NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science—Complete Chapter-Wise Guide | Myclass24

Subject Code: 028 | Board: CBSE | Academic Year: New | Total Marks: 100

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science is one of the most scoring yet conceptually rich subjects in the Humanities stream. Unlike rote-heavy subjects, it demands analytical thinking, structured writing, and a clear understanding of both global and Indian political events. NCERT textbooks — Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India Since Independence — are the backbone of CBSE board preparation, and mastering their solutions is the single most effective strategy to score above 75 out of 80 in the theory exam.

This guide from Myclass24 breaks down every chapter, its key concepts, question types, and mark-fetching strategies — all in one place.

The Two NCERT Books You Must Master

The Class 12 Political Science syllabus is built entirely around two NCERT textbooks:

Book 1 — Contemporary World Politics (Part A) covers international relations, global power shifts, the fall of bipolarity, and India's role in a multipolar world.

Book 2 — Politics in India Since Independence (Part B) covers India's post-independence political journey — from nation-building challenges to recent developments in Indian democracy.

Both books carry equal weight in the board examination — 40 marks each for the theory paper.

Exam Pattern & Mark Distribution

Understanding the exam structure is the first step to a high score. The paper is 3 hours long and tests multiple skills — recall, comprehension, application, and analysis.

Table 1: Overall Marks Distribution — Class 12 Political Science

Passing Criteria: Students must score at least 33% (i.e., 33 out of 100) to clear the subject. The theory and internal assessment are evaluated separately.

Table 2: Question Paper Blueprint — Section-Wise Breakdown

Note: Section E includes passage-based, map-based, and cartoon-interpretation questions. Cartoon-based questions remain a permanent feature of the CBSE Class 12 Political Science paper as they test critical and visual reasoning skills.

Chapter-Wise NCERT Solutions Overview

PART A — Contemporary World Politics (7 Chapters, 40 Marks)

Chapter 1 — The End of Bipolarity

Core Concept: The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the end of the Cold War era.

Key Topics to Master:

• Rise and structure of the Soviet Union
• Factors that led to its disintegration (economic stagnation, political reforms, nationalist movements)
• Shock Therapy — what it was, how it was applied, and why it largely failed
• Consequences for former Soviet Republics
• India's relations with post-Soviet states

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What is Shock Therapy? Why did it fail in most post-Soviet states?" (4–6 marks)
• "Explain the factors responsible for the disintegration of the USSR." (6 marks)
• MCQs on Glasnost, Perestroika, Boris Yeltsin, CIS

Myclass24 Tip: Draw a clear timeline from 1985 (Gorbachev's reforms) to 1991 (formal dissolution). Examiners reward structured, chronological answers.

Chapter 2 — Contemporary Centres of Power

Core Concept: In a post-Cold War world, multiple power centres — the EU, ASEAN, China — have emerged to challenge American unipolarity.

Key Topics to Master:

• European Union — its structure, significance, and influence as a soft power
• ASEAN — formation, ASEANWay, ASEAN Vision 2020
• China's rise — economic reforms since 1978, China as a major global player
• India's relationship with each power centre

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "How has the European Union emerged as an alternative centre of power?" (6 marks)
• "What is the ASEAN Way? How does it differ from Western models of integration?" (4 marks)
• Cartoon/source-based questions on EU symbols and flags

Chapter 3 — Contemporary South Asia

Core Concept: South Asia's complex political landscape — democracy, military rule, civil conflict, and regional cooperation.

Key Topics to Master:

• Democratic transitions in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
• India-Pakistan relations — causes of tension and peace initiatives
• India-Sri Lanka ethnic conflict and the LTTE issue
• SAARC — objectives, limitations, and India's role
• India's relations with Nepal and Bhutan

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Why has SAARC not been very successful? Give reasons." (4–6 marks)
• "Discuss the major causes of conflict between India and Pakistan." (6 marks)

Chapter 4 — International Organisations

Core Concept: The United Nations system — its structure, relevance, and the need for reform.

Key Topics to Master:

• Structure of the UN — General Assembly, Security Council, Secretariat, ICJ
• Veto power — how it works and why it's controversial
• UN Reforms — expanding UNSC membership, India's case for a permanent seat
• India's role in UN peacekeeping missions
• WHO, IMF, World Bank — their roles and criticisms

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What reforms are needed in the UN? Should India get a permanent seat on the Security Council?" (6 marks)
• "What is the veto power? Why do developing nations want its reform?" (4 marks)

Myclass24 Tip: Always mention India's contribution to UN peacekeeping (one of the largest troop contributors) — examiners find this specific data impressive.

