CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2026-27

POLITICAL SCIENCE Subject Code-028 Class- XII (2026-2027)

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 XII

COURSE STRUCTURE

Chapter Chapter Name Marks

No. Allotted

PART A-CONTEMPORARY WORLD POLITICS 1 The End of Bipolarity 6

2 Contemporary Centres of Power 6

3 Contemporary South Asia 6

4 International Organizations 6

5 Security in the Contemporary World 6

6 Environment and Natural Resources 6

7 Globalisation 4

PART A - Total 40

PART B-POLITICS IN INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE 1 Challenges of Nation-Building 6

2 Era of One-Party Dominance 4

3 Politics of Planned Development 2

4 India's External Relations 6

5 Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System 4

6 The Crisis of Democratic Order 4

7 Regional Aspirations 6

8 Recent Developments in Indian Politics 8

PART B - Total 40

TOTAL 80

CLASS XII COURSE CONTENT

Chapter No. and Name Learning Outcomes with Specific Competencies

1. The End of Bipolarity Students will be able to: Identify the basic features of the Soviet

Topics to be focused: System.

1. The Soviet System Discuss the background and outcome of •
2. Gorbachev and the disintegration disintegration of the Soviet Union.
3. Causes and Consequences of disintegration of Examine the consequences of unipolar •

Soviet Union world

1. Shock Therapy and its Consequences Assess the features of Shock Therapy
2. New entities in world politics Probe into the recent happenings in the • Russia Post-Communist Countries.

Balkan States Trace the developments between India & <math>\bullet</math>

Central Asian States Russia

1. India's relations with Russia and other post- communist countries
2. Contemporary Centres of Power Students will be able to:

Topics to be focused: Compare and contrast the importance of <math>\bullet</math>

European Union and ASEAN.

1. European Union Evaluate the extent of rise of Chinese
2. Association of Southeast Asian Nations
3. Rise of China as an economic power economy and its impact on world politics.
4. Japan and South Korea as emerging powers Summarise India's relations with China
5. Contemporary South Asia Students will be able to:

Topics to be focused: Identify & locate the seven countries of the •

South Asian region.

1. Military and Democracy in Pakistan and Appreciate the mixed record of democracy Bangladesh in the South Asian region.
2. Monarchy and Democracy in Nepal Examine the role of Political leaders
3. Ethnic Conflict and Democracy in Sri Lanka
4. India-Pakistan Conflicts Reflect upon the causes of various conflicts and movements in this region.
5. India and its Neighbours Justify the creation of SAARC
6. Peace and Cooperation Understand the involvement of US and China in South Asia.
7. International Organizations Students will beable to:

Topics to be focused: Define International Organisation <math>\bullet</math>

1. Meaning and importance of International Appreciate the role of United Nations and •

Organisations its agencies

1. Evolution of the UN Reflect on the events taking place in the •
2. Structure and function of International post-cold war era

Organisations Understand the need for reforms in the •

1. Principal Organs of UN United Nations