ISC Class 11 Syllabus 2026-27

The ISC (Indian School Certificate) Class 11 syllabus for the academic session 2026-27 is prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Class 11 is the first year of the two-year ISC programme that culminates in the Class 12 ISC board examination. The subjects and topics studied in Class 11 form the direct academic foundation for the board year, and a thorough understanding of Class 11 content is indispensable for strong performance at the Class 12 level. The CISCE designs the ISC curriculum to produce graduates who are analytically rigorous, intellectually broad, and prepared for the demands of higher education.

The ISC Class 11 curriculum offers students a flexible subject structure built around three streams: Science, Commerce, and Humanities (Arts). Every ISC student must study English as a compulsory subject. Beyond English, students select subjects from their chosen stream along with optional language and elective subjects to build a personalised academic programme typically comprising five to six subjects in total. This structure gives ISC students meaningful choice while ensuring a coherent and rigorous academic programme at the higher secondary level.

A defining feature of the ISC programme is its depth and analytical rigour. The ISC syllabus at Class 11 and 12 is widely regarded as one of the most demanding higher secondary curricula in India, with a particular reputation for strong English language standards, detailed subject coverage, and a commitment to conceptual understanding over rote learning. Class 11 is internally assessed by the school and does not carry an external board examination, but the syllabus is identical to that prescribed by the CISCE and all content is examined in the Class 12 ISC board examination.

This page provides a complete overview of the ISC Class 11 syllabus for 2026-27, including the subject structure by stream, the full list of subjects with codes and marks, the assessment pattern, and links to individual subject-wise syllabus pages. Use the All Subjects table below to navigate directly to any subject's detailed syllabus page.

Quick Facts: ISC Class 11 2026-27

ISC Class 11 Subject Structure 2026-27

The ISC Class 11 subject structure is built around a compulsory English core combined with a stream-based elective system. Every student selects a stream and studies the core subjects of that stream along with optional languages and electives. The CISCE requires students to study English plus a minimum of four other subjects, giving a typical total of five subjects. Some students add a sixth subject such as an additional language or an elective.

Compulsory Subject: English

English is the only subject that is compulsory for every ISC Class 11 student regardless of stream. It is examined in two separate papers at the Class 12 board level.

English Language (Paper 1) — Subject Code 101

English Language develops advanced reading comprehension, precise written expression across formal and creative forms, grammar and vocabulary, summary writing, and directed writing tasks. The paper tests students' ability to use English with accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness of register across a wide range of writing scenarios including essays, letters, reports, notices, proposals, and argumentative writing.

English Literature (Paper 2) — Subject Code 101

English Literature requires close critical engagement with prescribed literary texts across prose, poetry, and drama. Students develop skills in textual analysis, critical appreciation, reference to context, and comparative literary analysis. The CISCE prescribes specific texts each session, and students must demonstrate detailed knowledge of every prescribed work alongside the ability to construct well-argued, evidence-based analytical responses.

Science Stream: Subjects Overview

The ISC Science stream at Class 11 is one of the most rigorous science programmes available at the higher secondary level in India. Science students typically study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects, with a choice of Biology, Computer Science, or Economics as a fourth science or elective subject. The ISC Science stream provides an excellent foundation for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, and for undergraduate programmes in Engineering, Medicine, Pure Sciences, and Technology.

Physics (Subject Code 861)

Physics at Class 11 ISC covers Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Motion of System of Particles, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations, and Waves. The subject has a theory paper (70 marks) and an internally assessed practical component (30 marks). A strong Class 11 Physics foundation is critical for both the ISC board examination and for JEE preparation.

Chemistry (Subject Code 862)

Chemistry at Class 11 ISC covers Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, p-Block Elements, Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons, and Environmental Chemistry. Like Physics, it carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for internally assessed practicals. The Class 11 Chemistry syllabus is directly aligned with both the ISC board examination and the NEET and JEE Chemistry syllabus.

Mathematics (Subject Code 860)

Mathematics at Class 11 ISC covers Sets and Functions, Algebra (Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences and Series), Coordinate Geometry (Straight Lines, Conic Sections), Three-dimensional Geometry, Calculus (Limits and Derivatives), Mathematical Reasoning, and Statistics and Probability. ISC Mathematics carries 100 marks in theory with no separate practical and is one of the highest-scoring subjects for well-prepared students.

Biology (Subject Code 863)

Biology at Class 11 ISC covers Diversity of Living Organisms, Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals, Cell: Structure and Functions, Plant Physiology, and Human Physiology. It carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for internally assessed practicals. Biology is an essential subject for students targeting NEET and medical or biological sciences programmes at the undergraduate level.

