CBSE Class 12 Sanskrit Core Syllabus (2025-26) - Detailed Breakdown

CBSE Class XII Sanskrit Core Syllabus 2025-26 - Complete Chapter-wise Curriculum

Course Overview

Theory Paper

Marks

Internal Assessment

Marks

Duration

Hours

Total Sections

Sections

Learning Objectives

Developing advanced Sanskrit reading and comprehension skills through classical literature
Mastering Sanskrit composition including formal and informal letter writing, essay writing
Understanding complex Sanskrit grammar including Samas (compound words) and advanced Vibhakti
Gaining deep knowledge of Sanskrit literary history including Mahakavya, Gadyakavya, and Natya Sahitya
Appreciating the philosophical and cultural values embedded in Sanskrit texts
Building proficiency in Sanskrit-Sanskrit communication and expression
Developing analytical skills for interpreting classical Sanskrit poetry and prose
Understanding the evolution and significance of Sanskrit literature in Indian culture

Section-wise Marks Distribution

Section	Section Name (Hindi)	Section Name (English)	Marks	Percentage
क	अपठितावबोधनम्	Unseen Comprehension	10	12.5%
ख	रचनात्मक कार्य	Composition Work	15	18.75%
ग	अनुयुक्ति व्याकरणम्	Applied Grammar	20	25%
घ	पठितावबोधनम् + साहित्य परिचय	Seen Comprehension + Literature	35	43.75%
Total Theory			80	100%

Note: Advanced level Sanskrit with emphasis on literary appreciation and complex grammar

NCERT Textbooks & Resources

Primary NCERT Textbooks

All textbooks are officially prescribed by CBSE and published by NCERT

भारती - द्वितीयो भागः (Bharati - Part II)

Main Sanskrit Reader for Class XII

Primary textbook for prose and poetry sections
Contains classical Sanskrit literature pieces
Covers moral, philosophical, and cultural themes
Used for Section घ (Seen Comprehension) - 25 marks

व्याकरणसौरभम् (Vyakaran Saurabham)

Complete Sanskrit Grammar Reference

Advanced grammar rules and applications
Samas (compound words) detailed study
Sandhi, Pratyaya, and Vibhakti rules
Used for Section ग (Applied Grammar) - 20 marks

संस्कृतसाहित्यपरिचयः (Sanskrit Sahitya Parichay)

Sanskrit Literature History & Introduction

Comprehensive overview of Sanskrit literary forms
Mahakavya, Gadyakavya, and Natya Sahitya
Author biographies and literary contributions
Used for Section घ (Literature Introduction) - 10 marks

रचनानुवादकौमुदी (Rachananuvad Kaumudi)

Composition & Translation Guide

Advanced composition techniques
Essay writing in Sanskrit
Translation methods and practices
Used for Section ख (Composition) - 15 marks

वेदपारिजात (Veda Parijat)

Additional Reference Material

Supplementary reading material
Additional practice exercises
Vedic literature references
For enhanced understanding and practice

Download NCERT Sanskrit Books

Get all NCERT Sanskrit textbooks and study materials

Download from @menturox.in

Section क: अपठितावबोधनम् (Unseen Comprehension) - 10 Marks

Testing comprehension skills with unseen Sanskrit passages

Passage Details 10 Marks

Unseen Sanskrit Passage (100-120 words)

One unseen prose/verse passage in simple Sanskrit
Based on moral, cultural, or philosophical themes
Questions testing comprehension and language skills
Very short answer questions (1×½ = ½ mark)
Short answer questions (2×1 = 2 marks)
Objective type questions (2×2 = 4 marks)
Title writing (1×1 = 1 mark)
Language-based activities (3×1 = 3 marks)

Question Types

One-word answers and complete sentence answers
Subject-verb identification in sentences
Adjective-noun pairs selection
Synonym and antonym identification
Pronoun reference and noun-verb selection
Appropriate title writing

