CBSE Syllabus Geography Class 12 2026 | Free PDF for 2025-26 Exams

Download the latest CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26.

<cta2>Download<cta2>

‍

Are you a CBSE Class 12 student preparing for the 2025-26 Geography syllabus? Understanding the syllabus structure is essential for effective study and better exam performance.

The CBSE Geography syllabus is divided into two important sections:

• Fundamentals of Human Geography – This section explores population distribution, human development, and economic activities like agriculture, industries, and trade.
• India: People and Economy – Focuses on India’s demographics, resources, industries, transport, and regional development.

Additionally, practical work is an integral part of the syllabus, helping students develop skills in data collection, interpretation, and representation. The syllabus aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of geographical concepts, linking theory with real-world applications. It prepares students for higher education and careers in fields like urban planning, environmental studies, and economics. To succeed, students should focus on NCERT textbooks, maps, and case studies while practising previous years' questions.

In contrast, the book "India People and Economy" is divided into 5 chapters and has a total of 9 chapters. In the Humanities, there are lots of subjects along with CBSE Class 12 Geography. Students can include Physical Education using the Class 12 Physical Education Syllabus in their exam preparation strategy. 

‍

‍

CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26: Course Structure

For students wishing for a career in geography, environmental science, or related subjects, the CBSE Class 12 Geography syllabus 2025-2026 is a valuable resource. Understanding the course structure, including the marking scheme, is essential since it offers a detailed explanation of the distribution of marks throughout the chapters. 

Book I- Fundamentals of Human Geography

Chapter 1: Human Geography

• Define the term human geography
• Elucidate the Interdependence between Nature and Human beings.
• State the fields and subfields of Human Geography and its
• relation with other branches of Social Sciences.
• Differentiate between Environmental Determinism and Possibilism.
• Explain neodeterminism with examples from real life.

Chapter 2: The World Population Distribution, Density and Growth

• Calculate the density of the population, birth rate and death rate.
• Name and define the components responsible for population change.
• Understand the stages of population growth in the world using the Demographic Transition Theory.
• Suggest measures to control population growth.
• Define the following terms: Growth of population, Natural growth of population, Positive growth of population, Negative growth of population

Chapter 3: Human Development

• Differentiate between growth and development
• Explain the three basic indicators of human development and measure the level of Human Development.
• Describe the Human Development Index published by UNDP.
• Compare HDI with the Human Poverty Index.
• Explain the important pillars of human development with examples.
• Compare the Income approach, Welfare approach, Basic Needs approach and capability approach to understand the concept of Human Development.
• To categorise countries based on their HDI and explain their characteristics.

Chapter 4: Primary Activities

• Define the following terms: Economic activities, Primary activities, Red Collar Worker, Pastoral Nomadism
• Explain food gathering as an economic activity.
• Distinguish between pastoral nomadism and commercial livestock rearing.
• Differentiate between primitive subsistence and intensive subsistence farming.
• Describe the characteristic features of plantation agriculture as a type of commercial farming.
• Analyse why there is a low yield per acre but a high yield per person in areas of extensive grain cultivation.
• Compare and contrast the farming practices in the developed urban areas of the world.
• Analyse how the model of Kolkhoz introduced in the erstwhile USSR boosts agricultural production.
• Examine the reasons for the success of cooperative farming in European countries.
• Differentiate between open-cast mining and shaft mining.
• Discuss how mining can have an impact on humans and the environment.

Chapter 5: Secondary Activities

• Explain important concepts such as large-scale manufacturing, high technology industry, organisational set-up, foot-loose industries, Agribusiness etc.
• Identify and explain the factors affecting the location of an industry.
• Differentiate between different types of industries based on size, raw material, ownership and output.
• Differentiate between cottage industry and small-scale industry.
• Explain the importance of high-tech industries and the reason for them being attracted to the peripheral areas of major metropolitan cities.
• Compare large-scale industry and modern high-tech industry with examples
• Understands and analyses the interrelationship between industrial development and standard of living.