Computer Science (Subject Code 868)

Computer Science at Class 11 ISC introduces students to computer organisation, Boolean algebra, computer programming in Java (covering classes, objects, arrays, strings, and inheritance), data structures, and database concepts. It carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practicals. Computer Science is a popular fourth subject for Science stream students alongside Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Commerce Stream: Subjects Overview

The ISC Commerce stream at Class 11 provides a comprehensive foundation in business, accounting, economics, and commercial law. Commerce students typically study Accounts, Business Studies, Economics, and Mathematics or Commercial Applications alongside the compulsory English. The ISC Commerce stream is excellent preparation for undergraduate programmes in Commerce, Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), MBA, Economics, Business Administration, and Finance.

Accounts (Subject Code 854)

Accounts at Class 11 ISC covers Introduction to Accounting, Theory Base of Accounting, Recording of Transactions, Bank Reconciliation Statement, Trial Balance, Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves, Bills of Exchange, Rectification of Errors, Financial Statements of a Sole Proprietorship, and Accounts from Incomplete Records. It carries 100 marks in theory. A strong Class 11 Accounts foundation is essential for Class 12 ISC Accounts and for CA Foundation and other professional accounting examinations.

Business Studies (Subject Code 855)

Business Studies at Class 11 ISC covers Nature and Purpose of Business, Forms of Business Organisations, Public Sector Enterprises, Business Services, Emerging Modes of Business, Social Responsibilities of Business and Business Ethics, Sources of Business Finance, Small Business, Internal Trade, and International Business. It carries 100 marks in theory and provides the conceptual framework for management, entrepreneurship, and commerce studies at higher levels.

Economics (Subject Code 856)

Economics at Class 11 ISC covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics: Introduction to Economics, Consumer Behaviour and Demand, Producer Behaviour and Supply, Forms of Market, National Income and Related Aggregates, Money and Banking, Government Budget and the Economy, and Balance of Payments. It carries 100 marks in theory. Economics is available as both a Commerce stream core subject and a Science stream elective.

Commercial Applications (Subject Code 858)

Commercial Applications is a practically oriented subject covering elements of business communication, applied economics, marketing, office management, and information technology in commerce. It carries 100 marks and is an accessible and practical complement to the more theory-oriented Commerce stream subjects.

Humanities (Arts) Stream: Subjects Overview

The ISC Humanities stream at Class 11 offers a broad and flexible choice of subjects in the social sciences, languages, arts, and applied fields. Humanities students may study any combination of History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Economics, Literature, and Languages alongside compulsory English. The ISC Humanities stream is excellent preparation for undergraduate programmes in Law, Journalism, Mass Communication, Liberal Arts, Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, and the Humanities.

History (Subject Code 871)

History at Class 11 ISC covers The Story of the First Cities, Political and Economic History, Social and Cultural History, and Presentation of Evidence, examining the history of ancient and early medieval world civilisations through primary and secondary sources. It carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. History develops critical reading, source analysis, and essay writing skills that are transferable across the humanities.

Political Science (Subject Code 874)

Political Science at Class 11 ISC introduces students to political theory, concepts of justice, rights and duties, citizenship, nationalism, secularism, peace and development, as well as Indian government and politics: the Constitution, legislature, executive, and judiciary. It carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work and is excellent preparation for Law, Public Policy, and Civil Services pathways.

Sociology (Subject Code 878)

Sociology at Class 11 ISC introduces the discipline through basic sociological concepts, social institutions, culture and society, social stratification, and social change, with specific attention to Indian society. It carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work and is a strong foundation for undergraduate programmes in Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, and Development Studies.

Psychology (Subject Code 875)

Psychology at Class 11 ISC introduces the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, covering what is psychology, methods of enquiry, the bases of human behaviour, human development, sensation, attention and perception, learning, memory, thinking, motivation and emotion. It carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for project work and is valuable preparation for undergraduate programmes in Psychology, Counselling, Medicine, and the Social Sciences.

Geography (Subject Code 869)

Geography at Class 11 ISC covers physical geography (geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography) and human geography (population, human settlements, natural resources, economic activities), alongside practical and project work including map-making and fieldwork. It carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practicals and project work.

Languages and Other Elective Subjects

In addition to the stream-based subjects, ISC Class 11 students may study one or more Indian regional languages, classical languages, or modern foreign languages as optional or additional subjects. Language subjects are available across all three streams and are a popular choice for students who wish to strengthen proficiency in their mother tongue, pursue bilingual or multilingual higher education, or fulfil entrance requirements for specific university programmes. Elective subjects such as Performing Arts, Art, Physical Education, Home Science, Environmental Science, and Fashion Designing are also available at many ISC schools and may be taken as an additional or replacement subject.

Indian Regional Languages

The CISCE offers the following Indian regional languages as ISC Class 11 subjects: Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, Nepali, Odia, Assamese, and several others. Each language subject follows a common structure of reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, and prescribed literary texts in the target language, with the depth and literary content calibrated for the Class 11 and 12 level.