Section ख: रचनात्मक कार्य (Composition Work) - 15 Marks

Creative writing skills in Sanskrit

Letter Writing 5 Marks

Formal and Informal Letters

Formal letters (औपचारिक पत्र)
Informal letters (अनौपचारिक पत्र)
Application letters (प्रार्थना पत्र)
Fill-in-the-blanks format with word bank
Complete letter writing based on given situation

Picture/Paragraph Writing 5 Marks

Creative Writing Options

Picture-based sentence composition (चित्राधारित वाक्य संरचना)
Paragraph writing (अनुच्छेद लेखन) - 25-30 words
Choice between picture composition OR paragraph
Focus on vocabulary usage and sentence structure
Topics related to daily life, nature, festivals

Story/Dialogue Completion 5 Marks

Interactive Writing Tasks

Short story completion (लघुकथा पूर्ति)
Dialogue completion (वार्तालाप में एक पक्ष पूरण)
Word bank provided for assistance
Choice between story OR dialogue
Testing contextual understanding and creativity

Section ग: अनुयुक्ति व्याकरणम् (Applied Grammar) - 20 Marks

Advanced Sanskrit grammar with practical applications

संधि (Sandhi Rules) 3 Marks

Three Types of Sandhi

स्वर संधि (Vowel Sandhi): दीर्घ, गुण, वृद्धि, यण्, अयादि
व्यंजन संधि (Consonant Sandhi): श्चुत्व, ष्टुत्व, जश्त्व, अनुस्वार, परसवर्ण
विसर्ग संधि (Visarga Sandhi): सत्व, उत्व, रुत्व, लोप
Analysis and formation from prescribed texts
3 short answer questions (3×1=3)

समास (Samas - Compound Words) 3 Marks

Six Types of Compound Words

अव्ययीभाव समास (Adverbial Compound)
तत्पुरुष समास (Determinative Compound)
कर्मधारय समास (Appositional Compound)
द्विगु समास (Numerical Compound)
द्वन्द्व समास (Copulative Compound)
बहुव्रीहि समास (Possessive Compound)
Formation and analysis (3×1=3)

प्रत्यय (Pratyaya - Suffixes) 3 Marks

Advanced Suffix Applications

कृत् प्रत्यय (Primary Suffixes): क्त, क्तवतु, शत्र्, शानच्
तद्धित प्रत्यय (Secondary Suffixes): अण्, फक्, मतुप्
स्त्री प्रत्यय (Feminine Suffixes): टाप्, डाप्, चाप्
Formation and identification (3×1=3)

शब्दरूप (Word Forms) 3 Marks

Advanced Declensions

अजन्त (Vowel-ending): राम, लता, कवि, नदी, साधु, वधू
हलन्त (Consonant-ending): राजन्, गच्छन्, भवत्, मरुत्
सर्वनाम (Pronouns): सर्व, यत्, तत्, किम्, इदम्
संख्यावाचक (Numerals): एक से पञ्च तक
Usage in sentences (3×1=3)

धातुरूप (Verb Forms) 3 Marks

Advanced Conjugations

परस्मैपदी धातु: भू, कृ, पा, गम्, पठ्, हस्
आत्मनेपदी धातु: लभ्, सेव्, मुद्, याच्
Five tenses: लट्, लृट्, लोट्, लङ्, विधिलिङ्
Usage in sentences (3×1=3)

अन्य व्याकरण (Other Grammar) 5 Marks

Additional Grammar Topics

उपपद विभक्ति प्रयोग (Preposition usage) - 2 marks
वाच्य परिवर्तन (Voice transformation) - 1 mark
अशुद्धि संशोधन (Error correction) - 2 marks
Based on gender, number, person, case, tense

Section घ: पठितावबोधनम् + साहित्य परिचय (Seen Text + Literature) - 35 Marks

Prescribed textbook study and literary history

Part (i): पठितावबोधनम् (Seen Comprehension) - 25 Marks

Based on: भारती - द्वितीयो भागः (NCERT)

All questions from prescribed chapters with prose, poetry, and drama excerpts

Chapter 1: अनुशासनम् (Anushasanam)

