CBSE Class Twelve Board Exam Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus Overview

The CBSE Class 12 Syllabus is a secondary school curriculum developed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It provides a structured learning model for Senior Secondary students in Classes XI and XII.

• The syllabus covers seven primary curriculum areas: Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Commerce, Skill Subjects, Health and Physical Education, and General Studies.
• Students choose a mix of compulsory and optional subjects, with a minimum of five core subjects plus one additional optional subject.
• The Class 12 question paper carries 80 marks, with 20 marks assigned to projects, practicals, activities, and skill assessment.
• The official CBSE Class 12 syllabus for 2025-26 is available on the CBSE Official Website.

Related Resources:

• CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26
• CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2025
• CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2025

Key Summary of the Syllabus

Class 12 is part of a two-year course that begins with Class 11. Students continue the same subjects they selected in Class 11, and the syllabus builds knowledge, skills, values, and competencies across several areas.

Learning Areas

The curriculum has seven major areas: Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Skill Subjects, General Studies, and Health and Physical Education. These are split into mandatory and elective components.

Assessment and Marks Distribution

• Board Examination: 80 marks covering the entire syllabus.
• Internal Assessment: 20 marks from projects, practicals, activities, and skill assessment.
• Marking Scheme: Each subject carries 100 marks.
• Grading System: A 9-point grading scale with standardized tie-breaking and adjustments.

Exam Duration

Each board examination typically lasts 3 hours.

Course Design and Skills Development

The syllabus focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, analytic ability, and creativity.

Authoritative Resources

• CBSE Academic Portal: Provides sample papers, skill elective materials, syllabus PDFs, and exemplar problems.
• NCERT Textbooks: The primary source for all subjects.
• Reference Books: Used for additional practice and higher-order problems.

Purpose of the Syllabus

The syllabus prepares students for tertiary education, competitive tests, and real-life applications. It also supports holistic knowledge, morality, and global awareness.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject-wise PDFs

The CBSE Class 12 syllabus for the 2025-26 session is available for download. The official PDFs are provided by CBSE Academic.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus and Curriculum

The CBSE Class 12 curriculum for 2025-26 is divided into core and elective subjects. Students must study the prescribed syllabus for their chosen subjects.

Class 12 CBSE Syllabus: Elective Subjects

Elective subjects are available for students to choose based on their stream. The syllabus for each elective is set by CBSE.

CBSE Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2025-26

The scheme of studies outlines the structure of subjects for Class 12. It specifies the number of subjects and the distribution of marks.

CBSE Class 12 Subjects List 2025-26

The complete list of subjects for CBSE Class 12 is provided. This includes compulsory and optional subjects.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject Wise

The syllabus is provided for each subject separately. Students can check the detailed syllabus for English, Hindi, and Mathematics below.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for English

The English syllabus covers both Core and Elective options. The syllabus details the sections, chapters, and marking scheme.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Hindi Core Syllabus

The Hindi Core syllabus is available for download. It includes the prescribed textbook chapters and exam pattern.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for Mathematics: Unit-wise

The Mathematics syllabus is divided into units. Each unit covers specific topics and carries defined weightage in the exam.

CBSE Class 12 Assessment Scheme 2025-26

The assessment scheme explains how students will be evaluated. It includes the breakdown of marks for theory and internal assessment.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus and Curriculum

The Class 12 CBSE syllabus has seven major learning areas: Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Skill Subjects, General Studies, and Health and Physical Education. These areas are meant to develop core competencies in students.

Subjects are divided into compulsory and elective categories. The structure is as follows:

• Language 1: Hindi Elective/Core OR English Elective/Core
• Language 2 / Subject 2: Any one additional language OR one academic elective
• Subjects 3, 4, 5: Any three compulsory electives from academic or skill subjects
• Language 3 / Subject 6: Any optional elective (language, academic, or skill subject)
• Internal Assessment Subjects (Compulsory):
  • Health & Physical Education
  • Work Experience
  • General Studies

Class 12 CBSE Syllabus: Elective Subjects

The elective subjects are grouped into several categories. Students can choose from languages, humanities, sciences, and skill-based subjects.

