If you're preparing for the ISC Class 12 Psychology exam for 2025-26, it's essential to know the updated syllabus released by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). This article gives you a complete overview of the ISC Class 12 Psychology syllabus along with a downloadable PDF link, paper structure, and chapter-wise topics for both Theory (Paper I) and Project Work (Paper II).
ISC Class 12 Psychology Exam Structure 2025-26
| Paper | Component | Duration | Marks |
| Paper I | Theory | 3 hours | 70 marks |
| Paper II | Project Work | - | 30 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
Download ISC Class 12 Psychology Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click here to download ISC 12th Psychology Syllabus 2026 PDF
Paper I – Theory (70 Marks)
Unit-wise ISC Psychology Syllabus 2025-26
| Unit | Topic Name | Key Subtopics Covered |
| 1 | Intelligence and Ability | - Theories (Spearman, Thurstone, Cattell, Gardner, Sternberg, Guilford) - IQ concepts - Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - Aptitude, Achievement, and Interest Tests |
| 2 | Personality | - Definitions and theories (Freud, Erikson, Horney, Rogers, Maslow, Allport, Cattell, Bandura) - Assessment tools: MMPI, TAT, Rorschach, Behavioral Analysis |
| 3 | Lifespan Development | - Development stages: Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence - Piaget, Erikson, Ainsworth, Kohlberg theories - Major concerns: substance abuse, eating disorders |
| 4 | Stress and Stress Management | - Types and causes of stress - General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) - Coping mechanisms (Yoga, Relaxation, Defense Mechanisms) |
| 5 | Psychological Disorders & Psychotherapy | - Abnormal behavior definitions - DSM-IV classification - Anxiety, Mood, Personality, Schizophrenia - Therapies: Psychoanalytic, CBT, Behavioural, Client-Centered |
| 6 | Social Thought and Behaviour | - Attribution theory - Group behavior, norms - Conformity & Obedience (Asch, Milgram) |
| 7 | Attitudes | - Components, formation & change - Prejudice and Discrimination causes and prevention |
| 8 | Psychology and Environment/Social Concerns | - Counselling skills - Environment and behavior - Poverty and its effects - Promoting pro-environmental behavior |
Paper II – Project Work (30 Marks)
Students must complete two projects based on psychological investigations. Projects are evaluated by both internal and external examiners.
Project Evaluation Scheme (Per Project – 15 Marks)
| Component | Marks |
| Basic Concept | 3 |
| Methodology | 4 |
| Results & Discussion | 4 |
| Viva | 4 |
| Total (per project) | 15 |
Approved Project Topics
| Project | Area | Brief Description |
| A | Statistics | Compare exam results of two classes or sections. Includes mean, SD, Z-scores, bar diagrams |
| B | Attitudes | Compare generational or gender differences in attitudes on topics like fashion, lifestyle, marriage |
| C | Stress | Identify school-related stressors and their effects using checklists and rating scales |
Key Theorists to Focus On
| Theory Area | Important Theorists |
| Intelligence | Spearman, Thurstone, Cattell, Sternberg, Gardner, Guilford |
| Personality | Freud, Erikson, Horney, Maslow, Rogers, Allport, Bandura |
| Development | Piaget, Kohlberg, Ainsworth, Erikson |
| Psychotherapy | Freud (Psychoanalysis), Ellis (REBT), Rogers (Client-centered) |
| Social Psychology | Harold Kelley, Asch, Milgram |
Preparation Tips for ISC Psychology Exam 2025-26
- Focus on conceptual clarity and application-based understanding.
- Use case studies and examples for theories.
- Practice past year papers for format and question trends.
- Ensure project work is well-researched and formatted.
- Prepare keywords and definitions for quick recall in exams.
The ISC Psychology Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 offers a rich understanding of human behavior, cognition, emotions, and development. By referring to this detailed guide and completing both theoretical preparation and project work, you can aim for top performance in your ISC board exams.