Moral Instructions and Guidance

Classical Sanskrit wisdom literature
Ethical teachings and moral values
Question types: comprehension, vocabulary, grammar
Very short answers (½ mark), short answers (1 mark)

Chapter 2: मातुरमा गरीयसी (Maturama Gariyasi)

Greater than Mother

Celebration of motherhood and maternal love
Cultural values and family relationships
Poetic expressions and metaphors
Comprehension and interpretation questions

Chapter 3: जानुरङ्को नृपः (Januranko Nripah)

The Lame King

Historical narrative and character study
Leadership qualities and governance
Analysis of royal duties and responsibilities
Character-based questions and moral lessons

Chapter 4: दौवारिकः निरीक्षा (Dauvarikah Niriksha)

The Doorkeeper's Inspection

Court procedures and royal protocols
Administrative systems in ancient India
Dialogue-based narrative style
Situational understanding questions

Chapter 5: सूक्तसौरभम् (Sukta Saurabham)

Fragrance of Good Sayings

Collection of wise sayings and aphorisms
Philosophical insights and life lessons
Various metres and poetic styles
Interpretation and application questions

Chapter 6: नैके नापि समं गता वसुमती (Naike Napi Samam Gata Vasumati)

Earth Has Not Gone Equally to Anyone

Environmental consciousness and earth's diversity
Philosophical reflection on nature
Poetic imagery and symbolism
Thematic understanding questions

Chapter 7: मदालसा (Madalasa)

Queen Madalasa's Wisdom

Maternal wisdom and child upbringing
Philosophical approach to life
Women's role in ancient society
Character analysis and value-based questions

Chapter 8: काया-अकाय-व्याप्तिः (Kaya-Akaya-Vyaptih)

What Should and Shouldn't Be Done

Ethical guidelines and moral boundaries
Decision-making principles
Practical philosophy for daily life
Application-based ethical questions

Part (ii): संस्कृत-साहित्येतिहास-सामान्य परिचय (Sanskrit Literature History) - 10 Marks

Based on: संस्कृतसाहित्यपरिचयः (NCERT)

Comprehensive introduction to Sanskrit literary forms and their evolution

Chapter 1: महाकाव्य (Mahakavya) 3-4 Marks

Epic Poetry in Sanskrit Literature

Definition and characteristics of Mahakavya
Classical examples: रघुवंश, कुमारसंभव, मेघदूत
Kalidasa's contributions to Sanskrit poetry
Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya and other major works
Poetic conventions and literary devices
Themes, style, and cultural significance

Chapter 2: गद्यकाव्य एवं चम्पूकाव्य (Gadyakavya & Champukavya) 3-4 Marks

Prose Literature and Mixed Style

Development of Sanskrit prose literature
Bana's Kadambari and Harshacharita
Champukavya: combination of prose and verse
Trivikrama's Nalachampu
Literary techniques and ornate style
Evolution from simple to complex prose

Chapter 3: नाटक साहित्य (Nataka Sahitya) 3-4 Marks

Sanskrit Drama and Theatre

Origins and development of Sanskrit drama
Bharata's Natyashastra principles
Kalidasa's dramatic works: अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तल, मालविकाग्निमित्र
Bhavabhuti's उत्तररामचरित, मालतीमाधव
Types of drama: Nataka, Prakarana, Natika
Elements: रस, भाव, characters, and stagecraft

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

Continuous Evaluation Throughout the Year

Total Internal Assessment: 20 Marks

Periodic Tests

5 Marks
Regular written tests during the academic year

Multiple Assessment

5 Marks
Various forms of assessment including quizzes and assignments

Portfolio

5 Marks
Collection of student work and learning artifacts

Subject Enrichment

5 Marks
Projects, presentations, and creative activities

Subject Enrichment Activities

Sanskrit poetry recitation and composition
Sanskrit drama performance and character portrayal
Sanskrit calligraphy and manuscript writing
Research projects on Sanskrit literature and culture
Sanskrit storytelling and narrative presentations
Comparative study of Sanskrit and modern literature
Sanskrit debate and discussion forums
Cultural programs showcasing Sanskrit heritage

