ICSE Class 11 Home Science Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the syllabus for ISC Home Science (Subject Code - 864) for the session 2026-2027. The curriculum doesn’t just include basic household mechanics, but even integrates several scientific principles with the humanities to human wellness, consumer literacy, and resource optimization. It will provide the students with a solid foundation for understanding socio-economic environments.

The comprehensive coursework focuses on five major streams: Foods and Nutrition, Resource Management, Human Development, Textiles and Clothing, Communication and Extension. The course also includes micro-level subjects such as food spoilage kinetics, time-energy management, macronutrient biochemistry, and child developmental milestones while also learning about traditional Indian textiles. 

ICSE Class XI Home Science Syllabus 2026-27

COUNCIL FOR THE INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS

NEW DELHI

Empowering Minds & Transforming Lives since 1958

HOME SCIENCE (864)

Aims

1. To develop an understanding of the terms, concepts and principles used in the study of Home Science.

2. To develop an understanding of the importance of proper storage and preservation of food and meal planning for the family.

3. To equip candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective management of resources.

4. To foster an understanding of the changes that take place during different stages of life.

5. To familiarize candidates with traditional textiles and to equip them with the knowledge and necessary skills involved in the care and maintenance of textiles.

6. To create awareness regarding selected community development programmes and to develop effective communication skills.

There will be two papers in the subject:

PAPER I - THEORY

1. Concept and Scope of Home Science

CLASS XI

• (i) Introduction to the streams in Home Science and how they integrate to form a meaningful whole. An explanation that Home Science is an umbrella term for a field of Applied Sciences, made up of Foods & Nutrition, Resource Management, Human Development, Textiles & Clothing and Communication & Extension.

• (ii) Importance and relevance of the study of Home Science. An understanding of how the study of Home Science enables one to understand and develop skills to deal with issues and concerns related to self, family and society.

• (iii) Career options in Home Science. A brief study of the various career options available for Home Science students.

2. Food and Nutrition

• (i) A review of the relationship between food and health; the importance of a balanced diet for everyday life. Dimensions of health: physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual. Classification of food on the basis of nutrients and functions. Functions of food: physiological, psychological and social. Concept of balanced diet and food groups. Nutritional requirements for different age-groups (ICMR tables).

• (ii) Study of macro and micronutrients. Sources, functions, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and deficiency of the following nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals (iron, calcium, iodine and phosphorous) and vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, Niacin, Folic Acid & C); role of water and fibre in the diet. Basal Metabolic Rate (B.M.R) and the factors affecting B.M.R.

3. Storage and Preservation of Food

• (i) Causes of food spoilage. Factors contributing to food spoilage: Enzymatic action, moisture, microbial contamination, insects, rodents, improper handling of food.

• (ii) Storage of foods: Perishable, semi-perishable and non-perishable foods. Meaning and examples of perishable, semi-perishable and non-perishable foods; a general idea of storing common foods at home. Convenience foods and their merits and demerits.

• (iii) Food preservation: Need and importance, principles and methods. Need and importance of preserving food (to be done briefly).

• (a) Principles of food preservation: Use of high and low temperature; Change in pH; Removal of moisture; Use of chemical preservatives (household: salt, sugar, lemon, oil, spices, vinegar; commercial: sodium benzoate and potassium metabisulphite).

• (b) Methods of food preservation:

• Bactericidal Methods: sterilization by cooking.

• Bacteriostatic Methods: dehydration, refrigeration, chemical preservation (i.e. salting, use of sugar, use of lime, vinegar and chemical preservatives), pickling. Brief description and examples of each of the above.

4. Resource Management

• (i) Resources: Human, non-human and shared resources. Meaning of resources; types of resources: human (time, energy, knowledge, skills, attitudes); non-human (money, goods, property); shared (community) facilities (schools, parks, hospitals, transport, water, electricity, fuel).

• (ii) Management of Resources: need and importance of Management; Management process; Decision making.

