The Class 11th Fine Arts syllabus 2025-26 by CBSE is designed to nurture creativity, imagination, and appreciation of Indian art and culture. Fine Arts is more than just drawin; it is about observation, expression, and connecting with traditions through different art forms.
Students can choose one of four streams: Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, or Applied Art (Commercial Art). The syllabus balances theory and practical work, helping learners develop aesthetic sensibilities, technical skills, and cultural awareness.
In this blog, we cover the complete Class 11 Fine Arts syllabus, exam pattern, prescribed books, objectives, tips, portfolio guidelines, and a free PDF download.
Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
CBSE offers Fine Arts as an elective subject with four options. Students can choose any one of the following:
- Painting (Code 049)
- Graphics (Code 050)
- Sculpture (Code 051)
- Applied Art – Commercial Art (Code 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) | – |
📥 Download Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus PDF!
For easy access, here is the official CBSE Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus PDF 2025-26. Students can download it and keep it handy for exam preparation and project work.
Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26 (for Theory)
Whether you choose painting, graphics, sculpture or applied art, the syllabus of theory part is same for all:
Time: 2 Hours
| Unit | Topics Covered | Marks |
| Unit 1 | Pre-historic Rock Paintings – Wizard’s Dance, Bhimbetka – Study of Harappan Art (Dancing Girl, Male Torso, Mother Goddess) – Indus seals (Bull), painted earthenware (Jar) | 15 |
| Unit 2 | Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Art (3rd century BCE – 8th century CE) – Lion Capital (Sarnath) – Yakshi from Didarganj – Seated Buddha (Mathura) – Jain Tirthankara (Gupta Period) – Ajanta Cave Paintings (Padmapani, Bodhisattva) | |
| Temple Sculpture, Bronzes & Indo-Islamic Architecture (6th–13th century CE) – Mahabalipuram Descent of Ganga- Elephanta Trimurti – Kandariya Mahadev Lakshmi Narayan (Khajuraho) – Konark Sun Temple Cymbal Player- Dilwara Temple Mother & Child – Chola Bronze Nataraja – Qutub Minar, Gol Gumbaz | 15 | |
| Total | 30 |
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Full Form | All about CBSE Class 11th |
| Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26 (for Practical)
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 2–3 natural & geometric forms in pencil with light and shade. – Examples: plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers, cubes, cones, cylinders, spheres. | 25 |
| 2. Painting Composition (Imagination Based) | – Basic drawing & colouring of human figures in visual compositions. – Sketches from life & nature. | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | – Record of year’s performance (sketch → finished work). – Five selected nature/object studies. – One painting composition. – Two paintings prepared during the year. | 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 relief printing methods & materials. – Characteristics of inks & solvents. – Registration methods, simple colour printing. – Finishing & mounting of the print. | 50 |
| 2. Portfolio Assessment | – Record of year’s work (sketch → final print). – Three selected prints (Linocut/Woodcut/Paper-cardboard). – Four selected 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 based on life and nature. – Geometric shapes (cube, cone, cylinder, etc.) in composition. | 25 |
| 2. Modelling in Round (Clay/Plaster of Paris) | – Sculpting simplified human figures, birds, animals, plants. – Use of clay handling techniques (pinching, coiling, rolling). | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | – Record of year’s performance (sketch → finished product). – Four selected pieces of work. – Three selected works based on Indian Folk Art (relief/round). | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
4. Applied Art Practical – 70 Marks
Time: 6 Hours (3+3 with 1-hour break)
| Part | Content | Marks |
| 1. Drawing | – Drawing from still life & nature. – Medium: pencil, monochrome, colour. | 25 |
| 2. Lettering & Layout | – Roman and Devanagari scripts: study of typefaces & sizes. – Making simple layouts with lettering as main component. | 25 |
| 3. Portfolio Assessment | – Record of year’s performance (sketch → final work). – Four selected drawings. – Two works in chosen subject.- Two works based on Indian Folk Art. | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
Class 11th Fine Arts Syllabus: Exam Pattern & Evaluation Scheme
1. Theory Exam
- Maximum Marks: 30
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Content: History of Indian Art (common for all four streams).
2. Practical Exam
- Maximum Marks: 70
- Duration: 6 Hours (3+3 with a 1-hour break).
3. Components by Stream:
- Painting: Nature & Object Study (25), Composition (25), Portfolio (20)
- Graphics: Relief Printing (50), Portfolio (20)
- Sculpture: Modelling in Relief (25), Modelling in Round (25), Portfolio (20)
- Applied Art: Drawing (25), Lettering & Layout (25), Portfolio (20)
4. Portfolio Assessment (20 Marks – Common for all Streams)
- Record of year’s performance (sketches to final work).
- Selected works from observation, imagination, and folk art.
- At least one artwork must reflect Indian Folk Art or personal style.
- Emphasis on creativity, originality, technique, and presentation.