Examination Pattern (March 2026)

Question Paper Design

Total Marks: 80 | Duration: 3 Hours

Subject Code: 322

Question Type	Marks per Question	Number of Questions	Total Marks
Very Short Answer (अति-लघूत्तरात्मक)	½	6	3
Short Answer (लघूत्तरात्मक)	1	23	23
Long Answer (पूर्णवाक्यात्मक)	2	6	12
Composition (निबन्धात्मक)	5-10	Variable	42
Total			80

Examination Features

Equal emphasis on comprehension, composition, and grammar
Choice provided in composition section
Questions based on prescribed NCERT textbooks only
Sanskrit-Sanskrit medium encouraged for answers
Literary appreciation and cultural understanding tested
Practical application of grammar rules
Integration of classical literature with modern contexts
Focus on developing Sanskrit communication skills

Study Tips & Success Strategy

Preparation Guidelines

Master all chapters from भारती द्वितीयो भागः thoroughly
Practice Sanskrit composition using रचनानुवादकौमुदी
Understand Samas types and their formation patterns
Memorize key grammatical rules from व्याकरणसौरभम्
Study Sanskrit literature history systematically
Practice unseen passage reading regularly
Develop Sanskrit vocabulary through extensive reading
Write answers in Sanskrit as much as possible
Understand the cultural context of prescribed texts
Practice previous year question papers
Focus on understanding rather than rote memorization
Participate actively in Sanskrit enrichment activities

Career Opportunities

Higher Education

Bachelor's in Sanskrit (BA Sanskrit)
Master's in Sanskrit Literature
PhD in Sanskrit Studies
Comparative Literature
Ancient Indian History
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Linguistics and Philology

Teaching & Research

Sanskrit Teacher in Schools
Professor in Universities
Research Scholar
Academic Writer
Curriculum Developer
Educational Consultant
Sanskrit Tutor

Translation & Literature

Sanskrit Translator
Literary Critic
Editor of Sanskrit Publications
Content Writer
Manuscript Expert
Cultural Documentation
Sanskrit Journalist

Cultural & Government

Archaeological Survey of India
Cultural Ministry Positions
Museum Curator
Cultural Ambassador
Heritage Conservation
Tourism Guide (Specialized)
Embassy Cultural Attaché

Modern Applications

Digital Sanskrit Projects
Sanskrit Software Development
Online Sanskrit Education
Sanskrit App Development
AI-Sanskrit Integration
Sanskrit Computing
Digital Humanities

Spiritual & Wellness

Yoga Instructor (Sanskrit background)
Ayurveda Consultant
Meditation Teacher
Spiritual Counselor
Vedic Studies Expert
Sanskrit Mantra Specialist
Holistic Wellness Advisor

Academic Timeline 2025-26

Period	Academic Activity	Assessment Component
April - June 2025	Foundation building, basic grammar review	Diagnostic Assessment
July - September 2025	भारती chapters 1-4, advanced grammar	Periodic Test 1 (5 marks)
October - December 2025	भारती chapters 5-8, literature history	Periodic Test 2, Portfolio submission
January 2026	Revision, composition practice	Subject Enrichment Projects
February 2026	Final preparation, practice papers	Pre-board Examination
March 2026	Board Examination	Final Board Exam (80 marks)

Additional Resources

Online Resources

CBSE Academic Website
NCERT Online Textbooks
Sanskrit Dictionary Apps
Digital Sanskrit Library
Sanskrit Learning Platforms
Educational YouTube Channels

Study Tools

Sanskrit Devanagari Chart
Grammar Rule Summary Cards
Sandhi Practice Worksheets
Meter and Prosody Guides
Literary Timeline Charts
Composition Templates

Support System

Sanskrit Teacher Consultation
Study Group Formation
Peer Discussion Forums
Sanskrit Club Activities
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Academic Counseling Services