Classical Languages

Sanskrit (Subject Code 103) is available as a classical language option in ISC Class 11. The syllabus covers Sanskrit grammar, prose and poetry from prescribed classical texts, translation, and composition. Sanskrit is a valuable addition for students interested in classical studies, linguistics, philosophy, or law.

Modern Foreign Languages

The CISCE offers French, German, Spanish, and other modern foreign languages as ISC elective subjects. These follow a standard syllabus covering reading, writing, listening comprehension, grammar, and spoken language. Modern foreign language proficiency is increasingly valued in international higher education, business, and diplomacy.

Performing Arts (Subject Code 857)

Performing Arts covers Hindustani Music, Carnatic Music, Western Music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, and other disciplines, each with its own subject code. The ISC Performing Arts syllabus at Class 11 develops both theoretical knowledge and practical performance skills in the chosen discipline. It carries 30 marks for theory and 70 marks for practical assessment.

ISC Class 11: All Subjects 2026-27

The table below lists all subjects available under the ISC Class 11 syllabus for 2026-27, organised by stream. Subject codes are as prescribed by the CISCE; students should verify the latest codes and subject availability at their school from cisce.org. The Subject Name column links to the individual subject syllabus page for detailed unit breakdown, marking scheme, exam pattern, and preparation tips.

ISC Class 11 Assessment Pattern 2026-27

Class 11 in the ISC programme is assessed entirely by the school. The CISCE does not conduct an external board examination for Class 11. Schools design their own assessment schedule in alignment with the CISCE-prescribed syllabus and board guidelines. Student performance in Class 11 is the foundation for the Class 12 ISC board examination, which is an external examination carrying full board marks.

Typical School Assessment Components

Theory vs Practical Split for Class 12 Board Examination

The following marks split applies at the Class 12 ISC board examination level and is reflected in Class 11 school assessments as well. Understanding this split helps students allocate preparation effort appropriately between theory study and practical work.

Choosing the Right Stream: Science, Commerce, or Humanities

The choice of stream in ISC Class 11 is one of the most important academic decisions a student makes. Unlike CBSE, where stream selection is relatively common, the ISC programme offers a broader range of subjects within each stream and some subjects that cross stream boundaries. The following guidance covers the key considerations for each stream.

Science Stream

Choose the ISC Science stream if you are targeting Engineering (JEE), Medicine (NEET), Pure Sciences, Architecture, or Technology at the undergraduate level. The combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is the standard for Engineering aspirants; Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is standard for Medical aspirants. Adding Computer Science as a fourth science subject is a strong choice for students targeting IT, Computer Engineering, or Data Science. The ISC Science syllabus covers JEE and NEET topics in substantial depth, though students should be aware that dedicated coaching is typically required alongside ISC studies for competitive examination preparation.

Commerce Stream

Choose the ISC Commerce stream if you are targeting CA Foundation, CS Foundation, B.Com, BBA, Economics (Hons), or MBA at the undergraduate level. The core combination of Accounts, Business Studies, and Economics provides an excellent foundation for professional commerce qualifications. Adding Mathematics as a fourth subject is strongly recommended for students targeting Economics (Hons), Actuarial Science, Finance, or quantitative business programmes. Computer Science is also a valuable addition for Commerce students given the growing intersection of technology and business.

Humanities Stream

Choose the ISC Humanities stream if you are targeting Law (CLAT), Journalism, Mass Communication, Liberal Arts, Social Work, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, or Public Policy at the undergraduate level. The strength of the ISC Humanities programme lies in its flexible subject combination: students can mix History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Economics, and Languages to build a programme precisely aligned with their intended higher education pathway. The compulsory English Language and Literature component makes ISC Humanities graduates particularly well-prepared for CLAT, journalism, and essay-intensive university admissions processes.

Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 2026-27

The habits and academic practices established in Class 11 have a direct and lasting impact on performance in the Class 12 ISC board examination. The following tips apply across all streams and subjects.

1. Treat Class 11 as the Foundation of the Board Examination

Every topic in the ISC Class 11 syllabus is either directly examined at the Class 12 board level or provides essential conceptual groundwork for Class 12 topics. In Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, the Class 11 syllabus comprises roughly half of the total Class 12 board examination content. Students who do not master Class 11 material find themselves at a severe disadvantage in the board year.

2. Prioritise Conceptual Understanding Over Memorisation

The ISC examination consistently rewards conceptual understanding, analytical application, and precise expression over rote memorisation. Across all subjects, focus on understanding why principles, processes, and arguments work, rather than simply memorising what they are. Build the habit of asking explanatory questions in class and in self-study from the very beginning of Class 11.

