CBSE Syllabus Political Science Class 12 2026 | Free PDF for 2025-26 Exams

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Latest CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26

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Are you a Class 12 student looking for the latest CBSE Political Science syllabus for 2025-26? Or perhaps a teacher or parent wondering how the new syllabus will shape the way students learn about politics and governance? Political Science is more than just a subject—it's a window into the workings of democracy, international relations, and public administration.

But what has changed in the 2025-26 CBSE syllabus? What topics should you focus on? How will it impact your board exam preparation? If these questions are on your mind, you're in the right place! In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about the CBSE Class 12 Political Science syllabus, including:

  • Updated topics and chapters
  • Weightage and marking scheme
  • important changes from previous years
  • Study tips to score well in exams

Whether you are preparing for board exams, competitive entrance tests or simply want a better understanding of political concepts, this guide will help you stay ahead. Let’s dive into the details!

Like Class 12 Political Science, History also discusses the political events that occurred in the past. The subject is theoretical and important but with the help of the CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus, you can create a combined study plan & bifurcate it accordingly. 

COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
S. No. Bloom Typologies (as per NEP 2023) Total %
1 Easy difficulty level:
Remembering | Understanding
55%
2 Medium difficulty level:
Application-based
23.75%
3 Hard difficulty level:
Analysis | Evaluate | Create
21.25%
TOTAL 100%

CLASS 12 POLITICAL SCIENCE BLUEPRINT 2025-26
Parts Units Marks
A PART A- Contemporary World Politics
1. The End of Bipolarity 06
2. Contemporary Centers of Power 06
3. Contemporary South Asia 06
4. International Organizations 06
5. Security in Contemporary World 06
6. Environment and Natural Resources 06
7. Globalisation 04
B PART B- Politics in India Since Independence
1. Challenges of Nation Building 06
2. Era of One-Party Dominance 04
3. Politics of Planned Development 02
4. India’s External Relations 06
5. Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System 04
6. The Crisis of Democratic Order 04
7. Regional Aspirations 06
8. Recent Developments in Indian Politics 08
C PROJECT WORK
Practical File (12) + Viva Voce (08) 20
TOTAL 100

CBSE Political Science Class 12 2025-26 Syllabus: Summary

The goal of the CBSE Political Science class 12 Syllabus is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of political concepts, theories, and developments. It is divided into two sections: Part B caters to Politics in India since Independence, while Part A is focused on Contemporary World Politics. The contents of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science syllabus are outlined as follows:

PART A- Contemporary World Politics

Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity

The time after the end of the Cold War is generally addressed in Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science textbook, "The End of Bipolarity," with a concentration on the dissolution of the bipolar world order headed by the US and the USSR.

Chapter 2: Contemporary Centers of Power

"Contemporary Centres of Power," Chapter 2 of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science syllabus, usually discusses the major centres of power in current world politics. It challenges students to think critically about how power and influence are evolving on a global scale.

Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia

Chapter 3 gives students a thorough grasp of the political, economic, and social variables influencing Modern South Asia, enabling them to engage in critical analysis of the region's difficulties and complexity.

Chapter 4: International Organizations

To provide students with a better grasp of the composition, roles, and importance of international organisations in the modern world order, this synopsis summarises the main ideas in CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4: International Organisations.

Chapter 5: Security in Contemporary World

In general, Chapter 5 gives students a thorough grasp of security concerns in the modern world. It covers efforts to encourage peace, stability, and cooperation at both the regional and global levels as well as classic and non-traditional security difficulties.

Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources

The sixth chapter of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science textbook, "Environment and Natural Resources," examines the complex interrelationships between politics and the environment, emphasising topics such as resource management, environmentally friendly development, and conservation. 

Chapter 7: Globalisation

India is addressing ecological and social problems, promoting exports, and luring in foreign investment as part of its response to globalisation. The main ideas (Dimensions, Drivers, Effects, Responses, and Critiques) addressed in a standard CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 chapter 5 globalisation

PART B- Politics in India Since Independence

Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation-Building

The first chapter of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science textbook, "Challenges of Nation-Building," generally addresses the challenges that recently independent countries have in forging and solidifying their identity as coherent, functional states.

Chapter 2: Era of One-Party Dominance

In this chapter, the role of the Indian National Congress and its effects on India's democracy and government are highlighted, giving students knowledge of the political dynamics during the one-party era. It emphasises the value of democratic procedures and ideals while fostering a critical examination of the advantages and disadvantages of the established party structure.

Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development

The necessity of a comprehensive approach to development that considers economic, social, and environmental factors is emphasised in the chapter's conclusion. It emphasises how crucial social justice, sustainable development, and democratic leadership are to determining India's development strategy.

