The CBSE Class 12th Legal Studies syllabus 2025-26 is designed to deepen your understanding of law, justice, and the Indian legal system. It covers essential areas such as the judiciary, alternative dispute resolution, human rights, international law, and the legal profession.
Studying this subject not only helps you score well in board exams but also builds a strong base for law entrance tests like CLAT and AILET. In this blog, we will walk you through the complete syllabus of class 12 legal studies subject, including unit-wise details, exam pattern, prescribed books, project work, and preparation tips.
Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
Find the overview of legal studies syllabus for class 12th CBSE:
| Subject Code | 074 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Theory | 80 |
| Project/IA | 20 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Units | Unit Name | Marks |
| I | Judiciary | 8 |
| II | Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | 8 |
| III | Topics in Law I (Business Laws) | 20 |
| IV | Topics in Law II (General Laws) | 10 |
| V | Human Rights | 10 |
| VI | International Law | 8 |
| VII | Legal Profession in India | 8 |
| VIII | Legal Services | 8 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Project Work / Internal Assessment | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 |
📥 Download Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus PDF
Get the official CBSE document of the class 12th legal studies syllabus with complete unit-wise topics, marks distribution, exam pattern, and project guidelines.
Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26
Let’s discuss in detail the syllabus of class 12th legal studies for CBSE and NCERT:
Unit I: Judiciary
This unit in class XII legal studies syllabus explores the judicial system of India, focusing on its structure, powers, and role in upholding the Constitution.
You will study the independence of the judiciary, jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and judicial activism. The unit also introduces you to tribunals and their significance.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Independence of Judiciary | Ensuring courts remain free from external influence. |
| Jurisdiction of Courts | Powers of Supreme Court and High Courts. |
| Judicial Review | Power to examine constitutionality of laws. |
| Public Interest Litigation (PIL) | Justice through collective petitions. |
| Tribunals | Quasi-judicial bodies for speedy justice. |
Unit II: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
This unit in class XII legal studies syllabus introduces methods of resolving disputes outside traditional courts. ADR mechanisms like arbitration, mediation, and conciliation aim to reduce delays and provide quick, cost-effective solutions.
Students also learn about Lok Adalats and how they help in reducing the burden on courts.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Arbitration | Binding resolution by neutral arbitrator. |
| Mediation | Voluntary settlement through dialogue. |
| Conciliation | Assistance from a neutral conciliator. |
| Lok Adalats | Informal courts offering speedy resolution. |
| Benefits of ADR | Saves time, money, and reduces litigation. |
Unit III: Topics in Law I (Business Laws)
This unit in class 12 legal studies syllabus introduces you to the basic concepts of business-related laws like contract, tort, property, and intellectual property rights (IPR). It develops an understanding of how these laws regulate business transactions and protect rights.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Contract Law | Agreements enforceable by law. |
| Law of Torts | Civil wrongs and compensation. |
| Property Law | Rights and ownership of property. |
| Intellectual Property Law | Protection of inventions, trademarks, copyrights. |
Unit IV: Topics in Law II (General Laws)
Here, you will study broader areas of law such as sustainable development, environmental law, criminal law, and legal entities. It helps you understand how law interacts with society and environment, and the role of institutions in governance.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Law and Sustainable Development | Balancing growth with environmental protection. |
| Forms of Legal Entities | Corporations, associations, and institutions in law. |
| Criminal Laws in India | Crimes, punishments, and justice system. |
Unit V: Human Rights
This unit in class 12th legal studies syllabus highlights the concept, importance, and protection of human rights in India and globally. Students learn about international conventions, constitutional safeguards, and the role of commissions in safeguarding rights.
- Human Rights in India
- Human Rights Violations- Complaint Mechanism
- (Quasi-Judicial Bodies)
Unit VI: International Law
This chapter in legal studies syllabus of class 12th CBSE introduces the basics of international law, its sources, and how it governs relations between nations. It also covers treaties, the role of the United Nations, and international courts in maintaining global order.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Sources of International Law | Customs, treaties, conventions. |
| Treaties | Agreements between nations. |
| UN and International Law | UN’s role in peace and order. |
| International Courts | ICJ and other global tribunals. |
Unit VII: Legal Profession in India
This unit of class 12 legal studies syllabus covers the history, structure, and role of the legal profession in India. It highlights the Advocates Act, 1961, Bar Council of India, and responsibilities of advocates towards clients and society.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Evolution of Legal Profession | Growth of legal practice in India. |
| Advocates Act, 1961 | Law regulating lawyers. |
| Bar Council of India | Apex body for regulating advocates. |
| Duties of Advocates | Ethical responsibilities of lawyers. |
Unit VIII: Legal Services
This unit deals with the mechanisms of providing legal aid to ensure justice for all, especially marginalized sections. It covers the Legal Services Authorities Act and free legal services available in India.