• Languages: Hindi, English + 34 other languages
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Geography, History, Economics, Home Science, Sociology, Fine Arts, Political Science, and related subjects
• Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Informatics Practices
• Mathematics
• Business & Commerce-Based Electives: Accountancy, Business Studies, Entrepreneurship, Economics, and related subjects
• Visual, Performing & Creative Arts: Dance, Drama, Music, Heritage Crafts, Fine Arts, Sculpture, and related subjects
• Skill Electives: AI, Geospatial Technology, Hospitality, Fashion Design, Banking, Agriculture, Media, Healthcare, etc.
• Health & Physical Education
• General Studies

CBSE Class 12 Scheme of Studies 2025-26

Classes XI and XII are a composite course. Subject decisions made in Class XI must be carried into Class XII.

Class XI requires a minimum of five subjects, and the same subjects must be continued to Class XII. The compulsory subjects are:

• Subject 1: Hindi Elective / Hindi Core / English Elective / English Core
• Subject 2: Any one additional language from Group L (not chosen in Subject 1) OR one elective from Group A
• Subject 3: Any one elective from Group A or Group S
• Subject 4: Any one elective from Group A or Group S
• Subject 5: Any one elective from Group A

Optional subjects include the following:

• Subject 6: Any one elective or language from Group L or Group A

Internal assessment is compulsory for all regular students. These subjects are:

• Subjects 7 to 9:
  • Health & Physical Education
  • Work Experience
  • General Studies

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject Wise

The subject wise CBSE Class 12 syllabus for 2025-26 is given below.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for English

The CBSE Class 12 English Core theory exam has 3 sections. Literature carries the highest weightage with 40 marks.

• Reading Skills: 22 marks
• Writing Skills: 18 marks
• Literature: 40 marks (NCERT Flamingo prose and poetry, and Vistas supplementary reader)
• Internal Assessment: 20 marks (listening, speaking, and project work)

CBSE Class 12 English Section A: Reading Skills (22 Marks)

This section has two unseen passages with a total of 700–750 words. The questions test comprehension, analysis, inference, and vocabulary.

• Passage 1 (factual/literary/descriptive) → 12 marks
• Passage 2 (case-based, with charts/statistical data) → 10 marks
• Question types: MCQs, objective, and short answers (40–50 words)

CBSE Class 12 English Section B: Creative Writing Skills (18 Marks)

• Notice Writing (50 words) → 4 marks
• Invitation & Reply (formal/informal, 50 words) → 4 marks
• Letter Writing (job application with resume/letter to editor, 120–150 words) → 5 marks
• Article/Report Writing (120–150 words, descriptive/analytical) → 5 marks

CBSE Class 12 English Section C: Literature (40 Marks)

Questions come from Flamingo (Prose + Poetry) and Vistas (Prose). The paper includes MCQs, short answers, and long answers.

Marks Distribution:

• Poetry extract (Flamingo) → 6 marks
• Prose extract (Vistas) → 4 marks
• Prose extract (Flamingo) → 6 marks
• 5 short answers (Flamingo prose/poetry, 40–50 words) → 10 marks
• 2 short answers (Vistas, 40–50 words) → 4 marks
• 1 long answer (Flamingo prose/poetry, 120–150 words) → 5 marks
• 1 long answer (Vistas prose, 120–150 words) → 5 marks

CBSE Class 12 English: Topics and Components

Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 English Core

The official CBSE Class 12 English Core syllabus PDF is available for download from the CBSE Academic website. The curriculum and study material for Skill Electives are also available on the official CBSE Academic website under the ‘Skill Education’ section.

CBSE Class 12 English Core Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The CBSE Class 12 English Core theory exam is for 80 marks. The remaining 20 marks come from internal assessment.

Prescribed Books

Two NCERT books are prescribed for English Core. They are Flamingo and Vistas.

