SYLLABUS FOR NEST 2024

The syllabus for NEST 2024 primarily follows the NCERT/CBSE rationalised science
syllabus of classes XI–XII. The detailed syllabus for the NEST examination is provided at
the end of this document under the heading: ‘Syllabus for NEST 2024’. The syllabus can
also be downloaded from the NEST 2024 website, www.nestexam.in. The knowledge
gained during high school studies may be required to answer some of the questions.
The syllabi can be found at https://ncert.nic.in/syllabus.php
Syllabi can be downloaded directly from:

● Syllabus of Biology
● Syllabus of Chemistry
● Syllabus of Mathematics
● Syllabus of Physics

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PHYSICS
 CLASS XI (THEORY)

(Total Periods: 180)

Unit I: Physical World and Measurement (Periods 10)

Physics: Scope and excitement; nature of physical laws; Physics, technology and society.
Need for measurement: Units of measurement; systems of units; SI units, fundamental and derived
units. Length, mass and time measurements; accuracy and precision of measuring instruments; errors in
measurement; significant figures.
Dimensions of physical quantities, dimensional analysis and its applications.

Unit II: Kinematics (Periods 30)

Frame of reference, Motion in a straight line: Position-time graph, speed and velocity. Uniform and
non-uniform motion, average speed and instantaneous velocity. Uniformly accelerated motion, velocity-
time and position-time graphs, relations for uniformly accelerated motion (graphical treatment).
Elementary concepts of differentiation and integration for describing motion. Scalar and vector
quantities: Position and displacement vectors, general vectors and notation, equality of vectors, multiplication
of vectors by a real number; addition and subtraction of vectors. Relative velocity.
Unit vectors. Resolution of a vector in a plane – rectangular components.
Scalar and Vector products of Vectors. Motion in a plane. Cases of uniform velocity and uniform
acceleration – projectile motion. Uniform circular motion.

Unit III: Laws of Motion (Periods 16)

Intuitive concept of force. Inertia, Newton’s first law of motion; momentum and Newton’s second
law of motion; impulse; Newton’s third law of motion. Law of conservation of linear momentum and its
applications.
Equilibrium of concurrent forces. Static and kinetic friction, laws of friction, rolling friction, lubrication.
Dynamics of uniform circular motion: Centripetal force, examples of circular motion (vehicle on
level circular road, vehicle on banked road).

Unit IV: Work, Energy and Power (Periods 16)

Work done by a constant force and a variable force; kinetic energy, work-energy theorem, power.
Notion of potential energy, potential energy of a spring, conservative forces; conservation of mechanical
energy (kinetic and potential energies); non-conservative forces; motion in a vertical circle, elastic and
inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions.

Unit V: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body (Periods 18)

Centre of mass of a two-particle system, momentum conservation and centre of mass motion. Centre
of mass of a rigid body; centre of mass of uniform rod.
Moment of a force, torque, angular momentum, conservation of angular momentum with some
examples.

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 Equilibrium of rigid bodies, rigid body rotation and equation of rotational motion, comparison of linear
and rotational motions; moment of inertia, radius of gyration. Values of M.I. for simple geometrical objects
(no derivation). Statement of parallel and perpendicular axes theorems and their applications.

Unit VI: Gravitation (Periods 14)

Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. The universal law of gravitation. Acceleration due to gravity and its
variation with altitude and depth.
Gravitational potential energy; gravitational potential. Escape velocity, orbital velocity of a satellite.
Geostationary satellites.

