Drama — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for Drama — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Use of People, Space and Conflict in Drama
Chapter 2: Greek Theatre, Dramatic Structure and Aristotle
Chapter 3: Function of the Director and Directorial Styles
Chapter 4: The Actor: Body, Voice, Role and Method Acting
Chapter 5: Movement, Stage Directions and Blocking
Chapter 6: The Stage: Parts, Sightlines and Types of Staging
Chapter 7: Indian Folk Theatre and the Natyashastra
Chapter 8: Puppetry Traditions and Types
Chapter 9: Street Theatre in the Indian Context
Chapter 10: Children's Theatre
Chapter 11: Composition and Picturisation in Theatre
Chapter 12: Rhythm and Dramatisation
Chapter 13: Literature for Dramatic Study and Application
Chapter 14: Use of the Stage and Theatre Elements
Chapter 15: Production Process: Scripting, Casting and Rehearsals
Chapter 16: Technical Production: Costumes, Sound, Lights, Set Design and Projection
Chapter 17: Sets, Stage Equipment, Furniture and Props
Chapter 18: Lighting Design and Stage Rigging
Chapter 19: Sound Design and Music in Theatre
Chapter 20: Costume Design and Period Costumes
Chapter 21: Make-up Uses and Types
Chapter 22: Stage Management and Prompt Book
Chapter 23: Acting Practical and Performance Work
Chapter 24: Stagecraft Practical and Technical Work
Chapter 25: Drama Course Work and Assessment

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Drama?

The Drama syllabus has 25 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Drama chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the Drama syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official ICSE & ISC portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for Drama faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Drama — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Drama study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.