ICSE Class 11 Physical Education Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the ISE Physical Education (Subject code- 875) Syllabus for the year 2026-27. Physical education is an important part of the overall curriculum for students helping them build a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. It is not just a traditional higher secondary curriculum, it provides deep, specific insights into sports sciences and training methodologies. 

The syllabus is split into two major parts, where students learn the theory behind sports science in the classroom covering topics like human biology, nutrition, and sports psychology. It simultaneously applies that knowledge on the field through the study of two specific sports. Section A focuses on key modern sub-disciplines with detailed topics on physiological effects of exercise on skeletal muscle and organic systems, somatotyping, sports sociology, and nutritional tracking parameters. Section B includes deep, technical understanding of rules, execution strategies, and specifications for selected sports. 

ICSE Class XI Physical Education Syllabus 2026-27

Empowering Minds & Transforming Lives since 1958

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (875)

Aims

1. To gain an understanding and insight into the modern and emerging concepts as well as future prospects of Physical Education.

2. To create awareness of the necessity for vigour and efficiency through physical fitness.

3. To facilitate physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of students.

4. To develop an understanding of the physiological, socio-cultural and psychological factors which influence Physical Education.

5. To create awareness of the necessity to develop a good posture and physical poise.

6. Give special attention to physically challenged children.

7. To create opportunities to develop esprit de corps, courtesy, sportsmanship, social skills, democratic conduct and ideals.

8. To develop skills of planning as well as practical skills in order to perform effectively.

9. To develop the ability to relate practice to classroom learning and vice-versa.

There will be two papers in the subject:

• Paper I: Theory: 3 hours ----- 70 marks

• Paper II: Practical Work ----- 30 marks

PAPER I (THEORY) – 70 Marks

CLASS XI

Note: Details regarding evaluation of Practical Work are given at the end of Class XII. Practical Evaluation for Class XI is to be done by the Internal Examiner.

SECTION-A

1. Concept of Physical Education

• (i) Meaning of Physical Education, its aim and objectives.
  Understanding of the term ‘Physical Education’. Aims and objectives of Physical Education. Importance of Physical Education. Need for Physical Education and how it is important.

• (ii) Misconceptions about Physical Education and the relevance of Physical Education in the inter-disciplinary context (sports medicine, sports engineering, sports psychology, sports journalism, sports physiotherapy, sports nutritionist, sports fashion designing).
  Misconceptions with respect to Physical Education; how Physical Education is related to various other disciplines as listed above.

• (iii) Meaning of 'Play' and 'Recreation'.
  Definition and importance of 'Play'; Characteristics of Play (freedom and time, space and spontaneity, enjoyment, intrinsic value). Definition and importance of recreation.

• (iv) Meaning and concept of 'Games and Sports'.
  Meaning, definition and characteristics of 'Games and Sports'.

2. Individual Aspects and Group Dynamics

• (a) Interest and attitude.
  Meaning and definition of the term Interest (inborn and acquired); Methods of developing interest (in Physical Education activities and programmes). Meaning and definition of the term Attitude (experience, derived, emotional challenge, profession); methods of forming attitude: by means of suggestions, by blindly accepting the social norms, by means of some intense emotional experiences, through participating in games and sports (forming attitude to win, attitude towards exercise, attitude towards physical fitness, fair play, obedience, discipline, etc.)

• (b) Motivation.
  Introduction, meaning and definition of 'Motivation'. Types of Motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Methods of Motivation: praise or blame, competition, reward and punishment, setting clear goals, success and failure, record of progress, scholarships, social recognition, honour and glory.

• (c) Leadership.
  Meaning and definition of the word 'Leader'. Desirable qualities of a Leader.

3. Effects of Physical Exercise on Human Body Systems

Various systems and the effects of exercise and training on the following: skeletal system, muscular system, respiratory system, circulatory system and digestive systems.

• (i) The skeletal and muscular system: Types of bones in the body, various types of joints and major movements; structural classification of muscles, structure and function of muscle.

• (ii) Respiratory System: Meaning and types of respiration, organs of the respiratory system (nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm) and their functions.

• (iii) Circulatory system: Meaning; Heart, its structure and functions; control of the heart rate; function and composition of blood, maintenance of blood supply.

• (iv) Digestive System: Meaning, major organs (mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine) and functions of each.

• (v) Effect of exercise and benefits of regular training on the above systems.

4. Nutrition, Weight Control & Exercise

• (i) Nutrition Basics - Dietary Goals and basics of a Nutritious Diet.
  Nutrition basics: Dietary Goals for various stages of growth (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age); Meaning of 'Nutritious Diet'.