Unit VII: Properties of Bulk Matter (Periods 28)

Elastic behaviour, Stress-strain relationship, Hooke’s law, Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear,
modulus of rigidity, poisson’s ratio; elastic energy.
Pressure due to a fluid column; Pascal’s law and its applications (hydraulic lift and hydraulic brakes).
Effect of gravity on fluid pressure.
Viscosity, Stokes’ law, terminal velocity, Reynold’s number, streamline and turbulent flow. Critical
velocity, Bernoulli’s theorem and its applications.
Surface energy and surface tension, angle of contact, excess of pressure, application of surface tension
ideas to drops, bubbles and capillary rise.
Heat, temperature, thermal expansion; thermal expansion of solids, liquids, and gases. Anomalous
expansion. Specific heat capacity: Cp, Cv – calorimetry; change of state – latent heat.
Heat transfer – conduction and thermal conductivity, convection and radiation. Qualitative ideas of
Black Body Radiation, Wein’s displacement law, and Green House effect.
Newton’s law of cooling and Stefan’s law.

Unit VIII: Thermodynamics (Periods 12)

Thermal equilibrium and definition of temperature (zeroth law of Thermodynamics). Heat, work and
internal energy. First law of thermodynamics. Isothermal and adiabatic processes.
Second law of thermodynamics: Reversible and irreversible processes. Heat engines and refrigerators.

Unit IX: Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory (Periods 8)

Equation of state of a perfect gas, work done on compressing a gas.
Kinetic theory of gases: Assumptions, concept of pressure. Kinetic energy and temperature; rms
speed of gas molecules; degrees of freedom, law of equipartition of energy (statement only) and application
to specific heat capacities of gases; concept of mean free path, Avogadro’s number.

Unit X: Oscillations and Waves (Periods 28)

Periodic motion – period, frequency, displacement as a function of time. Periodic functions. Simple
harmonic motion (SHM) and its equation; phase; oscillations of a spring – restoring force and force constant;
energy in SHM – kinetic and potential energies; simple pendulum – derivation of expression for its time
period; free, forced and damped oscillations (qualitative ideas only), resonance.
Wave motion. Longitudinal and transverse waves, speed of wave motion. Displacement relation for a
progressive wave. Principle of superposition of waves, reflection of waves, standing waves in strings and
organ pipes, fundamental mode and harmonics. Beats. Doppler effect.
4
 PRACTICALS

Total Periods 60

Section A

Experiments

1. To measure diameter of a small spherical/cylindrical body using Vernier callipers.

2. To measure internal diameter and depth of a given beaker/calorimeter using Vernier callipers and
hence find its volume.
3. To measure diameter of a given wire using screw gauge.
4. To measure thickness of a given sheet using screw gauge.
5. To measure volume of an irregular lamina using screw gauge.
6. To determine radius of curvature of a given spherical surface by a spherometer.
7. To determine the mass of two different objects using a beam balance.
8. To find the weight of a given body using parallelogram law of vectors.
9. Using a simple pendulum, plot L-T and L-T2 graphs. Hence find the effective length of a second’s
pendulum using appropriate graph.
10. To study the relationship between force of limiting friction and normal reaction and to find the
coefficient of friction between a block and a horizontal surface.
11. To find the downward force, along an inclined plane, acting on a roller due to gravitational pull of
the earth and study its relationship with the angle of inclination (θ) by plotting graph between force
and sin θ.

Activities
1. To make a paper scale of given least count, e.g. 0.2 cm, 0.5 cm.
2. To determine mass of a given body using a metre scale by principle of moments.
3. To plot a graph for a given set of data, with proper choice of scales and error bars.
4. To measure the force of limiting friction for rolling of a roller on a horizontal plane.
5. To study the variation in the range of a jet of water with the angle of projection.
6. To study the conservation of energy of a ball rolling down on inclined plane (using a double
inclined plane).
7. To study dissipation of energy of a simple pendulum by plotting a graph between square of
amplitude and time.

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 Section B

Experiments
1. To determine Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material of a given wire.
2. To find the force constant of a helical spring by plotting a graph between load and extension.
3. To study the variation in volume with pressure for a sample of air at constant temperature by
plotting graphs between P and V, and between P and 1/V.
4. To determine the surface tension of water by capillary rise method.
5. To determine the coefficient of viscosity of a given viscous liquid by measuring the terminal velocity
of a given spherical body.
6. To study the relationship between the temperature of a hot body and time by plotting a cooling
curve.
7. To determine specific heat capacity of a given (i) solid (ii) liquid, by method of mixtures.
8. (i) To study the relation between frequency and length of a given wire under constant tension
using sonometer.
(ii) To study the relation between the length of a given wire and tension for constant frequency
using sonometer.
9. To find the speed of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube by two resonance
positions.

