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

Have you ever wondered why people behave differently in the same situation? Why do some individuals stay calm under pressure while others struggle? Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes, and if you’re a CBSE Class 12 student, you’re about to dive deep into this fascinating subject!

With the 2025-26 CBSE syllabus, understanding concepts like personality, psychological disorders, therapy, and social influence becomes even more structured and insightful. But what’s new in this year’s syllabus? What are the most important topics? And how can you prepare effectively to score high in your board exams?

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the CBSE Class 12 Psychology syllabus 2025, covering:

• Chapter-wise topics and weightage
• important changes in the syllabus
• Best books and study materials
• Effective preparation tips
• Previous year question patterns

Whether you’re preparing for CBSE board exams, competitive exams or just want to develop a deeper understanding of human psychology, this guide will help you stay on track. So, let’s get started and explore what this subject has to offer in 2025!

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Latest Syllabus Psychology Class 12

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Goals include 

• Assist students in grasping human concepts and behaviours concerning their environment and society.
• Develop an awareness of the various applications of psychological knowledge in life.
• Motivate students to develop into perceptive, socially aware, and self-aware people.
• Encourage students to be engaged as accountable contributors to society by supporting them on their path to personal growth and effectiveness.

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus 2025-26: Course Structure

Are you a Class 12 student preparing for CBSE Psychology in the 2025-26 academic session? Understanding the latest syllabus and course structure is the first step to effective preparation. Psychology is not just about theories—it’s about understanding human behaviour, emotions, and mental processes, making it an exciting and practical subject!

Why is Psychology Important in Class 12?

Psychology plays a crucial role in various fields, including mental health, education, business, and research. The CBSE curriculum for Class 12 is designed to help students build a strong foundation in psychological concepts while preparing them for higher education and competitive exams.

Unit I: Variations in Psychological Attributes

1. Introduction
2. Individual Differences in Human Functioning
3. Assessment of Psychological Attributes 
4. Intelligence 
5. Psychometric Theories of Intelligence, Information Processing Theory: Planning, Attention-arousal and Simultaneous successive Model of Intelligence, Triarchic Theory of Intelligence; Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
6. Individual Differences in Intelligence
7. Culture and Intelligence
8. Emotional Intelligence
9. Special Abilities: Aptitude: Nature and Measurement
10. Creativity

The psychology textbook for class 12 begins with a chapter called "Variations in Psychological Attributes." It discusses how individual differences exist in both physical and mental characteristics. The variation, which also goes by the name "individual differences," occurs both inside and between distinct species. People may differ, for example, in their ability to: acquire difficult thoughts, adapt to their environment, learn from their experiences, use various forms of reasoning, overcome obstacles, and feel inspired - feel discouraged.

Unit II: Self and Personality

1. Introduction
2. Self and Personality
3. Concept of Self
4. Cognitive and Behavioural aspects of Self
5. Culture and Self
6. Concept of Personality
7. Major Approaches to the Study of Personality

• Type Approaches
• Trait Approaches
• Psychodynamic Approach and Post-Freudian Approaches

• Behavioural Approach
• Cultural Approach
• Humanistic Approach

8. Assessment of Personality

• Self-report Measures
• Projective Techniques
• Behavioural Analysis

The self and personality are the characteristics that make us who we are. Our behaviour reflects these qualities, which are frequently moulded by the experiences we have had in life. They are what distinguish each person, causing people to behave differently even under identical conditions.

Unit III: Meeting Life Challenges

1. Introduction
2. Nature, Types and Sources of Stress
3. Effects of Stress on Psychological Functioning and Health

• Stress and Health
• General Adaptation Syndrome
• Stress and Immune System
• Lifestyle

4. Coping with Stress

• Stress Management Techniques

5. Promoting Positive Health and Well-being

• Life Skills
• Positive Health

It's not always the case that overcoming obstacles in life results in stress. Our perception of difficulty is important. Stress is like electricity; it gives you energy, but too much or too little of it may be harmful. In the same way, having too much or too little stress may be detrimental to our well-being. A healthy amount of stress is beneficial to us.