Check the latest CBSE Class 11 syllabus for all subjects below:
| Class 11th History Syllabus | Class 11th Chemistry Syllabus |
| Class 11th Legal Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Biology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Accountancy Syllabus | Class 11th Psychology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Entrepreneurship Syllabus | Class 11th Physics Syllabus |
| Class 11th Business Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Sociology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Maths Syllabus | Class 11th Economics Syllabus |
| Class 11th Political Science Syllabus | Class 11th English Syllabus |
| Class 11th Sanskrit Syllabus | Class 11th Hindi Syllabus |
| Class 11th Geography Syllabus | Class 11th Computer Science Syllabus |
| Class 11th Informatics Practices Syllabus | Class 11th Physical Education Syllabus |
| Class 11th Home Science Syllabus |
Prescribed Books for Class XI Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26
| Course | Prescribed Books |
| Painting (049) | – An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I (NCERT)- Creative Art Manual – Painting (as per CBSE guidelines) |
| Graphics (050) | – An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I (NCERT) – Creative Art Manual – Graphics |
| Sculpture (051) | – An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I (NCERT) – Creative Art Manual – Sculpture |
| Applied Art – Commercial Art (052) | – An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I (NCERT) – Creative Art Manual – Applied Art |
Objectives of Class 11th Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26
The Fine Arts syllabus for Class 11 is designed to promote creativity, imagination, and appreciation of India’s cultural and artistic heritage. The key objectives are:
- Develop Aesthetic Sensibility: Enable students to appreciate beauty in nature, life, and art while cultivating personal taste.
- Encourage Creativity & Imagination: Provide opportunities for experimenting with materials, techniques, and artistic expression.
- Sharpen Observation Skills: Train students to observe details in life, nature, and surroundings for artistic inspiration.
- Cultural Awareness: Familiarize students with Indian art traditions, folk art, and contemporary practices.
- Practical Skill Development: Enhance technical skills in Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, or Applied Art.
- Critical Thinking & Expression: Encourage original ideas, interpretation, and creative problem-solving through art.
- Integration with Life & Other Disciplines: Help students connect art with history, culture, and modern contexts.
Tips to Prepare for Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26
1. Study NCERT Books Thoroughly
Read An Introduction to Indian Art – Part I carefully for theory. Focus on historical context, features, and significance of artworks mentioned in the syllabus.
2. Practice Regularly
Dedicate daily time to sketching, painting, or sculpting. Regular practice sharpens observation and improves technical skills.
3. Maintain a Portfolio
Keep a well-organized portfolio with sketches, object studies, and compositions. Include works based on Indian Folk Art and personal creativity.
4. Visit Museums & Exhibitions
Observing original artworks and sculptures enhances understanding of techniques, textures, and cultural value.
5. Use Real-Life Examples
Take inspiration from your surroundings—nature, people, objects, festivals—to create authentic and meaningful art.
6. Experiment with Media
Explore pencil, charcoal, watercolour, clay, ink, or digital mediums to develop versatility and confidence.
7. Revise Theory with Notes
Prepare concise notes on periods, dynasties, artists, and styles. Revision before exams ensures clarity and easy recall.
8. Seek Feedback
Share your artworks with teachers or peers to get constructive feedback and refine your techniques.
Suggested Project Work & Portfolio Preparation
Components of Portfolio
- Record of Progress: From initial sketches to final artworks.
- Nature & Object Studies: Still life exercises, observation-based works.
- Compositions: Imagination-based works including human figures, daily life, or cultural themes.
- Folk Art Integration: At least one artwork inspired by Indian Folk Art (e.g., Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra).
- Personal Style: One original artwork in the student’s unique style.
Suggested Project Work Ideas
- Study and reproduce temple sculptures or cave paintings.
- Document local folk art traditions in your community.
- Create a series of posters or illustrations on social issues.
- Develop a nature-inspired sketchbook (plants, flowers, landscapes).
- Research and illustrate famous artworks from NCERT syllabus.
- Make a graphic print or clay sculpture on themes of daily life.
Evaluation Criteria (20 Marks)
- Creativity & Originality – 6 marks
- Technique & Use of Media – 6 marks
- Presentation & Aesthetic Sense – 4 marks
- Folk Art/Personal Style Integration – 4 marks
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
FAQs About Class 11 Fine Arts Syllabus 2025-26
The subject carries 100 marks – 30 for theory and 70 for practicals.
Students can choose from Painting (049), Graphics (050), Sculpture (051), or Applied Art – Commercial Art (052).
Theory focuses on History of Indian Art, including Prehistoric Rock Paintings, Indus Valley Art, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Art, Temple Sculptures, and Indo-Islamic Architecture.
It includes Nature & Object Study, Composition, and Portfolio assessment.
Students practice Relief Printing (Linocut, Woodcut, Paper-cardboard) and prepare a portfolio of selected works.
Sculpture practicals include Modelling in Relief, Modelling in Round, and Portfolio work using clay or plaster of Paris.
Students practice Drawing, Lettering & Layout design, and maintain a portfolio with selected works and folk art.
Yes, project work in the form of a portfolio is compulsory and carries 20 marks.
The practical exam is of 6 hours (3+3 hours with a 1-hour break).
Popular projects include folk art studies, temple sculpture reproductions, posters on social issues, nature-inspired sketchbooks, and graphic prints.
Practice regularly, maintain a neat portfolio, revise NCERT theory, and include creative works based on folk art and personal style.
Yes, it provides a foundation for careers in design, architecture, fashion, animation, painting, sculpture, advertising, and visual arts.
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