| Topics Covered | Description |
| Legal Aid | Free legal help for weaker sections. |
| Legal Services Authorities Act | Law ensuring access to justice. |
| Lok Adalats | Informal courts under legal services framework. |
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 12 Legal Studies Syllabus: Question Paper Design
| Typology of Questions | Objective | Marks | Approx. % Weightage |
| Remembering & Understanding | Recall of facts, concepts, principles, explain and interpret ideas. | 32 | 40% |
| Applying | Apply knowledge of legal concepts and rules to practical situations. | 24 | 30% |
| Analysing, Evaluating & Creating | Examine issues, analyze causes, form judgments, propose solutions. | 24 | 30% |
| Total (Theory) | — | 80 | 100% |
| Project Work / Internal Assessment | Based on project file, presentation, and viva voce. | 20 | — |
| Grand Total | — | 100 | — |
Suggested Project Topics for Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus
- Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint in India
- Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Reducing Court Burden
- Analysis of the Right to Privacy Judgment in India
- Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on Startups and Innovation
- Criminal Law Reforms in India – Need and Challenges
- Role of Lok Adalats in Delivering Speedy Justice
- Environmental Law in India: A Study of Landmark Cases
- Human Rights Violations and NHRC Interventions in India
- International Court of Justice – Functions and Case Studies
- Women’s Rights in India: Judicial and Legislative Safeguards
- Legal Aid and Access to Justice for the Poor in India
- Evolving Role of the Supreme Court in Constitutional Amendments
- Sustainable Development and Indian Legal Framework
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Indian Law
- Comparative Study of Contract Law in India and UK
- Cyber Crime and the Information Technology Act, 2000
- Juvenile Justice System in India – A Case Study
- Role of Bar Council of India in Regulating the Legal Profession
- International Treaties and India’s Commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement)
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as a Tool of Social Change in India
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12th Legal Studies Syllabus
Legal Studies – Class XII, NCERT Publication
The NCERT textbook for Class 12 Legal Studies is the primary book prescribed by CBSE. Students are advised to follow it strictly as board exam questions are based directly on this book. Teachers may also recommend reference guides for practice, but NCERT remains the core.
Tips to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus
1. Start with the NCERT Book
The NCERT Legal Studies Class 12 book is your primary resource. Read every chapter thoroughly, underline important legal terms, and make margin notes. Since the board exam is NCERT-based, this ensures complete coverage.
2. Understand, Don’t Memorize
The subject tests your ability to apply legal concepts rather than rote learning. Focus on understanding principles like PIL, ADR, International Law, Human Rights, and connect them to real-life cases.
3. Use Case Laws and Examples in Answers
Citing landmark judgments like Right to Privacy (2017) or Kesavananda Bharati (1973) in your answers adds depth. Examiners give more marks to answers backed by relevant examples.
4. Make Flowcharts and Tables
For topics like structure of judiciary, ADR mechanisms, types of contracts, or international treaties, create flowcharts and tables. They make revision faster and answers more structured in exams.
5. Practice Writing Long Answers
Board exams include long-answer questions. Practice writing 120–150 word answers with proper legal terms, examples, and clarity. This will also help in Legal Reasoning sections of CLAT.
6. Solve PYQs and Sample Papers
Go through previous year CBSE papers and sample papers to understand question framing. Regular practice improves time management and exam confidence.
7. Stay Updated with Current Legal Developments
Follow newspapers and legal news portals for recent developments in law (e.g., changes in criminal laws, environmental law updates). This habit is useful not only for board answers but also for CLAT Current Affairs and Legal Reasoning.
8. Connect Preparation with Law Entrance Exams
Units like Judiciary, Human Rights, and International Law directly overlap with CLAT and AILET syllabi. By preparing your class 12th legal studies syllabus, you are simultaneously building a strong foundation for law entrances, saving extra effort later.
Objectives of Class 12 Legal Studies Syllabus 2025-26
- Deepen Knowledge of Legal Systems: To provide a clear understanding of advanced legal concepts like judiciary, ADR, business laws, and international law.
- Promote Constitutional Values: To help students appreciate justice, equality, liberty, and human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Develop Legal Reasoning and Analysis: To train students in applying legal principles, analyzing case studies, and forming logical arguments.
- Encourage Awareness of Rights and Duties: To create awareness about human rights, fundamental duties, and the importance of legal safeguards for citizens.
- Introduce Professional Ethics: To familiarize students with the legal profession, role of advocates, and ethical responsibilities of lawyers in India.
- Strengthen Research and Drafting Skills: To promote skills in legal research, project writing, and interpreting laws, which are essential for higher studies in law.
- Link Law with Everyday Life: To make students aware of how law governs daily activities—contracts, property, business, environment, and family matters.
- Prepare for Higher Education and Law Careers: To build a foundation for law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, and other law programs, giving students an early advantage.
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 Fine Arts 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 Physics 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 | Class 11th Sanskrit Syllabus |
FAQs About Class 12th Legal Studies Syllabus
The syllabus of legal studies subject for class 12th carries 100 marks: 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work/internal assessment.
There are eight units covering Judiciary, ADR, Business Laws, General Laws, Human Rights, International Law, Legal Profession, and Legal Services.
The prescribed book is NCERT Legal Studies – Class XII, which covers the full syllabus of legal studies subject for class 12th.
It covers the independence of judiciary, jurisdiction of Supreme Court and High Courts, judicial review, PILs, and tribunals.
ADR includes arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and Lok Adalats as methods of speedy dispute settlement.
It covers contract law, torts, property law, and intellectual property rights (IPR).
Yes, students study the concept of human rights, international conventions, Indian safeguards, and the role of commissions.
It covers the Advocates Act, 1961, Bar Council of India, duties of advocates, and evolution of the legal profession.
Projects can be on judiciary, ADR, PIL, human rights, environmental law, cyber laws, or case law analysis.
Yes, many topics from the class 12th legal studies syllabus for CBSE overlap with CLAT sections like Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Constitution.
No, Legal Studies is an elective subject and can be taken with Humanities, Commerce, or Science streams.
It is easier than technical subjects since it focuses on understanding and application rather than heavy calculations, but it requires consistent study.
It prepares students for careers in law, judiciary, advocacy, corporate law, international law, civil services, and NGOs.
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