CBSE Class XII Political Science
Complete Chapter-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 028
Course Overview
Theory Paper
80
Marks
Project Work
20
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Parts
2
Parts
Learning Objectives
- Understanding global political structures and international relations dynamics
- Analyzing contemporary world politics and emerging power centers
- Developing knowledge of India's political journey since independence
- Examining democratic institutions and their evolution in post-colonial India
- Understanding international organizations and their role in global governance
- Developing awareness of security challenges and environmental politics
- Analyzing regional politics and India's relations with neighboring countries
- Critical evaluation of democratic processes and political transformations
Part-wise Marks Distribution
| Part | Section Name | Marks | Percentage | Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Contemporary World Politics | 40 | 50% | 7 Chapters |
| B | Politics in India since Independence | 40 | 50% | 8 Chapters |
| C | Project Work | 20 | 20% | Continuous |
| Total Theory | 80 | 100% | 15 Chapters | |
Note: Both Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India since Independence carry equal weightage (40 marks each)
Part A: Contemporary World Politics (40 Marks)
EQUAL WEIGHTAGE - 50% of Total Theory Marks
NCERT Textbook: Contemporary World Politics
Official NCERT textbook covering global politics, international relations, and contemporary issues
Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- The Soviet System and its features
- Gorbachev and the disintegration process
- Causes and consequences of Soviet Union disintegration
- Shock Therapy and its aftermath
- New entities in world politics:
- • Russia as successor state
- • Balkan States emergence
- • Central Asian States independence
- India's relations with Russia and post-communist countries
Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- European Union as a power center
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Rise of China as an economic power
- Japan and South Korea as emerging powers
- Comparative analysis of power structures
- Impact on global politics and economy
- Regional cooperation and integration
- India's relations with these power centers
Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Military and Democracy in Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Monarchy and Democracy in Nepal
- Ethnic Conflict and Democracy in Sri Lanka
- India-Pakistan Conflicts and their impact
- India and its Neighbours relations
- Peace and Cooperation initiatives
- SAARC and regional integration
- US and China involvement in South Asia
Chapter 4: International Organizations 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Meaning and importance of International Organizations
- Evolution of the United Nations
- Structure and function of International Organizations
- Principal Organs of UN and their roles
- Reform of the UN after Cold War
- India and UN Reforms initiatives
- Key Agencies: IMF, World Bank, WTO, ILO, IAEA
- NGOs: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Meaning and Types of Security
- Traditional concept of Security
- Non-traditional notions of Security
- New Sources of Threats in modern world
- Cooperative Security mechanisms
- India's Security strategy and challenges
- Human security vs. state security
- Terrorism and cyber security challenges
Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Environmental Concerns at global level
- Global Commons and their protection
- Common but differentiated responsibilities principle
- India's Stand on Environment Issues
- Environmental Movements worldwide
- Resource Geopolitics and conflicts
- Rights of Indigenous peoples
- Climate change and international cooperation
Chapter 7: Globalisation 4 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Concept of globalisation and its dimensions
- Causes and Consequences of globalisation
- India and globalization process
- Resistance to globalisation movements
- India and resistance to globalisation
- Economic, political, and cultural impacts
- Technology and communication revolution
- Future trends and challenges
Part B: Politics in India since Independence (40 Marks)
EQUAL WEIGHTAGE - 50% of Total Theory Marks
NCERT Textbook: Politics in India since Independence
Comprehensive coverage of India's political journey from 1947 to present times
Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation-Building 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Challenges for the new Nation after independence
- Three major challenges faced
- Partition: Displacement and Rehabilitation
- Consequences of Partition on society
- Integration of Princely States
- Government's approach to integration
- Special cases: Hyderabad and Manipur
- Reorganisation of States on linguistic basis
Chapter 2: Era of One-Party Dominance 4 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Challenge of building democracy
- Congress dominance in first three general elections
- Nature of Congress dominance
- Congress as social and ideological coalition
- Tolerance and management of Factions
- Emergence of opposition parties
