The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Class 12 syllabus for the 2025–2026 academic session, following the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This syllabus emphasizes conceptual understanding and competency-based learning, focusing on practical application over rote memorization, and aims to prepare students for board and competitive exams as well as higher education.
Overview
The CBSE Class 12 syllabus includes three main streams: Science, Commerce, and Humanities, as well as language subjects and skill-based electives. Each subject features theory, internal assessment, and practical or project work.
CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus
| Units | Chapters & Topic |
| Unit-I: Relations and Functions | 1. Relations and Functions Types of relations: reflexive, symmetric, transitive, and equivalence relations. One-to-one and onto functions. 2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions Definition, range, domain, principal value branch. Graphs of inverse trigonometric functions |
| Unit-II: Algebra | 1. Matrices Concept, notation, order, equality, types of matrices, zero and identity matrix, transpose of a matrix, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices. Operations on matrices: Addition and multiplication and multiplication with a scalar. Simple properties of addition, multiplication, and scalar multiplication. Non-commutativity of multiplication of matrices and existence of non-zero matrices whose product is the zero matrix (restricted to square matrices of order 2). Invertible matrices and proof of the uniqueness of inverse, if it exists; (Here all matrices will have real entries). 2. Determinants Determinants of a square matrix (up to 3 x 3 matrices), minors, co-factors, and applications of determinants in finding the area of a triangle. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix. Consistency, inconsistency, and number of solutions of a system of linear equations by examples, solving a system of linear equations in two or three variables (having unique solution) using the inverse of a matrix. |
| Unit-III: Calculus | 1. Continuity and Differentiability Continuity and differentiability, chain rule, a derivative of inverse trigonometric functions, like sin-1x cos-1x tan-1x, derivative of implicit functions. Concept of exponential and logarithmic functions. Derivatives of logarithmic and exponential functions. Logarithmic differentiation is a derivative of functions expressed in parametric forms. Second-order derivatives. 2. Applications of Derivatives Applications of derivatives: rate of change of quantities, increasing/decreasing functions, maxima, and minima (first derivative test motivated geometrically and second derivative test given as a provable tool). Simple problems (that illustrate basic principles and understanding of the subject as well as real-life situations). 3. Integrals Integration is the inverse process of differentiation. Integration of a variety of functions by substitution, partial fractions, and parts, Evaluation of simple integrals of the following types and problems based on them. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (without proof). Basic properties of definite integrals and evaluation of definite integrals. 4. Applications of the Integrals Applications in finding the area under simple curves, especially lines, circles/parabolas/ellipses (in standard form only) 5. Differential Equations Definition, order and degree, general and particular solutions of a differential equation. Solution of differential equations by method of separation of variables, solutions of homogeneous differential equations of first order and first degree. Solutions of linear differential equation of the type: |
| Unit-IV: Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry | 1. Vectors Vectors and scalars, magnitude and direction of a vector. Direction cosines and direction ratios of a vector. Types of vectors (equal, unit, zero, parallel, and collinear vectors), position vector of a point, negative of a vector, components of a vector, addition of vectors, multiplication of a vector by a scalar, position vector of a point dividing a line segment in a given ratio. Definition, Geometrical Interpretation, properties and application of scalar (dot) product of vectors, vector (cross) product of vectors. 2. Three-dimensional Geometry Direction cosines and direction ratios of a line joining two points. Cartesian equation and vector equation of a line, skew lines, shortest distance between two lines. The angle between two lines. |
| Unit-V: Linear Programming | 1. Linear Programming Introduction, related terminology such as constraints, objective function, optimization, graphical method of solution for problems in two variables, feasible and infeasible regions (bounded or unbounded), feasible and infeasible solutions, optimal feasible solutions (up to three non-trivial constraints). |
| Unit-VI: Probability | 1. Probability Conditional probability, multiplication theorem on probability, independent events, total probability, Bayes’ theorem, Random variable and its probability distribution, mean of random variable |
CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus
| Units | Chapters & Topic |
