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: Drama Process and Resource-Based Analysis
Chapter 2: People, Space and Conflict in Drama
Chapter 3: The Function of the Director
Chapter 4: The Actor: Stage Positions, Body, Voice and Role
Chapter 5: The Stage and Types of Staging
Chapter 6: Composition, Picturisation, Movement, Rhythm and Dramatisation
Chapter 7: Extracted Play Pieces and Improvisation
Chapter 8: Set Design, Positions, Composition and Blocking
Chapter 9: Production Process and Rehearsals
Chapter 10: Auditorium, Backstage Equipment, Sets and Properties
Chapter 11: Lighting and Sound Equipment and Design
Chapter 12: Costumes and Make-up Design
Chapter 13: Stage Management
Chapter 14: Technical Effects of Different Types of Staging
Chapter 15: Acting Practice and Performance
Chapter 16: Stagecraft: Costumes, Make-up, Stage Design, Lighting and Sound
Chapter 17: Practical Assessment and Performance Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Drama?

The Drama syllabus has 17 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.