3. Build Strong English Skills Across All Subjects

All ISC board examination answer scripts are written in English. A strong command of English Language directly enhances performance in every subject, not just the English papers. Practise writing well-structured, precise, and grammatically correct English in every subject's written work. Read quality English-language text daily to build vocabulary and develop a natural sense of written style.

4. Keep Pace with the Syllabus Throughout the Year

The ISC Class 11 syllabus is extensive and the pace of teaching in ISC schools is typically demanding. Students who fall behind in any subject during Class 11 find it very difficult to catch up while simultaneously managing Class 12 content. Keep pace with every subject throughout the year, revise completed chapters regularly, and address conceptual gaps promptly rather than allowing them to accumulate.

5. Complete Practical and Project Work Thoroughly

Practical and project components in Science, Computer Science, Geography, Psychology, History, and Arts subjects carry between 20 and 70 marks depending on the subject. These marks are assessed by the school and represent a significant and relatively manageable portion of the total. Maintain accurate and complete practical records, submit project work on time, and prepare thoroughly for practical examinations. Practical marks earned in Class 11 build the habits and skills that determine performance in Class 12 practicals.

6. Plan for Competitive Examinations Alongside ISC

Science stream students targeting JEE or NEET and Humanities stream students targeting CLAT or other law entrance examinations must manage ISC school preparation alongside competitive examination coaching. Create a realistic and sustainable weekly study schedule that covers both ISC syllabus work and competitive examination preparation, and avoid allowing either to be completely neglected in favour of the other. ISC board marks matter for university admissions and merit-based scholarships and must not be treated as secondary to entrance examination preparation.

7. Solve Previous Years' ISC and School Papers Regularly

From the second half of Class 11, begin solving previous years' ISC Class 12 board question papers for your subjects. This is the most accurate and efficient way to understand exactly how the ISC board examinations test each subject, what the marking scheme rewards, and where your preparation has gaps. Under timed examination conditions, practise completing full papers rather than individual questions, and review marked responses carefully with attention to answer structure, keyword precision, and diagram accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is there an external board examination for ISC Class 11?

No. ISC Class 11 is assessed entirely through school-conducted internal examinations. The CISCE does not conduct an external board examination for Class 11. The Class 12 ISC board examination is the external board examination, and the Class 11 syllabus directly feeds into it.

Q2. How many subjects do ISC Class 11 students study?

ISC Class 11 students typically study five to six subjects: the compulsory English (which counts as one subject across Language and Literature papers) plus four or five elective subjects from their chosen stream, optionally including a language subject.

Q3. Is Mathematics compulsory in ISC Class 11?

Mathematics is not compulsory for all ISC Class 11 students. It is a core elective for the Science and Commerce streams and is strongly recommended, but Humanities stream students may choose it as an elective or may not take it at all. Students who drop Mathematics at Class 11 should be aware that many undergraduate programmes, particularly in Economics, Finance, and Engineering, require it.

Q4. Can ISC students take subjects from multiple streams?

Yes, within certain constraints. Some subjects, particularly Economics and Computer Science, are available across multiple streams. Students can sometimes combine subjects from different stream categories with school approval. For example, a Commerce stream student may add Psychology as an elective, or a Science stream student may add Economics. Students should discuss cross-stream subject combinations with their school's academic coordinator.

Q5. How does ISC Class 11 compare to CBSE Class 11?

The ISC syllabus at Class 11 is generally considered more detailed and analytically demanding than the CBSE syllabus at the same level, particularly in English, Science, and Social Sciences. The ISC Science syllabus covers similar content to CBSE but with greater depth and a stronger emphasis on application and written expression. CBSE is more directly aligned with JEE and NEET syllabi through NCERT textbooks. Both boards are nationally recognised and respected for university admissions.

Q6. Which stream should a student who wants to study Law choose?

Students targeting Law (CLAT, AILET, or state law entrance examinations) typically choose the Humanities stream with subjects such as History, Political Science, and Economics. The compulsory ISC English Language and Literature component is particularly valuable for law aspirants, as it develops reading comprehension, analytical writing, and precise argumentation skills that are directly tested in CLAT and are essential in legal education and practice.

Q7. What project work is required in ISC Class 11?

Project work requirements vary by subject. History, Political Science, Sociology, and Commerce subjects require submission of a written research project carrying 20 marks. Psychology requires a practical record and project carrying 30 marks. Geography requires practical map and fieldwork. Science subjects require a complete laboratory practical record. Students should clarify the specific project and practical requirements for their chosen subjects with their school at the start of Class 11.

Q8. Where can students access the official ISC Class 11 syllabus?

The official ISC Class 11 syllabus for 2026-27 is available on the CISCE website at cisce.org. Schools registered with the CISCE receive official syllabus documents directly from the board. Students should always use the official CISCE-published syllabus as the definitive reference for their studies and should verify the current year's prescribed texts from the same source.