Exam Pattern (2025-26)

The theory paper is divided into three sections. Section A tests reading skills, Section B tests writing skills, and Section C tests literature.

CBSE Class 12 Hindi Core Syllabus

The CBSE Class 12 Hindi Core examination paper has three sections: A, B, and C. Section A is for 18 marks, Section B for 22 marks, and Section C for 40 marks.

• Questions in section A (18 marks) are based on unseen passages of comprehension. Every question in this part is mandatory.
• Section B (22 marks) contains questions from the NCERT book Abhivyakti aur Madhyam. The questions offer internal options.
• Part C (40 marks) contains questions from the NCERT books Aaroh Part 2 and Vitaan Part 2. This section also provides internal choices.

Section-wise Content

Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 12 Hindi Core

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus

The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus covers algebra, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, probability, and linear programming. The course is divided into 6 large units and an internal assessment, which sum up to 100 marks.

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Exam Pattern 2025-26

The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics paper is divided into 100 marks total. The highest weightage of 35 marks goes to Calculus, which covers integration, applications, and differential equations.

Vectors and 3D Geometry carries 14 marks. Algebra, covering matrices, determinants, derivatives, and continuity, is worth 10 marks.

Relations and Functions, including inverse trigonometric functions, carries 8 marks. Probability, which includes conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, and distributions, is also 8 marks. Linear Programming, covering formulation and graphical solutions, is 5 marks.

The internal assessment is worth 20 marks. It includes periodic tests and project work.

Unit-wise Marks Distribution

Unit 1: Relations and Functions (8 Marks)

This unit covers types of relations and functions. It includes reflexive, symmetric, transitive, and equivalence relations.

The unit also covers one-to-one and onto functions. Inverse trigonometric functions are part of this unit, including their definition, domain, range, principal value branch, and graphs.

Unit 2: Algebra (10 Marks)

This unit covers matrices and determinants. Topics include matrix concept, notation, order, and types.

• Operations on matrices: addition, multiplication, scalar multiplication, transpose
• Symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices
• Determinants: properties, minors, cofactors, adjoint, inverse
• Solutions of linear equations using matrices and determinants
• Continuity and differentiability: definition, chain rule, derivatives of composite functions
• Applications of derivatives: rate of change, increasing/decreasing functions, tangents and normals, approximation

Unit 3: Calculus (35 Marks)

Calculus is the highest-weightage unit in the paper. It covers integrals, including indefinite and definite integrals.

• Methods of integration: substitution, partial fractions, and others
• Applications of integrals: area under curves, area between curves
• Differential equations: definition, order, degree, general and particular solutions
• Formation and solution of differential equations

Unit 4: Vectors and 3D Geometry (14 Marks)

This unit covers vectors and three-dimensional geometry. Vector topics include types, addition, scalar and vector products, and applications.

• Three-dimensional geometry: direction ratios, direction cosines
• Equation of a line and plane
• Angle between two lines
• Angle between line and plane

Unit 5: Linear Programming (5 Marks)

This unit carries the lowest weightage in the paper. It covers the formulation of linear programming problems.

• Graphical method of solution
• Feasible and infeasible regions
• Optimal feasible solutions

Unit 6: Probability (8 Marks)

This unit covers probability concepts and theorems. It includes conditional probability and the multiplication theorem.

• Bayes' theorem
• Random variables and probability distributions
• Mean of random variable

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

The internal assessment is worth 20 marks. It is divided into two components of 10 marks each.

For activities, the NCERT Lab Manual may be referred to.

Prescribed Books

The official syllabus is available from CBSE Academic. The source for the exam pattern is cbseacademic.nic.in.

Recommended Books for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics

The table below lists the recommended books for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics preparation.

The official NCERT Mathematics book PDF for CBSE Class 12 can be downloaded from the NCERT website.

CBSE Class 12 Assessment Scheme 2025-26

The assessment scheme for CBSE Class 12 includes theory, internal assessment, or a practical component as per the syllabus for each subject. The board conducts the Annual examination for Class XII.

