ISC Class 11 Syllabus 2028 Robotics

ISC
INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATION

YEAR 2028

ROBOTICS
(884)

Developed by:
Research, Development and Curriculum Division (RDCD)
CISCE

January 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

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Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.

ROBOTICS (884)

This subject may be taken with Computer Science but not with Artificial Intelligence.

Aims
1. To develop an understanding of concepts and applications of Robotics.
2. To develop competencies in Robotics via., classroom instruction, laboratory and self-directed project-based
learning approach.
3. To facilitate appreciation, understanding and application with introductory concepts of Robotics and
Mechanical, Electrical and Computing Sub Systems.
4. To introduce programming concepts used in Robotics.
5. To familiarise students with the integration of subsystems.
6. To facilitate appreciation, understanding and application of Robotics.
7. To discuss Types of Robots based on applications.
8. To provide examples of application-based robots.

CLASS XI
There will be two papers in the subject:
Paper I: Theory - 3 hours…70 marks
Paper II: Practical - 3 hours ... 15 marks
Project Work … 10 marks
Practical File … 5 marks

PAPER I (THEORY) : 70 MARKS
Total Weightage
S.no Unit
(Marks)
1. Introduction to Robotics 10
2. Mechanical System 15
3. Computing Systems 20
4. Electrical and Control Systems 15
5. Applications of Robotic Systems 10
Total 70

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1. Introduction to Robotics
(i) What is a robot?
Understanding what robots are and how they operate autonomously or semi- autonomously using sensors
and AI.
(ii) New Age Robotics Systems.
Advanced AI and machine learning applications in smart manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous
vehicles.
(iii) Components of Robots.
System Visualization, Design, and Creation, Utilizing CAD modeling and precision manufacturing to
create sensors, actuators, and control units.
(iv) Relating Physics & Mathematics to Robotics.
Applying principles for motion, forces, control, algorithms for programming, and problem-solving.
Matrix Operations: Essential for transformations, handling coordinate systems and calculating rotations
and translations in robotic arms.
Vectors and Vector Spaces: Used for calculating direction, force, and position in space, especially in
multi-dimensional tasks.
(v) Project Management.
Planning, execution, and monitoring, Ensuring robotic projects meet goals, are completed on time, within
budget, and adhere to quality standards.

2. Mechanical System
(i) Frames and Reference Frames.
Frames: In robotics and mechanical systems, representation of a coordinate system defining the position
and orientation of objects within that system, provide a reference for defining the movement and
positioning of robotic components.
Reference Frames: Understanding moving and fixed frames, crucial for robot movement and positioning.
Fixed Frames: These are stationary frames that serve as a stable reference point. For instance, in a
robotic arm, the base frame of the robot is often fixed to the ground, providing a constant reference for
the entire system.
Moving Frames: These frames move along with the object they are attached to, allowing for dynamic
reference points. For example, each segment of a robotic arm may have its own moving frame, which
changes position as the arm moves.
(ii) Degrees of Freedom.
3D Modelling, designing structures by manipulating shapes in a virtual space, with the option to move,
scale, and rotate them along all three axes. TinkerCAD as a beginner-friendly, browser-based tool for
creating 3D models. Design of different structures using Tinker Cad.
(iii) Planar Mechanisms.
Planar mechanisms operate in a two-dimensional plane, typically with motion restricted to a single plane
with real life examples.
(iv) Spatial Mechanism.
Three-dimensional mechanisms, operate in three-dimensional space and allow motion in multiple
directions with real life examples(Qualitative with pictures).

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(v) Robot Kinematics.
Planar open chain mechanism, Forward kinematics of different planar configurations, such as 2R and
RP, allows to compute the position based on the joint variables or displacements.
(vi) Different Components of Robot.
Examining frames, materials (MDF,acrylic, aluminum, steel), and wheel types (standard, castor,
Mecanum, Omni).
(vii) Coordinate Systems.
Cartesian, polar, and cylindrical coordinates used for robot positioning and movement.
(viii) Specification of Robots.
Resolution: Reference to the smallest incremental movement that a robot can detect or achieve, robot’s
control system and sensors.
Current Trends: Higher Resolution Encoders particularly in applications requiring high precision, such
as electronics or biomedical manufacturing.
Sub-Micron Resolution: High-precision applications, robots, sub-micron levels and semiconductor
manufacturing.
Integrated Vision Systems: Integrated vision systems that enhance resolution by allowing real-time
adjustments based on visual feedback.
Accuracy: Ability to position its end-effectors precisely at a desired location.
Current Trends: Enhanced Calibration Techniques- Achieve better absolute accuracy. Calibration
accounts for all joints and links, minimizing errors in each part of the robot arm.
Dynamic Error Compensation: Dynamically adjust for temperature changes, wear, and other
environmental factors to maintain accuracy.
Feedback Mechanisms: Laser-based tracking and real-time correction.
Repeatability: Ability to return to a specific position under identical conditions repeatedly.
Current Trends: Sub-Millimeter Repeatability: Tasks requiring high consistency, such as spot welding in
automotive production.
Improved Mechanical Design: Improved repeatability, as the mechanical components and more reliable
over repeated cycles.
Adaptive Control Systems: Adaptive control systems, complex, repetitive motions, such as pick-and-place
operations in logistics or packaging.

