CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download PDF Here
To start preparing for the 2026-27 academic cycle, students can download the latest syllabus officially released on the CBSE portal. A direct link to download the CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus (2026-27) PDF is shared in the article. Students can download and access the complete curriculum shared in detail along with course structure and syllabus shared below.
The CBSE has released Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus for the 2026-27 academic cycle. The curriculum is structured to promote creativity, imagination, and appreciation of Indian art and culture. The subject is not specifically about drawing, but it contains expression, and connecting with traditions through different art forms. The subject is divided into four parts, Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, or Applied Art (Commercial Art). While the syllabus includes theory and practical work, aiming to enhance students' understanding of art and painting in different formats. In order to make learners understand aesthetic sensibilities, technical skills, and cultural awareness, the syllabus includes types and different eras of paintings.
To offer students a detailed overview of the syllabus, we have shared a comprehensive Class 11 Fine Arts syllabus, exam pattern, prescribed books, objectives, tips, portfolio guidelines, and a free PDF download.
CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27: New Updates
The CBSE has not made changes in Class 12 Fine Arts syllabus for the 2026-27 cycle. But it emphasizes on portfolio based assessment and stresses on utilizing various aspects of art and culture as the basis for learning concepts across subjects.
During the board exam students have to choose one of four specializations: Painting (Code 049), Graphics (Code 050), Sculpture (Code 051), or Applied Art (Code 052). In which the focus majorly is on practical assessment which carries 70 marks, whereas theory paper carries 30 marks.
CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27: Section-Wise Weightage
While assessing the paper structure, students can evaluate how marks are distributed for the paper. A student have to choose from the following courses:
A. Painting (Code No.049)
B. Graphics (Code No.050)
C. Sculpture (Code No.051)
D. Applied Art-Commercial Art (Code No.052)
| Part | Details | Marks |
| Theory | History of Indian Art (common for all four streams) | 30 |
| Practical | Varies as per chosen stream (Painting/Graphics/Sculpture/Applied Art) | 70 |
| Total | 100 Marks | |
| Exam Duration | Theory – 2 HoursPractical – 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break) | – |
CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts (Theory) Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27
The theory consists of only one section - Painting theory. The paper is of 30 marks and is conducted for 2 hours. It is an essential part in scoring well in the subject. The syllabus for theory paper covers pre-historic rock paintings, temple sculptures which covers art from different cultures and eras.
Check the table for detailed breakdown of theory syllabus.
1. Painting Theory
| Unit | Topic | Marks |
| 1 | Pre-Historic rock paintings and art of Indus / Sindhu Saraswati Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization), Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Art | 15 |
| 2 | Temple Sculptures, Bronzes and Artistic aspects of Indo-Islamic architecture | 15 |
| Unit | Topics Covered | Marks |
| Unit 1 | The Rajasthani School of Miniature Painting • Origins and development • Main features • Selected paintings: Maru-Ragini, Raja Aniruddha Singh Hara, Chaugan Players, Krishna on Swing, Radha (Bani-Thani), Bharat Meets Rama at Chitrakuta | 10 |
| Unit 2 | The Pahari School of Miniature Painting • Origins and development • Main features • Selected paintings: Krishna with Gopis, Nand, Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen going to Vrindavana, Cosmic Dance of Shiva (Nandikeshvara), Krishna with Gopis | 10 |
| Unit 3 | The Mughal and Deccan Schools of Miniature Painting • Origins and development • Main features • Selected paintings: Jahangir holding the picture of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Falcon on a Bird-Rest, Kabir and Raidas, Marriage procession of Dara Shikoh • Deccan School: Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro, Chand Bibi Playing Polo | 10 |
| Total | 30 |
Class 12th Fine Arts Syllabus 2026-27: Practical Subjects
The practical subjects are an important part for students studying Fine Arts in Class 12th. This carries 70 Marks weightage, and focuses on hands-on evaluation across different electives like Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, and Applied Art.
Students have to choose between the four practical courses, and will be evaluated on observation-based work (such as Nature and Object Study), imagination-driven compositions, and a comprehensive portfolio assessment. This will enhance your technical skill, creative originality, and exploration of traditional Indian folk art styles.
1. Painting Practical – 70 Marks
Time: 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break)
| Unit | Content | Marks |
| 1. Nature and Object Study (Observation Based) | • Study of objects, plants, and geometric forms with pencil/colours showing light and shade. | 25 |
| 2. Painting Composition (Imagination Based) | • Drawing & colouring based on daily life, human figures, festivals, and surroundings. | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | • Record of year’s performance (sketch to finished work). • Five selected works (studies + compositions).- At least one work inspired by Indian Folk Art. | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
2. Graphics Practical – 70 Marks
Time: 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break)
| Part | Content | Marks |
| 1. Relief Printing (Linocut/Woodcut/Paper-cardboard) | • Basics of printmaking methods and use of tools. • Understanding inks, solvents & registration methods. • Execution of a creative composition in relief printing. | 50 |
| 2. Portfolio Assessment | • Record of year’s work (sketch to final print). • At least three selected prints from the year’s work. • Two prints based on Indian Folk Art. | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
3. Sculpture Practical – 70 Marks
Time: 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break)
| Part | Content | Marks |
| 1. Modelling in Relief (Clay/Plaster of Paris) | • Relief work inspired by nature, folk art, or daily life. • Use of geometric and natural forms in composition. | 25 |
| 2. Modelling in Round (Clay/Plaster of Paris) | • Three-dimensional sculptures of simplified human figures, animals, or objects. • Techniques like coiling, slab, or direct carving. | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | • Record of year’s performance (sketch → final sculpture). • Four selected works (Relief + Round). • At least one work inspired by Indian Folk Art. | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
4. Applied Art Practical – 70 Marks
Time: 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break)
| Part | Content | Marks |
| 1. Drawing | • Still life and nature study. • Medium: pencil, monochrome, watercolour, or ink. | 25 |
| 2. Lettering & Layout | • Study of Roman and Devanagari scripts. • Designing simple layouts such as posters, book covers, or advertisements. | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | • Record of year’s performance (sketch to final artwork). • Four selected drawings. • Two works in chosen applied art. • At least one work inspired by Indian Folk Art. | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
To access the complete syllabus for CBSE class 12 Fine Arts subject, students can click on the link below. This will direct you to direct PDF. Download it and save it for future reference.
Check: CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27 Syllabus PDF
The practical curriculum aims to fill the gap between historical art theory and practical works. It aims to encourage students to not just be an observer but a creator who can express complex human emotions and environmental observations through their chosen medium. By incorporating the theory and practical course students can learn a lot and create a lot.
Jaya Gupta is an Education Content professional with over four years of experience in writing marketing and academic content, alongside a year of experience working with an indie publishing house. Currently, she is covering higher education content for Jagran Josh (Jagran New Media), leveraging her academic knowledge. She specializes in covering management, engineering, law, medical colleges, study abroad and GATE exams. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature, successfully qualified the 2024 UGC NET, and has guided more than 100 students in framing effective study-abroad academic essays. Her writing interests vary across education, creative expression, and digital culture.