Chapter 4: India’s External Relations

In-depth information about India's foreign policy, including its core values, development, goals, and obstacles, as well as bilateral and multilateral interactions, economic diplomacy, strategic alliances, and participation in international organisations, is covered in Chapter 4.

Chapter 5: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System

The chapter ends with an emphasis on the Congress Party's tenacity in overcoming obstacles and a reaffirmation of its domination in Indian politics, despite a changed political environment marked by increased diversity and competition.

Chapter 6: The Crisis of Democratic Order

Students can develop a thorough grasp of the difficulties and complexity underlying the crisis of democratic order, both internationally and concerning India, by completing Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 12 Political Science. It promotes analysis, critical thinking, and introspection on the values and applications of democracy in modern society.

Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations

With a focus on the effects of regionalism on politics, governance, and national cohesion, Chapter 7 in the Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 offers insights into the intricate dynamics of regionalism in India. Students are encouraged to examine potential solutions to meet regional ambitions within the parameters of India's federal system, as well as to critically analyse the sources and effects of these desires.

Chapter 8: Recent Developments in Indian Politics

"Recent Developments in Indian Politics," the 8th chapter of CBSE Class 12 Political Science, ends with a summary of some of the problems that Indian democracy is currently confronting, such as challenges to pluralism and secularism, election fraud, criminalization of politics, and corruption.

CBSE Political Science Class 12 Syllabus 2026: Importance

Political Science in Class 12 CBSE is more than just a subject—it is a foundation for understanding governance, democracy, and global affairs. Whether you aim to pursue higher studies in political science, prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, or simply want to be an informed citizen, this subject plays a crucial role.

Builds Awareness About Politics & Governance

Political Science helps students understand how governments function, how policies are made, and how international relations shape global events. It enables students to analyse current affairs with a deeper perspective.

Helps in Competitive Exam Preparation

Many entrance exams, including UPSC, State PSCs, and law entrance tests, have sections on political science and current affairs. A strong foundation in Class 12 Political Science can make preparation easier.

Develops Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

The subject encourages students to question, debate, and analyse political systems, fostering logical reasoning and decision-making skills—essential for careers in law, administration, journalism, and public policy.

Aligns with NEP 2020 & Contemporary Learning

The CBSE Political Science syllabus is designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on conceptual clarity, practical learning, and skill development. It ensures that students stay updated with real-world political scenarios.

Strengthens Understanding of Indian & World Politics

By studying concepts like the Indian Constitution, federalism, international relations, and world politics, students gain insights into how political institutions work both nationally and globally.

Political Science in Class 12 CBSE is not just about scoring marks; it is about understanding the world and becoming an informed, responsible citizen. Whether you plan to pursue political science, law, civil services, or journalism, this subject is your first step toward a strong academic and professional future.

Study Plan Using Political Science Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26

Studying Political Science for CBSE Class 12 requires a strategic approach to cover the syllabus effectively while ensuring a deep understanding of concepts. Since this subject involves both theoretical learning and analytical thinking, following a well-structured study plan can help you score well in exams while improving your grasp of political systems and governance.

Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Begin by going through the official CBSE syllabus for Political Science. Identify the units, chapter-wise weightage, and marking scheme. This will help you focus more on high-scoring topics and allocate time accordingly.

Create a Timetable for Regular Study

Dedicate at least 1-2 hours daily to Political Science. Divide your time into:

  • Theory Study – Read and summarize important topics from NCERT.
  • Concept Revision – Highlight important points and make notes.
  • Answer Writing Practice – Solve previous year questions.

Focus on Conceptual Understanding

Instead of just memorising facts, try to understand the meaning behind political events, policies, and systems. Relate topics to current affairs to make learning more engaging.

Make Short & Crisp Notes

Prepare concise notes with bullet points, flowcharts, and mind maps. These notes will be helpful for quick revision before exams.

Revise Regularly to Retain Information

Revision is important! Follow the 3-2-1 Revision Rule:

  • 3 times a week – Revise important concepts from recent chapters.
  • 2 times a month – Review previously studied topics.
  • 1 time before exams – Solve full-length sample papers.

Solve Previous Year Papers & Sample Papers

Practising past CBSE board exam papers will help you understand the type of questions asked, the answer structure, and time management.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Political Science is closely linked to real-world events. Stay updated with news, government policies, and international relations to strengthen your understanding of contemporary issues.

Group Discussions & Peer Learning

Discuss topics with classmates or teachers. Group discussions help in better retention and clarity of complex political concepts.

Self-Assessment & Improvement

Regularly assess your progress through mock tests and self-evaluation. Identify weak areas and work on them before exams.

A well-structured study plan will not only help you score high marks in Political Science but also develop a deep understanding of governance, democracy, and world politics. Stay consistent, follow this plan, and you’ll be well-prepared for your Class 12 board exams!

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