Chapter 5 — Contemporary South Asia (Security in Contemporary World)

Core Concept: Redefining security — from traditional military threats to non-traditional threats like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics.

Key Topics to Master:

• Traditional vs. Non-Traditional security threats
• Sources of threat — terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking
• Human security and its dimensions
• India's security challenges — nuclear doctrine, Kargil, terrorism
• Arms control treaties — NPT, CTBT, and India's stand

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Distinguish between traditional and non-traditional threats to security." (4–6 marks)
• MCQs on NPT, CTBT, India's nuclear doctrine

Chapter 6 — Environment and Natural Resources

Core Concept: Global political responses to environmental degradation, resource conflicts, and sustainable development.

Key Topics to Master:

• The global commons — atmosphere, oceans, Antarctica
• Key environmental agreements — Rio Summit 1992, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement
• Resource geopolitics — oil, water, and land
• Indigenous people's rights and environmental justice
• India's position on climate change negotiations

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What are global commons? Why are they considered difficult to manage?" (4 marks)
• "How does India's position on climate change differ from developed nations?" (6 marks)

Chapter 7 — Globalisation

Core Concept: Globalisation as a multidimensional phenomenon — economic, political, cultural — and its unequal impact.

Key Topics to Master:

• Dimensions of globalisation — economic integration, cultural flows, political spread
• Drivers of globalisation — technology, trade, capital movement
• Effects on developing countries — both positive and negative
• Anti-globalisation movements
• India's response to globalisation — liberalisation, 1991 reforms

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Is globalisation beneficial for developing nations like India? Critically examine." (6 marks)
• "What are the cultural consequences of globalisation?" (4 marks)

PART B — Politics in India Since Independence (8 Chapters, 40 Marks)

Chapter 1 — Challenges of Nation-Building

Core Concept: India's three major challenges at independence — national unity, democracy, and development.

Key Topics to Master:

• Partition — causes, consequences, human tragedy
• Integration of princely states — Sardar Patel's role, Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir
• Reorganisation of states on linguistic basis
• Nehru's vision and ideology

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What were the main challenges of nation-building in India after independence?" (6 marks)
• "How were princely states integrated into the Indian Union?" (4–6 marks)

Chapter 2 — Era of One-Party Dominance

Core Concept: The Congress Party's near-monopoly over Indian politics from 1947 to the mid-1960s.

Key Topics to Master:

• Congress system — how it maintained dominance
• First three General Elections (1952, 1957, 1962)
• Role of opposition parties — CPI, Jan Sangh, Socialists
• Social coalition behind Congress dominance
• Factors for Congress's decline

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Why was the Congress party dominant in early Indian politics?" (4–6 marks)
• MCQs on election years, opposition parties

Chapter 3 — Politics of Planned Development

Core Concept: The Five-Year Plan model, the role of the Planning Commission, and debates around development strategy.

Key Topics to Master:

• First Five-Year Plan — focus on agriculture
• Second Five-Year Plan (Nehru-Mahalanobis model) — focus on heavy industry
• Kerala model of development
• Debate on economic development — growth vs. equity
• Famine and food security challenges

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Compare the First and Second Five-Year Plans." (4 marks)
• "What is the Kerala Model of development?" (2–4 marks)

Chapter 4 — India's External Relations

Core Concept: India's foreign policy — Panchsheel, Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), and major conflicts.

Key Topics to Master:

• Panchsheel Principles (1954)
• Non-Aligned Movement — origins, significance, India's role
• India-China War 1962 — causes, outcome, impact
• India-Pakistan Wars — 1947, 1965, 1971
• Nuclear tests — Pokhran 1974 and 1998

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What is the Non-Alignment Movement? Is it still relevant today?" (6 marks)
• "Explain the causes and consequences of the 1962 India-China War." (6 marks)

Myclass24 Tip: NAM is a recurring 6-mark topic. Always mention its three pillars: anti-colonialism, non-alignment with military blocs, and peaceful coexistence.

Chapter 5 — Challenges to and Restoration of Congress System

Core Concept: The political crises of the late 1960s — Congress split, Indira Gandhi's rise, and the politics of poverty.

Key Topics to Master:

• Congress split of 1969 — Syndicate vs. Indira Gandhi
• 1971 elections — "Garibi Hatao" slogan and mandate
• Bangladesh War 1971
• Non-Congress governments — SVD experiments in states
• Privy purse abolition

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "Why did the Congress party split in 1969?" (4 marks)
• "What was the significance of the 1971 elections?" (4–6 marks)

Chapter 6 — The Crisis of Democratic Order (Emergency)

Core Concept: The 1975 Emergency — causes, implementation, and its long-term impact on Indian democracy.

