CBSE Class 12 Syllabus is a secondary school syllabus developed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to offer a structured model of learning to Senior Secondary students (Classes XI and XII).
- The syllabus encompasses seven primary curriculum areas: Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Commerce, Skill Subjects, Health and Physical Education, and General Studies.
- Students must select a combination of compulsory and optional subjects, comprising a minimum of five core subjects and an additional optional subject.
- CBSE class 12 question paper will comprise a total of 80 marks, and 20 marks will be assigned for projects, practicals, activities, and skill assessment.
- The official CBSE Class 12 syllabus 2025-26 curriculum is available on the CBSE Official Website.
Also Read:
Key Summary
- Curriculum Structure: Class 12 belongs to a composite two-year course with Class 11. Class 12 students continue the same subjects that they have selected in Class 11. The syllabus focuses on creating knowledge, skills, values, and competencies in several areas.
- Learning Areas: The curriculum is composed of seven major areas, including Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Skill Subjects, General Studies, and Health and Physical Education. They are divided into mandatory and elective elements.
- Assessment & Marks Distribution:
- Board Examination: 80 marks on the whole syllabus.
- Internal Assessment: 20 marks with projects, practicals, activities, and skill assessment.
- Marking scheme: There are 100 marks in each subject.
- Grading System: 9-point grading scope that has standardized tie-breaking and adjustments.
- Exam Duration: Typically, 3 hours for each board examination.
- Designing the course and Skills Development: The focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, analytic ability, and creativity.
- Authoritative Resources and References:
- CBSE Academic Portal: Sample papers, skill elective materials, and syllabus PDFs, exemplar problems.
- NCERT Textbooks: Primary source for all subjects.
- Reference Books: Additional practice and higher-order problems.
- Significant Purpose: To equip the students for tertiary education, competitive tests, and practical applications in real life, and to support holistic knowledge, morality, and global awareness.
| CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025 | Download PDF |
|---|---|
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| CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class Chemistry Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class Economics Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class 12 Hindi Core Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Applied Mathematics Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Biotechnology Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Computer Science Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th English Elective Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Hindi Elective Syllabus 2025-2025 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th History Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Political Science Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Psychology Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
| CBSE 12th Sociology Syllabus 2025-2026 | Download pdf |
- CBSE Class 12 Syllabus and Curriculum
- Class 12 CBSE Syllabus: Elective Subjects
- CBSE Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 Subjects List 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject Wise
5.1 CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for English
5.2 CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Hindi Core Syllabus
5.3 CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for Mathematics: Unit-wise
- CBSE Class 12 Assessment Scheme 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Internal Assessment Grading Scheme
7.1 Grading for General Studies:
- How to Download CBSE Class 12 Official Syllabus 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips 2025-26
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus and Curriculum
The Class 12 CBSE syllabus includes seven major learning areas: Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Skill Subjects, General Studies, and Health and Physical Education to develop core competencies in students. These are classified into compulsory subjects and elective subjects as detailed below:
- Language 1: Hindi Elective/Core OR English Elective/Core
- Language 2 / Subject 2: Any one additional language OR one academic elective
- Subjects 3,4,5: Any three compulsory electives from academic or skill subjects
- Language 3 / Subject 6 : Any optional elective (language, academic, or skill subject)
- Internal Assessment Subjects (Compulsory):
- Health & Physical Education
- Work Experience
- General Studies
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
Class 12 CBSE Syllabus: Elective Subjects
- Languages: Hindi, English + 34 other languages
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Geography, History, Economics, Home Science, Sociology, Fine Arts, Political Science, and related subjects
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Informatics Practices
- Mathematics
- Business & Commerce-Based Electives: Accountancy, Business Studies, Entrepreneurship, Economics, and related subjects
- Visual, Performing & Creative Arts: Dance, Drama, Music, Heritage Crafts, Fine Arts, Sculpture, and related subjects
- Skill Electives: AI, Geospatial Technology, Hospitality, Fashion Design, Banking, Agriculture, Media, Healthcare, etc.
- Health & Physical Education
- General Studies
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
CBSE Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2025-26
Classes XI and XII are a composite course. Students in Class XI need to make subject decisions that they intend to carry in Class XII. Class XI needs a minimum of five subjects, and the same subjects must be continued to Class XII.
Compulsory subjects include the following:
- Subject 1: Hindi Elective / Hindi Core / English Elective / English Core
- Subject 2: Any one additional language from Group L (not chosen in Subject 1) OR one elective from Group A
- Subject 3: Any one elective from Group A or Group S
- Subject 4: Any one elective from Group A or Group S
- Subject 5: Any one elective from Group A
Optional subjects include the following:
- Subject 6: Any one elective or language from Group L or Group A
Internal assessment which is compulsory for all the regular students include the following:
- Subjects 7 to 9:
- Health & Physical Education
- Work Experience
- General Studies
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
CBSE Class 12 Subjects List 2025-26
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
The curriculum and study material for Skill Electives are available on the official CBSE Academic website under the ‘Skill Education’ section, which can be directly accessed by the students.
