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

Download the latest CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus for the 2025-26 session.

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The CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus 2026 is structured to build a strong conceptual base, focusing on real-world applications and problem-solving skills. The NCERT textbook remains the best resource to cover the entire syllabus, with additional reference books for better clarity. To score well in board exams, students should regularly revise derivations, practice numerical problems, and cross-check their solutions with NCERT examples and exercises. Each unit holds significance, and with the right approach—conceptual clarity, formula retention, and problem-solving practice—acing Physics becomes easier than expected.

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Structure of CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026

​The Class 12 Physics syllabus for the 2025-26 academic year is structured into nine units, each focusing on fundamental principles of physics. The theory paper is allocated 70 marks, with the remaining 30 marks assigned to practical assessments. Below is a breakdown of the units and their respective weightages:​

Unit I: Electrostatics

Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields

Electric charges, Conservation of charge, Coulomb's law force between two- point charges, forces between multiple charges; superposition principle, and continuous charge distribution. Electric field, electric field due to a point charge, electric field lines, electric dipole, electric field due to a dipole, torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field.

Electric flux, statement of Gauss's theorem and its applications to find field due to infinitely long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet, and uniformly charged thin spherical shell (field inside and outside).

Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole, and system of charges; equipotential surfaces, the electrical potential energy of a system of two point charges, and electric dipole in an electrostatic field. Conductors and insulators, free charges, and bound charges inside a conductor. Dielectrics and electric polarisation, capacitors, and capacitance, a combination of capacitors in series and parallel, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor (no derivation, formulae only).

Unit II: Current Electricity

Chapter 3: Current Electricity

Electric current, the flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity, mobility, and their relation with electric current; Ohm's law, V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear), 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

Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Concept of the magnetic field, Oersted's experiment. Biot - Savart law and its application to the current carrying circular loop. Ampere's law and its applications to infinitely long straight wire. Straight solenoid (only qualitative treatment), force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields. Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field, the force between two parallel current-carrying conductors, definition of an ampere, torque experienced by a current loop in a uniform magnetic field; Current loop as a magnetic dipole and its magnetic dipole moment, moving coil galvanometer- its current sensitivity and conversion to an ammeter and voltmeter.

Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter

Bar magnet, bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and perpendicular to its axis (qualitative treatment only), torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic field (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field lines. Magnetic properties of materials- Para-, dia- and ferro - magnetic substances with examples, Magnetization of materials, the effect of temperature on magnetic properties.

Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents 

Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction; Faraday's laws, induced EMF and current; Lenz's Law, Self and Mutual Induction.

Chapter 7: Alternating Current

Alternating currents, peak and RMS value of alternating current/voltage; reactance and impedance; LCR series circuit (phasors only), resonance, power in AC circuits, power factor, wattless current. AC generator, Transformer.

Unit V: Electromagnetic waves 

Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves

The basic idea of displacement current, Electromagnetic waves, their characteristics, and their transverse nature (qualitative idea only). Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) including elementary facts about their uses.

Unit VI: Optics

Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Ray Optics: Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula, refraction of light, total internal reflection and optical fibres, refraction at spherical surfaces, lenses, thin lens formula, lens maker’s formula, magnification, power of a lens, combination of thin lenses in contact, refraction of light through a prism.

Optical instruments: Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting) and their magnifying powers.

Chapter 10: Wave Optics

Wave optics: Wave front and Huygens principle, reflection and refraction of plane wave at a plane surface using wave fronts. Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens principle. Interference, Young's double slit experiment and expression for fringe width (No derivation final expression only), coherent sources and sustained interference of light, diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maxima (qualitative treatment only).

Unit VII: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Dual nature of radiation, Photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard's observations; Einstein's photoelectric equation-particle nature of light. Experimental study of the photoelectric effect Matter waves-wave nature of particles, de-Broglie relation.

Unit VIII: Atoms and Nuclei 15 Periods

Chapter 12: Atoms

Alpha-particle scattering experiment; Rutherford's model of atom; Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, Expression for the radius of nth possible orbit, velocity and energy of electron in nth orbit, hydrogen line spectra (qualitative treatment only).

Chapter 13: Nuclei

Composition and size of nucleus, nuclear force Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number; nuclear fission, nuclear fusion.

Unit IX: Electronic Devices 10 Periods

Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and

Simple Circuits Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators (qualitative ideas only) Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors- p and n-type, p-n junction. Semiconductor diode - I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, application of junction diode -diode as a rectifier.

Class 12 Physics and Class 12 Maths can be studied together as both subjects are somehow related to each other. Students can check the chapters in the Class 12 Physics syllabus & also check the topic-wise division in the Math Syllabus Class 12.

12 CBSE Physics Syllabus Practicals

The record to be submitted by the students at the time of their annual examination has to include:

• Record at least 8 Experiments [with 4 from each section], to be performed by the students.
• Record at least 6 Activities [with 3 each from sections A and B], to be performed by the students.
• The Report of the project carried out by the students.

SECTION A

Experiments

1. To determine the resistivity of two / three wires by plotting a graph for potential difference versus current.
2. To find the resistance of a given wire / standard resistor using a meter bridge.
3. To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using a meter bridge.
   OR
   To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of resistances using a meter bridge.
4. To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by the half-deflection method and to find its figure of merit.
5. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a voltmeter of the desired range and to verify the same.
   OR
   To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into an ammeter of the desired range and to verify the same.
6. To find the frequency of AC mains with a sonometer.

