting Examiner)

Restricted to school candidates only. Candidates submit at least one and not more than two pieces of craftwork completed during the school year in any one craft category.

The Eight Craft Categories

•        Earthenware or Stoneware Pottery (moulded, hand-built, or wheel-thrown and optionally decorated)

•        Sculpture (abstract or figurative; carved, constructed, assembled, cast or modelled; max 60 cm in any dimension)

•        Woven Cloth or Rug (designed and woven by candidate; spinning and dyeing experience encouraged)

•        Dyed or Printed Fabric (block-printing, screen-printing, batik, tie-and-dye; at least 1 sq metre in area)

•        Embroidery, Mosaic, Collage or Decorative Panels (unframed, simply mounted, showing design-media relationship)

•        Puppet or Marionette (include notes on dramatic use; shadow puppets also acceptable)

•        Prints (colour or black-and-white from original wood/lino block or monotype; clearly labelled and mounted)

•        Local Craft (candidate's own example plus a second entry showing personal development of the craft)

General Regulations

Preparation Tips for Each Paper

Paper 1 - Still Life

•        Practise drawing mixed groups of natural and artificial objects at a distance of around 3.60 metres

•        When painting, always include the background - this is explicitly required

•        Focus on composition, proportion, and light-shade rather than just outlines

•        Work within the minimum 35 cm x 25 cm paper size; scale up to Half Imperial if preferred

Paper 2 - Nature

•        Decide early: Alternative A (indoor structured study) or Alternative B (outdoor painting)

•        For Alternative A: focus on structure and growth pattern, not just the outline of the specimen

•        Write the specimen name on the back in small block capitals - this is a specific examiner requirement

•        For Alternative A: do not draw the container - only the specimen itself

•        For Alternative B: practise capturing the natural growing habit and environment of the plant

Paper 3 - Living Person

•        Practise both full-figure (Alt A) and head studies (Alt B) - decide which is stronger before the exam

•        For Alt A: the full figure is the primary subject; surroundings are secondary

•        If you finish early, attempt a second study - marks can only improve, never decrease

•        Use the model's 5-minute rest intervals to refine fine details

Paper 4 - Imaginative Composition

•        Use the one-week advance period for personal observation and mental planning only

•        No sketches or notes in the exam room - all ideas must come from memory and observation

•        Base the composition on scenes you have personally witnessed - authenticity shows

•        Colour is mandatory - monochrome will not be accepted

•        Any style including traditional regional techniques is fully acceptable

Paper 5 - Crafts A

•        Practise all four design types: book page/cover, poster, card/emblem, patterned paper

•        This is the only paper where instruments and tracing paper are permitted

•        Lettering quality is assessed - practise calligraphic work with pen and brush

•        Focus on clean execution, clear design intent, and strong use of colour

Paper 6 - Crafts B

•        Select one craft category early in the year and dedicate all work to that category

•        Support your submission with working drawings, a notebook, or photographs

•        All work must be completely unaided - Principal must sign a confirmation statement

•        Clay pottery must be fired; plaster sculpture must have strong armatures

•        Nothing fragile, over 60 cm in any dimension, or over 18 kg should be submitted

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many papers must a candidate take?

Three papers of 100 marks each, with at least one from Section A (Papers 1, 2, 3) and at least one from Section B (Papers 4, 5, 6).

Q2. Can a candidate take both Alternative A and B in Papers 2 and 3?

No. Candidates may offer either A or B, not both, in Papers 2 and 3.

Q3. Can sketches made during the week before Paper 4 be taken into the exam room?

No. Sketches and notes are strictly not permitted in the exam room. Only the printed question paper copy may be brought.

Q4. Is colour compulsory in all papers?

Monochrome is allowed where regulations permit, but colour is mandatory for Paper 4. Monochrome will not satisfy the colour requirement for that paper.

Q5. What happens if a candidate finishes Paper 3 early?

They may make a second additional study. Both drawings are considered together and marks cannot be lost for not attempting the second drawing.

Q6. For Paper 6, can a candidate submit work from two different craft categories?

No. Each candidate must confine their entry to one craft category only.

Q7. Can previously submitted craftwork be resubmitted in a later year?

No. Craftwork submitted for one examination cannot be reused for any subsequent examination.

Q8. Where must the UID and Index Number be written on artwork?

On the front top-right corner AND on the back. Nothing else may be written on the front of the picture.

Source Reference

Based on the official CISCE ISC Art Syllabus issued by RDCD, CISCE. Verify at cisce.org before the examination.