ICSE Class XI Mass Media Communication Syllabus for Board Exam 2026-27, Download Free PDF Here
Access the official CISCE ISC Class 11 Mass Media & Communication (Subject Code 879) syllabus and project portfolio evaluation framework for the 2026-2027 academic session. Review the 70-mark theory distribution and 30-mark practical guidelines.
The digital era has seen the media become not just channels of conveyance but also cultural channels through which the public values and behavior are shaped and molded. This syllabus has been crafted for an advanced analytical platform to understand this dynamic field. The CISCE has introduced Mass Media & Communication (Subject Code - 879) as one of its elective routes for higher secondary studies. The systematic study of these media channels is conducted under the Class XI curriculum for the year 2026-2027.
Instead of viewing media as an industry, the course examines policies for the consumers and the functions of key national regulatory bodies such as the CBFC, PCI, and TRAI.
ICSE Class XI MASS MEDIA & COMMUNICATION (879) Syllabus 2026-27
Aims:
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To bring about a comprehensive understanding of the different types of Mass Media and their convergence.
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To provide an introduction to the various media regulatory bodies and their objectives.
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To enable the comprehension of technical and creative concepts associated with the various Media production processes.
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To create an awareness of the role of the Media in bringing about social change.
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To sensitise and bring about an awareness of Online hazards and Internet safety.
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To develop an understanding of the Evolution of the various forms of Media and Communication.
There will be two papers in the subject:
| Paper | Description | Duration / Marks |
| Paper I | Theory | 3 hours / 70 marks |
| Paper II | Project Work | 30 marks |
PAPER I (THEORY) – 70 MARKS
CLASS XI
1. Communication
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(i) Understanding Communication Definition and nature of communication: it is both a science and an art.
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(ii) Levels of Communication transactions.
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Intrapersonal Communication: definition, understanding Self as a concept; Self disclosure and Self-esteem: meaning only.
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Interpersonal Communication: definition, types and functions.
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Group Communication: definition and types (small and large group communication).
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Mass Communication: definition and functions.
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(iii) Models of Communication A brief understanding of the models of communication given by the following: Aristotle, Shannon and Weaver, Harold Laswell and Wilber Schram.
2. Basics of Journalism
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(i) Definition of journalism
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(ii) Understanding News Definition of news; Hard News Vs Soft News.
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(iii) Components of News Definition of each of the following with suitable examples: Accuracy, attribution, fairness, clarity and brevity.
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(iv) News Values Definition of each of the following with examples: timeliness, proximity, prominence, conflict, consequence, oddity, human interest and development.
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(v) Reporting and Editing Techniques
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(a) Inverted Pyramid Introduction/Lead (the most important information) Nutgraph, Body and End; The 5 Ws and H in the Lead (To be done with examples); An understanding of the following with reference to reporting a news story:
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What - What does it mean? What should I know?
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Why - Why now? Why is it important?
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Where - Where is this decision coming from? Where/what locations will it affect? Where can I get more information?
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When - When is this happening/ happened?
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Who - Whose story is it? Who made the decision? Who's in charge? Who does it impact?
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How - How was the decision made? How will it be implemented? How will communications flow internally and externally?
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(b) Headlines Characteristics and impact of headlines with suitable examples. Writing a headline - Factors to be kept in mind: should be catchy, concise, not misleading, to be written in active voice, articles to be avoided.
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(vi) Photo Journalism (with reference to print media) Definition; importance of photographs in a news story; Photo essays: an understanding of photo essay as a visual depiction of an event/issue. Writing Captions for photographs.
3. Radio Programs
Types of radio programmes An understanding of each with reference to how these are scripted: news bulletins, talk shows, interviews, announcements: commercial and public service, documentaries, dramas, features, commentary, radio jingles, commercial, public service and music based.
