ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27 Changes

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27, prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, provides an in-depth understanding of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

It focuses on conceptual clarity, numerical application, and practical skills, helping students prepare effectively for board exams as well as competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus Download(2026-27)

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ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2027: Overview

The syllabus includes three major branches of chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. Students are expected to understand theoretical concepts deeply and apply them in numerical problems, reaction mechanisms and laboratory experiments.

Major Highlights for 2026-27

These are some highlights of the ISC Chemistry Syllabus 2027:

• Chemistry theory paper carries 70 marks
• Practical examination carries 30 marks
• Strong emphasis on numericals and conceptual reasoning
• Organic Chemistry carries the highest weightage
• Practical work includes volumetric analysis and qualitative analysis
• Project work and practical file are mandatory for internal assessment

ISC Class 12 Chemistry Unit-wise Marks Distribution 

The table below shows the unit-wise marks distribution of theory and practical paper so students can identify high-scoring topics and plan preparation accordingly.

Sub-Units Covered Under the Chapters

Here is the shortened and clean version of ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus (2027) for your Word document:

Paper I - Theory (70 Marks)

1. Solutions

Study of concentration terms (normality, molality, molarity, mole fraction, ppm). Solubility of gases in liquids (Henry’s Law). Raoult’s Law, ideal and non-ideal solutions, azeotropic mixtures. Colligative properties: relative lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure. Abnormal molecular mass, van’t Hoff factor, degree of dissociation and association. Numerical problems.

2. Electrochemistry

Electrolytic and galvanic cells, redox reactions. Standard electrode potential, Nernst equation, electrochemical series. Conductance, specific, equivalent and molar conductivity, Kohlrausch’s Law. Faraday’s Laws of electrolysis. Batteries (primary & secondary cells), fuel cells, corrosion.

3. Chemical Kinetics

Rate of reaction (average and instantaneous), factors affecting rate. Order and molecularity, rate law, integrated rate equations (zero and first order), half-life. Collision theory, activation energy, Arrhenius equation. Mechanism of reaction.

4. d- and f-Block Elements

General trends in 3d-series: metallic character, ionic radii, oxidation states, colour, magnetic properties, catalytic property, alloy formation. Preparation and properties of KMnO₄ and K₂Cr₂O₇. Lanthanoids and actinoids: electronic configuration, lanthanoid contraction, chemical reactivity.

5. Coordination Compounds

Definition, ligands, coordination number, oxidation number, IUPAC nomenclature. Isomerism (structural and stereo). Werner’s theory, VBT and CFT. Colour, magnetic properties, stability. Importance in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological systems.

6. Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Nomenclature, nature of C–X bond. Preparation, physical and chemical properties of haloalkanes (nucleophilic substitution S_N1 & S_N2, elimination, reaction with metals). Haloarenes: electrophilic substitution, directive influence. Uses and environmental effects of CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, CCl₄, iodoform, freons and DDT.

7. Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Alcohols: Classification, preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols), acidic nature, dehydration, distinction by Lucas test.

Phenols: Preparation, acidic character, electrophilic substitution (halogenation, nitration, sulphonation), Kolbe’s and Reimer-Tiemann reactions, tests.

Ethers: Preparation (Williamson’s synthesis), properties and uses.

8. Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Aldehydes & Ketones: Nomenclature, preparation, nucleophilic addition, reactivity of α-hydrogen, oxidation, reduction, aldol and Cannizzaro reactions.

Carboxylic Acids: Preparation, acidic character, reactions (salt formation, decarboxylation, HVZ), substitution in benzene ring.

9. Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen

Amines: Classification, preparation, physical and chemical properties, basic character, distinction tests.

Aniline: Preparation, properties and reactions.

Cyanides, Isocyanides and Diazonium salts: Preparation and synthetic importance.

10. Biomolecules

Carbohydrates: Classification, structures of glucose and fructose, disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen).

Proteins: Amino acids, peptide bond, structure levels, denaturation.

Vitamins: Classification and functions.

Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA (basic structure and differences).

Paper II - Practical Work (15 Marks)

Candidates are required to complete the following experiments:

1. Titrations (Oxidation-reduction): KMnO₄ vs ammonium iron(II) sulphate or oxalic acid.
2. Study of rate of reaction (e.g., Na₂S₂O₃ + HCl or Mg + dil. acid).
3. Identification of functional groups (alcoholic, aldehydic, ketonic, carboxylic, amino).
4. Characteristic tests of carbohydrates (glucose) and proteins (powdered milk).
5. pH determination using pH paper/universal indicator.
6. Electrochemistry - simple voltaic cell and variation of cell potential with concentration.
7. Qualitative analysis - identification of one cation and one anion in a single salt.

Project Work & Practical File (15 Marks)

Project Work - 10 Marks

One project on any Chemistry-related topic. The report should include introduction, content, analysis and conclusion.

Practical File - 5 Marks

Assessment based on experiments recorded during the year.

Chapters Deleted: Class 12 ISC Chemistry 2026-27

As per the new syllabus for ISC Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2026-27, no topics have been officially deleted by CISCE.

Tips for Efficient Preparation: ISC Class 12 Chemistry

Preparing for ISC Class 12 Chemistry requires a smart, exam-focused approach that balances conceptual understanding with regular practice. The tips below will help in studying strategically and maximise your score.

• Decode the paper pattern before studying

Don’t just start chapters-first understand how questions are asked (numericals, name reactions, reasoning). Study with the paper format in mind.

• Treat each branch differently
  
  • Physical Chemistry: practice-driven
  • Organic Chemistry: reaction logic + mechanisms
  • Inorganic Chemistry: memory + revision

One strategy doesn’t work for all three.

• Build a reaction flow, not a list

In Organic Chemistry, connect reactions in sequences (A → B → C) instead of memorising isolated reactions.

• Focus on “why reactions happen”

ISC often asks reasoning-based questions. Understanding why a reaction occurs helps you tackle unfamiliar questions.

• Turn Inorganic into quick-recall sheets

Use tables, charts, and one-page summaries for colours, compounds, and trends-this saves time during revision.

• Numericals = daily practice, not weekly

Even 4-5 problems daily from Physical Chemistry keeps concepts fresh and improves speed.

• Use PYQs to spot repeating patterns

ISC papers have predictable trends-identify commonly repeated reactions, numericals, and theory questions.

• Don’t ignore presentation

Stepwise answers, correct units, and neat chemical equations can directly improve your score.

• Maximise internal assessment marks

A well-maintained practical file and strong viva prep can secure easy marks-don’t leave them for the last moment.

• Revise like a loop, not a straight line

Keep cycling through chapters instead of finishing everything once-Chemistry needs repeated exposure. 

FAQs

Q1. Which part of Chemistry has the highest weightage in ISC Class 12?

Ans. Organic Chemistry carries the highest weightage in the syllabus.

Q2. How many units are there in ISC Class 12 Chemistry syllabus?

Ans. The syllabus is divided into multiple units under three branches: Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.

Q3. Has the syllabus changed for the 2027 examination compared to the previous year?

Ans. No. There are no changes in the Class 12 Chemistry syllabus for 2027. The content, units, practical list and marking scheme remain exactly the same as 2025-26

Q4. How many experiments are students required to complete in Practical Paper II?

Ans. Students must complete 7 compulsory experiments (Titrations, Rate of reaction, Functional group identification, Carbohydrate & Protein tests, pH determination, Voltaic cell, Qualitative salt analysis).

Q5. Which are the most important topics in Organic Chemistry for ISC Class 12?

Ans. Most important topics in organic chemistry are: 

• Name reactions & mechanisms (SN1/SN2, Aldol, Cannizzaro, Reimer-Tiemann, etc.)
• Conversions & distinguishing tests
• Haloalkanes, Aldehydes-Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Amines & Diazonium salts. These topics together carry almost 70% of the 31 Organic marks.