ISC Class 11 History Syllabus 2025–26 | CISCE
ISC CLASS 11 – HISTORY SYLLABUS 2025–26
Class: XI
Subject: History
Board: ISC (Indian School Certificate)
Governing Body: CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations)
QUESTION PATTERN & MARKING SCHEME (ISC – CLASS 11)
Assessment Structure (As per CISCE Guidelines):
• Theory Examination: 70 Marks
• Internal Assessment / Project Work: 30 Marks
• Total: 100 Marks
Theory Paper – 70 Marks
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Question paper structure includes:
- Very Short Answer (VSA)
- Short Answer (SA)
- Long Answer / Descriptive Questions (LA)
- Source-based and analytical questions
• Questions test: - Historical knowledge and understanding
- Interpretation of sources
- Cause–effect relationships
- Chronology and continuity
Internal Assessment – 30 Marks
• Research-based project
• Use of historical sources (primary & secondary)
• Written assignment and Viva Voce
(Note: Class XI assessment is conducted internally by schools as per CISCE norms.)
The ISC Class 11 History Syllabus 2025–26, prescribed by CISCE, provides a strong foundation in Indian history through a structured study of ancient and medieval periods. The curriculum emphasizes historical thinking, source analysis, and critical interpretation of events and developments. Students gain insight into political systems, social structures, economic life, and cultural traditions, preparing them for advanced historical studies and competitive examinations.
DETAILED SYLLABUS – ISC CLASS 11 HISTORY (2025–26)
| Unit | Chapter / Topic | Learning Outcomes / Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Introduction to History | Understanding the meaning of history, types of sources, archaeology, inscriptions, and literary evidence. |
| Unit 2 | Prehistoric Societies | Study of Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic cultures and the evolution of human society. |
| Unit 3 | The Harappan Civilization | Town planning, economy, social life, religion, art, and causes of decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. |
| Unit 4 | Vedic Age | Early and Later Vedic society, political institutions, economy, religious ideas, and social changes. |
| Unit 5 | Religious Movements in Ancient India | Jainism and Buddhism: causes of origin, teachings, spread, and impact on Indian society. |
| Unit 6 | The Mauryan Empire | Administration, economy, Ashoka’s Dhamma, and significance of the Mauryan rule. |
| Unit 7 | The Gupta Age | Political organization, administration, economy, art, science, and culture during the Gupta period. |
| Unit 8 | Harsha and Post-Gupta Developments | Political conditions, administration, and cultural achievements. |
| Unit 9 | Early Medieval India | Regional kingdoms, feudalism, socio-economic conditions, and cultural developments. |
| Unit 10 | The Delhi Sultanate | Slave, Khalji, and Tughlaq dynasties; administration, reforms, and socio-economic life. |
| Unit 11 | The Mughal Empire | Babur to Aurangzeb: administration, mansabdari system, economy, art, and culture. |
| Unit 12 | Bhakti and Sufi Movements | Teachings, major saints, and their impact on Indian society and culture. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1. Is ISC Class 11 History compulsory?
No, History is an elective subject chosen by students based on their academic stream.
Q2. Does ISC Class 11 History have a board examination?
No, Class 11 assessment is conducted internally by schools under CISCE guidelines.
Q3. What type of questions are asked in ISC History?
Questions include short answers, long descriptive answers, and source-based analytical questions.
Q4. How important is project work in ISC History?
Project work carries 30 marks and develops research, writing, and analytical skills.
Q5. Is ISC History useful for competitive exams?
Yes, it builds a strong base for UPSC, State PSCs, CUET, and other humanities-based examinations.
The ISC Class 11 History Syllabus 2025–26 offers a comprehensive and concept-driven understanding of India’s ancient and medieval past. With emphasis on source analysis, interpretation, and research-based learning, the curriculum nurtures critical thinking and historical awareness, making it an excellent foundation for higher studies in humanities and social sciences.
RELATED KEYPHRASES
- ISC Class 11 History syllabus
- CISCE History curriculum 2025–26
- ISC Class 11 History project work
- Indian history syllabus ISC
- ISC History exam pattern Class 11