4. Programs for Television
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(i) Types of Television Programmes: Fiction and Non-Fiction Difference between fiction and non-fiction. Non-fiction: news bulletins, interviews, documentaries; Fiction: soap operas, lifestyle shows, reality shows, animation.
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(ii) Difference between Television and Cinema. Difference with reference to the format, production process and audience.
5. Public Relations
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(i) Understanding Public Relations. Definition; Role of Public Relations: to generate goodwill; build a brand image; aid in advertising and sales promotion; crisis management; media management; Responsibility of a Public Relations Officer.
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(ii) PR Campaigns. An understanding of the tools and steps.
6. Media Regulatory Bodies
Role and functions (as stated by the Government of India) of: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India; Press Council of India; Central Board for Film Certification; Advertisement Standard Council of India; News Broadcasting Standards Authority of India.
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Telecom Regulatory Authority of India: Regulates telecommunication services, adjudicate disputes, dispose appeals, protect interests of service providers and consumers.
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Press Council of India: Helps newspapers maintain their independence, builds code of conduct for newspapers and journalists, guidelines for training, guidelines for spreading news, reviews newspaper production, maintains quality.
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Central Board for Film Certification: Certifies for public viewing, film certification: U, A, UA, S.
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Advertisement Standard Council of India: Self-regulation in advertising, protection of consumer interests, promotion of responsible advertising, enhancing public confidence in advertising; Consumer Complaints Council.
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News Broadcasting Standards Authority of India: Ensures impartiality, objectivity, neutrality, discretion (crimes against women and children), privacy, national security is not endangered. Prevents glorification of violence and crime, encouragement of superstition and occultism, showcasing sex and nudity.
PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 30 MARKS
Candidates will be required to have completed two projects from any topic covered in Theory. The written outcome of the project should be structured as given below:
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For written projects:
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(i) Abstract: it must contain the following information: (a) Reason for choosing the topic, (b) Methods and material used.
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(ii) Main Essay: must follow the structure given below: (b) Background and context to be discussed very briefly, (c) Explanation of the theme and the issue, (d) Analysis and critical evaluation, (e) Conclusion.
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(iii) References/ bibliography: a list of all material referred to for the project (including print, electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
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(iv) Appendix: optional, only if it is crucial for a better understanding of the project essay.
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For audiovisual projects:
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(i) Abstract: it must contain the following information: (a) Reason for choosing the topic, (b) Methods and material used.
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(ii) Communication strategy: theme, title, primary audience, message (if any), language.
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(iii) References/bibliography: a list of all materials referred to for the project (including print, electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
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(iv) Appendix: optional, only if it is crucial for the better understanding of the project essay.
List of suggested assignments for Project Work:
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(i) Select any two mainstream newspapers. Do an analysis of all the news stories on the front pages of these newspapers with reference to inverted pyramid, headlines, and photographs used.
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(ii) Create a photo essay on a theme of your choice, with suitable captions.
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(iii) Analyse advertisements in print and electronic media. Discuss stereotyping in advertisements vis a vis gender.
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(iv) Write a radio script for any one of the following: (a) Prime time News bulletin, (b) Radio drama based on a short story, (c) Radio feature on an event in your school.
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(v) Write an essay on a recent public relations campaign done by an organization.
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(vi) Develop a Public Relations strategy to handle a forthcoming crisis in your school, neighbourhood or peer group. Identify various steps in management of the crisis. This can be based on an issue or an event. Prepare a detailed strategy on a chart for class presentation.
The ISC Class XI Mass Media & Communication syllabus provides an analytical road map that converts everyday media consumption into a structured process of concept analysis. It is marked on the basis of a combination of a theoretical paper worth 70 marks and a detailed project portfolio worth 30 marks.This curriculum ensures that structural media mechanics align with practical implementation. Whether engaging with front-page newspaper typography, devising a crisis management PR campaign or analyzing systemic gender stereotypes in commercial advertising campaigns, students develop an extremely evaluative approach instead of rote memorization.
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