Key Topics to Master:

• Causes of Emergency — Allahabad High Court judgment, JP Movement
• Provisions of Emergency — suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship
• 42nd Constitutional Amendment
• MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act)
• Aftermath — 1977 elections, Janata Party, fall of Indira Gandhi

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What were the causes and consequences of the Emergency declared in 1975?" (6 marks)
• "How did the Emergency affect Indian democracy?" (4–6 marks)

Chapter 7 — Rise of Popular Movements

Core Concept: New social movements that reshaped Indian politics from the 1970s onwards.

Key Topics to Master:

• Chipko Movement — environmental protest in Uttarakhand
• Anti-Arrack Movement — women-led social movement in Andhra Pradesh
• Dalit Panthers and the Dalit rights movement
• Farmers' movements — NMKRV and others
• Role of new social movements in deepening democracy

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "What is the significance of the Chipko Movement in Indian politics?" (4 marks)
• "How have new social movements contributed to Indian democracy?" (6 marks)

Chapter 8 — Regional Aspirations and Recent Developments (Highest Weightage)

Core Concept: Regionalism, insurgencies, and political developments in India from the 1990s to the present.

Key Topics to Master:

• Punjab crisis and Operation Blue Star (1984)
• North-East insurgencies — causes and peace process
• Jammu & Kashmir — political and security challenges
• Coalition politics — why no party has dominated since 1989
• Rise of regional parties — BSP, SP, DMK, TDP
• 2014 and 2019 elections — return of single-party majority
• Rise of identity politics — caste, religion, region

Frequently Asked Question Types:

• "How has coalition politics changed the nature of Indian democracy?" (6 marks)
• "Explain the causes of regional aspirations in India." (6 marks)
• "What led to the Punjab crisis? How was it resolved?" (4–6 marks)

Myclass24 Note: Chapter 8 / "Recent Developments in Indian Politics" consistently carries the highest marks in Part B. Prioritise this chapter in your revision schedule.

Key Concepts at a Glance

Table 3: Important Terms, Definitions & Exam Relevance

Smart Study Strategy for Class 12 Political Science

1. Prioritise by Marks, Not by Interest

Focus maximum energy on chapters with 6-mark long-answer potential — Emergency, Non-Alignment, Shock Therapy, Recent Developments, and Globalisation. These chapters appear every year in the board exam.

2. Answer Writing Framework

CBSE rewards structured answers. For 6-mark questions, use this approach:

• Introduction (2–3 lines): Define the topic or state the context.
• Body (4–6 points): Use a point-wise format with sub-headings.
• Conclusion (1–2 lines): End with significance or current relevance.

3. Cartoon & Source-Based Questions

These are now a fixed part of Section E. Practice:

• Identifying the political cartoon's message
• Connecting it to a chapter topic
• Writing a 3–4 line analytical response

4. Map-Based Practice

Know the following on the political map:

• Locations of SAARC nations
• Former Soviet Republics
• Major international organisations' headquarters (UN-New York, NATO-Brussels, EU-Brussels)

5. Use NCERT Intext Questions

Every chapter's intext questions in the NCERT textbook are potential board questions. Solve all of them — many appear verbatim in the exam.

Internal Assessment — 20 Marks Breakdown

Internal assessment constitutes 20% of the total score and is evaluated by both internal and external examiners.

Suggested Project Topics (as per CBSE guidelines):

• Non-Aligned Movement: 1961 to Present
• India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries (choose one)
• The Emergency of 1975 — Causes and Consequences
• Role of the United Nations in Global Peacekeeping
• Environmental Movements in India

How Myclass24 Supports Your Political Science Preparation

At Myclass24, we believe a student from Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, or any corner of India deserves the same quality of NCERT solutions. Our platform offers:

• Chapter-wise solved NCERT exercises — every question answered in CBSE-expected format
• Previous year question papers (2019–2026) with model answers
• Concept maps and revision notes for quick last-minute review
• Cartoon and source-based question practice sets specific to Class 12 Political Science
• Hindi medium and English medium solutions for both NCERT books

Final Word — What Makes This Subject Scoreable

Class 12 Political Science is not about memorising dates and names. It is about understanding why the Soviet Union collapsed, how India managed to stay democratic, and what globalisation actually means for ordinary people. When you understand the logic behind events, writing exam answers becomes natural.

Start with the NCERT textbook. Read it like a story. Then practise answers using Myclass24's structured solutions. The 80 marks in theory are more accessible than students often assume — and this guide is your first step toward securing them.