Kamal Ghorui
Ahead of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 Political Science exam tomorrow, March 23, 2026, the official sample paper and marking scheme set a clear framework for what will fetch marks and what will not.The question paper remains divided into five sections with 30 questions in total, combining multiple choice questions, short answers, analytical responses, and map and passage-based questions.But beyond structure, the marking scheme shows something more important. The exam is less about writing long answers and more about writing the right points in the right format. The pattern has not changed. What has become clearer is how answers will be read, broken down and awarded marks.
The paper is predictable, but the marking is precise
Section A continues to carry 12 one-mark multiple choice questions. These are not direct memory checks alone. They test clarity of concepts such as multilateralism, global security and foreign policy priorities.The marking scheme confirms that each question has a single correct option, leaving no room for partial understanding.For students, this means revision should focus on:
- Key terms and definitions
- Chronology
- Leaders and associated ideas
Small factual gaps can directly cost marks here.
Short answers reward clarity, not length
Section B questions, carrying two marks each, require answers within 50 to 60 words.The marking scheme repeatedly uses a phrase: “any two points” or “any other relevant point”. So students are not expected to reproduce paragraphs. They are expected to:
- Write 2 clear, separate points
- Keep answers structured
- Avoid unnecessary explanation
For instance, topics like the Mandal Commission, Maldives democratisation, or cooperative security are evaluated strictly on point-based answers, not narrative writing.
Four-mark answers follow a fixed internal structure
Section C answers require 100 to 120 words, but the marking scheme shows they are still point-driven.A typical 4-mark answer includes:
- 3 to 5 distinct points
- Each point carrying equal weight
For example, answers on Jawaharlal Nehru’s foreign policy role or India-Russia relations are broken into multiple clear arguments rather than one flowing explanation.Students often lose marks here by writing long introductions and fewer points. The scheme suggests the opposite approach works better.
Case-based and map questions are scoring but require attention
Section D includes picture, map and passage-based questions.The sample paper shows that these questions test:
- Interpretation of visuals
- Basic conceptual clarity
- Map identification skills
The marking scheme indicates that each sub-part carries one mark, making them scoring if attempted carefully.A single misreading can cost a full mark.
Long answers demand balance, not volume
Section E carries 6-mark questions with internal choices. Answers should be within 170 to 180 words.The marking scheme shows a consistent expectation:
- 5 to 6 well-defined points
- Balanced coverage of the topic
- Inclusion of examples where relevant
Questions on topics like United Nations (UN) reforms, Globalisation, Coalition politics, Linguistic reorganisation of states, are evaluated based on how well students distribute their points, not how long they write.
What students should focus on in the last few hours
The SQP and marking scheme point to a clear revision strategy. First, revise definitions and key concepts such as globalisation, security, poverty and foreign policy. These appear across sections.Second, practice writing answers in point format. The marking scheme consistently rewards structured responses.Third, revise case studies and examples such as:
- Bandung Conference
- Mandal Commission
- Indo-Russian relations
- United Nations agencies
Fourth, do not ignore map and passage-based questions. They carry marks that are often easier to secure.
What the paper ultimately tests
The sample paper and marking scheme together suggest that the exam is designed to check whether students can:
- Recall key facts
- Present arguments in a structured way
- Link concepts with examples
Students who write less but write clearly are likely to score better than those who write more without structure.As the exam approaches, the difference may not lie in how much is studied today, but in how precisely it is presented tomorrow.