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject Wise
Subject wise CBSE Class 12 syllabus 2025-26 is discussed below.
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for English
CBSE Class 12 English Core exam includes 3 sections in theory exam namely, Reading Skills (22 marks: comprehension, inference and case-based passages), Writing Skills (18 marks: notices, invitations, letters, articles/reports) and Literature carrying highest weightage (40 marks: NCERT Flamingo prose and poetry and Vistas supplementary reader) and Internal Assessment (20 marks: listening, speaking, and project work).
CBSE Class 12 English Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)
- Two unseen passages (total 700–750 words):
- Passage 1 (factual/literary/descriptive) → 12 marks
- Passage 2 (case-based, with charts/statistical data) → 10 marks
- Tested for comprehension, analysis, inference, and vocabulary.
- Questions: MCQs, objective, and short answers (40–50 words).
CBSE Class 12 English Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)
- Notice Writing (50 words) → 4 marks
- Invitation & Reply (formal/informal, 50 words) → 4 marks
- Letter Writing (job application with resume/letter to editor, 120–150 words) → 5 marks
- Article/Report Writing (120–150 words, descriptive/analytical) → 5 marks
CBSE Class 12 English Section C: Literature (40 Marks)
- Questions from Flamingo (Prose + Poetry) and Vistas (Prose).
- Mix of MCQs, short answers, and long answers to test comprehension, analysis, evaluation, and extrapolation.
Marks Distribution:
- Poetry extract (Flamingo) → 6 marks
- Prose extract (Vistas) → 4 marks
- Prose extract (Flamingo) → 6 marks
- 5 short answers (Flamingo prose/poetry, 40–50 words) → 10 marks
- 2 short answers (Vistas, 40–50 words) → 4 marks
- 1 long answer (Flamingo prose/poetry, 120–150 words) → 5 marks
- 1 long answer (Vistas prose, 120–150 words) → 5 marks
| Section | Topics / Components |
|---|---|
| Reading Skills |
|
| Creative Writing Skills |
|
| Literature (Flamingo – Prose) |
|
| Literature (Flamingo – Poetry) |
|
| Literature (Vistas – Supplementary Reader) |
|
| Internal Assessment |
|
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 English Core
| Book | Contents |
|---|---|
| Flamingo (NCERT English Reader) | Prose: The Last Lesson, Lost Spring, Deep Water, The Rattrap, Indigo, Poets and Pancakes, The Interview, Going PlacesPoetry: My Mother at Sixty-Six, Keeping Quiet, A Thing of Beauty, A Roadside Stand, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers |
| Vistas (NCERT Supplementary Reader) | The Third Level, The Tiger King, Journey to the End of the Earth, The Enemy, On the Face of It, Memories of Childhood (The Cutting of My Long Hair, We Too Are Human Beings) |
- Theory Exam = 80 Marks (22 Reading + 18 Writing + 40 Literature).
- Internal Assessment = 20 Marks (Listening, Speaking, Project Work).
- Prescribed NCERT books: Flamingo & Vistas.
CBSE Class 12 English Core Exam Pattern (2025-26)
| Section | Competencies Tested | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: Reading Skills | Conceptual understanding, decoding, analyzing, inferring, interpreting, appreciating literary conventions, vocabulary, summarizing, and proper format usage | 22 |
| Section B: Creative Writing Skills | Application of rules, reasoning, appropriate style and tone, format, fluency, inference, evaluation, and creativity | 18 |
| Section C: Literature (Textbook & Supplementary Reader) | Recalling, reasoning, critical thinking, literary appreciation, inference, analysis, creativity, and fluency | 40 |
| Total (Theory) | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment |
| 20 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Hindi Core Syllabus
The CBSE Class 12 Syllabus Hindi Core examination paper will consist of three sections- A, B, and C.
- Questions in section A (18 marks) will be based on unseen passages of comprehension. Every question in this part will be mandatory.
- Section B (22 marks) will contain the questions of the NCERT book Abhivyakti aur Madhyam. The questions will offer internal options.
- Part C (40 marks) will contain the questions of the NCERT books Aaroh Part 2 and Vitaan Part 2. This section will also provide internal choices.
| Section | Content / Topics |
|---|---|
| Section A: Reading (Unseen Comprehension) |
|
| Section B: Abhivyakti aur Madhyam (Expression & Medium) |
|
| Section C: Prescribed Textbooks | Aaroh Part – 2 (NCERT) Poetry:
|
| Internal Assessment |
|
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 Hindi Core
| Book Name | Publisher | Contents / Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Aaroh – Part 2 | NCERT, New Delhi | Poetry:
|
| Vitaan – Part 2 | NCERT, New Delhi |
|
| Abhivyakti aur Madhyam | NCERT, New Delhi | Lessons 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13 (for Expression & Medium) |
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for Mathematics: Unit-wise
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus is constructed in such a way that it provides a strong base in the areas of algebra, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, probability and linear programming. The course is divided into 6 large units, and an internal assessment, which sum up 100 marks.
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 1 - Relations and Functions (8 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | • Types of relations: reflexive, symmetric, transitive, equivalence relations• One-to-one and onto functions• Inverse trigonometric functions: definition, domain, range, principal value branch, graphs | 8 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 2: Algebra (10 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
| 10 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 3: Calculus (35 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 3 |
| 35 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 4: Vectors and 3D Geometry (14 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 4 |
| 14 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 5: Linear Programming (5 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 5 |
| 5 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Unit 6: Probability (8 Marks)
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 6 |
| 8 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Tests | Best 2 out of 3 tests | 10 |
| Mathematics Activities / Project Work | Practical applications & project | 10 |
Note: For activities NCERT Lab Manual may be referred.
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Exam Pattern (2025-26)
- CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus is divided into 100 marks total with the highest weightage of 35 marks going to Calculus (integration, applications, and differential equations) then Vectors and 3D Geometry (14 marks)
- Algebra (matrices, determinants, derivatives, and continuity - 10 marks).
- Relations & Functions (relations, inverse trigonometric functions) is 8 marks,
- Probability (conditional probability, Bayes theorem, distributions) is 8 marks
- Linear Programming (formulation and solutions graphical) is 5 marks.
- The internal assessment comprises a 20-mark which includes periodic tests and project work. Units such as Calculus, Vectors, and Algebra are important in achieving maximum scores and other units aid with the general understanding and problem-solving.
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics
| Category | Book Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Core Textbook | NCERT Mathematics for Class 12 | Covers entire syllabus, essential for exam preparation |
| Reference | RD Sharma Mathematics for Class 12 | Detailed explanations and variety of problems |
| Reference | R.S. Aggarwal Senior Secondary School Mathematics | Extensive practice questions for problem-solving |
| Advanced / Practice | Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics by A. Das Gupta | Advanced problems for conceptual clarity |
| Supplementary | NCERT Exemplar Problems for Class 12 | Higher-order thinking and challenging questions |
CBSE Class 12 Assessment Scheme 2025-26
- The Assessment scheme shall consist of theory, internal assessment, or a practical component as per the syllabus given for each subject. The board shall carry out an Annual examination for class XII.
- CBSE Class 12 Board Examination will be conducted on the full syllabus of each subject. The grading system of 9 points will be used to award grades. To this, all passing students are ranked by the Board and awarded grades.
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
- Minor variation could be undertaken in the proportion of the candidates in order to settle ties.
- In case of a tie all students at the same grade will get the same mark. In case candidates at a specific score should be divided into two groups, then the smaller group will be combined with the large group.
- Only in those subjects the number of students who have passed is higher than 500, the grading method will be applied.
- In subjects where the number of passing students are less than 500, the same grading pattern and allocation will be applied as those subjects or other similar subjects.
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Internal Assessment Grading Scheme
In every compulsory area, marks and grades based on a 9-point grading system could be given.
In classes XI and XII, General Studies, Health, and Physical Education are to be taken in the following manner:
Grading for General Studies:
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
Distribution of Periods/ Grades for Internal Assessment in Health and Physical Education (with Work Experience subsumed in it).
Source: @cbseacademic.nic.in
* Refer the detailed HPE guidelines available on the official CBSE Academic website with the amendment given above.
How to Download CBSE Class 12 Official Syllabus 2025-26
- Visit the CBSE Academic Website: Go to the official site: cbseacademic.nic.in
- Click on “Curriculum” Tab: On the homepage, you will find the “Curriculum” option in the top menu or In Focus section. Select Senior Secondary Curriculum 2025-26 (XI-XII).
- Select Class XII: You will find options for Languages - (Group-L), Academic Electives - (Group-A), Subjects of Internal Assessment. Select subject-wise syllabus PDFs for Languages, Humanities, Science, Mathematics, Commerce, Skill Subjects, and General Studies.
- Download the PDF: Click on the subject name to directly download the official PDF syllabus issued by CBSE.
CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips 2025-26
- Familiarize your own knowledge of the syllabus.
- Get the official CBSE Class 12 syllabus PDF from the official website.
- Give emphasis to weightage of subjects chapters (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Accountancy, etc.).
- Pay more attention to those units where the marks are distributed higher.
- Make a Realistic Study Plan
- Break down your schedule into daily, weekly and monthly objectives.
- Set aside more time on challenging subjects/topics.
- Allot enough time to revise at least 1 hour a day.
- Drill Past Year Practice Papers, Sample Papers.
- Practice CBSE past year question papers and sample papers to get an idea about the pattern of the exam and the level of difficulty.
- Get official sample papers of CBSE at cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Practice to the time limit of 3 hours in the exam.
- Strengthen NCERT First
- CBSE board exams are also based on NCERT textbooks to a great extent.
- Do all NCERT questions and examples and proceed to reference books.
- Modify NCERT diagrams, definitions and formulae.
- Fail to disregard Practicals and Internal Assessments.
- Such courses as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, Computer Science have practicals.
- Keep good records and experiment.
- Internal examination (Health Education, Work Experience, General Studies) is mandatory.
- Revise Regularly
- Write notes, flashcards and formula sheets in short form.
- Re-read/write at least 3-4 times to better memorize the concepts.
- Time Management in Exam
- The first 15 minutes should be spent reading the question paper.
- Try heavyweight questions by doing the first ones.
- Reserve the remaining 10-15 minutes of revision and verification of answer sheets.
- Take Care of Health & Mind
- Sleep well, eat well, and do not study late in the evening before exams.
- Do yoga, meditation, or a little light exercise to remain free of stress.
Also Read:
- CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 (Science, Commerce, Arts)
- CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026: Check Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. What is the syllabus for Class 12 CBSE?
Ans. The syllabus of CBSE Class 12 involves seven broad areas of learning namely Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Commerce, Skill Subjects, in Health and Physical Education, and in General Studies. Students need not less than five subjects (with one of them being a language) and option of electives. The syllabus as per subject in finer details is present in the Official CBSE Academic site in a PDF file.
Ques. Is the Class 12 CBSE syllabus 2025 released?
Ans. Yes. The CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 has been officially released on the CBSE Academic website. Students can download the complete curriculum and subject-wise syllabus
Ques. Is CBSE Class 12 tough?
Ans. CBSE Class 12 is rated as moderately challenging. The level of difficulty varies with the preparation of a student and his or her choice of subjects. The syllabus is very manageable as it conforms to NCERT textbooks and regular study, revision and practice of sample papers are done.
Ques. Is the CBSE syllabus 2025-26 released?
Ans. Yes, CBSE has released the official syllabus for Classes 9–12 (2025-26 session). Students can download the PDFs directly from the official site: cbseacademic.nic.in.
Ques. Will CBSE 2025 be easy?
Ans. CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2025 will be based on the official syllabus and exam pattern. The paper is meant to be balanced with the questions being easy to moderate and some application-based high-order thinking (HOTS) questions. The exam is easier to deal with when it is well prepared.
Ques. Which Board is the most demanding school board in India?
Ans. ICSE and IB (International Baccalaureate) are perceived to be more demanding among Indian school boards with their in-depth syllabus and application-focused learning process. CBSE on the other hand is considered to be student friendly and oriented towards competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
Ques. Is CBSE harder than ICSE?
Ans. No, CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is usually said to be easier than ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education).
- CBSE is more conceptual in nature, relies on NCERT textbooks, and is made to match competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, CUET, etc. The curriculum is compact and straightforward.
- ICSE, in contrast, has a more detailed and wider syllabus. It focuses on deep knowledge, the English language, and practical learning, and this renders it relatively more challenging.
- In short:
- CBSE = Exam/careerist oriented (simpler, more direct).
- ICSE = Knowledge-based and skill-oriented (detailed, relatively more difficult).
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
Found 3 Comments
Although there has been no specific age criteria to register and take CBSE class XII examination, the minimum age is usually considered to be 17 years. I suggest you to visit the school where you want to get admission for detailed information.
Yes, there are some minor changes in the 2022-23 CBSE 12th syllabus. This year there will be only one exam, but there will be a suspension of 30 percent. CBSE has not made any changes in the structure of the exam pattern.
For more information, refer to this link: CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2022-23
The marking scheme of the CBSE 12th exam depends on each subject from the syllabus. In general, the overall marks for each subject will be 100. These 100 marks are divided into two parts. 80 percent of marks are allotted to the theory paper and the remaining 20 percent is for the practical exam. You can check the marking scheme of each exam individually.