ISC Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026-27: Revised & Deleted Topics

CISCE released updated Physics syllabus for ISC for the year 2026-27. The syllabus is curated to make the foundation of Physics stronger.

At this level, Physics goes beyond basic concepts, focusing on deeper understanding, problem-solving abilities, and the application of theory to real-life situations.

ISC Class 12 Physics Syllabus (2026-27)

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Class 12 ISC 2026-27: Physics Overview

The curriculum blends theory with hands-on practice to build the analytical skills needed for competitive exams and higher education. It also covers modern physics, preparing students for advanced studies in science and technology. 

ISC Class 12 Physics Syllabus: Major Highlights(2026-27)

Following are some major highlights of the ISC Class 12 Physics syllabus:

• Total marks structure: 100 marks
• 70 marks theory paper + 30 marks practical component
• Strong emphasis on numerical problem solving
• Conceptual and derivation-based questions included
• Optics and Magnetism carry high weightage
• Laboratory experiments focus on ray optics and current electricity
• Graph-based questions in practical exams are compulsory

ISC Class 12 Physics Unit-Wise Marks Distribution 

The table below shows the marks distribution across different units of Physics and among the theory and practical section of the subject. 

Sub-Units Under Physics Class 12 ISC

Here is the clear bifurcation of the entire syllabus for Physics Class 12 ISC for 2026-27 for better understanding of the subject in the future. 

Paper I - Theory (80 Marks)

1. Electrostatics - Electric Charges and Fields | Electrostatic Potential, Potential Energy and Capacitance
2. Current Electricity
3. Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism - Moving Charges and Magnetism | Magnetism and Matter
4. Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents - Electromagnetic Induction | Alternating Current
5. Electromagnetic Waves
6. Optics - Ray Optics and Optical Instruments | Wave Optics
7. Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
8. Atoms and Nuclei - Atoms | Nuclei
9. Electronic Devices

Paper II - Practical Work (15 Marks)

Students are required to complete all the following experiments (excluding demonstration experiments):

1. To measure the diameter of a spherical body using Vernier calipers. Calculate its volume with appropriate significant figures. Also measure its volume using a graduated cylinder and compare the two.
2. Find the diameter of a wire using a micrometer screw gauge and determine percentage error in cross-sectional area.
3. Determine radius of curvature of a spherical surface like watch glass by a spherometer.
4. Equilibrium of three concurrent coplanar forces. To verify the parallelogram law of forces and to determine weight of a body.
5. (i) Inclined plane: To find the downward force acting along the inclined plane on a roller due to gravitational pull of earth and to study its relationship with angle of inclination by plotting a graph between force and sin θ. (ii) Friction: To find the force of limiting friction for a wooden block placed on a horizontal surface and to study its relationship with normal reaction. To determine the coefficient of friction.
6. To find the acceleration due to gravity by measuring the variation in time period (T) with effective length (L) of a simple pendulum; plot graphs of T vs √L and T² vs L. Determine effective length of the seconds pendulum from T² vs L graph.
7. To find the force constant of a spring and to study variation in time period of oscillation with mass m of a body suspended by the spring. To find acceleration due to gravity by plotting a graph of T against √m.
8. Boyle’s Law: To study the variation in volume with pressure for a sample of air at constant temperature by plotting graphs between p and 1/ V and between p and V.
9. Cooling curve: To study the fall in temperature of a body (like hot water or liquid in calorimeter) with time. Find the slope of the curve at four different temperatures of the hot body and hence, deduce Newton’s law of cooling.
10. To study the variation in frequency of air column with length using resonance column apparatus or a long cylindrical vessel and a set of tuning forks. Hence, determine velocity of sound in air at room temperature.
11. To determine frequency of a tuning fork using a sonometer.
12. To determine specific heat capacity of a solid using a calorimeter.

Demonstration Experiments (to be demonstrated by the teacher):

1. Searle’s method to determine Young modulus of elasticity.
2. Capillary rise method to determine surface tension of water.
3. Determination of coefficient of viscosity of a given viscous liquid by terminal velocity method.

Project Work & Practical File (15 Marks)

Project Work - 10 Marks

All candidates will be required to do one project involving some Physics-related topic under the guidance of the Physics teacher. Candidates must prepare a technical report including abstract, theoretical discussion, experimental setup, observations, analysis, discussion of results, deductions and conclusion.

Suggested Evaluation Criteria:

• Title and Abstract
• Introduction/ purpose
• Contents/ Presentation
• Analysis/ material aid (graphs, data, diagrams, etc.)
• Originality of work
• Conclusion/ comments

Practical File - 5 Marks

The practical file will be assessed on the basis of the experiments performed and recorded by the student during the academic year.

Deleted Topics for Physics Class 12 ISC

For Physics Class 12 ISC, there are no changes or deletion in the chapters or the sub-topics and similar syllabus will be followed as for the year 2025-26.

ISC Class 12 Physics Exams: Best Preparation Tips

It is important to understand that the syllabus stated for the year 2026-27 should be approached in a structured manner to have a better hold on the subject.

To begin with, some preparation tips given here can be followed. 

• Start with the syllabus & weightage - Go through the latest syllabus by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations and identify high-scoring units. Plan your preparation accordingly instead of studying randomly.
• Focus on “why” behind every concept - ISC Physics papers often test applications. Make sure you understand the logic behind formulas, laws, and derivations-not just the final result.
• Adopt a numericals-first approach - After finishing any topic, immediately practice related numericals. This helps in long-term retention and builds confidence for problem-based questions.
• Link theory with derivations - Don’t study derivations in isolation. Understand how they originate from concepts-this makes them easier to remember and reproduce in exams.
• Practice structured answer writing - ISC answers require proper steps, units, diagrams, and explanations. Train yourself to write neat, stepwise solutions.
• Strengthen diagrams & graphs - Pay special attention to ray diagrams (Optics) and graph-based questions, as they are frequently asked and easy scoring if practiced well.
• Make a formula + concept sheet - Instead of bulky notes, maintain a quick revision sheet with formulas, key definitions, and exceptions for last-minute revision.
• Treat practicals as scoring, not secondary - Prepare experiments, readings, and viva questions thoroughly. A well-prepared practical component can boost your overall score significantly.
• Use PYQs as a strategy tool, not just practice - Analyse trends-identify repeated question types and important topics rather than just solving papers.
• Revise in cycles, not once - Follow a rotation strategy: revise each unit multiple times in short intervals instead of one long revision at the end.

FAQs

Q1. Which units have the highest weightage in ISC Class 12 Physics?

Ans. Units like Optics (18 marks) and Magnetism (16 marks) carry the highest weightage in the theory paper.

Q2. Where can I download the official ISC Class 12 Physics syllabus PDF?

Ans. Students can download the official syllabus from the CISCE website or from education sites like Educart to ensure accurate and updated preparation.

Q3. What type of questions are asked in the theory paper?

Ans. The paper includes a mix of numerical problems, derivations, conceptual questions, and application-based questions.

Q4. Has the ISC Class 12 Physics syllabus changed for 2026-27?

Ans. There are no major structural changes, but the focus on conceptual understanding, numericals, and application-based questions continues.

Q5. How can I prepare effectively using the ISC Physics syllabus?

Ans. Students should follow the syllabus closely, prioritise high-weightage topics, practice numericals, and prepare thoroughly for practical exams.