Students interested in pursuing fields like teaching, creative writing, mass communication, journalism, diplomacy, and counseling take up the Arts or Humanities Stream in Class 12. This is common for all the three main boards – ICSE, CBSE, and the different States.

Preparing for CBSE Class 12 Boards – Arts Exam?

To begin with, CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. The Class 12 board exams are conducted every year. The main subjects for CBSE’s Arts stream, apart from the compulsory English and Hindi, are —History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Geography, and Psychology. The board also offers a list of Core/Elective subjects. Schools are allowed to pick from these subjects for the I & II group.

The board now has separate formats for the online and offline exam patterns. The online format is divided into two terms. While Term 1 will take place in November-December, Term 2 is scheduled for March-April, 2024. The examination pattern also differs for both formats. While the online test will comprise Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), the offline format pattern will have case-based and situation-based questions. These will be divided into short and long answer types.

Books for CBSE Class 12 (Arts)

The CBSE Class 12 Arts Syllabus exam format includes both Theoretical and Practical exams. While the exam is scored out of 100, it is divided between both formats. This weightage depends on the subject.

Class 12 Arts Books List for Core Subjects

The core subjects included in the standard syllabus for Class 12 (Arts) are English, Economics, History, Geography, Sociology and Psychology.

1. Books for History

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 History:

2. Books for Political Science

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Political Science:

3. Books for Sociology

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Sociology:

4. Books for Economics

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Economics:

5. Books for Geography & Psychology

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Geography & Psychology:

Other subjects that can be included in the Arts Stream

Apart from the core subjects, CBSE students can choose two languages from options that include Indian and foreign languages. They also need to opt for three electives. The students are also evaluated based on their scores in the General Studies exam, and physical and health education.

The subjects that are commonly included in the Class 12 Arts stream are Home Science, Fine Arts, Fashion Studies, Creative Writing and Philosophy. Schools are allowed to choose from among these subjects.

1. Books for Home Science

The CBSE Class 12 Home Science paper is a 100-marks paper with 70 marks for the theory exam and the rest for practical. The subject of home science has gained importance because of its increased relevance in the evolving job market and universities coming up with specializations.

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Home Science:

2. Book for Fine Arts

The fine arts course material includes chapters on painting, graphics, sculpture and applied art-commercial art. Fine arts is the study of aesthetics, history of arts, graphic designing, ceramic and moulds.

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Fine Arts:

3. Book for Fashion Studies

The CBSE course on Fashion Studies deals with the process of designing and production of fashion apparel. It will teach students about the history of fashion and impart training in vocational skills.

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Fashion Studies:

4. Book for Creative Writing

Creative writing is the art of curating content for purposes other than academic or journalistic. This form of writing is needed for creating marketing material. This 100-mark paper is divided into 4 parts – Reading and Comprehension, Creative Writing & Translation, Textual, and Portfolio Assessment.

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Creative Writing:

5. Book for Philosophy

The CBSE course in philosophy helps students understand the different concepts like science and hypothesis, elements of symbolic logic and Buddhist formal logic. This is a 100-marks paper and the score for each question ranges from 10-15 marks.

Here is the list of books suggested for CBSE Class 12 Philosophy:

Why study Arts stream?

Choosing the Arts stream in CBSE Class 12 is a significant decision that can significantly impact your academic and professional journey. The Arts stream offers a wide range of subjects, making it an appealing choice for those interested in creative and intellectually stimulating fields. In this section, we’ll explore the key reasons why you should consider studying the Arts in CBSE Class 12.