Chapter 6: Tertiary and Quaternary Activities

• Compare and contrast traditional and modern economic activities.
• Students correlate tertiary activities and their role in the economic development of a country.
• Describe different types of tertiary activities.
• Discuss different types of trading centres found in rural and urban areas and the role played by them in the local economy.
• Describe quinary activities and their role in advanced economies.
• Discuss how tertiary, quaternary and quinary activities have replaced jobs in primary and secondary sectors.
• Define the following terms: BPO, Outsourcing, KPO, Departmental Store, Chain Store, Wholesale trading

Chapter 7: Transport and Communication

• Compare and contrast various modes of transport.
• Explain the relationship of transport and communication networks to the economic development of a region.
• Describe the major highways and major rail networks of different continents.
• Discuss the location and economic significance of the Trans-Siberian Railway, Trans-Canadian Railway, Union and Pacific Railway and Trans-Australian Railway.
• Describe the location and the economic importance of the major sea routes of the world.
• Discuss how the Suez Canal and Panama Canal serve as major gateways of commerce for both the eastern and the western world.
• Discuss how modern communication systems have made the concept of a global village a reality.

Chapter 8: International Trade

• Define international trade and describe how it impacts various countries.
• Describe the basis of International Trade.
• Discuss types of and aspects of International trade.
• Explain the terms Dumping, Trade liberalisation and Globalisation.
• Discuss the impact of WTO on current global trade.
• Evaluate how international trade can be detrimental to some nations.
• Analyse how seaports act as chief gateways of International trade.

Book II- India People, and Economy

Chapter 1: Population: Distribution Density, Growth, and Composition

• Differentiate between the distribution of population and density of population.
• Define Physiological Density, Agricultural Density, Population doubling time, Working Population, Participation Rate, Main Worker, Marginal Worker, Rural Population, Urban Population, and Adolescent Population.
• Discuss the factors responsible for the uneven distribution of population in India.
• Explain trends of population growth in India since 1901.
• Describe the rural-urban population composition, religious composition linguistic composition and sectoral composition of the workforce in India.
• Discuss the occupational structure of India’s population.

Chapter 2: Human Settlements

• Differentiate between rural and urban settlement.
• Describe the factors that govern the types of rural settlements in India.
• Compare and contrast clustered, semi-clustered, Hamleted and dispersed settlements with examples.
• Describe the evolution of towns in India since prehistoric times.
• Classify towns based on their functions.

Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture

• Name and define the land use categories.
• Compare the Changes in shares of Land-use Categories in India between 1950 and 2014.
• Discuss the importance of common property resources for the community.
• Compare dryland and Wetland farming and evaluate its importance.
• Compare the geographical conditions required for the growth of the following crops and their distribution/growing areas.
• Rice, Wheat, Jowar, Pulses, Oilseeds, Cotton, Jute, Sugarcane, Tea, Coffee
• Evaluate technological developments that have taken place in Indian agriculture since Independence.
• Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian farmers and suggest measures to overcome them.

Chapter 4: Water Resources

• Describes the available water resources in India.
• Evaluates the water demand and supply in India.
• Discuss the reasons for water scarcity in the country.
• Discuss water resources in India, its geographical distribution, sectoral utilization, and methods of conservation and management.
• Recognize various emerging water problems and analyse the causes of the deterioration of the quality of water.
• Evaluate the scope to use rainwater harvesting techniques to conserve precious water resources.

Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources

• Classify minerals based on chemical and physical properties.
• Describe the major mineral belts of India and mark them on an outline map of India.
• Describe different types of non-conventional mineral resources.
• Analyse why renewable energy resources will be the future source of resources.
• Suggest measures to conserve our non-renewable resources.
• On an outline political Map of India mark and label the following:
  
  1. Iron-ore mines: Mayurbhanj, Bailadila, Ratnagiri, Bellary
  2. Manganese mines: Balaghat, Shimoga
  3. Copper mines: Hazaribagh, Singhbhum, Khetari
  4. Bauxite mines: Katni, Bilaspur and Koraput
  5. Coal mines: Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj, Neyveli
  6. Oil Refineries: Mathura, Jamnager, Barauni

Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in the Indian Context

• Develop an understanding of various types of planning.
• Justify the need for target areas and target group planning by the
• Planning Commission with examples.
• Explains the aims and approaches of the Hill Area Development Programme, Drought prone area Programme,
• Critically evaluate the aims and social benefits of ITDP in the Bharmour tribal region.
• Evaluate the measures that can be taken to promote sustainable development in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area.

