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ISC Class XII Board Examination

ISC Psychology — Specimen Question Paper 2026

Specimen2026Subject code 855
Open source paper at static.collegedekho.com (opens in a new tab)
Board
ISC Class XII Board Examination
Class
Class 12
Subject
Psychology
Year
2026
Total marks
Not verified
Duration
Not verified

Verification and rights

Checked against a named, citable source that is recorded with the record.

Imported specimen paper from CollegeDekho (mirror of CISCE PDF) on 2026-08-29.

Questions in this paper

Section A

  1. 1((i))Ravi possesses expertise in science subjects and in mathematics. He also has the skill
    to apply complex formulas of statistics.
    According to Charles Spearman’s theory, what type of intelligence does Ravi
    display?    1 mark
  2. 1((ii))Sigmund Freud believed in a driving force within the psyche that comprised pleasure-
    seeking behaviours of the Id. What term did he use to denote this force?    1 mark
  3. 1((iii))Jaspreet, aged ten years, asks her friend, Reema to help her clean her room. Reema
    readily agrees and helps Jaspreet as she does not want to upset her. She wants to be
    liked and appreciated.
    According to Lawrence Kohlberg, name the sub-stage of the orientation of moral
    development that Reema is displaying.    1 mark
  4. 1((iv))Name the theory of Intelligence that is represented by a three-dimensional cube with
    many sub-categories and is difficult to measure.    1 mark
  5. 1((v))Hannah failed her dance audition. She blamed the Judge as being biased. When her
    friend, Sabha failed, she said it was due to Sabha’s lack of preparation.
    Name the type of bias displayed by Hannah.    1 mark
  6. 1((vi))Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the
    statements carefully and choose the correct option.
    Assertion: People tend to change their attitudes when their behaviour conflicts with
    their beliefs.
    Reason: Cognitive dissonance creates physical discomfort and motivates individuals
    to reduce it.    1 mark
  7. 1((vii))Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the
    statements carefully and choose the correct option.
    Assertion: A stressful work deadline can lead to strain with increased levels of
    anxiety.
    Reason: Stress is the cause and strain is the effect.    1 mark
  8. 1((viii))Study the relation between the first two terms / phrases and complete the analogy.
    (a) Conservation: Concrete Operational Stage :: Abstract thought: ____________
    (b) Ego: Reality Principle :: Super ego: ___________    1 mark
  9. 1((ix))A psychologist diagnoses an individual as ‘abnormal’ based on their dangerous
    behaviour.
    Which one of the following is an example of ‘dangerous’ behaviour?    1 mark
  10. 1((x))Albert Bandura places great emphasis on the concept of Self-Efficacy. It relates to an
    individual’s faith and confidence in their ability to perform some tasks successfully.
    Which one of the following scenarios is the correct example of this term?    1 mark
  11. 1((xi))Shadab can confidently say ‘no’ to a request he cannot fulfil. He has high self-esteem
    and expresses his opinions without being self-conscious.
    Which one of the following skills is Shadab exhibiting?    1 mark
  12. 1((xiii))Maya is a content writer who works mostly from home. While she likes the freedom
    and flexibility of working from home, she sometimes misses interacting and
    socialising with her community of coworkers. She visits her office twice a week and
    meets her colleagues to sort out work related matters. She also joins a group of writers
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    ISC (CLASS XII) SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2026
    on social media whom she meets at a local café once a week. She brainstorms on
    various topics with them and exchanges ideas.
    Which one of the following groups relate to Maya’s social life?
    (P) A group which involves roles performed by members in the
    organisation in a specific manner within rules and regulations.
    (Q) A group in which members’ likes and dislikes are considered over
    those who are not a part of it.
    (R) A group that relates to one another and exchanges their feelings as
    they are related by blood.
    (S) A group in which the members motivate one another and assist those
    who are new in the field.    1 mark