3. Computing Systems
(i) Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).
Application in robotics for decision-making.
(ii) Microcontroller / SBC Architecture.
Understanding block diagrams and architecture.
(iii) Programming Fundamentals.
Algorithms, flowcharts, pseudo code, microcontroller/SBC programming, basic embedded C
programming, interrupts, and timers.
(iv) Debugging and Testing.
Ensuring correct and efficient program execution.

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4. Electrical and Control Systems
(i) Motors and Sensors.
Types of motors (DC, Servo) description, characteristics, application, advantages and disadvantages.
Sensors (IR, ultrasonic, LIDAR, touch, gyroscopes, accelerometer) description, working principle,
application, advantages and disadvantages.
(ii) Batteries.
Types of batteries commonly used in robotics (lithium-ion,lead-acid),characteristics, applications and
drawbacks.
(iii) Communication protocol.
UART, I2C, SPI, CAN.
Comparison and key characteristics, differences, uses, speed and performance, error detection and
reliability.
(iv) Power Requirement.
Power requirements of different robotic components depending on type, size and functionality, such as
motors, sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
(v) Control Systems.
Basics of control systems ensuring accurate, efficient, and safe robot performance.

5. Applications of Robotic Systems
(i) Manipulators
Study the basic mathematical concepts and control strategies used in analysing robotic manipulator arms,
emphasising their practical use in automating industrial processes and assembly tasks.
(ii) Mobile Robots
Examine the basic design principles and sensor integration techniques for autonomous mobile robots,
emphasising their role in logistics, transportation, and search and rescue operations.
(iii) Drones
Applying the principles of aerial robotics and drone technology, including sensor payloads, and
regulations, with applications in aerial photography, agriculture, and disaster response.

PAPER II (PRACTICALS) : 30 MARKS
The practical paper of three hours duration will be evaluated internally by the school. The paper shall consist of
three problem statements from which a candidate has to attempt any one problem statement.
The practical consists of two parts:
(1) Planning/ Writing Session
(2) Examination Session
The total time to be spent on the Planning/Writing Session and the Examination session is three hours. A maximum
of 90 minutes is permitted for the Planning/Writing Session and 90 minutes for the Examination session.
Candidates are to be permitted to proceed to the Examination Session only after the 90 minutes of the
Planning / Writing Session are over.
Planning/Writing Session
The candidates will be required to prepare an algorithm and a handwritten program to solve the problem.

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Examination Session
The program handed in at the end of the Planning/Writing session shall be returned to the candidates. The
candidates will be required to do and execute the program, circuit on seen and unseen inputs individually on the
computer, hardware and show execution to the examiner. A printout of the program listing, including output
should be attached to the answer script containing the handwritten program and hardware results. This should be
returned to the examiner. The program should be sufficiently documented so that the apparatus/components
required, circuit diagram/block diagram, algorithm/flowchart, representation, development process,
observations/output is clear from reading the program. Large differences between the planned program and the
printout will result in loss of marks.
Teachers should maintain a record of all the assignments done as part of the practical work throughout the year
and give it due credit at the time of cumulative evaluation at the end of the year. Students are expected to do a
minimum of twenty assignments for the year and ONE project based on the syllabus.
List of suggested assignments/Experiments:
Some sample problems are given below as examples. The problems are of varying levels of difficulty:
1. Provide physical objects and demonstrate how to describe their positions using Cartesian, polar, and
cylindrical coordinate systems.
2. Construct a simple robotic arm and analyse its degrees of freedom and range of motion.
3. Connect sensors such as ultrasonic, infrared, or camera sensors to a robot and perform tasks like obstacle
avoidance or object detection.
4. Use a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to program basic robot movements such as forward, backward, left, and
right.
5. Use inverse kinematics to control the end-effector of a robotic arm to reach specific target positions.
6. Program a robot to detect obstacles using sensors and navigate around them autonomously.
7. Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules to establish wireless communication between a robot and a remote-control
device.
8. Use simulation software to model and simulate robotic systems performing various tasks.
9. Choose a robotics project (e.g., autonomous robot navigation, robotic arm manipulation) and work in teams
to design, build, and demonstrate their project.

NOTE: This list is indicative only. Teachers and students should use their imagination to create innovative and
original assignments.
EVALUATION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Marks (out of 30) should be distributed as given below.
Continuous Evaluation
Candidates will be required to submit a work file containing the practical work related to assignments done during
the year and ONE project.

Assignments done throughout the year 10 marks

Project Work (based on any topic from the syllabus) 5 marks

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Proposed Guidelines for Marking
The actual grading will be done by the teacher based on his/her judgment. One possible way: divide the outcome
for each criterion into one of 3 groups: excellent, good, poor/unacceptable, then use numeric values for each grade
and add to get the total.
Evaluation will be done as follows:
Assignments: 10 Marks

Criteria (Total 10 marks) Class design - Execution Documentation Practical File
(4 marks) (6 marks)
Excellent 4 6
Good 3 4
Poor 1 2
Project Work: 5 marks

Criteria Knowledge and Functionality and Presentation
Understanding Performance
(Total 5 marks) (1 marks)
(1 marks) (3 marks)
Excellent 1 3 1
Good 1 2 1
Poor 1 1 1

Terminal Evaluation

Solution to Problem Statement on Hands-On/ Programming 15 marks

Marks should be given for choice of algorithm and implementation strategy, circuit making, documentation,
correct output on known inputs mentioned in the question paper, correct output for unknown inputs available only
to the examiner.

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