Unit IV: Psychological Disorders

1. Introduction
2. Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders

• Historical Background

3. Classification of Psychological Disorders
4. Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour
5. Major Psychological Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
• Trauma-and Stressor-Related Disorders
• Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
• Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar and Related Disorders
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic
• Disorders
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
• Feeding and Eating Disorders
• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

Numerous psychological variables might lead to the development of psychological illnesses, as stated in the study of psychological disorders covered in class 12. Some of these variables are maternal deprivation, severe stress, flawed parents, and maladaptive family structures. These elements emphasise how crucial it is to comprehend how relationships and the environment affect mental health as well as the possible risk factors that might result in psychological diseases.

Unit V: Therapeutic Approaches

1. Nature and Process of Psychotherapy

• Therapeutic relationship

2. Types of Therapies

• Behaviour Therapy
• Cognitive Therapy
• Humanistic-Existential Therapy
• Alternative Therapies
• Factors contributing to healing in Psychotherapy
• Ethics in Psychotherapy

3. Rehabilitation of the Mentally Ill

The chapter also covers several approaches to treatment, such as behavioural, cognitive, and psychodynamic therapy. These therapy modalities seek to address psychological problems and help people cope with them. The therapist and the patient or client have an interpersonal interaction in all of them. While some treatments, like person-centred therapy, are non-directional and let the client take the lead, others, like psychodynamic therapy, are controlling, meaning the therapist directs the process.

Unit VI: Attitude and Social Cognition

1. Introduction
2. Explaining Social Behaviour
3. Nature and Components of Attitudes
4. Attitude Formation and Change

• Attitude Formation
• Attitude Change
• Attitude-Behaviour Relationship

5. Prejudice and Discrimination
6. Strategies for Handling Prejudice

The sixth chapter of the class 12 CBSE psychology textbook is named "Attitude and Social Cognition." This chapter looks at how people form their attitudes—that is, how they think about different subjects and other people. It also explores how these views might be shaped by social forces.

Unit VII: Social Influence and Group Processes

1. Introduction
2. Nature and Formation of Groups
3. Type of Groups
4. Influence of Group on Individual Behaviour

• Social Loafing
• Group Polarisation

Members of a cohesive group think, feel, and act more like one coherent social unit than like distinct individuals. Members of highly cohesive groups are typically more dedicated to remaining in the group than members of less cohesive groups.

Class 12 Psychology Practical Syllabus

1. Development of case profile:

Using appropriate methods like interviews, observation & psychological tests.

2. Test administration:

Students are required to administer and interpret five psychological tests related to various psychological attributes like intelligence, aptitude, attitude, personality, etc.

3. In the Practical examination, the student will be required to administer and interpret two psychological tests.

How to Prepare for Board Exam Using CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus

Psychology is an exciting yet conceptual subject in CBSE Class 12, requiring a deep understanding of theories, case studies, and applications. With the 2025-26 board exams approaching, a structured study plan based on the latest CBSE syllabus can help you score high and develop a strong grasp of human behaviour and mental processes.

If you’re wondering how to study effectively, here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering Class 12 Psychology for your board exams!

Understand the CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus

Before you start studying, make sure you’re familiar with the chapter-wise syllabus. The subject is divided into important units, covering topics such as:

• Personality & Intelligence – Understand psychological traits and assessment methods.
• Psychological Disorders & Therapy – Learn about mental health issues and their treatments.
• Social Psychology & Group Behavior – Study how people interact and influence each other.
• Applied Psychology – Explore the practical applications of psychology in daily life.

Knowing the syllabus helps in prioritising important topics and allocating time accordingly.