Section B

  1. 2((i))Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
    Stress can adversely affect one’s health. Some of the key biological mechanisms
    through which stress impacts health is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
    regulation and cortisol. The studies reviewed in this article confirm that stress has
    an impact on multiple biological systems affecting one’s health. Counsellors work
    with such people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological
    problems. They help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their well-
    being.
    (Source (edited): Stress and Health: A Review of Psychobiological Processes. Daryl
    B. O'Connor, Julian F. Thayer and Kavitha Vedhara, Vol. 72:663-688 (Volume
    publication date January 2021, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-062520-
    122331)
    (a) With reference to the above study, explain any two characteristics of a
    Counsellor that would help to enhance an individual’s well-being.
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    ISC (CLASS XII) SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2026
    (b) With reference to the above study on biological mechanisms, examine
    any two long-term effects of stress on health.
    OR    2 marks
  2. 2((ii))Riya and Meher are assigned the same hostel room with three other girls. The room
    is small and often noisy. While Riya feels stressed, complains of lack of privacy,
    and prefers to study in the library, Meher adjusts well, chats with everyone, and
    does not mind the space constraints.
    (a) Suggest how Riya can develop a positive attitude towards her situation.
    (b) Referring to Riya’s and Meher’s responses, explain how individual reactions
    to crowded situations can impact their well-being.
    .    2 marks
  3. 3((i))Briefly explain the type of judgment indicated above.2 marks
  4. 3((ii))Referring to Harold Kelley’s theory, explain the cause behind Anthony’s response
    referred to above.    2 marks
  5. 5((i))Name any one psychomotor sub-test of GATB.1 mark
  6. 5((ii))Explain any three subtests of GATB that measure the other composites apart from
    the one referred to in subpart (i).    3 marks
  7. 6((i))Read the study given below and answer the following questions.
    A cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,563 adolescents aged between 13 and
    17 years. They were enrolled in 204 government schools in all 12 districts in a city
    in India. The results were alarming, as many as 30 percent of the adolescents
    indulged in substance abuse. This raised serious concerns over their well-being and
    future.
    (Source(edited:)https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/30-adolescents-
    indulged-in-substance-abuse- survey /Tribune News Service Updated At : 06:33 AM
    Aug 08, 2024 IST)
    (a) With reference to the given study, explain the possible symptoms of substance
    abuse among the adolescents referred to above.
    (b) In your opinion, how would such behaviours of adolescents lead to
    delinquency?
    OR    2 marks
  8. 6((ii))Researchers like Bronfenbrenner pointed to the role of lack of mothering i.e. tender
    and affectionate care, producing long-term deficits in children raised in institutions
    like orphanages. He concluded that children are most vulnerable to long term
    negative effects of institutionalisation in the first six months of life. The risk
    decreases with children who are admitted into orphanages at older ages. Moving to
    a more developmentally supportive environment, reduces the negative effects of
    institutionalization.
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    ISC (CLASS XII) SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2026
    (Source (modified) Age At Adoption from Institutional Care as a window into the
    Lasting Effects of Early Experiences-Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2013
    Jun;16(2):101–145.doi:10.1007/s10567-013-0130 Megan M Julian-National
    Library of Medicine)
    (a) According to Bronfenbrenner, explain two ecological systems that young
    children brought up in an orphanage are deprived of.
    (b) Based on the study as stated above, discuss any two points to highlight the
    importance of understanding lifespan development.    2 marks
  9. 8((i))Explain the approach to abnormality that Ravi’s psychiatrist has adopted.2 marks
  10. 8((ii))Explain any two causes for Ravi’s psychological condition.
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    ISC (CLASS XII) SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2026    2 marks

Section C

  1. 9((i))Discuss Carl Rogers’ theory of Personality.6 marks
  2. 9((ii))Briefly explain any one criticism of Carl Rogers’ theory of Personality.1 mark
  3. 11((ii))Comment on the relevance of assessing Emotional Intelligence of candidates for a
    job.    1 mark
  4. 11((iii))Explain five characteristics of Emotionally Intelligent persons that
    organisations use as criteria to select suitable candidates.
    OR    5 marks
  5. 11((v))Comment on the relevance of measuring Intelligence Quotient in an individual.1 mark
  6. 11((vi))Explain any five positive characteristics of individuals with superior intelligence.5 marks
  7. 12((i))Explain four environmental factors that affect Arjun.4 marks
  8. 12((ii))Suggest any three ways to help Arjun develop pro-environmental behaviours.
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    ISC (CLASS XII) SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2026
    PSYCHOLOGY    3 marks