ISC Class 12 Hindi Syllabus 2026-27

The ISC (Indian School Certificate) Class 12 Hindi syllabus for the academic session 2026-27 is prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Hindi is offered as a second language subject under the ISC scheme and is designed to develop advanced reading comprehension, grammatical accuracy, written composition, and literary appreciation in students.

The examination is divided into two papers: Paper 1 is a three-hour theory examination worth 80 marks, and Paper 2 is a two-hour examination focussing on prescribed literary texts, also worth 80 marks. Both papers contribute toward the final ISC Hindi result. This page provides a complete syllabus breakdown, exam pattern, marking scheme, chapter-wise topic analysis, and expert preparation tips for ISC 2027 aspirants.

Quick Facts: ISC Class 12 Hindi 2026-27

ISC Class 12 Hindi Exam Pattern 2026-27

ISC Hindi is assessed through two separate written papers. Both papers are compulsory and are marked independently. The total marks across both papers are 160, and both scores appear on the ISC marksheet. There is no internal assessment or practical component for this subject.

Paper 1 is structured into three sections: Section A tests reading comprehension through unseen passages, Section B covers grammar and language usage, and Section C assesses written composition skills including essays, letters, and reports. Paper 2 is divided into sections covering prose (Gadya), poetry (Padya), and one-act plays (Ekanki) from the prescribed CISCE textbooks.

ISC Class 12 Hindi Syllabus 2026-27: Detailed Topic-Wise Breakdown

The syllabus is organised across two papers with distinct focus areas. Paper 1 develops language proficiency and writing skills, while Paper 2 builds literary understanding and critical appreciation. The detailed topic breakdown for both papers is given below.

Paper 1: Hindi Language (Bhasha)

Paper 1 tests the student's command over the Hindi language through reading, grammar, and writing tasks. It is worth 80 marks and is three hours in duration. The paper is divided into three sections, each targeting a distinct language skill.

Section A: Reading Comprehension (Apathit Bodh)

•        Two unseen passages (Gadyansh) of different types: factual, descriptive, or argumentative

•        Questions based on the passage to test literal and inferential comprehension

•        Vocabulary questions: finding synonyms, antonyms, meanings of words and phrases in context

•        One passage may carry questions on identification of the main idea and supporting details

•        Questions requiring students to give a suitable title to the passage

•        Short paragraph summaries or gist writing based on unseen content

Section B: Grammar (Vyakaran)

•        Sandhi: Vowel Sandhi (Swar Sandhi), Consonant Sandhi (Vyanjan Sandhi), and Visarg Sandhi with examples and identification

•        Samas (Compound Words): Avyayi Bhav, Tatpurush, Karmadharaya, Dvandva, Dvigyu, and Bahuvrihi Samas

•        Upsarg (Prefixes): Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu-origin prefixes and their effects on word meaning

•        Pratyay (Suffixes): Krit Pratyay, Taddhit Pratyay, and Stri Pratyay with examples

•        Alankar (Figures of Speech): Shabdalankar including Anuprasa, Yamak, Shlesha; Arthalankar including Upma, Rupak, Utpreksha, Atishyokti, Manvikaran, Vibhavana

•        Ras (Rasas): Shringar, Veer, Karuna, Hasya, Raudra, Bhayanak, Bibhatsa, Adbhuta, and Shanta with identification from given lines

•        Muhavare (Idioms): meaning and use of commonly tested Hindi idioms in sentences

•        Lokoktiyaan (Proverbs): meaning, explanation, and use in context

•        Word classification: Tatsam, Tadbhav, Deshaj, and Videshi (borrowed) words

•        Vakya Shuddhi (Sentence Correction): correcting grammatical and structural errors in given sentences

•        Paryayvachi and Vilom Shabd (Synonyms and Antonyms) of commonly asked words

Section C: Written Composition (Rachnatmak Lekhan)

•        Nibandh Lekhan (Essay Writing): formal essays of approximately 300 to 400 words on social, cultural, educational, environmental, and national topics