The CBSE Class 12 Board Examination is conducted on the full syllabus of each subject. A 9-point grading system is used to award grades, and all passing students are ranked by the Board and given grades.

Grading Rules

• Minor variation may be made in the proportion of candidates to settle ties.
• In case of a tie, all students at the same grade get the same mark. If candidates at a specific score must be divided into two groups, the smaller group is combined with the larger group.
• The grading method is applied only in subjects where the number of passing students is higher than 500.
• In subjects with fewer than 500 passing students, the same grading pattern and allocation as those subjects or other similar subjects is applied.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: Internal Assessment Grading Scheme

Marks and grades based on a 9-point grading system are given in every compulsory area. In Classes XI and XII, General Studies, Health, and Physical Education are taken in a specific manner.

Grading for General Studies

The grading scheme for General Studies follows the pattern set by CBSE. The detailed guidelines for Health and Physical Education (HPE), with Work Experience subsumed in it, are available on the official CBSE Academic website.

How to Download CBSE Class 12 Official Syllabus 2025-26

Follow these steps to download the official CBSE Class 12 syllabus for 2025-26.

• Visit the CBSE Academic Website: Go to the official site: cbseacademic.nic.in.
• Click on "Curriculum" Tab: On the homepage, find the "Curriculum" option in the top menu or In Focus section. Select "Senior Secondary Curriculum 2025-26 (XI-XII)".
• Select Class XII: Options are available for Languages (Group-L), Academic Electives (Group-A), and Subjects of Internal Assessment. Select subject-wise syllabus PDFs for Languages, Humanities, Science, Mathematics, Commerce, Skill Subjects, and General Studies.
• Download the PDF: Click on the subject name to directly download the official PDF syllabus issued by CBSE.

CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips 2025-26

Preparation should begin with a clear understanding of the syllabus.

• Get the official CBSE Class 12 syllabus PDF from the official website.
• Give emphasis to the weightage of subject chapters (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Accountancy, etc.).
• Pay more attention to units where the marks are distributed higher.

How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Board Exams

Preparation for the CBSE Class 12 board exam requires a structured plan, consistent practice, and regular revision. The points below cover the main areas a student should focus on.

Make a Realistic Study Plan

A study plan gives the preparation a clear direction. The plan should be broken into daily, weekly, and monthly targets.

• Set aside more time for subjects or topics that are difficult.
• Keep at least 1 hour every day for revision.

Practice with Previous Year and Sample Papers

Solving past papers helps a student understand the exam pattern and the difficulty level. Official CBSE sample papers are available at cbseacademic.nic.in.

• Practice papers within the 3-hour time limit of the actual exam.
• Use the official sample papers to get a clear idea of the question format.

Strengthen NCERT First

CBSE board exams are largely based on NCERT textbooks. A student should complete all NCERT questions and examples before moving to reference books.

• Pay attention to NCERT diagrams, definitions, and formulae.
• Use reference books only after finishing the NCERT material.

Do Not Ignore Practicals and Internal Assessments

Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, and Computer Science have practical exams. Keeping good records and performing experiments properly is necessary.

• Internal assessments in Health Education, Work Experience, and General Studies are mandatory.
• Practical marks contribute to the final result.

Revise Regularly

Revision helps in memorising concepts for a longer period. Short notes, flashcards, and formula sheets are useful tools for this.

• Re-read or rewrite the material at least 3-4 times.
• Keep the revision notes concise for quick reference.

Manage Time in the Exam

Time management inside the exam hall is as important as preparation. The first 15 minutes should be used to read the question paper carefully.

• Attempt the questions that carry more weight first.
• Keep the last 10-15 minutes for revising and verifying the answer sheet.

Take Care of Health and Mind

Physical and mental health affect exam performance. Sleeping well and eating properly are essential during the preparation period.

• Avoid studying late at night just before the exam.
• Yoga, meditation, or light exercise can help reduce stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the syllabus for Class 12 CBSE?