Chapter 7: Transport and Communication

• Develop an understanding of various means of transport being used in different parts of India.
• Analyse the impact of the physical environment on the development of various modes in different regions.
• Describe different types of highways found in different parts of our country.
• Discuss the role of Indian Railways in the growth of India’s economy with a focus on recent technological advancements.
• Describe the five National Waterways of our country.
• Discuss the role of OIL and Gail in the development of gas pipelines in India.
• Discuss reasons for the state-wise variation in road density in India.
• Elucidate the impact of modern communication networks in our lives.
• Mark and label the following on an outline political map of India: Terminal stations of north-south corridor, East west corridor & Golden Quadrilateral

Chapter 8: International Trade

• Give reasons for the changing pattern of the composition of India’s imports and exports.
• Discuss the strategies adopted by India to double its share in international trade.
• Evaluate the role of seaports as gateways of international trade with examples.
• Mark and label the major sea ports and airports on an outline map of India.

Major Sea Ports: Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, Kochi, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Haldia International 

Airports: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram & Hyderabad.

Chapter 9: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues

• Classify types of pollution based on the medium through which pollutants are transported and diffused.
• Explain various sources of pollution and summarise the state of water, air, land and noise pollution in India.
• Analyse the rural-urban migration and its role in pollution.
• Describe the health and social problems of slum dwellers regarding Dharavi.
• Describe the natural and human causes of land degradation and suggest measures to control land degradation in India.
• Suggest measures to control different types of pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Discuss the problems related to urban waste disposal and suggest measures to convert waste into wealth.

CBSE Class 12 Geography Practical Syllabus: Map Work

The CBSE Class 12 Geography Practical Syllabus includes an essential component: Map Work, which helps students develop spatial understanding and cartographic skills.

Book 1 - (Fundamentals of Human Geography)

‍

Chapter-4 Primary Activities

1. Areas of subsistence gathering (Fig 4.2)  
2. Major areas of nomadic herding of the world (4.4) 
3. Major areas of commercial livestock rearing (4.6)  
4. Major areas of extensive commercial grain farming (4.12)  
5. Major areas of mixed farming in the World (4.14)

Chapter-7 Transport, Communication and Trade

1. Terminal Stations of Transcontinental Railways– Trans-Siberian, Trans Canadian, Trans-Australian Railways 
2. Major Sea Ports 

• Europe: North Cape, London, Hamburg  
• North America: Vancouver, San Francisco, New Orleans  
• South America: Rio De Janeiro, Colon, Valparaiso  
• Africa: Suez and Cape Town  
• Asia: Yokohama, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Aden, Karachi, Kolkata  
• Australia: Perth, Sydney, Melbourne 

3. Major Airports:

• Asia: Tokyo, Beijing, Mumbai, Jeddah, Aden  
• Africa: Johannesburg & Nairobi  
• Europe: Moscow, London, Paris, Berlin and Rome  
• North America: Chicago, New Orleans, Mexico City  
• South America: Buenos Aires, Santiago  
• Australia: Darwin and Wellington 

4. Inland Waterways

• Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Rhine Waterways, and St. Lawrence Seaways

Book 2 - (India People and Economy)

Chapter-1 Population Distribution Density Growth and Composition

State with highest population density & state with lowest population density (2011) 

Chapter 3 Land Resources and Agriculture

Leading producing states of the following crops: (a) Rice (b) Wheat (c) Cotton (d) Jute (e) Sugarcane (f) Tea and (g) Coffee

Chapter-5 Mineral And Energy Resources

• Iron-ore mines: Mayurbhanj, Bailadila, Ratnagiri, Bellary  
• Manganese mines: Balaghat, Shimoga  
• Copper mines: Hazaribagh, Singhbhum, Khetari  
• Bauxite mines: Katni, Bilaspur and Koraput  
• Coal mines: Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj, Neyveli  
• Oil Refineries: Mathura, Jamnager, Barauni 

Chapter-8 International Trade

Mark and label the major sea ports and airports on an outline map of India.  

