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The CBSE Class 12 Physics updated syllabus for the academic session 2026-27 is set to release soon. So far, the syllabus focuses on strengthening conceptual clarity, numerical problem-solving, and practical application of physical laws.
As soon as there is an official update, we’ll share it here on this page.
2026-27 Class 12 Physics Syllabus
CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 Overview
The CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 introduces students to fundamental principles that explain natural phenomena and modern technological applications.
The subject helps learners develop strong analytical thinking, conceptual clarity, and problem-solving skills through the study of core areas of physics.
The syllabus is broadly divided into nine units, covering important topics such as electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, modern physics, and semiconductor electronics.
Class 12 Physics Expected Weightage 2026-27
The CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus for 2026-27 is structured with a clear unit-wise weightage to help students understand the importance of each topic in the final examination.
The theory paper is designed to test both conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving skills across the different units of physics.
Practical work also plays an important role in the assessment, allowing students to apply concepts through experiments, activities, project work, and viva.
The table below shows the expected unit-wise marks distribution for the Class 12 Physics syllabus.
CBSE Syllabus Class 12 Physics: Breakdown
Here’s a complete breakdown of the CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus.
The syllabus is divided into nine major units, covering theoretical concepts as well practical applications in physics.
Unit I: Electrostatics
This unit introduces the concept of electric charges, electric fields, and electric potential. It forms the foundation for understanding how electric forces work in different systems.
Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields
You’ll study:
- Electric charges and conservation of charge
- Coulomb’s law and forces between two-point charges
- Forces between multiple charges and the principle of superposition
- Continuous charge distribution
- Electric field and electric field lines
- Electric field due to a point charge
- Electric dipole and electric field due to a dipole
- Torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field
- Electric flux
- Gauss’s theorem and its applications to find electric field due to:
- Infinitely long straight wire
- Uniformly charged infinite plane sheet
- Uniformly charged thin spherical shell
Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
You’ll learn:
- Electric potential and potential difference
- Electric potential due to:
- A point charge
- A dipole
- A system of charges
- Equipotential surfaces
- Electrical potential energy of a system of charges
- Electric dipole in an electrostatic field
- Conductors and insulators
- Free charges and bound charges inside a conductor
- Dielectrics and electric polarisation
- Capacitors and capacitance
- Combination of capacitors in series and parallel
- Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric
- Energy stored in a capacitor (formula only)
Unit II: Current Electricity
This unit focuses on electric current, resistance, and electrical circuits.
Chapter 3: Current Electricity
You’ll study:
- Electric current and flow of charges in a conductor
- Drift velocity and mobility
- Relation between drift velocity and current
- Ohm’s law and V-I characteristics
- 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
This unit explains magnetic fields produced by electric current and properties of magnetic materials.
Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism
You’ll learn:
- Magnetic field concept
- Oersted’s experiment
- Biot-Savart law and its application to circular loops
- Ampere’s law and applications to a straight conductor
- Straight solenoid (qualitative study)
- Force on a moving charge in magnetic and electric fields
- Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field
- Force between two parallel conductors
- Definition of ampere
- Torque on a current loop in a magnetic field
- Current loop as a magnetic dipole
- Magnetic dipole moment
- Moving coil galvanometer and its current sensitivity
- Conversion of galvanometer into an ammeter and voltmeter
Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter
You’ll study:
- Bar magnet and its properties
- Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid
- Magnetic field due to a magnetic dipole
- Torque on a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field
- Magnetic field lines
- Magnetic properties of materials:
- Diamagnetic substances
- Paramagnetic substances
- Ferromagnetic substances
- Magnetisation of materials
- Effect of temperature on magnetic properties
Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
This unit deals with generation of electricity using changing magnetic fields and AC circuits.
Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction
You’ll learn:
- Electromagnetic induction
- Faraday’s laws of induction
- Induced EMF and current
- Lenz’s law
- Self-induction
- Mutual induction
Chapter 7: Alternating Current
Topics include:
- Alternating current and voltage
- Peak value and RMS value of AC
- Reactance and impedance
- LCR series circuit (phasor representation)
- Resonance in AC circuits
- Power in AC circuits
- Power factor
- Wattless current
- AC generator
- Transformer
Unit V: Electromagnetic Waves
This unit deals with the fundamental concepts, generation, properties, and applications of electromagnetic radiation.
Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves
You’ll study:
- Displacement current (basic idea)
- Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics
- Transverse nature of electromagnetic waves
- Electromagnetic spectrum including:
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared rays
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet rays
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
- Applications of different electromagnetic waves
Unit VI: Optics
This unit explains the behaviour of light through reflection, refraction, and wave properties.
Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
You’ll study:
- Reflection of light
- Spherical mirrors and mirror formula
- Refraction of light
- Total internal reflection and optical fibres
- Refraction at spherical surfaces
- Lenses and thin lens formula
- Lens maker’s formula
- Magnification
- Power of a lens
- Combination of thin lenses
- Refraction through a prism
Optical instruments include:
- Microscope
- Astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting)
- Magnifying power of optical instruments
Chapter 10: Wave Optics
You’ll learn:
- Wavefront and Huygens’ principle
- Reflection and refraction using wavefronts
- Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens principle
- Interference of light
- Young’s double slit experiment
- Expression for fringe width (final formula only)
- Coherent sources
- Diffraction due to single slit (qualitative idea)
- Width of central maxima
Unit VII: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
This unit focuses on the foundational quantum concept that both radiation (light) and matter exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Topics include:
- Dual nature of radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Observations of Hertz and Lenard
- Einstein’s photoelectric equation
- Experimental study of photoelectric effect
- Wave nature of particles
- de Broglie hypothesis and relation
Unit VIII: Atoms and Nuclei
This unit covers the fundamental structure of matter, focusing on atomic models (Rutherford, Bohr), electron energy levels, and the hydrogen spectrum.
Chapter 12: Atoms
You’ll study:
- Alpha particle scattering experiment
- Rutherford’s atomic model
- Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom
- Radius of electron orbit
- Velocity and energy of electron in different orbits
- Hydrogen line spectra (qualitative study)
Chapter 13: Nuclei
Topics include:
- Composition and size of nucleus
- Nuclear forces
- Mass-energy relation
- Mass defect
- Binding energy per nucleon
- Nuclear fission
- Nuclear fusion
Unit IX: Electronic Devices
This unit typically covers the fundamental principles, construction, and applications of semiconductor-based components that control the flow of electric current.
It focuses on how materials are used to create active components that manipulate electrical signals.
Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Circuits
You’ll learn:
- Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators
- Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
- p-type and n-type semiconductors
- p-n junction diode
- I-V characteristics of diode
- Forward and reverse bias
- Diode as a rectifier
Practicals
Students must submit a practical record during the annual examination including experiments, activities, and a project report.
Practical Requirements
Students must complete:
- 8 Experiments (4 from each section)
- 6 Activities (3 from each section)
- 1 Investigatory Project
Section A Practicals
Experiments include:
Items for Identification/ familiarity with the apparatus for assessment in practicals (All experiments)
- Determining resistivity of wires using V-I graph
- Finding resistance using a meter bridge
- Verifying series and parallel combination of resistances
- Determining resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method
- Converting galvanometer into voltmeter or ammeter
- Finding frequency of AC mains using a sonometer
Activities include:
- Measuring resistance and impedance of an inductor
- Using a multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance
- Assembling a household electrical circuit
- Studying potential drop across a wire
- Correcting circuit diagrams
Section B Practicals
Experiments include:
- Finding focal length of concave mirror
- Determining focal length of convex mirror and convex lens
- Finding refractive index of glass slab
- Determining angle of minimum deviation of prism
- Studying I-V characteristics of a p-n junction diode
Activities include:
- Identifying electronic components
- Studying current flow through diode and LED
- Observing refraction through glass slab
- Observing diffraction of light
- Studying image formation using lenses and mirrors
Investigatory Projects
Students may work on topics such as:
- Internal resistance or EMF of a cell
- Behaviour of LDR under different light intensities
- Refractive index of liquids using lenses
- Working of a transformer
- Angle of deviation in prism with different liquids
- Charge on suspended balls using Coulomb’s law
- Factors affecting self-inductance of a coil
- Studying Earth’s magnetic field using a compass
Competency-based Question Paper Design
To ensure a balanced evaluation of students’ understanding, the Physics question paper is designed with different levels of difficulty based on Bloom’s Taxonomy.
This approach helps assess not only basic conceptual knowledge but also students’ ability to apply and analyse physics concepts.
The table below shows the percentage distribution of questions across easy, medium, and higher-order thinking levels in the Class 12 Physics examination.
How to Prepare for Physics Class 12th 2026-27 Board
Physics in Class 12 is one of the most important subjects, especially for students preparing for board exams and competitive exams like NEET and JEE. A strategic approach can help you grasp concepts easily and score well. Here are some effective tips to start your CBSE Class 12 Physics preparation:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Before you begin, go through the CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 carefully. Identify high-weightage topics and plan accordingly. The syllabus is divided into theory (70 marks) and practicals (30 marks), so balance your preparation accordingly.
Stick to NCERT Books First
The NCERT textbook is the foundation for Physics preparation. Read each chapter thoroughly, solve NCERT examples, in-text questions, and back exercises. Most board exam questions are directly based on NCERT concepts.
Create a Study Plan
- Allocate 2-3 hours daily for Physics.
- Cover one theory topic + numerical practice in each session.
- Revise previous concepts before moving to new ones.
- Set weekly goals to track your progress.
Strengthen Conceptual Understanding
Physics is not about memorising—it’s about understanding concepts. Topics like Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Optics need logical thinking. Watch explanatory videos, use diagrams, and try real-life applications to grasp concepts better.
Focus on Derivations & Formulas
- Make formula sheets and revise them daily.
- Understand the logic behind derivations, as direct questions are often asked in exams.
- Practise formula-based numericals regularly.
Solve Previous Year Papers & Sample Papers
- Practise at least 10 years of previous board papers to understand question trends.
- Solve CBSE sample papers in a timed manner to improve speed and accuracy.
- Identify weak areas and revise them again.
Work on Numerical Problems Daily
Physics involves calculations, so regular numerical practice is essential. Focus on:
- Electrostatics & Current Electricity calculations.
- Magnetism & Alternating Current problems.
- Ray & Wave Optics numericals.
Don’t Ignore Practical Work
The Physics practical exam holds 30 marks, so don’t neglect it.
- Perform all experiments and understand the underlying principles.
- Learn to write observations and conclusions properly.
Take Short Notes for Quick Revision
- Summarise each chapter in short notes with key points, formulas, and concepts.
- Revise them regularly, especially before exams.
FAQs
Q1. When will CBSE release the Class 12 Physics syllabus for 2026-27?
Ans. CBSE is expected to release the updated syllabus around April 2026. Students should check the official CBSE website for the latest PDF update.
Q2. How many units are there in the CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus?
Ans. The syllabus is divided into nine major units including Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics. Each unit carries specific weightage in the board exam.
Q3. How many marks are allotted to Physics practicals in Class 12?
Ans. The Physics practical exam carries 30 marks. It includes experiments, activities, investigatory projects, practical record, and viva.
Q4. Which units have the highest weightage in Class 12 Physics?
Ans. Units like Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Optics generally carry higher weightage. These topics also involve important derivations and numerical questions.
Q5. Is NCERT enough for preparing Class 12 Physics boards?
Ans. Yes, NCERT is the primary resource for board preparation. Most board exam questions are directly based on NCERT concepts, examples, and exercises.
Q6. Which chapters in Class 12 Physics are considered the most scoring?
Ans. Chapters like Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Ray Optics are often considered scoring. If formulas and concepts are clear, these topics can help students gain quick marks.
Q7. Do derivations play an important role in the Class 12 Physics exam?
Ans. Yes, derivations are frequently asked in board exams. Questions related to lens formula, mirror formula, and electromagnetic laws are common.
Q8. How should students revise Physics effectively before the board exam?
Ans. Students should revise formulas, key concepts, and derivations regularly. Solving previous year papers also helps in improving accuracy and time management.
Q9. Which unit introduces modern physics concepts in Class 12?
Ans. Units like Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter, Atoms, and Nuclei introduce modern physics concepts. These chapters explain the behaviour of atoms, particles, and radiation.
Q10. Is the Class 12 Physics syllabus connected to real scientific technologies?
Ans. Yes, many topics explain technologies used in daily life such as transformers, optical instruments, semiconductors, and communication systems.
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