Focus on NCERT Textbook & Official Study Material

CBSE board exams primarily follow NCERT books, so:

• Read each chapter carefully and make summary notes.
• Highlight important definitions, case studies, and research examples.
• Pay special attention to NCERT questions, as they often appear in the exam.

Create a Study Plan & Follow a Daily Routine

Effective time management is important to covering the syllabus thoroughly.

• Set a daily study schedule, allocating time for each chapter.
• Revise regularly to avoid last-minute cramming.
• Use mnemonics, charts, and flashcards for easy recall of concepts.

Master Answer Writing Techniques

Psychology is a theory-based subject, so your answers should be structured well:

• Start with a clear introduction and define important terms.
• Use headings, bullet points, and flowcharts to organise answers.
• Support answers with examples and case studies for better explanation.
• Practice writing answers within time limits to improve speed and accuracy.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers & Sample Papers

Practicing past CBSE board exam papers helps in:

• Understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme.
• Identifying important and frequently asked topics.
• Improving time management and confidence before the exam.

Don’t Ignore Practical Work & Case Studies

CBSE Class 12 Psychology includes practical assessments, so ensure:

• Your case study reports are well-prepared and neatly presented.
• You revise research methods, observation techniques, and psychological testing.
• You understand how to analyse and interpret results.

Revise & Stay Stress-Free Before Exams

• Set aside time for multiple revisions.
• Use mind maps and self-quizzes to recall important concepts.
• Avoid last-minute cramming—stay calm and confident before the exam!

Tips & Tricks to Score 90 Above in Class 12 Psychology 

Scoring 90+ in CBSE Class 12 Psychology is achievable with the right approach! Psychology is an interesting subject, but it requires conceptual clarity, structured answers, and consistent practice. If you want to ace your board exam, follow these proven tips and tricks to boost your preparation and maximise your marks.

Know Your Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Before you start studying, make sure you’re familiar with the CBSE Class 12 Psychology syllabus and marking scheme. Focus more on high-weightage chapters, such as:

• Personality & Intelligence
• Psychological Disorders & Therapy
• Social Influence & Group Behaviour

Understanding the exam pattern helps you prepare strategically and avoid last-minute surprises.

Stick to NCERT & Make Notes

• NCERT is your best friend! Most CBSE board questions come directly from NCERT books, so study them thoroughly.
• Make summary notes while reading to help in quick revision.
• Highlight important terms, definitions, case studies, and research findings for easy recall.

Master Answer Writing Skills

Writing clear and structured answers is important to scoring high. Follow these steps:

• Introduction: Define the concept briefly.
• Headings & Bullet Points: Organise your answer neatly.
• Examples & Case Studies: Support your answers with real-life examples.
• Conclusion: Summarise your response effectively.

Pro Tip: Solve CBSE sample papers to understand the correct answer format.

Use Mind Maps & Mnemonics for Quick Learning

Instead of memorising everything, use:

• Mind Maps – Visually organise topics like psychological disorders and therapies.
• Mnemonics & Acronyms – Make tricky concepts easier to remember.

For example, to remember Piaget’s cognitive development stages, use "Some People Can Fly" (Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete, Formal).

Solve Previous Year Papers & Sample Papers

• Practice at least 5-10 years' worth of previous papers to understand recurring questions.
• Time yourself while solving papers to improve speed and accuracy.
• Analyse mistakes and revise weak areas.

Revise Smartly & Avoid Last-Minute Cramming

• Revise regularly instead of cramming everything before the exam.
• Set a revision timetable to go through all topics at least 3 times before the exam.
• Use flashcards for quick revision of important terms and theories.

Don’t Ignore Practical Work & Case Studies

The practical section carries important marks, so:

• Prepare your case study reports neatly and practice presenting them well.
• Understand research methods as they often appear in theory exams.

Scoring 90+ in Class 12 Psychology is possible with smart study techniques, regular practice, and strong conceptual clarity. Follow these tips, trust your preparation, and you’ll be ready to ace your board exam! 

Best of luck!