• Major Sea Ports: Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, Kochi, Mangalore, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Haldia  
• International Airports: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram & Hyderabad.

Study Plan Using Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26

Geography is an important subject that requires conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and map-based learning. A well-structured study plan will help you prepare effectively for your CBSE Class 12 board exams. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26.

Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

The first step is to familiarise yourself with the syllabus to ensure focused preparation. The CBSE Geography syllabus is divided into three important parts:

A. Fundamentals of Human Geography

This section explains the relationship between humans and the environment, covering topics such as:

• Population distribution and migration
• Human development and settlement patterns
• Economic activities – agriculture, industries, and trade
• Transport, communication, and international trade
• Sustainable development and resource management

B. India: People and Economy

This part focuses on the geographical and economic aspects of India:

• Population growth and demographic trends
• Land resources and agriculture
• Water, mineral, and energy resources
• Industrial location and development
• Transport, communication, and trade networks
• Planning and sustainable development

C. Practical Work (Map Work & Data Interpretation)

This section enhances practical skills, including:

• Thematic mapping techniques (choropleth, dot maps, etc.)
• Identification of geographical features on maps
• Interpretation of topographical maps and diagrams
• Analysis of socio-economic data

A clear understanding of these topics will help in effective learning and answer writing.

Make a Weekly Study Plan

A structured timetable helps in covering the syllabus efficiently. Follow this 8-week study plan to ensure comprehensive preparation:

Weeks 1-2: Build Conceptual Clarity

• Read the NCERT textbooks carefully.
• Understand important concepts and definitions.
• Highlight important points and create short notes.
• Refer to previous years’ question papers to identify important topics.

Weeks 3-4: Deepen Understanding & Make Notes

• Write summary notes for each chapter in your own words.
• Use mind maps and flowcharts to visualise information.
• Refer to case studies and examples given in the NCERT book.
• Start working on map work, marking important features.

Weeks 5-6: Practise Answer Writing & Map Work

• Solve CBSE sample papers and previous years’ board questions.
• Focus on structuring answers properly using headings, points, and diagrams.
• Practise map work to enhance spatial understanding.
• Revise geographical terms and definitions for better retention.

Weeks 7-8: Final Revision & Mock Tests

• Revise short notes, important definitions, and concepts.
• Solve mock tests under timed conditions.
• Go through common mistakes from previous years’ papers and avoid them.
• Revise practical work thoroughly.

Smart Study Strategies for Geography

Here are some expert tips to enhance your Geography preparation:

Use Mnemonics & Acronyms

Memorising facts, dates, and places can be difficult. Use mnemonics to make learning easier. For example:

• To remember types of economic activities: "PASTI" (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary, and Quinary).

Refer to Maps for Better Understanding

• Regularly practise map marking for India and world maps.
• Use online interactive maps to visualise locations and features.
• Solve CBSE map-based questions to score full marks in practicals.

Practice Answer Writing with the Right Structure

• Start answers with an introduction (define the concept).
• Use headings and bullet points to structure answers.
• Support your answers with maps, diagrams, and examples.
• Conclude with a summary or future perspective.

Revise Regularly & Avoid Last-Minute Cramming

• Revise notes weekly to reinforce concepts.
• Make a formula sheet for quick reference.
• Discuss topics with friends or study groups for better retention.

Additional Resources for Geography Preparation

• NCERT Textbooks (Compulsory for CBSE Board Exams)
• CBSE Sample Papers & Previous Year Papers
• Atlas for Map Practice (Educart or NCERT recommended)
• Reference Books (For Extra Practice) – "Human Geography" by Majid Husain, "India: People and Economy" by G.C. Leong
• Online Learning Platforms – DIKSHA, CBSE Academic Website (cbseacademic.nic.in)

Why Download Class 12 Geography Syllabus for CBSE 2025-26?

For students preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams, having a clear understanding of the Geography syllabus is crucial for success. The syllabus acts as a roadmap, guiding students through the essential topics, exam patterns, and assessment structure. By downloading the latest CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26, students can ensure they are studying the correct and updated material as per CBSE guidelines.

Get a Clear Understanding of the Topics to Study

Geography is a vast subject, covering physical, human, and economic geography. The syllabus provides a well-structured division of topics, helping students focus only on relevant concepts.

Fundamentals of Human Geography

• Human population and migration patterns
• Economic activities (agriculture, industries, trade)
• Human settlements and urbanisation
• Transportation, communication, and international trade
• Sustainable development and resource conservation

India: People and Economy

• India’s demographic features and population trends
• Land use, agriculture, and irrigation
• Water, mineral, and energy resources
• Industrial development and its impact on the economy
• Transport, communication, and trade networks in India
• Regional planning and sustainable economic growth

Practical Work & Map Work

• Thematic mapping techniques (choropleth, dot maps, etc.)
• Identification and marking of geographical features on maps
• Data collection and graphical representation of geographical data
• Interpretation of topographical maps and socio-economic trends

By downloading the syllabus, students can avoid wasting time on unnecessary topics and focus on what’s important for board exams.

Understand the Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution

The syllabus outlines the marks distribution and question format, which helps students plan their preparation efficiently. It includes:

• Theory Paper: Total marks, number of units, and weightage of each section.
• Practical Work: Marks allocated to map work, data interpretation, and case studies.
• Internal Assessment: Components like project work, assignments, and viva.

Breakdown of the Geography Exam Pattern

‍

With this information, students can prioritise their study time based on the marks assigned to each unit.

Plan Your Studies with a Structured Approach

Once you download the syllabus, you can break it down into a systematic study plan.

How to Use the Syllabus for Study Planning?

• Step 1: Read the syllabus carefully and highlight important topics.
• Step 2: Divide the syllabus into weekly study goals.
• Step 3: Allocate separate time for theory, map work, and practicals.
• Step 4: Revise high-weightage chapters more frequently.
• Step 5: Use the syllabus as a checklist to track your progress.

Having the official syllabus helps in avoiding confusion and ensures you stay on track with your preparation.

Follow CBSE Guidelines and Avoid Studying Outdated Content

CBSE updates its syllabus regularly to:

• Remove outdated or irrelevant topics
• Include new concepts aligned with recent developments
• Ensure alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP)

Downloading the official syllabus ensures that you don’t study topics that are no longer part of the syllabus. This is especially important for students using reference books or older NCERT editions.

Improve Exam Preparation and Score Higher Marks

When students follow the syllabus while studying, they can:

• Practise important questions that match CBSE’s latest paper pattern.
• Solve previous years’ board papers based on relevant topics.
• Ensure full coverage of concepts, avoiding last-minute gaps in preparation.
• Enhance map work skills by focusing on specified locations and themes.

Since CBSE board exams are based on the syllabus, sticking to the syllabus ensures maximum marks in exams.

Where to Download the CBSE Geography Syllabus Class 12 2026?

Students should always download the latest syllabus from the official CBSE website to ensure accuracy.

🔗 Official Link: cbseacademic.nic.in

By accessing the official syllabus, students can confidently prepare without worrying about studying irrelevant material.

Know what to study and what to skip

• Understand the latest CBSE exam pattern
• Create a structured study plan
• Follow the official syllabus and avoid outdated topics
• Maximise your exam preparation and score high marks

By downloading the CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26, you set yourself up for a well-organised and stress-free study experience. Make sure to refer to the syllabus regularly while preparing and stay focused on the key areas to excel in your exams!