The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the Class 11 Political Science syllabus for the academic year 2025-26. The updated CBSE Class 11 syllabus includes detailed topics from Indian Constitution, Political Theory, and the functioning of government institutions. Along with the syllabus, CBSE has also provided the exam pattern for 2025-26.
As per the latest exam pattern, the Political Science paper will be divided into two parts—Part A and Part B, each carrying equal weightage. The paper will include both short and long answer-type questions to assess students’ understanding of concepts and analytical skills. Students are advised to go through the syllabus and exam pattern carefully to plan their preparation effectively.
CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 Course structure
The CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 course structure is shown in the table below.
CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 Course structure | ||
Chapter No. | Chapter Name | Marks Allotted |
PART A – INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK | ||
1 | Constitution: Why and How? | 8 |
2 | Rights in the Indian Constitution | |
3 | Election and Representation | 6 |
4 | Executive | 12 |
5 | Legislature | |
6 | Judiciary | |
7 | Federalism | 6 |
8 | Local Governments | 4 |
9 | Constitution as a Living Document | 4 |
10 | The Philosophy of the Constitution | |
Total | 40 | |
PART B – POLITICAL THEORY | ||
1 | 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 |
Total | 40 | |
TOTAL | 80 |
The table below contains the unit-wise CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26:
CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 Unit-wise syllabus | |
Chapter No. and Name | Learning outcome with specific competencies |
PART A-INDIAN CONSTITUTION AT WORK | |
1 Constitution: Why and How? Why do we need a Constitution? The constitution allows coordination and assurance Specification of decision-making powers Limitations on the powers of government Aspirations and goals of a society Fundamental identity of a people b) The authority of a Constitution Mode of promulgation The substantive provisions of a constitution Balanced institutional design c) How was the Indian Constitution made? Composition of the Constituent Assembly Procedures Inheritance of the nationalist movement Institutional arrangements d) Provisions adapted from Constitutions of different countries | Appreciate the need for a Constitution. Understand the historical processes and the circumstances in which the Indian Constitution was drafted. Critically evaluate how constitutions, govern the distribution of power in society. Analyze the ways in which the provisions of the Constitution have worked in real political life. |
2 Rights in the Indian Constitution The importance of rights Bill of Rights Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion Cultural and Educational Rights Right to Constitutional Remedies c) Directive principles of state policy what do the directive principles contain? d) Relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles | Analyse the working of the Constitution in real life Learn to respect others, think critically, and make informed decisions Identify violations of the rights to equality and freedom in the society around them Justify the need for reasonable restrictions on the rights guaranteed. Use freedom of expression to advocate for ensuring rights is given to people around them. |
3 Election and Representation Elections and democracy Election system in India First Past the Post System Proportional Representation Why did India adopt the FPTP system? Reservation of constituencies Free and fair elections Universal franchise and right to contest Independent Election Commission f) Electoral Reforms | Identify different types and methods of election Develop critical thinking about the role of various stakeholders in ensuring free and fair elections. Demonstrate the innate role played by Election Commission Compare election systems of different countries of the world. |
4 Executive What is an executive? What are the different types of executives? Parliamentary executive in India Power and position of President Discretionary Powers of the President d) Prime Minister and Council of ministers e) Permanent Executive: Bureaucracy | Recognize the meaning of Executive. Compare and contrast the Parliamentary and Presidential Executive. Analyse the composition and functioning of the executive. Know the significance of the administrative machinery. |
PART B-POLITICAL THEORY | |
1 Political Theory: An Introduction What is politics? What do we study in political theory? Putting Political theory into practice d) Why should we study political theory? | Define the term politics and identify various political principles. Explain the innate ideas of various Political theories. Appreciate the contribution of Political Thinkers (example: Jean Jacques Rousseau). |
2 Freedom The Ideal of freedom The sources of Constraints-Why do we need constraints? The Harm Principle d) Negative and Positive liberty | Appreciate the ideal of freedom. Critically evaluate the dimensions of negative and positive liberty. Demonstrate spirit of enquiry Explain the ideas introduced by J.S. Mill in Harm Principle. Assess the possible limitations on freedom resulting from the social and economic structures of society. |
3 Equality Why does equality matter? ● Equality of opportunities ● Natural and Social Inequalities b) Three dimensions of equality c) Feminism, Socialism d) How can we promote equality? | Understand the moral and political ideals of equality. Assess how equality is perceived through different ideologies Recognize the means and methods to promote equality. Evaluate the possible solutions to minimise inequality. |
4 Social Justice What is Justice? ● Equal Treatment for Equals ● Proportionate Justice ● Recognition of Special Needs b) Just distribution c) John Rawls’s Theory of Justice d) Pursuing Social Justice e) Free Markets versus State Intervention | Classify the different dimensions of justice. Appreciate the measures taken by the government of India to secure social justice. Enlist the basic minimum requirements of people for living a healthy and productive life. State John Rawls’ theory of the veil of ignorance. |
Examine the list of subjects and chapters that were dropped from the NCERT book as part of the rationalisation process. Political Theory is one of the two chapters that were cut from the book.
CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus 2025-26 Deleted Syllabus | |||
Chapter Number | Chapter Name | Page No. | Deleted Topics |
9 | Peace | 129 | Full Chapter |
10 | Development | 143 | Full Chapter |
The CBSE Class 11 Political Science syllabus for the academic year 2025-26 is now available and serves as a valuable resource for students. It includes all the important topics, chapters, and themes students will study during the year, along with the updated exam pattern.
By referring to the CBSE syllabus, students can organize their study plan, focus on key areas, and prepare effectively for their exams. The syllabus also highlights the weightage of each unit, helping students prioritize their revision. The PDF link to download the complete syllabus is available below for quick and easy access.
Study without using the internet
With a syllabus in hand, students can plan their study schedule more effectively by dividing their time according to the weightage and complexity of each unit.
The syllabus highlights important concepts such as the Constitution, rights, justice, and nationalism. It allows students to focus more on critical topics that are often asked in exams.
Since the syllabus also includes the exam pattern, students get an idea about the types of questions (MCQs, short answers, long answers) and marks distribution, which helps in targeted preparation.
Political Science involves critical issues and debates. Following the syllabus helps students develop reasoning, debating, and analytical skills.
Class 11 Political Science lays the groundwork for Class 12 and future studies in law, civil services, political theory, international relations, and more.