Activities

1. To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without an iron core.
2. To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), and current (AC), and check the continuity of a given circuit using a multimeter.
3. To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off) switches, a fuse and a power source.
4. To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.
5. To study the variation in potential drop with the length of a wire for a steady current.
6. To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at least a battery, resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter, and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not connected in proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit diagram.

SECTION B

Experiments

1. To find the value of v for different values of u in the case of a concave mirror and to find the focal length.
2. To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex lens.
3. To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or between 1/u and 1/v.
4. To find the focal length of a concave lens, use a convex lens.
5. To determine the angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph between the angle of incidence and the angle of deviation.
6. To determine the refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.
7. To find the refractive index of a liquid using a convex lens and plane mirror.
8. To find the refractive index of a liquid using a concave mirror and a plane mirror.
9. To draw the I-V characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in forward and reverse bias.

Activities

1. To identify a diode, an LED, a resistor, and a capacitor from a mixed collection of such items.
2. Use a multimeter to see the unidirectional flow of current in the case of a diode and an LED and check whether a given electronic component (e.g., diode) is in working order.
3. To study the effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of the source) on an LDR.
4. To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident obliquely on a glass slab.
5. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit.
6. To study the nature and size of the image formed by a (i) convex lens, or (ii) concave mirror, on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for different distances of the candle from the lens/mirror).
7. To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from the given set of lenses.

Suggested Investigatory Projects

1. To study various factors on which the internal resistance/EMF of a cell depends.
2. To study the variations in current flowing in a circuit containing an LDR because of a variation in

• the power of the incandescent lamp, used to 'illuminate' the LDR (keeping all the lamps at a fixed distance).
• the distance of an incandescent lamp (of fixed power) used to 'illuminate' the LDR.

3. To find the refractive indices of (a) water and (b) oil (transparent) using a plane mirror, an equiconvex lens (made from a glass of known refractive index), and an adjustable object needle.
4. To investigate the relation between the ratio of (i) output and input voltage and (ii) the number of turns in the secondary coil and primary coil of a self-designed transformer.
5. To investigate the dependence of the angle of deviation on the angle of incidence using a hollow prism filled one by one, with different transparent fluids.
6. To estimate the charge induced on each one of the two identical Styrofoam (or pith) balls suspended in a vertical plane by making use of Coulomb's law.
7. To study the factor on which the self-inductance of a coil depends by observing the effect of this coil when put in series with a resistor/(bulb) in a circuit fed up by an A.C. source of adjustable frequency.
8. To study the earth's magnetic field using a compass needle-bar magnet by plotting magnetic field lines and tangent galvanometer.

The Study Plan Using Physics Class 12 Syllabus 2026

A well-structured study plan is essential to cover the Physics syllabus Class 12 efficiently. Since Physics requires both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, your approach should be balanced and consistent. Below is a strategic study plan to help you prepare effectively.

Phase 1: Understanding the Syllabus & Planning (Week 1-2)

• Download and read the CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus to understand the units, weightage, and marking scheme.
• Divide the syllabus into manageable sections based on difficulty and weightage.
• Create a realistic timetable (2-3 hours of Physics daily).

Phase 2: Theory + Conceptual Clarity (Week 3-10)

Focus: Understanding & Learning Concepts

Electrostatics & Current Electricity (Weeks 3-4)

• Read NCERT theory and make notes.
• Understand Gauss’s Law, Capacitors, and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
• Solve all NCERT examples & exercise questions.
• Practice numericals daily.

Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction (Weeks 5-6)

• Learn concepts like Moving Charges & Magnetism, Faraday’s Law, AC Circuits.
• Practice derivations and numerical problems.
• Solve previous year board questions.

Optics (Weeks 7-8)

• Study Ray Optics, Lenses, Optical Instruments, and Wave Optics.
• Draw diagrams and learn important laws (Snell’s Law, Huygens’ Principle).
• Solve numerical problems on lenses & diffraction.

Modern Physics (Weeks 9-10)

• Study Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms & Nuclei, Semiconductor Devices.
• Focus on formula-based questions.
• Revise all important theories & laws.

Phase 3: Problem-Solving & Practical Work (Week 11-14)

• Solve previous 10 years' board papers to understand question patterns.
• Revise derivations and important formulas.
• Practise numericals daily, especially from Electrostatics, Optics & Magnetism.
• Complete Physics practicals and lab work (30 marks are crucial).

Phase 4: Revision & Exam Practice (Week 15-18)

• Daily quick revision of short notes and formulas.
• Solve full-length sample papers in exam conditions (time yourself).
• Work on weak topics and clarify doubts.
• Revise practicals, experiments, and viva questions.

Final Tips for Success

• Stick to NCERT – most board questions are directly based on it.
• Make short notes – revise them before exams.
• Use flashcards & diagrams for quick learning.
• Stay consistent and don’t pile up doubts – clear them immediately.

CBSE syllabus class 12 Physics 2026 provides students with a comprehensive and well-structured approach to the topic. This syllabus covers a wide range of topics and ideas, giving equal weight to understanding theory and applying it to real-world situations. Preparing for Class 12 Physics requires a well-structured approach, regular practice, and conceptual clarity. By following this study plan, focusing on NCERT textbooks, solving numerical problems, revising derivations, and practising previous year papers, you can build a strong foundation and improve your problem-solving skills.