| Unit I- Electrostatics | Chapter-1: Electric Charges and Fields Electric charges, Conservation of charge, Coulomb’s law force between two point charges, forces between multiple charges; superposition principle, and continuous charge distribution. Electric field, electric field due to a point charge, electric field lines, electric dipole, electric field due to a dipole, torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field. Electric flux, statement of Gauss’s theorem and its applications to find field due to infinitely long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet, and uniformly charged thin spherical shell (field inside and outside). Chapter-2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole, and system of charges; equipotential surfaces, the electrical potential energy of a system of two point charges, and electric dipole in an electrostatic field. Conductors and insulators, free charges, and bound charges inside a conductor. Dielectrics and electric polarisation, capacitors, and capacitance, a combination of capacitors in series and parallel, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor (no derivation, formulae only). |
| Unit II- Current Electricity | Chapter-3: Current Electricity Electric current, the flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity, mobility and their relation with electric current; Ohm’s law, V-I characteristics (linear and nonlinear). electrical energy and power, electrical resistivity, and conductivity, temperature dependence of resistance, Internal resistance of a cell, potential difference and emf of a cell, combination of cells in series and parallel, Kirchhoff’s rules, Wheatstone bridge. |
| Unit III- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Chapter-4: Moving Charges and Magnetism Concept of the magnetic field, Oersted’s experiment. Biot – Savart law and its application to the current-carrying circular loop. Ampere’s law and its applications to infinitely long straight wire. Straight solenoid (only qualitative treatment), force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields. Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field, the force between two parallel current-carrying definitions of an ampere, torque experienced by a current loop in a uniform magnetic field; Current loop as a magnetic dipole and its magnetic dipole moment, moving coil galvanometer current sensitivity and conversion to ammeter and voltmeter. Chapter-5: Magnetism and Matter Bar magnet, bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and perpendicular to its axis (qualitative treatment only), torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic field (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field lines. Magnetic properties of materials- Para-, dia- and ferromagnetic substances with examples, Magnetization of materials, the effect of temperature on magnetic properties. |
| Unit IV- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | Chapter-6: Electromagnetic Induction Electromagnetic induction; Faraday’s laws, induced EMF and current; Lenz’s Law, Self and mutual induction. Chapter-7: Alternating Current Alternating currents, peak and RMS value of alternating current/voltage; reactance and impedance; LCR series circuit (phasors only), resonance, power in AC circuits, power factor, wattless current. AC generator, Transformer. |
| Unit V- Electromagnetic waves | Chapter-8: Electromagnetic Waves The basic idea of displacement current, Electromagnetic waves, their characteristics, and their transverse nature (qualitative idea only). Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) including elementary facts about their uses. |
| Unit VI- Optics | Chapter-9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Ray Optics: Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula, refraction of light, total internal reflection and optical fibres, refraction at spherical surfaces, lenses, thin lens formula, lens maker’s formula, magnification, power of a lens, combination of thin lenses in contact, refraction of light through a prism. Optical instruments: Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting) and their magnifying powers. Chapter-10: Wave Optics Wave Optics: Wavefront and Huygens principle, reflection, and refraction of plane waves at a plane surface using wave fronts. Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens principle. Interference, Young’s double slit experiment and expression for fringe width (No derivation final expression only), coherent sources and sustained interference of light, diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maxima (qualitative treatment only). |
| Unit VII-Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Dual nature of radiation, Photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard’s observations; Einstein’s photoelectric equation-particle nature of light. Experimental study of photoelectric effect Matter waves-wave nature of particles, de-Broglie relation. |
| Unit VIII- Atoms and Nuclei | Chapter-12: Atoms Alpha-particle scattering experiment; Rutherford’s model of atom; Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, Expression for the radius of the nth possible orbit, velocity, and energy of an electron in his orbit, of hydrogen line spectra (qualitative treatment only). Chapter-13: Nuclei Composition and size of nucleus, nuclear force Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number; nuclear fission, nuclear fusion. |
| Unit IX- Electronic Devices | Chapter-14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators (qualitative ideas only) Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors- p and n-type, p-n junction Semiconductor diode – I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, application of junction diode -diode as a rectifier. |
