CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27

POLITICAL SCIENCE Subject Code-028 Class-XI (2026-27)

RATIONALE

A discipline of Social Science, Political Science deals with understanding the social structures and methods used to manage a government or State. It also encompasses the historical, philosophical, constitutional, and legal foundation of the political system. It further provides scope to identify the political values and ideas, governing institutions and their policy making process. The subject enhances the ability to address the functions and processes of government and politics in international, national, and state levels. It ensures that students acquire citizenship skills and engage as active citizens by appreciating human diversity. This subject is interdisciplinary by nature and draws upon other social disciplines or branches of knowledge and there by influenced by them in many ways. At Senior Secondary level, curriculum of Political Science is organised in a systematic manner to facilitate students to have an understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes, and behaviour, as well as groups, classes, government, law, peace and war which are the bedrock of human society and polity. The contents develop knowledge about current and past political events across the world and also enrich student's writing, communication, data analysis skills. An earnest effort is directed towards laying the foundation for a serious engagement with the discipline and developing competencies that prepare students for higher education, learning, and acquiring knowledge.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Indian Constitution at Work:

lacktrian Understand the historical circumstances and the processes in which the Constitution was drafted.

<math>\bullet</math> Be familiar with the diverse perspectives that guided the makers of the Indian Constitution.

<math>\blacktriangle</math> Analyse the working of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary and their role with changing times.

<math>\blacktriangle</math> Identify the key features of the Indian Constitution and compare these to other constitutions in the world.

2. Political Theory:

<math>\bullet</math> Recognise the ideas, concepts, and values inherent in the political life of a citizen.

<math>\bullet</math> Systematic reflection and critical analysis of the political phenomenon.

lacktrian Provide clarity on what is 'political' in relation to 'social', 'economic', 'moral', and the like.

• Augment the ability of students to build a good state in a good society, and create processes, procedures, institutions, and structures which could be rationally achievable.

3. Contemporary World Politics

lacktrian Enable an understanding of the nature of political interactions amongst the sovereign states in the World.

lacktrian Trace the key political events and processes in the post-cold war era.

<math>\bullet</math> Analyse the all-encompassing impact of various global institutions, processes, and events.

lacktrian Promote international understanding and respect for humanity.

4. Politics in India since Independence

<math>\bullet</math> Understand and analyse constitutional institutions and their working in the post-independence era.

Appreciate the contribution of political leaders in Nation Building.

lacktrian Develop the capacity to link Government structure, processes, and their policies with contemporary political realities.

lacktrian Acquaint the students to the changing trends and developments in India.

CLASS XI COURSE STRUCTURE

Chapter Chapter Name Marks No. PART A

INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK 1 Constitution: Why and How? 2 Rights in the Indian Constitution 8

3 Election and Representation 6

4 Executive 5 Legislature 12

6 Judiciary 7 Federalism 6

8 Local Governments 4

9 Constitution as a Living Document 4

10 The Philosophy of the Constitution Marks allotted to Indian Constitution at Work 40

PART B

POLITICAL THEORY Political Theory: An Introduction 4

2 Freedom 12

3 Equality 4 Social Justice 6

5 Rights 4

6 Citizenship 8

7 Nationalism 8 Secularism 6

Marks allotted for Political Theory 40

Total 80

CLASS XI

COURSE CONTENT

Chapter No. and Name Learning Outcomes with Specific Competencies

1. Constitution: Why and How? Students will be able to:
2. Why do we need a Constitution? Appreciate the need for aConstitution. Constitution allows coordination and • Understand the historical processes and the

assurance circumstances in which the Indian

Specification of decision-making powers Constitution was drafted.

• Limitations on the powers of government • Critically evaluate how constitutions, govern

Aspirations and goals of a society the distribution of power in society. Fundamental identity of a people Analyse the ways in which the provisions of

1. The authority of a Constitution the Constitution have worked in real political

Mode of promulgation life.

The substantive provisions of constitution Balanced institutional design

1. How was the Indian Constitution made? Composition of the Constituent Assembly Procedures Inheritance of the nationalist movement Institutional arrangements
2. Provisions adapted from Constitutions of different countries
3. Rights in the Indian Constitution Students will be able to:
4. The importance of rights Analyse the working of the Constitution in

• Bill of Rights real life

1. Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution Learn to respect others, think critically, and Right to Equality make informed decisions Right to Freedom Identify violations of the rights to equality Right against Exploitation and freedom in the society around them Right to Freedom of Religion Justify the need for reasonable restrictions Cultural and Educational Rights on the rights guaranteed. Right to Constitutional Remedies • Use freedom of expression to advocate for
2. Directive principles of state policy ensuring rights is given to people around

What do the directive principles contain? them.

1. Relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles