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Here is the latest CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus for the 2025-26 session.
Chemistry in Class 12 is more than just equations and reactions—it’s important to understand the science behind everyday phenomena and the foundation for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. Unlike in earlier classes, where memorisation played a bigger role, Class 12 Chemistry demands a deeper grasp of concepts, mechanisms, and applications.
The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2025-26 is structured to strengthen conceptual understanding while aligning with real-world applications. The NCERT textbook serves as the primary resource, covering the syllabus comprehensively, while reference books can aid in refining concepts. To excel in board exams, students should focus on understanding organic reaction mechanisms, practising numerical problems in physical chemistry, and revising important inorganic concepts regularly. A well-planned approach—consistent revision, problem-solving, and conceptual clarity—can make mastering Chemistry easier than expected.
The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry exam for the academic year 2025-26 will follow the revised exam pattern. The pattern will include questions from all chapters, focusing on both understanding and application of key concepts.
The marking scheme for the 2025-26 academic year will be structured to ensure a balanced evaluation of students' knowledge and problem-solving skills. Practical assessments will also play an important role in the final evaluation.
The Class 12 Chemistry syllabus for 2025-26 is structured to provide a balanced understanding of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. It follows a logical sequence, ensuring conceptual clarity and real-world application. Here’s a breakdown of the course structure:
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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: 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, and DDT.
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 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: 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.
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.
Like the Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus, students can also check out the Syllabus of Class 12 Biology or Class 12 Mathematics to plan their exams accordingly. Students can create a combined timetable for these exams to perform well and manage their time.
The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus is systematically divided into three major branches: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. This structured approach helps students grasp concepts effectively and prepares them for board exams and competitive tests like NEET and JEE.
This branch deals with the principles and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including reaction rates, electrochemistry, and solutions.
Unit II: Solutions: Different types of solutions, concentration terms, colligative qualities (such as osmotic pressure, rising boiling point, falling freezing point, and relative decrease of vapour pressure), and ideal and non-ideal behaviour of solutions are the main topics of this chapter.
Unit III: Electrochemistry: The study of chemical reactions requiring the transfer of electrons is known as electrochemistry. Faraday's equations of electrolysis, conductivity in electrolytic solutions, electrolytic and galvanic cells, and applications of electrochemistry in several sectors are among the topics discussed.
Unit IV: Chemical Kinetics: The speeds of chemical reactions and the variables influencing them are covered in this chapter. It addresses subjects including order of reaction, collision theory of chemical processes, rate laws and rate constants, rate of reaction, and variables influencing the rate of reaction.
Inorganic Chemistry focuses on the properties and reactions of elements, particularly transition metals and p-block elements.
Unit VIII: d and f Block Elements: The characteristics, oxidation states, electronic configurations, and chemical reactivity of inner transition metals (f-block elements) and transition metals (d-block elements) are covered in this chapter. It also discusses the applications of actinoids and lanthanoids.
Unit IX: Coordination Compounds: Coordination compounds play a crucial role in CBSE Class 12 Inorganic Chemistry, giving students a strong foundation in coordination chemistry concepts and their numerous applications.
Organic Chemistry explores the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. It is essential for NEET and JEE aspirants.
Unit X: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes: This chapter covers the applications, physical and chemical characteristics, nomenclature, manufacturing methods, and categorization of haloalkanes and haloarenes. It also discusses the mechanisms underlying SN-1 and SN-2 reactions, elimination reactions (E1 and E2), and nucleophilic substitution processes.
Unit XI: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers: This chapter discusses the uses, physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, preparation techniques, and categorization of alcohols, phenols, and ethers. It also covers phenols' acidity and how they are made with benzene diazonium chloride.
Unit XII: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids: Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids are covered in this chapter, along with their functions, physical and chemical characteristics, nomenclature, and production techniques. It covers the oxidation of aldehydes and ketones, as well as the mechanism of nucleophilic addition processes.
Unit XIII: Amines: This chapter discusses the applications, physical and chemical characteristics, nomenclature, production techniques, and categorization of amines. Preparing diazonium salts and using them in synthetic applications are also included.
Unit XIV: Biomolecules: The structure, composition, and uses of biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, are covered in this chapter. Hormones, vitamins, and enzyme catalysis are also included.
Microchemical methods are available for several practical experiments. Wherever possible, such techniques should be used.
A. Surface Chemistry
B. Chemical Kinetics
C. Thermochemistry
Any one of the following experiments
D. Electrochemistry
Variation of cell potential in Zn/Zn2+|| Cu2+/Cu with change in concentration of electrolytes (CuSO4 or ZnSO4) at room temperature.