Activities
1. To observe change of state and plot a cooling curve for molten wax.
2. To observe and explain the effect of heating on a bi-metallic strip.
3. To note the change in level of liquid in a container on heating and interpret the observations.
4. To study the effect of detergent on surface tension of water by observing capillary rise.
5. To study the factors affecting the rate of loss of heat of a liquid.
6. To study the effect of load on depression of a suitably clamped meter scale loaded at (i) at its end
(ii) in the middle.

CLASS XII (THEORY)

(Total Periods: 180)

Unit I: Electrostatics (Periods 25)

Electric charges and their conservation. 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). 6
 Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole and system of
charges; equipotential surfaces, electrical potential energy of a system of two point charges and of electric
dipoles in an electrostatic field.
Conductors and insulators, free charges and bound charges inside a conductor. Dielectrics and electric
polarisation, capacitors and capacitance, combination of capacitors in series and in parallel, capacitance
of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates, energy stored in a
capacitor, Van de Graaff generator.

Unit II: Current Electricity (Periods 22)

Electric current, flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity and mobility, and their
relation with electric current; Ohm’s law, electrical resistance, V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear),
electrical energy and power, electrical resistivity and conductivity.
Carbon resistors, colour code for carbon resistors; series and parallel combinations of resistors;
temperature dependence of resistance.
Internal resistance of a cell, potential difference and emf of a cell, combination of cells in series and in
parallel.
Kirchhoff ’s laws and simple applications. Wheatstone bridge, metre bridge.
Potentiometer – principle and applications to measure potential difference, and for comparing emf of
two cells; measurement of internal resistance of a cell.

Unit III: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism (Periods 25)

Concept of magnetic field, Oersted’s experiment. Biot - Savart law and its application to current
carrying circular loop.
Ampere’s law and its applications to infinitely long straight wire, straight and toroidal solenoids. Force
on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields. Cyclotron.
Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field. Force between two parallel current-
carrying conductors – definition of ampere. Torque experienced by a current loop in a magnetic field;
moving coil galvanometer – its current sensitivity and conversion to ammeter and voltmeter.
Current loop as a magnetic dipole and its magnetic dipole moment. Magnetic dipole moment of a
revolving electron. Magnetic field intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and
perpendicular to its axis. Torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic field; bar magnet
as an equivalent solenoid, magnetic field lines; Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic elements.
Para-, dia- and ferro - magnetic substances, with examples.
Electromagnets and factors affecting their strengths. Permanent magnets.

Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

(Periods 20)
Electromagnetic induction; Faraday’s law, induced emf and current; Lenz’s Law, Eddy currents. Self
and mutual inductance.
Alternating currents, peak and rms value of alternating current/voltage; reactance and impedance; LC
oscillations (qualitative treatment only), LCR series circuit, resonance; power in AC circuits, wattless
current.
AC generator and transformer.
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Unit V: Electromagnetic Waves (Periods 4)
Need for displacement current.
Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics (qualitative ideas only). Transverse nature of
electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma
rays) including elementary facts about their uses.

Unit VI: Optics (Periods 30)

Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula. Refraction of light, total internal reflection and its
applications, 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 combination of a lens and a mirror.
Refraction and dispersion of light through a prism.
Scattering of light – blue colour of the sky and reddish appearance of the sun at sunrise and sunset.
Optical instruments: Human eye, image formation and accommodation, correction of eye defects
(myopia and hypermetropia) using lenses.
Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting) and their magnifying powers.
Wave optics: Wavefront and Huygens’ principle, reflection and refraction of plane wave at a plane
surface using wavefronts.
Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens’ principle.
Interference, Young’s double hole experiment and expression for fringe width, coherent sources and
sustained interference of light.
Diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maximum.
Resolving power of microscopes and astronomical telescopes. Polarisation, plane polarised light;
Brewster’s law, uses of plane polarised light and Polaroids.

