If you are planning to study law in the future or pursue law as a career, then starting with the Class 11 Legal Studies syllabus will give you the right foundation. This subject helps you understand the basics of law, legal institutions, and the Indian Constitution.
At Law Prep Tutorial, we have covered the complete syllabus of class 11 legal studies subject for 2025-26, including unit-wise topics, marks distribution, exam pattern, prescribed books, and project work details. By the end, you will have a clear idea of what to study and how to prepare effectively for your class 11 exams.
Class 11 Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
| Subject Code | 074 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Theory | 80 |
| Project/IA | 20 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Units | Unit Name | Marks |
| I | Introduction to Political Institutions | 20 |
| II | Nature and Sources of Law | 20 |
| III | Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes | 20 |
| IV | Family Justice System | 10 |
| V | Human Rights in India | 10 |
| VI | Legal Profession in India | 10 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Project Work / Internal Assessment | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 |
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Get the official CBSE document of the class 11th legal study syllabus with complete unit details, exam pattern, and project guidelines. Perfect for students and teachers.
Class 11th Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26
Find the new syllabus of legal studies in Class 11th for CBSE and NCERT:
Unit I: Introduction to Political Institutions
This unit in the class 11 legal syllabus helps you understand the foundation of India’s political and legal framework. You will study the Constitution, its key features, rights, duties, and the structure of government.
The focus is on how the principles of democracy, rule of law, and federalism shape governance and law-making.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Constitution: Salient Features | Basic framework that defines India’s governance and democracy. |
| Preamble | Declares India as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic. |
| Fundamental Rights | Rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution. |
| Directive Principles of State Policy | Guidelines for governance to ensure social justice. |
| Fundamental Duties | Duties expected from every Indian citizen. |
| Separation of Powers | Distribution of functions among Legislature, Executive, Judiciary. |
| Rule of Law | Everyone is equal before the law. |
| Parliamentary System of Government | Government system where Executive is accountable to Legislature. |
| Federalism | Division of powers between Union and States. |
Unit II: Nature and Sources of Law
This unit in class 11th legal studies syllabus provides conceptual clarity about what law is, where it originates from, and how it evolves.
You will learn about different schools of thought, classification of law, and the significance of customs, precedents, and legislation as sources. The unit highlights the dynamic nature of law in society.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Meaning and Nature of Law | Definition and role of law in society. |
| Schools of Law | Different philosophical approaches to law. |
| Sources of Law | Customs, precedents, and legislations as bases of law. |
| Classification of Law | Divisions like civil/criminal, substantive/procedural. |
| Law Reform | Changes to update and improve legal system. |
Unit III: Judiciary – Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes
The third unit in the syllabus of legal studies in class 11th CBSE focuses on the judiciary, the guardian of the Constitution. It explains the structure of courts in India, from Supreme Court to subordinate courts.
You will also learn about civil and criminal court procedures, along with alternative dispute resolution methods that ensure faster and affordable justice.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Structure and Organization of Courts | Hierarchy of courts in India. |
| Supreme Court and High Courts | Powers, jurisdiction, and role of apex courts. |
| Subordinate Courts | Lower courts handling civil and criminal cases. |
| Civil Courts – Processes | Procedures followed in civil disputes. |
| Criminal Courts – Processes | Steps in criminal trials and justice. |
| Alternate Dispute Resolution | Mediation, arbitration, and conciliation methods. |
Unit IV: Family Justice System
The forth unit of the class XI legal studies syllabus covers family laws in India, focusing on personal laws of different religions. You will learn about marriage, divorce, adoption, guardianship, and succession laws.
The aim is to make students aware of how law regulates personal and family matters for maintaining social justice and harmony.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Marriage and Divorce Laws | Legal provisions governing marriages and divorces. |
| Maintenance and Adoption | Rights related to maintenance and adoption. |
| Guardianship | Appointment and role of guardians. |
| Succession Laws | Rules of inheritance and property rights. |
Unit V: Human Rights in India
The fifth unit of class XI legal studies syllabus makes you aware of human rights and their protection mechanisms. You will study the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, role of judiciary, and statutory bodies like NHRC.
The focus is on promoting equality, dignity, and protection of individual freedoms in India.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Meaning and Concept of Human Rights | Basic rights inherent to all humans. |
| Universal Declaration of Human Rights | International framework for human rights. |
| Protection of Human Rights in India | Safeguards for citizens’ rights. |
| National Human Rights Commission | Central body ensuring human rights protection. |
| State Human Rights Commissions | State-level bodies safeguarding rights. |
| Role of Judiciary | Courts ensuring human rights are protected. |
Unit VI: Legal Profession in India
This unit in class 11th legal studies syllabus introduces you to the history, evolution, and role of lawyers in India. It explains the Advocates Act, Bar Council of India, and responsibilities of lawyers.
You will also learn about legal aid, highlighting how law serves society and ensures justice for all, especially weaker sections.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Evolution of Legal Profession | Development of legal practice in India. |
| Advocates Act, 1961 | Law regulating the legal profession. |
| Bar Council of India | Apex regulatory body for lawyers. |
| State Bar Councils | State-level regulatory institutions for advocates. |
| Role and Responsibilities of Lawyers | Duties and ethics of practicing advocates. |
| Legal Aid | Free legal services for weaker sections. |
Also checkout CBSE Class 11th all details!
Class 11 Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26: Question Paper Design
| Typology of Questions | Objective | Marks | Approx. % Weightage |
| Remembering & Understanding | Recall facts, terms, concepts, and demonstrate understanding by explaining, comparing, interpreting. | 32 | 40% |
| Applying | Apply knowledge of legal concepts to new situations, solve problems with rules and techniques. | 24 | 30% |
| Analysing, Evaluating & Creating | Examine and break information into parts, analyze causes, form judgments, propose solutions. | 24 | 30% |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | 100% | |
| Project Work / Internal Assessment | Based on assignments, presentations, viva, etc. | 20 | — |
| Grand Total | 100 | — |
Prescribed Books for Class 11 Legal Studies Syllabus
Legal Studies: Class XI, NCERT Publication
The NCERT Legal Studies textbook is the main book prescribed by CBSE. Schools and students are advised to strictly follow this book since the Class 11 Legal Studies syllabus and board exam pattern are fully based on it.
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Full Form | CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus |
| All about CBSE Class 11th | Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
| CBSE Class 11 Economics Syllabus | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
Tips to Prepare for Class XI Legal Studies Syllabus
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Before starting, go through the CBSE Class 11 Legal Studies syllabus 2025-26 carefully. Knowing unit-wise marks distribution helps you prioritize chapters like Political Institutions, Judiciary, and Nature of Law, which carry more weightage.
2. Focus on Concepts, Not Rote Learning
Legal Studies is about understanding principles like rule of law, human rights, and family laws. Instead of cramming, connect topics to real-life legal issues, which will help you remember better and write analytical answers.
3. Read the NCERT Book Line by Line
Since CBSE prescribes the NCERT textbook, most exam questions come directly from it. Highlight key terms like Fundamental Rights, Advocates Act, Succession Laws, and make short notes for revision.
4. Practice Case Laws and Examples
Wherever possible, link your answers with landmark judgments or examples. For instance, while studying human rights, refer to cases like Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala. This approach makes answers stronger and more exam-oriented.
5. Prepare Short Notes and Mind Maps
Make concise notes, flowcharts, or tables for topics like classification of laws, court structure, or family justice system. These visual tools will save you time during last-minute revision.
6. Solve Previous Year Papers and Sample Questions
Go through last year’s question papers and practice CBSE sample papers. This will help you understand the question pattern, typology, and the right way to frame long answers.
7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Legal Studies connects closely with what’s happening in society. Keep track of legal developments, new laws, or constitutional amendments through newspapers or online legal portals. They can add depth to your answers.
8. Link Preparation with Law Entrance Exams (CLAT & Others)
If you plan to appear for CLAT, AILET, or other law entrance exams, Legal Studies in Class 11 will give you a strong foundation. Topics like the Constitution, judiciary, and legal profession overlap with CLAT’s Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs sections. Studying well now will save effort later.
Objectives of Class 11 Legal Studies Syllabus
- Introduce the Indian Legal System: To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
- Understand Constitutional Values: To help students learn the basic features of the Indian Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Duties, Separation of Powers, and Rule of Law.
- Exposure to Different Systems of Law: To give knowledge about various systems of law, such as Common Law, Civil Law, and their influence in India.
- Awareness of Courts and Judicial Processes: To develop an understanding of the structure and functioning of Constitutional, Civil, and Criminal Courts in India, along with concepts like precedent and statutory interpretation.
- Introduce Key Areas of Law: To familiarize students with essential areas like property law, contract law, tort law, family law, and human rights.
- Encourage Legal Reasoning and Analysis: To enable students to analyze legal problems, apply legal principles, and differentiate between facts, opinions, and judgments.
- Build Skills in Research and Drafting: To promote the ability to conduct legal research, draft simple documents, and understand judicial decisions.
- Develop Values and Ethics: To instill values such as justice, fairness, equality, honesty, and integrity, along with respect for diversity and the rule of law.
- Prepare for Higher Studies in Law: To create a foundation for students who wish to pursue law as a career and prepare them for competitive exams like CLAT, AILET, and other law entrance tests.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
Suggested Project Topics for Class 11 Legal Studies Syllabus
- Uniform Civil Code and its Relevance in India
- Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation of Children in Conflict with Law
- Death Penalty: Arguments For and Against
- Law Reforms in Independent India
- Analysis of the Right to Information Act (RTI) and Its Impact
- The Role of the Supreme Court in Safeguarding Fundamental Rights
- Cyber Laws in India: Protection against Cybercrime
- Consumer Protection Act and Its Implementation in India
- The Concept of Rule of Law in the Indian Legal System
- Comparative Study of Civil and Criminal Procedures in India
- Women’s Rights and the Role of Family Courts in India
- Impact of Domestic Violence Laws in Protecting Women
- Role of NHRC and SHRCs in Protection of Human Rights
- A Study of Landmark Judgments by the Supreme Court of India
- Succession and Inheritance Laws under Hindu and Muslim Law
- Legal Aid in India: Reaching Justice to the Poor
- The Role of Bar Council of India in Regulating Legal Profession
- Case Study of Recent Constitutional Amendments in India
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – Tool for Social Justice
- The Impact of Information Technology Act, 2000 on Cyber Security
FAQs About Class 11th Legal Studies Syllabus
The subject code for Class 11th Legal Studies syllabus for CBSE is 074.
The class 11 legal studies syllabus carries 100 marks: 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment/project work.
There are six main units: Political Institutions, Nature and Sources of Law, Judiciary, Family Justice System, Human Rights in India, and Legal Profession in India.
The Judiciary unit includes the structure of courts, Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts, civil and criminal procedures, and ADR mechanisms.
The exam includes objective, short-answer, and long-answer type questions testing recall, understanding, application, and analysis.
Yes, many topics from the class 11th legal study syllabus for CBSE overlap with CLAT’s Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs section.
Yes, Legal Studies is an elective subject and can be taken with any stream under CBSE.
It builds a foundation for careers in law, advocacy, legal services, civil services, and corporate law.
Yes, project work is compulsory and carries 20 marks. Topics may include judiciary, human rights, or constitutional issues.
Students find it easier compared to Maths or Science subjects as it is concept-based. However, it requires consistent reading and understanding.