The best and most reliable resources for NCERT Class 12 are the NCERT textbooks. For Physics Class 12, NCERT textbooks are the most important material as they are carefully designed to simplify complex topics like electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics through clear explanations, diagrams, and real-life applications.
Class 12 NCERT Physics Book 1 PDF
Class 12 NCERT Physics Book 2 PDF
Physics Part I
Physics Part II
Class 12 Physics NCERT Textbook Overview
Physics in Class 12 introduces students to advanced concepts that explain how the physical world works, from electric fields to semiconductor devices. The subject not only enhances analytical thinking but also develops problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for board exams and competitive exams like JEE.
Major Pointers for Class 12 NCERT Physics
- Designed as per the latest CBSE syllabus for the 2026–27 session
- Covers core areas: Electrostatics, Magnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics
- Strong focus on numericals, derivations, and conceptual clarity
- Includes diagrams, experiments, and real-life applications
- Variety of questions: case-based, and assertion-reasons
NCERT Physics Textbook for Class 12
Part I
Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields - Explains electric charges, forces, and electric field concepts.
Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance - Covers potential, capacitors, and energy storage in electric fields.
Chapter 3: Current Electricity - Focuses on electric current, resistance, and circuit analysis.
Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism - Explains magnetic effects of moving charges and current.
Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter - Discusses magnetic properties of materials and Earth’s magnetism.
Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction - Covers induced current and laws governing electromagnetic induction.
Chapter 7: Alternating Current - Explains AC circuits, reactance, and power in alternating systems.
Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves - Describes properties and applications of electromagnetic waves.
Part II
Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments - Covers reflection, refraction, and optical devices like lenses and microscopes.
Chapter 10: Wave Optics - Explains interference, diffraction, and wave nature of light.
Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter - Introduces wave-particle duality and photoelectric effect.
Chapter 12: Atoms - Discusses atomic models and energy levels.
Chapter 13: Nuclei - Covers nuclear structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.
Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits - Explains semiconductors, diodes, and basic electronic circuits.
Study Resource for Class 12 Physics
Class 12 NCERT Physics for the academic year 2026-27 strengthens the foundation build in Class 11 by emphasizing on
Chapters Deleted from Class 12 NCERT Physics
As per CBSE guidelines for the academic year 2026-27 for Class 12 Physics, there are no omissions of any chapters from the NCERT textbook. The syllabus for Physics will continue the same as the previous year, 2025-26.
Commonly Asked Questions from NCERT Class 12 Physics
Here are some of the questions from Class 12 NCERT Physics which are mostly asked in the CBSE board exams.
Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields
Q1. Assertion (A): On going away from a point charge or a small electric dipole, electric field decreases at the same rate in both the cases.
Reason (R): Electric field is inversely proportional to square of distance from the charge or an electric dipole.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false.
Ans. (d) Explanation: The rate of decrease of electric field is different in the two cases. ln case of a point charge, it decreases as 1/r2 but in the case of electric dipole it decreases more rapidly, as E∝1/r3
Chapter 3: Current Electricity
Q1. What happens to the drift velocity (vd) of electrons and to the resistance (R) , if length of a conductor is doubled (keeping potential difference unchanged)?
Ans. Drift velocity vd = eE𝜏/m
Now, E = V/l,
Where V is the potential difference. If the length of the conductor is doubled then drift velocity will be halved. Resistance of conductor is directly proportional to the length, therefore on doubling the length, resistance will become four times.
Q2. Kirchoff’s first rule ∑I = 0 and second rule ∑IR = SE (Where the symbols have their usual meanings) are respectively based on:
(a) conservation of momentum and conservation of charge.
(b) conservation of energy, conservation of charge.
(c) conservation of charge, conservation of momentum.
(d) conservation of charge, conservation of energy.
Ans. (d) conservation of charge, conservation of energy
Explanation: When currents in a circuit are steady, charges cannot accumulate or originate at any point of the circuit. So whatever charge flows towards the junction in any time interval,
an equal charge must flow away from that junction in the same interval. As the electrostatic force is a conservative force, work done by it along any closed path must be zero.
Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism
Q1. A proton and an electron travelling along parallel paths enter a region of uniform magnetic field, acting perpendicular to their paths. Which of them will move in a circular path with higher
Frequency?
Ans. Frequency of revolution of a particle,
f = Bq/2πm
f ∝ 1/m
Since, mass of electron is less than that of proton, therefore, its frequency of revolution will be higher than that of proton.
Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction
Q1. Define mutual inductance of a pair of coils and write its SI unit.
Ans. A voltage will be produced in the second coil as a result of placing two wire coils in close proximity to one another, linking their magnetic fields. When a voltage applied to one coil causes a voltage to be applied to another, this is known as mutual inductance. SI unit of mutual inductance is Henry (H). Mutual inductance is a scalar quantity.
Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
Q1. A double convex lens of refractive index μ1 is immersed in a liquid of refractive index μ2. The lens will act as transparent plane sheet when:
(a) μ1 = μ2 (b) μ1 > μ2
(c) μ1 < μ2 (d) μ1 = 1μ2
Ans. (a) μ1 = μ2
Explanation: When the refractive index of the liquid is same as the lens material, no light will be reflected by the lens and it will not be visible and act as a transparent plane sheet.
Q2. Calculate the radius of curvature of an equiconcave lens of refractive index 1.5, when it is kept in a medium of refractive index 1.4, to have a power of – 5D?
Ans. In an equiconcave lens, radius of curvature of both surfaces are equal,
∴ 1/f = (μ - 1) (-1/R-1/R)
Since, P = -5D
∴ 1/f(in m) = P = -5
and μe = 1.5 and μm = 1.4,
∴ 5 = (1.5/1.4 - 1) (-2/R)
= - 5 - 0.1/1.4 x -2/R
= R = 0.1 x (-2)/1.4 x (-5) = 0.03 m
Chapter 10: Wave Optics
Q1. How does the angular separation between fringes in a single-slit diffraction experiment change when the distance of separation between the slit and screen is doubled?
Ans. We know angular separation is given as
Θ = β/D = Dλ/d/D = λ/d
Since θ is independent of D i.e., the distance of separation between the screen and the slit, so when D is doubled, angular separation would remain same.
Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Q1. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false
Assertion (A):The photoelectrons produced by a monochromatic light beam incident on a metal surface have a spread in their kinetic energies.
Reason (R):The energy of electrons emitted from inside the metal surface, is lost in collision with the other atoms in the metal.
Ans. (a) Both A and B are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Electrons being emitted as photoelectrons have different velocities. Actually all the electrons do not occupy the same level of energy but they occupy continuous bands and levels. So, electrons being knocked off from different levels come out with different energies. Work
function is the energy required to pull the electron out of a metal surface. Naturally electrons on the surface will require less energy to be pulled out hence will have lesser work function as compared with those deep inside the metal. So, assertion and reason are correct and reason correctly explains the assertion.
Tips for Effective Preparation Using Class 12 NCERT Physics
Preparing Physics effectively requires both conceptual clarity and consistent practice:
- Focus on derivations and standard results: Most board questions are directly based on derivations or slight modifications of them, especially in Electrostatics, Optics, and EMI.
- Understand where each formula is valid: Many mistakes happen when formulas are applied without knowing their conditions (e.g., assumptions like steady current or ideal cases).
- Practice numericals from NCERT examples repeatedly: These are the closest to actual board questions and often get repeated with minor changes.
- Learn to interpret graphs, not just draw them: Questions are often asked on slope, area, and variation rather than the graph itself.
- Strengthen multi-concept application: Board questions increasingly combine concepts from different chapters in a single problem.
- Pay attention to sign conventions and units: A large number of errors in Physics come from incorrect signs and missing units, especially in Optics and Electricity.
- Revise frequently asked numerical types: Topics like capacitors, Kirchhoff’s laws, lens formula, and photoelectric equation are repeatedly tested.
- Write answers in a structured format: Stepwise solutions with proper formulas, substitutions, and units help in securing full marks.
FAQs
Q1. Which unit has the highest weightage in Class 12 Physics?
Ans. Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Optics usually carry higher weightage.
Q2. Why do students lose marks in Physics despite knowing the concepts?
Ans. Most marks are lost due to calculation errors, incorrect sign conventions, missing units, and skipping steps in numericals rather than lack of conceptual understanding.
Q3. What is the best way to revise Physics before the exam?
Ans. Focus on revising formulas, standard derivations, key concepts, and previously solved NCERT examples instead of starting new topics close to the exam.
Q4. How should students balance theory and numericals in Physics preparation?
Ans. Physics requires parallel preparation - concepts and derivations should be understood first, followed by consistent numerical practice to apply those concepts effectively.
Q5. How important are step markings in Physics board exams?
Ans. Step marking is very important. Even if the final answer is incorrect, students can still score marks for correct formulas, substitutions, and intermediate steps.