• Diverse Career Options: The Arts stream is renowned for its versatility, offering numerous career opportunities, including teaching, creative writing, journalism, diplomacy, counseling, social work, research, event management, and public relations.
• Enhanced Creativity: Arts subjects foster creativity and critical thinking skills, which are not only valuable for artistic pursuits but also for problem-solving in various life and career situations.
• Social Awareness: Delving into Arts subjects provides valuable insights into society, politics, culture, and human behavior, making you more socially aware, a crucial trait in many professions.
• Personal Expression: In the Arts stream, you can express yourself through literature, visual arts, and communication, providing a unique platform for conveying your thoughts and emotions.
• Foundation for Further Studies: The Arts stream serves as an excellent foundation for higher education, covering a wide array of subjects that can lead to specialized courses and advanced degrees.
• Cultural Appreciation: Arts subjects often delve into the rich tapestry of human culture and history, fostering an appreciation for the diversity of traditions, art forms, and global perspectives.
• Problem Solving: The critical thinking skills developed in the Arts stream are highly transferable and can be applied to various real-world challenges, making Arts graduates adept problem solvers.
• Personal Fulfillment: Pursuing the Arts is not just about career prospects; it can be personally fulfilling, allowing you to explore your interests and passions.

Tips for Choosing the Right Textbooks

Selecting the right textbooks is a critical aspect of academic success. It ensures you have access to the necessary resources for effective learning and exam preparation. In this section, we’ll provide practical tips for making informed decisions when choosing textbooks for your Arts stream subjects.

• Check the CBSE Curriculum: It’s crucial to select textbooks that align with the latest CBSE curriculum to ensure that you cover all the necessary topics and are well-prepared for your exams.
• Recommendations from Teachers: Seek guidance from your teachers or subject experts. They can offer valuable insights into the most suitable textbooks for your specific learning needs.
• Publisher Repute: Opt for textbooks from reputable publishers known for producing high-quality educational content. Established publishers often maintain high standards in terms of content and production quality.
• Sample Chapters: Prior to making a final decision, review sample chapters from the textbooks you’re considering. This allows you to assess the book’s style, content, and compatibility with your learning preferences.
• Consider Supplementary Materials: Some textbooks come with supplementary materials like practice papers, worksheets, online resources, video tutorials, and interactive quizzes. These supplementary materials can be instrumental in practicing and enhancing your understanding of the subject.
• Online Reviews and Student Feedback: Explore online reviews and seek feedback from fellow students who have used the same textbooks. Their experiences can offer insights into the pros and cons of each book.
• Pricing and Affordability: Consider the cost of the textbooks and whether they fit within your budget. Look for options that provide value for money while maintaining quality.
• Availability and Accessibility: Ensure that the chosen textbooks are readily available and accessible from local bookstores or online retailers to facilitate easy procurement.

What next after CBSE 12 Art?

Completing CBSE 12 Arts is a significant accomplishment, and it opens the door to a multitude of possibilities for your future. After your CBSE 12 Arts journey, you can explore a wide range of career and higher education options. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most popular Bachelor’s degree programs and career paths you can pursue.

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA):

This program is ideal if you’re interested in subjects like history, political science, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology. It provides a solid academic foundation and can lead to careers in teaching, research, civil services, journalism, social work, and international relations.

2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): 

Tailored for those passionate about visual and performing arts, the BFA program offers comprehensive training in areas such as painting, sculpture, music, theatre, dance, photography, and digital media, preparing graduates for careers as artists, performers, art educators, and creative directors.

3. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):

To explore the business and management sector, a BBA degree equips you with a strong understanding of business principles, preparing you for careers in marketing, finance, human resources, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and project management.

4. Bachelor of Fashion Design: 

Aspiring fashion designers can pursue this program, which covers design, textiles, fashion marketing, and apparel production, preparing students for careers in the fashion industry, including fashion design, merchandising, retail management, and fashion entrepreneurship.

5. Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication:

This program is designed for those interested in media, journalism, and communication. It provides the skills needed for careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, digital media, content creation, media management, and corporate communication.

Conclusion: 

The CBSE 12th Arts stream offers a diverse range of subjects and promising career opportunities for students interested in creative and intellectually stimulating fields. The choice of textbooks, alignment with the CBSE curriculum, and recommendations from teachers play a vital role in ensuring academic success.

After completing CBSE 12 Arts, students have the option to pursue various Bachelor’s degree programs, setting the stage for careers in teaching, arts, business, journalism, and more, making this educational journey a foundation for a bright and varied future.