•        Patra Lekhan (Letter Writing): formal letters to editors, government authorities, and institutions; informal letters to friends and family

•        Anuched Lekhan (Paragraph Writing): writing a coherent, focused paragraph of around 120 to 150 words on a given topic

•        Report Lekhan (Report Writing): writing factual reports of events, incidents, or school activities in a structured format

•        Vishay Vistar (Theme Expansion): expanding a given proverb, quotation, or idea into a full paragraph

•        Vigyapan Lekhan (Advertisement Writing): writing short advertisements for products, services, events, or public notices

•        Katha Lekhan (Story Writing): completing or writing a short story from a given outline or beginning

Paper 2: Hindi Literature (Sahitya)

Paper 2 assesses students' understanding and critical appreciation of prescribed Hindi literary texts. It is worth 80 marks and is two hours in duration. Students are expected to answer questions based on CISCE-prescribed textbooks, which include prose, poetry, and drama pieces. The prescribed texts for 2026-27 are as notified by CISCE.

Section A: Gadya (Prose)

•        Reading and understanding prescribed Hindi prose pieces from the CISCE-recommended anthology

•        Short answer questions and long answer questions based on individual prose extracts

•        Character sketch writing: describing the traits, role, and significance of key characters in prose texts

•        Questions on the theme, central idea, and purpose of selected prose pieces

•        Questions based on reference to context: explaining the meaning of given lines and their significance in the larger prose piece

•        Authors and their writing style: identifying the literary style, tone, and language features of prose writers

•        Prose genres covered include: essays (Nibandh), memoirs (Sansmaran), travel writing (Yatra Vrittant), and personal sketches (Rekha Chitra)

Section B: Padya (Poetry)

•        In-depth study of prescribed Hindi poems from the CISCE poetry anthology

•        Reference to context questions: explaining the meaning of given stanzas or lines with reference to the poem

•        Central idea and theme: summarising the main message and emotional tone of prescribed poems

•        Appreciation of poetic devices: identifying and explaining Alankar, Ras, Chhand (metre), and symbolic language used in poems

•        Comparison questions: comparing the theme or style of two prescribed poems

•        Biographical note and literary contributions of prescribed poets

•        Poetry genres include: Chhayavaad, Pragativad, Prayogvad, and Nayi Kavita as represented in prescribed texts

Section C: Ekanki (One-Act Plays)

•        Study of prescribed one-act plays (Ekanki) from the CISCE drama anthology

•        Plot summary and scene-wise breakdown of prescribed plays

•        Character analysis: roles, motivations, and significance of key characters in each play

•        Social and cultural themes explored in the one-act plays

•        Dialogue-based questions: explaining the meaning and context of given dialogues from the plays

•        Questions on the dramatic technique, language, and staging elements of prescribed Ekanki

•        Comparison of themes or characters across two different prescribed plays

Topic-Wise Overview Table

The table below provides a condensed view of all major topics across both papers of ISC Class 12 Hindi 2026-27, along with the approximate marks allocated to each section.

ISC Class 12 Hindi Marking Scheme 2026-27

Both papers in ISC Class 12 Hindi are assessed separately. Each paper carries 80 marks and is evaluated independently. Students must secure a minimum of 33% marks in each paper to be considered as having passed the subject. There is no negative marking in either paper.

Key Literary Terms and Grammar Concepts

A strong command of Hindi literary terminology and grammar concepts is essential for scoring well in both papers. The table below lists the most important terms students must master for ISC 2027.

Preparation Tips for ISC Class 12 Hindi 2026-27

Excelling in ISC Class 12 Hindi demands a balanced strategy covering both language skills and literary knowledge. The preparation approach for Paper 1 and Paper 2 is quite different, and students benefit from treating each paper as a distinct subject. The following strategies are recommended for students targeting high marks in ISC 2027.