- Electoral politics post-Independence
- Role of opposition in democracy
Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development 2 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Political contestation over development ideas
- Ideas of Development and Planning
- Formation of Planning Commission
- The First Five Year Plan initiatives
- Rapid Industrialisation strategy
- Balancing growth and socio-economic justice
- Left and Right Ideology differences
- Long-term development programmes
Chapter 4: India's External Relations 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- International Context of independence
- The Policy of Non-Alignment
- Nehru's role in foreign policy
- Distance from two Cold War camps
- Afro Asian Unity initiatives
- Peace and conflict with China (1962 war)
- War and Peace with Pakistan
- Bangladesh War 1971 and its impact
- India's Nuclear Policy development
Chapter 5: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System 4 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Challenge of Political Succession
- From Nehru to Shastri transition
- From Shastri to Indira Gandhi
- Fourth General Election 1967 outcomes
- Non Congressism and coalition politics
- Split in the Congress party
- Indira vs the Syndicate conflict
- The 1971 Election and Congress restoration
Chapter 6: The Crisis of Democratic Order 4 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Background to Emergency declaration
- Economic Context of the crisis
- Gujarat and Bihar Movements
- Conflict with Judiciary
- Declaration of Emergency (1975-77)
- Crisis and response during Emergency
- Consequences of Emergency period
- Lessons of the Emergency
- Politics after Emergency and Janata Government
Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations 6 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Region and the Nation relationship
- Indian Approach to regional diversity
- Areas of Tension and conflicts
- Jammu and Kashmir issue:
- • Roots of the Problem
- • External and Internal disputes
- • Politics since 1948
- • Insurgency and After effects
- Punjab crisis and resolution
- The Northeast challenges and autonomy demands
- Assam and National Integration
Chapter 8: Recent Developments in Indian Politics 8 Marks
Key Topics Covered
- Context of 1990s political changes
- Era of Coalition politics
- Alliance Politics and its dynamics
- Political rise of the Backward Classes
- Mandal Commission implementation
- Political Fallouts of social justice policies
- Communalism, Secularism and Democracy
- Ayodhya Dispute and its aftermath
- Emergence of New Consensus
- Lok Sabha Elections 2004 and beyond
- Growing Consensus on economic policies
Project Work (20 Marks)
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT - 20% of Total Marks
Project Requirements
Individual/Pair/Group work (4-5 students max)
Duration: Throughout the academic session
Assessment: Internal + External Examiner (Class XII)
Nature: Independent research on contemporary issues
Project Assessment Criteria
Introduction/Overview
2 Marks
Clear introduction and topic relevance
Variety of Contents
3 Marks
Depth of research and diverse sources
Presentation
3 Marks
Organization and visual appeal
Conclusion
1 Mark
Logical conclusion and analysis
Bibliography
1 Mark
Proper citation and references
Viva-Voce
10 Marks
Oral examination and understanding
Suggested Project Topics for Class XII
International Relations
- NAM - 1961 to present times
- Division of Germany and Berlin Wall
- CIS - Central Asian Republics
- Disintegration of USSR (focus on Gorbachev)
- Arab Spring movement
- ASEAN and regional cooperation
- European Union and BREXIT
- BRICS partnership analysis
India's International Relations
- India-Russia relationship evolution
- India-China relations and challenges
- India-Pakistan conflicts and peace efforts
- India-Bangladesh cooperation
- SAARC effectiveness analysis
- United Nations - India's Security Council candidature
- UN Agencies: UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO
- India's role in global governance
Indian Politics & Development
- Partition of India - Theory and legacy
- NITI AAYOG vs Planning Commission comparison
- Election 2019 - Rise of BJP analysis
- NDA III and IV - Social welfare programmes
- Imposition of Emergency in India
- Regional aspirations and autonomy movements
- Coalition politics in modern India
- Federalism and Centre-State relations
Contemporary Issues
- Pandemics: Covid-19 global impact
- Climate change and international cooperation
- Terrorism and global security challenges
- Human rights and international law
- Globalization and its discontents
- Digital diplomacy and cyber security
- Migration and refugee crisis
- Sustainable development goals
Project Work Guidelines
- Choose topics based on recent news, government policies, and international reports
- Utilize primary sources like archives, newspaper cuttings, photographs, speeches
- Include secondary sources with proper authentication
- Follow research methodology with credible sources and citations
- Present work in various formats: films, albums, presentations, surveys, models
- Avoid plagiarism and ensure original research contribution
- Prepare for comprehensive viva-voce examination
- Maintain authenticity and verify all sources used