E. Chromatography
F. Preparation of Inorganic Compounds
Preparation of double salt of Ferrous Ammonium Sulphate or Potash Alum. Preparation of Potassium Ferric Oxalate.
G. Preparation of Organic Compounds
Preparation of any one of the following compounds
H. Tests for the functional groups present in the organic compounds
Unsaturation, alcoholic, phenolic, aldehydic, ketonic, carboxylic and amino (Primary) groups.
I. Characteristic tests of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in pure samples and their detection in given foodstuffs.
J. Determination of concentration/ molarity of KMnO4 solution by titrating it against a standard solution of:
K. Qualitative analysis
(NOTE: Insoluble salts excluded)
The Class 12 Chemistry syllabus is divided into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. Below is a simple breakdown of the important topics covered in each section:
This part focuses on concepts that explain the behaviour of substances at the molecular level.
This section explores the properties and reactions of elements, especially metals and non-metals.
This part deals with carbon-based compounds and their reactions.
Class 12 Chemistry covers a wide range of topics essential for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. By understanding these concepts, you can develop strong problem-solving skills and apply chemistry to real-life situations.
The goal of the Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus is to help students understand all of the fundamental concepts and laws of chemistry. Its primary objective is to prepare students for careers and additional coursework in chemistry. Students can take the Class 12 Chemistry test with confidence and succeed if they work hard and put in effort.
Understand the Syllabus and Weightage
Before diving into your studies, go through the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus and identify the weightage of each unit. Prioritise topics based on their importance in exams.
Create a Weekly Study Schedule
Break down your syllabus into manageable portions and assign specific topics to each week. A well-structured plan ensures that you complete the syllabus on time and have enough time for revision.
Week 1-2: Cover Solutions and Electrochemistry (Physical Chemistry).
Week 3-4: Study Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, and Metallurgy (Physical + Inorganic).
Week 5-6: Focus on p-block, d-block, and Coordination Compounds (Inorganic Chemistry).
Week 7-8: Start Haloalkanes, Alcohols, and Aldehydes (Organic Chemistry).
Week 9-10: Complete Amines, Biomolecules, and Polymers (Organic Chemistry).
Week 11-12: Revise all topics and solve previous years' questions.
Use NCERT as Your Primary Resource
The NCERT Chemistry textbook is the most important resource for CBSE board exams. Read every chapter carefully, highlight important concepts, and make short notes for quick revision.
Practice Questions Daily
Regular practice is important to mastering Chemistry. Solve:
Make Conceptual Notes and Mind Maps
Creating short notes, reaction charts, and formula sheets helps in quick revision before exams. Mind maps are especially useful for understanding reaction mechanisms in Organic Chemistry.
Revise Regularly
Focus on Important Topics
Some chapters carry more weight in exams. Pay extra attention to:
Solve Sample Papers and Mock Tests
Attempting CBSE sample papers and mock tests improves time management and boosts confidence. Try to solve at least 10 sample papers before the final exam.
Stay Consistent and Avoid Last-minute Cramming
Chemistry is best understood through regular study rather than last-minute memorisation. Stick to your schedule, revise regularly, and practice consistently to excel in the exam.
By following this CBSE Class 12 Chemistry study plan, you can strengthen your conceptual understanding, improve your problem-solving skills, and score high marks in both board exams and entrance tests. Stay focused, practice consistently, and success will follow!
The Class 12 Chemistry syllabus is vast, but with the right approach, you can study efficiently and score well in your board exams and competitive tests like NEET, JEE, and CUET. Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your syllabus:
Some chapters carry more marks in exams than others. Prioritise high-weightage topics like:
By focusing on these topics first, you can secure a good score.
Instead of trying to study everything at once, divide the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts:
This method helps avoid last-minute stress and makes revision easier.
NCERT textbooks are the most important books for Class 12 Chemistry. Most board and competitive exam questions are based on them.
Writing short notes in your own words helps you remember topics better. Your notes should include:
Use flashcards or charts to memorise key concepts.
Many questions in exams involve numerical calculations, especially in Physical Chemistry.
Practising previous exam papers gives you an idea of question patterns and difficulty levels.
Memorising organic chemistry reactions can be difficult, but using mnemonics and flowcharts makes it easier.
For example:
Writing reactions repeatedly also helps in memorisation.
Instead of rote learning, understand the trends and logic behind the periodic table.
The key to mastering Chemistry is consistent revision.
Using the Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2026 effectively requires planning, consistency, and regular practice. Follow these tips, focus on concept clarity, and practise enough questions to score well in your exams.
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