Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Political Science Exam 2025-26? The best way to secure top marks is to practice with the official CBSE Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26. This sample paper is not just another question set—it’s your blueprint to understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and important topics that matter most.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know — from the latest exam pattern and marking scheme to topic weightage, answer-writing strategies, and a free PDF download link for the CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26.
Overview of CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases sample papers every year to help students prepare for board exams more effectively. These papers are designed based on the latest syllabus and competency-based question pattern.
For the 2025-26 academic session, the CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper aims to test your conceptual understanding, analytical ability, and critical thinking—core skills needed to excel in humanities and social science subjects.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- Board: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Subject: Political Science (Code: 028)
- Class: 12
- Session: 2025–26
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Official Website: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/
CBSE Class 12 Political Science 2025-26 Exam Structure
The question paper is divided into two parts — Part A (Contemporary World Politics) and Part B (Politics in India since Independence).
Part A – Contemporary World Politics
This section focuses on international relations and global politics after World War II, covering topics like globalization, the Cold War, and international organizations.
Important Units:
- The End of Bipolarity
- Contemporary Centres of Power
- Contemporary South Asia
- International Organizations
- Security in the Contemporary World
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Globalization
Part B – Politics in India Since Independence
This part deals with India’s political journey post-1947—covering democratic evolution, political challenges, reforms, and the rise of new movements.
Important Units:
- Challenges of Nation Building
- Era of One-Party Dominance
- Politics of Planned Development
- India’s External Relations
- Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System
- The Crisis of Democratic Order
- Rise of New Social Movements
- Regional Aspirations
- Recent Developments in Indian Politics
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Question Paper Design 2025-26
Understanding the marking scheme and question paper design is the first step to effective preparation.
| Type of Question | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Short Answer (VSA) | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Short Answer (SA) | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Long Answer-I | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| Long Answer-II | 6 | 6 | 36 |
| Map Question | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 18 | — | 80 |
Duration: 3 hours
Internal Assessment: 20 marks (Project Work)
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF Download
You can download the official CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26 and its Marking Scheme PDF directly from the CBSE Academic website.
👉 Download CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26 (PDF)
👉 Download CBSE Class 12 Political Science Marking Scheme 2025-26 (PDF)
These files will help you understand question distribution, answer format, and key topics expected in the board exam.
Why Practice the CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26?
Practicing with the latest CBSE sample paper gives you a clear competitive edge. Here’s how:
1. Understand the Latest Exam Pattern
The sample paper is designed as per the updated CBSE 2025 competency-based pattern, which includes case-based, source-based, and analytical questions.
2. Get Familiar with Question Types
You’ll encounter a mix of objective, short, and long-answer questions, helping you master different writing formats and time management.
3. Boost Conceptual Clarity
The sample paper helps strengthen your grasp on political concepts like globalization, federalism, democracy, and social movements.
4. Enhance Answer Presentation Skills
Practicing previous year and sample papers helps improve answer framing, flow, and precision—key to scoring high marks.
5. Time Management Practice
Simulating the actual exam environment using the sample paper improves your speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Important Topics to Focus on for 2025-26
Here’s a quick look at the most important and scoring topics based on previous year trends and CBSE sample paper analysis:
From Part A (Contemporary World Politics)
- The End of Cold War and Rise of Unipolarity
- European Union and ASEAN
- UN and its Agencies
- Globalization and its Impact
- Environmental and Human Security
From Part B (Politics in India Since Independence)
- Political Transition (1977–1989)
- Regional Aspirations and Movements
- Coalition Politics (Post-1990s)
- India’s Foreign Policy
- Democratic Challenges and Reforms
Tip: Focus on case studies, political events, and key leaders mentioned in the NCERT textbook. Questions often relate to real-world political developments.
How to Use the Political Science Sample Paper Effectively
Here’s a practical step-by-step strategy to make the most of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26:
1. Attempt Under Real Exam Conditions
Set a timer for 3 hours and write the full paper without interruptions. This simulates real exam pressure.
2. Review with the Official Marking Scheme
Check your answers against the CBSE Marking Scheme PDF to identify weak areas and understand the ideal answer structure.
3. Focus on Presentation
Use headings, underlines, and bullet points. Neat and organized answers make a strong impression on the examiner.
4. Highlight Key Political Terms
Include important terms like Non-Alignment, Coalition Government, Global South, Bipolarity, etc., to show conceptual understanding.
5. Evaluate Performance
Keep a record of your mock test scores. Notice progress and spend more time on units where you lose marks frequently.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Preparation Tips 2025-26
To score above 90%, combine smart preparation with consistent revision. Follow these expert-recommended tips:
✅ 1. Master the NCERT Books
NCERT textbooks are the core reference for CBSE exams. Every question in the board exam is directly or indirectly based on NCERT content.
✅ 2. Create Topic Summaries
After studying each chapter, make short notes covering key concepts, events, and political thinkers.
✅ 3. Practice Previous Year Papers
Solve at least 5–6 previous year papers to understand recurring question patterns.
✅ 4. Analyze Maps and Diagrams
Map-based questions are common in Political Science. Practice labeling international organizations, regional conflicts, and political boundaries.
✅ 5. Work on Writing Style
Structure your answers with:
- Introduction (context or definition)
- Body (explanation with examples)
- Conclusion (summary or insight)
✅ 6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
CBSE sometimes frames questions around contemporary political issues, so staying informed about national and international events is beneficial.
Internal Assessment and Project Work (20 Marks)
Apart from theory, CBSE allots 20 marks for internal assessment, which includes project work and class performance.
Breakdown:
-
Project Work: 20 marks total
-
Viva/Presentation: 5 marks
-
Report File: 10 marks
-
Periodical Assessment: 5 marks
Project Topics (Examples):
-
India’s Role in the United Nations
-
Environmental Politics and Policies
-
Evolution of Coalition Governments in India
-
India’s Foreign Policy towards Neighboring Countries
Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the syllabus. Use authentic sources, and ensure originality for best scores.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Exam Date 2026 (Tentative)
The CBSE Class 12 Political Science Board Exam 2026 is expected to be conducted in February–March 2026, as per the general CBSE timetable trend. The exact date will be announced with the CBSE Date Sheet 2026 on the official website.
Keep visiting cbse.gov.in for the latest updates.
CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26 — Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Political Science (028) |
| Class | 12 |
| Session | 2025–26 |
| Total Marks | 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Types | MCQs, Short, Long, Case-based, Map |
| Official PDF | Available at cbseacademic.nic.in |
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 Political Science Sample Paper 2025-26 is an essential tool to evaluate your preparation level and boost your confidence. Practicing with it helps you get a real feel of the exam and ensures that your answers are structured and aligned with CBSE’s expectations.
Remember — conceptual clarity, presentation, and regular revision are the keys to excelling in Political Science. Download the official sample paper today and start your journey toward scoring 90+ marks in the 2026 board exams!