Mastering Grammar for Paper 1, Section B

Grammar commands nearly 30 marks in Paper 1 and is one of the most predictable sections of the paper. Students should prepare exhaustive lists of Sandhi rules with examples, all six types of Samas with identification tricks, and a minimum of 10 to 15 examples each for Alankar and Ras. Using flashcards for Muhavare and Lokoktiyaan makes revision faster. Practising identification questions from past ISC papers is the most effective preparation strategy for grammar.

Building Composition Skills for Paper 1, Section C

Written composition requires consistent practice rather than last-minute cramming. Students should practice writing one essay, one formal letter, and one paragraph every week from at least three months before the examination. Reading Hindi newspapers such as Dainik Jagran or Navbharat Times daily helps in building vocabulary, understanding formal writing tone, and generating ideas for essay topics. Keeping a dedicated composition notebook for timed writing practice is highly recommended.

Preparing Prescribed Texts for Paper 2

Paper 2 requires thorough reading and re-reading of all prescribed prose, poetry, and drama texts. For each prose piece, students should prepare a summary, a character sketch of the key figures, and notes on the central theme. For each poem, they should note the central idea, the literary devices used, and the Ras present. For each Ekanki, a brief scene-by-scene outline and character notes make quick revision much easier during the final weeks.

Focussing on Reference to Context Questions

Both Paper 1 (comprehension section) and Paper 2 contain reference to context questions, where a few lines are given and students must explain their meaning and significance. These questions are highly scoring because they have clear, structured answers. Students should practice at least 20 to 30 such questions from prescribed texts and unseen passages, paying attention to explaining not just the literal meaning but also the broader context and emotional tone.

Using CISCE Specimen Papers and Previous Year Papers

CISCE releases official specimen papers that mirror the actual examination format. Solving these papers under timed conditions reveals how questions are typically phrased for Hindi, where marks are distributed, and which topics receive the highest question frequency. Students should also study ISC Hindi answer keys carefully to understand the ideal length and structure of expected answers, especially for essay and character sketch questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the subject code for ISC Class 12 Hindi?

The subject code for ISC Class 12 Hindi is 803, as assigned by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).

How many papers are there in ISC Class 12 Hindi?

There are two papers in ISC Class 12 Hindi: Paper 1 (Language) worth 80 marks and Paper 2 (Literature) worth 80 marks. Both papers are compulsory and are assessed independently.

What is the total marks for ISC Class 12 Hindi?

ISC Class 12 Hindi carries a total of 160 marks across both papers (Paper 1: 80 marks and Paper 2: 80 marks). Both scores are reported individually on the ISC marksheet.

Are the Hindi prescribed texts different every year?

Yes. CISCE updates the prescribed texts for Paper 2 periodically. Students must refer to the official CISCE publication or the school-issued syllabus booklet for the exact prescribed Gadya, Padya, and Ekanki texts applicable to the 2026-27 academic session.

What grammar topics carry the most marks in ISC Hindi?

Among the grammar topics in Paper 1, Section B, Alankar (figures of speech), Ras (emotional essence), Sandhi, and Samas typically carry the highest individual question marks. Together, these four topics can account for 15 to 20 marks within the grammar section.

Is there any internal assessment or oral component in ISC Hindi?

No. ISC Class 12 Hindi does not include an internal assessment, oral examination, or practical component. The entire assessment is through the two written papers conducted during the annual ISC board examination.

What are the best books for ISC Class 12 Hindi preparation?

Students should primarily study the CISCE-prescribed textbooks published for Hindi 2026-27. Supplementary resources include grammar guides by Vasant or Sahitya Sagar series, and Evergreen or Gurukul ISC Hindi guides for additional practice questions. Past CISCE question papers and specimen papers available on cisce.org are indispensable for examination preparation.

What is the passing marks for ISC Class 12 Hindi?

Students must secure a minimum of 33% marks in each paper separately. This means at least 27 out of 80 marks in Paper 1 and at least 27 out of 80 marks in Paper 2 are required to pass the Hindi subject in ISC.