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus
| Chapters | Topics |
| Solutions | Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in liquids, solubility of gases in liquids, solid solutions, Raoult’s law, colligative properties – relative lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure, determination of molecular masses using colligative properties, abnormal molecular mass, Van’t Hoff factor. |
| Electrochemistry | Redox reactions, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells, Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell, conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and molar conductivity, variations of conductivity with concentration, Kohlrausch’s Law, electrolysis and law of electrolysis (elementary idea), dry cell-electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells, lead accumulator, fuel cells, corrosion. |
| Chemical Kinetics | Rate of a reaction (Average and instantaneous), factors affecting rate of reaction: concentration, temperature, catalyst; order and molecularity of a reaction, rate law and specific rate constant, integrated rate equations and half-life (only for zero and first order reactions), concept of collision theory (elementary idea, no mathematical treatment). activation energy, Arrhenius equation. |
| d and f Block Elements | General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics of transition metals, general trends in properties of the first-row transition metals metallic character, ionization enthalpy. oxidation states, ionic radii, colour, catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy formation, preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4. Lanthanoids – Electronic configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity and lanthanoid contraction and its consequences. Actinoids – Electronic configuration, oxidation states and comparison with lanthanoids. |
| Coordination Compounds | Coordination compounds – Introduction, ligands, coordination number, colour, magnetic properties and shapes. IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds. Bonding, Werner’s theory, VBT, and CFT: structure and stereoisomerism, importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological system). |
| Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C-X bond, physical and chemical properties, optical rotation mechanism of substitution reactions. Haloarenes: Nature of C-X bond, substitution reactions (Directive influence of halogen in monosubstituted compounds only). Uses and environmental effects of – dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons, DDT. |
| Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only), identification of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, mechanism of dehydration, and uses with special reference to methanol and ethanol. Phenols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution reactions, uses of phenols. Ethers: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses. |
| Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | Aldehydes and Ketones: Nomenclature, nature of carbonyl group, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of nucleophilic addition, reactivity of alpha hydrogen in aldehydes,uses. Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, acidic nature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties; uses. |
| Amines | Amines: Nomenclature, classification, structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, and identification of primary. secondary and tertiary amines. Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions and importance in synthetic organic chemistry. |
| Biomolecules | Carbohydrates – Classification (aldoses and ketoses). monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen); Importance of carbohydrates. Proteins – Elementary idea of amino acids, peptide bonds, polypeptides, proteins, structure of proteins -primary, secondary, tertiary structure and quaternary structures (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins; enzymes. Hormones – Elementary idea excluding structure. Vitamins – Classification and functions. Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA. |
CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus
| Units | Chapters & Topics |
| Unit-I Reproduction | 1. Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants Flower structure, gametophytes, pollination, fertilisation, seeds & fruits, apomixis, parthenocarpy. 2. Human Reproduction Male & female systems, gametogenesis, menstrual cycle, fertilisation, pregnancy, lactation. 3. Reproductive Health STDs, contraception, MTP, amniocentesis, infertility, IVF, ZIFT, GIFT. |
| Unit-II. Genetics & Evolution | 4. Principles of Inheritance & Variation Mendelian laws, deviations, polygenic inheritance, sex determination, disorders. 5. Molecular Basis of Inheritance DNA/RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, genome projects, DNA fingerprinting. 6. Evolution Origin of life, evidences, Darwin’s theory, natural selection, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg, human evolution. |
| Unit-III. Biology & Human Welfare | 7. Human Health & Diseases Pathogens, diseases (malaria, dengue, etc.), immunity, vaccines, cancer, HIV, drug abuse. 8. Microbes in Human Welfare Microbes in food, industry, sewage, energy, bio-control, bio-fertilizers, antibiotics. |