The CBSE Class 12 syllabus covers seven broad areas: Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Commerce, Skill Subjects, Health and Physical Education, and General Studies. A student needs at least five subjects, with one of them being a language.

The subject-wise syllabus is available as a PDF on the official CBSE Academic site.

Is the Class 12 CBSE syllabus 2025 released?

Yes. The CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 has been officially released on the CBSE Academic website. Students can download the complete curriculum and subject-wise syllabus from there.

Is CBSE Class 12 tough?

CBSE Class 12 is rated as moderately challenging. The difficulty level depends on the student's preparation and subject choice.

The syllabus is manageable because it follows NCERT textbooks. Regular study, revision, and practice of sample papers make it easier.

Is the CBSE syllabus 2025-26 released?

Yes, CBSE has released the official syllabus for Classes 9–12 for the 2025-26 session. The PDFs can be downloaded directly from cbseacademic.nic.in.

Will CBSE 2025 be easy?

CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2025 will follow the official syllabus and exam pattern. The paper is designed to be balanced, with questions ranging from easy to moderate, along with some application-based high-order thinking (HOTS) questions.

With proper preparation, the exam is easier to handle.

Which Board is the most demanding school board in India?

ICSE and IB (International Baccalaureate) are seen as more demanding among Indian school boards due to their in-depth syllabus and application-focused learning. CBSE is considered student-friendly and oriented towards competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.

Is CBSE harder than ICSE?

No, CBSE is generally considered easier than ICSE.

• CBSE is conceptual, relies on NCERT textbooks, and aligns with competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET. The curriculum is compact and straightforward.
• ICSE has a more detailed and wider syllabus. It focuses on deep knowledge, the English language, and practical learning, making it relatively more challenging.
• CBSE is exam and career oriented, while ICSE is knowledge-based and skill-oriented.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus Overview

The CBSE Class 12 syllabus is divided into seven broad areas of learning. These areas are Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Commerce, Skill Subjects, Health and Physical Education, and General Studies.

Students must take a minimum of five subjects. At least one of these subjects must be a language. Students can also choose elective subjects. The detailed, subject-wise syllabus is available as a PDF file on the official CBSE Academic website.

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 Release

Yes, the CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for the 2025-26 session has been officially released. The syllabus is available on the CBSE Academic website.

Students can download the complete curriculum and the subject-wise syllabus from the site.

Difficulty Level of CBSE Class 12

CBSE Class 12 is rated as moderately challenging. The difficulty level depends on a student's preparation and their choice of subjects.

The syllabus is manageable as it follows NCERT textbooks. Regular study, revision, and practice of sample papers are recommended for preparation.

CBSE Syllabus for Classes 9 to 12 (2025-26)

Yes, CBSE has released the official syllabus for Classes 9 to 12 for the 2025-26 session. Students can download the PDFs directly from the official website: cbseacademic.nic.in.

CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025 Pattern

The CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2025 will be based on the official syllabus and exam pattern. The paper is designed to be balanced.

The questions are expected to be easy to moderate in difficulty. The paper will also include some application-based, high-order thinking (HOTS) questions. Proper preparation makes the exam easier to handle.

Comparison with Other Boards

ICSE and IB (International Baccalaureate) are perceived as more demanding among Indian school boards. These boards have an in-depth syllabus and an application-focused learning process.

CBSE is considered student-friendly. It is oriented towards competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.

CBSE vs ICSE Difficulty

No, CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is usually said to be easier than ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education). CBSE is more conceptual in nature and relies on NCERT textbooks.

CBSE is designed to match competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and CUET. The curriculum is compact and straightforward. In contrast, ICSE has a more detailed and wider syllabus. It focuses on deep knowledge, the English language, and practical learning, which makes it relatively more challenging.

• CBSE: Exam and career oriented, simpler and more direct.
• ICSE: Knowledge-based and skill-oriented, detailed and relatively more difficult.