• (a) Role of management in efficient and effective utilization of resources. A brief understanding of the Management process: Planning, Organizing, Implementing, Controlling, and Evaluation. Role of Decision Making in management of resources.

• (b) Methods of maintenance/ conservation of shared resources.

• (iii) Time and Energy Management. Concept and importance of time and energy management; types of time plans (daily, weekly, monthly, annual); significance of peak load and rest periods; management of time. Work simplification: Meaning and methods.

5. Human Development

• (i) Growth and Development from birth to late childhood. Concept of growth & development; factors affecting growth & development. Influence of sports and physical fitness. Milestones of development from birth to late childhood (ages 0 to 12 years).

• (ii) Periods of growth and development during childhood. Periods of development during childhood from birth to 12 years of age, (infancy, early childhood, middle childhood and late childhood).

• (iii) Perspectives of Human Development. The following aspects need to be explained - development is multidimensional and interdisciplinary includes biological, cognitive, emotional and social development; development is continuous and cumulative; it is variable, reflecting individual variation; cultural differences are reflected in development; both heredity and environment influence development.

• (iv) Personality development and image building. Personality: concept; factors affecting personality (environmental and genetic); types and traits of personality. Competencies for effectiveness: empathy, information seeking, communication skills, initiative, self-confidence, importance of personal grooming.

6. Care and Maintenance of Textiles

• (i) Laundering of cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon; storage of clothes. Methods of wet cleaning; steps in laundering and difference in techniques used. Finishing by starching, blueing and use of optical brightening agents and pressing/ironing. Storage of wool, silk, cotton, linen, rayon; special items like zari, lace and leather.

• (ii) Household methods of stain removal. Stains of animal origin: blood, egg, milk. Stains of vegetable origin: Turmeric, oil/curry, tea. Stains of mineral origin: ink, lipstick, rust.

7. Communication and Extension

Methods of Communication: individual, group and mass; social media.

• Individual: verbal and non-verbal.

• Group: discussions, demonstrations, fieldtrips.

• Mass: print and electronic.

• Social media: meaning, types, advantages and disadvantages.

PAPER II - PRACTICAL - 30 Marks

Students are required to complete the practicals (any five) listed below and maintain a record book for the same.

• 1. Food and nutrition

• (a) Use 24-hour dietary recall method to analyse individual diet patterns with reference to requirements of basic food groups and RDA. Discuss implications of deficiency.

• (b) Basic Cooking: boiling, steaming, frying and baking. Preparation of simple snacks using these methods.

• 2. Resource Management

• (a) Prepare a list of activities routinely performed by you in a day, along with approximate time spent on each activity. Show how you would modify your routine, for most effective utilization of time and energy.

• (b) Make flower arrangements: centre, side.

• 3. Textiles and clothing

• (a) Basics of stitching (hemming, running stitch, attaching fasteners).

• (b) Laundering of cotton, linen, wool, silk and rayon.

• (c) Removal of stains.

• (d) Designing care label for a garment.

• 4. Human Development Visit a nearby nursery school. Observe children at play outdoors and indoors. Record the patterns of play behaviour and the kind of interactions with other children and adults. Talk to the teachers in the school about how they plan activities for young children.

• 5. Communication & Extension Conduct a survey on the use of Social Media among teenagers on various aspects such as, social network sites used, time spent in a day, frequency of usage, reason for using these social network sites, perceived advantages/ disadvantages, etc.

ICSE Class 11 Home Science Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The ISC Class XI Home Science syllabus gives a comprehensive educational framework where scientific theory merges with practical daily applications. Assessment is conducted through a 70-mark theory examination and a 30-mark practical component. It will ensure that academic strength is paired with technical proficiency. Students engage in critical analysis, comparing dietary patterns against ICMR Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). They will explore the biochemistry of bacteriostatic preservation, and mastering resource management to foster a proactive, analytical perspective.

By emphasizing personal grooming excellence, strategic communication methodologies, and the systematic preservation of communal facilities, the coursework ensures that students are equipped to thrive across diverse health-oriented streams.