| Unit-IV. Biotechnology | 9. Biotechnology Principles & Processes bio-control, bio-fertilizers, antibiotics. Recombinant DNA technology. 10. Biotechnology & Applications Insulin, vaccines, stem cells, gene therapy, GMOs, transgenics, biosafety, patents. |
| Unit-V. Ecology & Environment | 11. Organisms & Populations Interactions, population growth, birth & death rate, age distribution. 12. Ecosystem Components, productivity, energy flow, pyramids. 13. Biodiversity & Conservation Importance, loss, conservation methods, hotspots, Red Data Book, reserves, national parks. |
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CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus
Section A: Reading Skills =>Marks 22
Section B: Creative Writing Skills => Marks 18
Section C: Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text =>Marks 40
| Reading Skills | Marks |
| Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage | |
| One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis and inference. Vocabulary assessment will also be assessed via inference. The passage may be factual, descriptive or literary. | 12 |
| One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc. to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. Note: The combined word limit for both passages will be 700-750 words. Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions and Short Answer Type Questions (to be answered in 40-50 words) will be asked. | 10 |
| Total | 22 |
| Creative Writing Skills | Marks |
| Notice, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. | (4 Marks: Format :1/Content: 2/Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1). |
| Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. | (4 Marks: Format: 1/Content: 2/Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1). |
| Letters based on verbal/visual input, are to be answered in approximately 120-150 words. Letter types include applications for a job with bio-data or a resume. Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinions on issues of public interest). One out of the two given questions to be answered. | (5) Marks: Format: 1/Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2/Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1). |
| Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. | 5 Marks: Format: 1 /Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2/ Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar:1). |
| Total | 18 |
| Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text | Marks |
| One Poetry extracts out of two, from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. | (6×1 = 6 Marks) |
| One Prose extract out of two, from the book Vistas, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and appreciation. | (4×1 = 4 Marks) |
| One prose extract out of two from the book Flamingo, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. | (6×1 = 6 Marks) |
| Short answer type questions (from Prose and Poetry from the book Flamingo), to be answered in 40-50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Five questions out of the six given, are to be answered. | (5×2 = 10 Marks) |
| Short answer type questions, from Prose (Vistas), to be answered in 40-50 words each. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Any two out of three questions to be done. | (2×2 = 4 Marks) |
| One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo), to be answered in 120-150 words. Questions can be based on incident/theme/passage/extract/event as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative responses from the student. Any one out of two questions to be done. | (5×1 = 5 Marks) |
| One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Vistas, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses using incidents, events, and themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. | (1×5 = Marks) |
CBSE Class 12 Hindi Syllabus
खंड–क (अपठित बोध)
| विषय | विवरण | अंक |
| अपठित गद्यांश | लगभग 250 शब्दों का गद्यांश। इस पर आधारित बोध, चिंतन, विश्लेषण, बहुविकल्पीय, अति लघु उत्तरीय और लघु उत्तरीय प्रश्न पूछे जाएंगे। | 10 |
| अपठित पद्यांश | लगभग 100 शब्दों का पद्यांश। इस पर आधारित सराहना, सौंदर्य, चिंतन, विश्लेषण आदि प्रश्न पूछे जाएंगे। प्रश्न प्रकार: बहुविकल्पीय, अति लघु उत्तरीय और लघु उत्तरीय। | 8 |
| कुल अंक | 18 |
खंड–ख (अभिव्यक्ति और माध्यम: पाठ्यपुस्तक आधारित)
| विषय | विवरण | अंक |
| रचनात्मक लेखन | दिए गए 3 अप्रत्याशित विषयों में से किसी 1 विषय पर लगभग 120 शब्दों में निबंध लेखन। | 6 |
| पाठ आधारित प्रश्न | पाठ संख्या 3, 4, 5, 11, 12 और 13 पर आधारित लघु एवं दीर्घ उत्तरीय प्रश्न। (40–80 शब्दों में) | 16 |
| कुल अंक | 22 |
खंड–ग (आरोह भाग–2 एवं वितान भाग–2)
| विषय | विवरण | अंक |
| पठन काव्यांश | पठन काव्यांश पर आधारित 5 बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (1×5) | 5 |
| काव्य खंड प्रश्न (I) | 3 प्रश्नों में से किसी भी 2 प्रश्नों के उत्तर (लगभग 60 शब्दों में, 3×2) | 6 |
| काव्य खंड प्रश्न (II) | 3 प्रश्नों में से किसी भी 2 प्रश्नों के उत्तर (लगभग 40 शब्दों में, 2×2) | 4 |
| पठन गद्यांश | पठन गद्यांश पर आधारित 5 बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (1×5) | 5 |
| गद्य खंड प्रश्न (I) | 3 प्रश्नों में से किसी भी 2 प्रश्नों के उत्तर (लगभग 60 शब्दों में, 3×2) | 6 |
| गद्य खंड प्रश्न (II) | 3 प्रश्नों में से किसी भी 2 प्रश्नों के उत्तर (लगभग 40 शब्दों में, 2×2) | 4 |
| वितान आधारित प्रश्न | 3 प्रश्नों में से किसी भी 2 प्रश्नों के उत्तर (लगभग 60 शब्दों में, 5×2) | 10 |
| कुल अंक | 40 |