• (ii) Balanced Diet and role of balanced diet in performance.
  Concept of a Balanced diet; elements and sources of a balanced diet; factors affecting balanced diet; Importance of Balanced diet in sports performance.

• (iii) Obesity and weight control; Life time concept of weight control.
  Meaning and definition of obesity; causes of Obesity, dangers of Obesity, prevention of Obesity through exercise and weight control. Life-time concept of weight control – an understanding of how weight can be controlled through proper eating habits and exercise.

5. Physical Fitness & Wellness

• (i) Physique, Physical Fitness and Wellness.
  Understanding of the term 'Physique'; A basic understanding of the three body types: (a) Endomorph (b) Mesomorph (c) Ectomorph. Meaning and importance of Physical Fitness and Wellness.

• (ii) Components of physical fitness and wellness.

• Components of physical fitness: Health related fitness such as Cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength; flexibility; body composition. Skill related fitness: such as Cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength; flexibility; body composition, balance; coordination; agility; power, reaction time and speed (Candidates should be made to understand that skill related fitness includes all health related fitness components).

• Components of Wellness: social, spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and intellectual (a basic understanding of each).

• (iii) Factors affecting physical fitness and wellness.
  Factors affecting physical fitness and wellness: Heredity, exercise (physical, mental and social benefits), illness, physical deformity, age and gender, diet, stress, living style, substance use (smoking, drugs, alcohol) and environment.

• (iv) Tests and Measurements in Sports.
  Basic understanding, importance and calculation of the following: Kraus Weber Test; Body Mass Index (BMI); Waist Hip Ratio; Measurement of Heart Rate; Rockport one-mile test.

6. Games and Sports - a global perspective

• (i) Olympics as a Social force.
  An understanding of how the Olympic games promote international understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity by providing a platform for athletes from all over the world to meet and compete, irrespective of their colour, race, creed and political beliefs.

• (ii) History of Modern Olympics.
  Motto of the Olympic games; Events held in modern Olympics; Where and when the first modern Olympics took place and where and when the upcoming Olympics will take place; significance of the colours used in the rings of the Olympic flag and what these rings signify. The founder of modern Olympics.

• (iii) Asian Games.
  Where and when the first Asian Games took place and where and when the upcoming Asian Games will take place. Events held in Asian Games; Countries participating in Asian Games.

SECTION B

Any two of the following games are to be studied: Cricket, Football, Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics.

The following aspects should be studied for each of the two games selected by the candidate:

Rules and regulations of the game; Interpretation of laws of the game; Duties and responsibilities of the officials and players; Measurement and dimensions related to the game; Terminologies related to the game; Fundamental skills of the game; Strategies and formation of the game; Names and abbreviations of the National and Major International Tournaments linked with the game; Diagrams and dimensions of play area; Diagrams and dimensions of equipment related to the game.

(Note: Detailed skills, markings, specifications, and rules apply to each selected sport per the standard guidelines on pages 6-10 of the original document).

PERFORMANCE TABLES FOR PRACTICAL WORK

PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY TESTS

ATHLETICS - FIELD EVENTS

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT BREAKDOWN (30 Marks Total)

1. Continuous Evaluation (By the School Teacher) — 10 Marks

• A. File Work: Done throughout the year on any two games/activities — 4 Marks

• B. Participation and Performance: Throughout the year in at least two selected games — 3 Marks

• C. Physical Efficiency Tests: Continuous record monitoring — 3 Marks

2. Practical Evaluation (By the Visiting External Examiner) — 20 Marks

• A. Physical Efficiency Tests: Evaluated on site (using the performance tables) — 12 Marks

• B. Specialisation Tests: Evaluation on any two basic skills of the two selected games — 6 Marks

• C. Viva-voce: On the two chosen games/activities — 2 Marks

ICSE Class 11 Physical Education Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here

The ISC Physical Education curriculum for Class XI (875) gives a progressive and thorough framework for students to build a strong foundation in physical education. It harmonizes physical prowess with technical, data-driven proficiency. With a 70-mark theory component complemented by a 30-mark practical assessment, it is divided between internal year-long monitoring and specialized external evaluation. 

The syllabus prioritizes applied understanding over mere memorization. Students engage deeply with health metrics, from calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) to assessing cardiovascular endurance through the Rockport one-mile test, fostering a professional and self-reflective approach to holistic wellness and athletic skill.