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 80 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 028
| Competency Level | Description | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and Remembering | Recall facts, terms, basic concepts | 22 | 27.5% |
| Understanding | Comprehension, organizing, explaining ideas | 24 | 30% |
| Applying | Problem solving, interpreting sources/maps | 22 | 27.5% |
| Analysis and Evaluation | Higher order thinking and synthesis | 12 | 15% |
| Total Theory + Project | 100 | 100% | |
| Question Type | Marks | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective Type | 1 Mark | 12 | 12 |
| Short Answer Type I | 2 Marks | 6 | 12 |
| Short Answer Type II | 4 Marks | 5 | 20 |
| Passage/Map/Cartoon based | 4 Marks | 3 | 12 |
| Long Answer Type | 6 Marks | 4 | 24 |
| Total Theory | 80 | ||
Assessment Features
- Equal emphasis on Contemporary World Politics and Indian Politics
- Map questions from Politics in India since Independence
- Cartoon and passage-based questions from both textbooks
- Current affairs integration with theoretical concepts
- International relations and comparative politics analysis
- 50% competency-based questions in Class XII examination
- Internal choice in Part C and Part E
- Visual interpretation of maps, cartoons, and data sources
Key Success Tips
Preparation Strategy
- Master both Contemporary World Politics and Indian Politics equally (40 marks each)
- Stay updated with current international and national political developments
- Practice map identification for Indian political geography
- Understand timeline of India's political journey from 1947 to present
- Analyze international organizations and their roles effectively
- Study regional politics and India's foreign policy evolution
- Practice cartoon interpretation and source-based questions
- Connect theoretical concepts with real-world political scenarios
- Work on project throughout the year with regular teacher guidance
- Read newspapers and political magazines regularly
- Practice previous year question papers and sample papers
- Develop analytical and critical thinking skills for higher-order questions
Career Connections
Political Science & Research
- Political Science (Honors/General)
- International Relations
- Public Administration
- Political Research & Analysis
- Comparative Politics
- Political Theory
- Constitutional Law
Civil Services & Government
- Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- Indian Foreign Service
- State Civil Services
- Public Policy Analysis
- Government Administration
- Legislative Services
- Diplomatic Corps
Law & Judiciary
- Constitutional Law
- Human Rights Law
- International Law
- Administrative Law
- Judicial Services
- Legal Research
- Advocacy & Litigation
International Organizations
- United Nations
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Think Tanks
- Policy Research Institutes
- International Development Agencies
Media & Communication
- Political Journalism
- International Reporting
- Political Commentary
- Policy Analysis Writing
- Political Broadcasting
- Public Relations
- Political Blogging
Education & Academia
- Teaching (School/College/University)
- Educational Administration
- Curriculum Development
- Educational Policy Making
- Academic Research
- Educational Consulting
- Training & Development
Important Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Contemporary World Politics Class XII
- NCERT Politics in India since Independence Class XII
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Supplementary Reading Materials
Government & Official Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Parliament of India
- Election Commission of India
- Press Information Bureau
- Government Policy Documents
- Constitutional Amendments
International Sources
- United Nations Reports
- World Bank Publications
- IMF Country Reports
- ASEAN Documents
- EU Policy Papers
- International Court of Justice
Current Affairs Sources
- The Hindu
- Indian Express
- Frontline Magazine
- Economic & Political Weekly
- Yojana Magazine
- BBC World Service
Online Resources
- NCERT Official Website
- CBSE Academic Portal
- Parliament Digital Library
- MEA Historical Division
- Constitutional Assembly Debates
- International Relations Archives
NCERT Books Download
- Contemporary World Politics (PDF)
- Politics in India since Independence (PDF)
- Additional Reference Materials
- Maps and Visual Resources
- Supplementary Reading
- Practice Question Banks
Important Dates & Timeline
| Event | Timeline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Project Topic Selection | July - August 2025 | Choose relevant contemporary topic with teacher guidance |
| Project Research Phase | September - November 2025 | Collect data, conduct research, organize material |
| Project Completion | December 2025 - January 2026 | Finalize project file, prepare for presentation |
| Project Assessment | February 2026 | Present to internal and external examiners |
| Theory Examination | March 2026 | 3-hour comprehensive theory paper |
Final Preparation Checklist
✓ Complete syllabus coverage | ✓ Project work submission
✓ Sample papers practice | ✓ Current affairs revision
✓ Map practice | ✓ Source-based questions