Unit VII: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation (Periods 8)

Photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard’s observations; Einstein’s photoelectric equation – particle
nature of light.
Matter waves – wave nature of particles, de Broglie relation. Davisson-Germer experiment
(experimental details should be omitted; only conclusion should be explained.)

Unit VIII: Atoms and Nuclei (Periods 18)

Alpha - particle scattering experiment; Rutherford’s model of atom; Bohr model, energy levels,
hydrogen spectrum. Composition and size of nucleus, atomic masses, isotopes, isobars; isotones.
Radioactivity – alpha, beta and gamma particles/rays and their properties; radioactive decay law.
Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number; nuclear
fission and fusion.

Unit IX: Electronic Devices (Periods 18)

Energy bands in solids (qualitative ideas only), conductors, insulators and semiconductors;
semiconductor diode – I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, diode as a rectifier; I-V characteristics
of LED, photodiode, solar cell, and Zener diode; Zener diode as a voltage regulator. Junction transistor,

8
transistor action, characteristics of a transistor; transistor as an amplifier (common emitter configuration)
and oscillator. Logic gates (OR, AND, NOT, NAND and NOR). Transistor as a switch.

Unit X: Communication Systems (Periods 10)

Elements of a communication system (block diagram only); bandwidth of signals (speech, TV and
digital data); bandwidth of transmission medium. Propagation of electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere,
sky and space wave propagation. Need for modulation. Production and detection of an amplitude-modulated
wave.

Practicals

Total Periods 60

Section A

Experiments
1. To find resistance of a given wire using metre bridge and hence determine the specific resistance
of its material.
2. To determine resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph of potential difference versus
current.
3. To verify the laws of combination (series/parallel) of resistances using a metre bridge.
4. To compare the emf ’s of two given primary cells using potentiometer.
5. To determine the internal resistance of given primary cell using potentiometer.
6. To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to find its figure of
merit.
7. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance of figure of merit) into an ammeter and
voltmeter of desired range and to verify the same.
8. To find the frequency of the ac mains with a sonometer.

Activities
1. To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without iron core.
2. To measure resistance, voltage (ac/dc), current (ac) and check continuity of a given circuit using
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 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.

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 Section B
Experiments
1. To find the value of v for different values of u in 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, using a convex lens.
5. To determine 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 refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.
7. To find refractive index of a liquid by using (i) concave mirror, (ii) convex lens and plane mirror.
8. To draw the I-V characteristics curves of a p-n junction in forward bias and reverse bias.
9. To draw the characteristics curve of a zener diode and to determine its reverse break down
voltage.
10. To study the characteristics of a common-emitter npn or pnp transistor and to find out the values
of current and voltage gains.

Activities
1. To identify a diode, an LED, a transistor, and IC, a resistor and a capacitor from mixed collection
of such items.
2. Use of multimeter to (i) identify base of transistor, (ii) distinguish between npn and pnp type
transistors, (iii) see the unidirectional flow of current in case of a diode and an LED, (iv) check
whether a given electronic component (e.g. diode, transistor or IC) is in working order.
3. To study 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 polarization of light using two polaroids.
6. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit.
7. To study the nature and size of the image formed by (i) convex lens (ii) concave mirror, on a
screen by using a candle and a screen (for different distances of the candle from the lens/mirror).
8. To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from the given set
of lenses.

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CHEMISTRY
 CLASS XI (THEORY)
(Total Periods 180)

Unit I: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry (Periods 14)

General Introduction: Importance and scope of chemistry.
Historical approach to particulate nature of matter, laws of chemical combination, Dalton’s atomic
theory: concept of elements, atoms and molecules.
Atomic and molecular masses. Mole concept and molar mass; percentage composition and empirical
and molecular formula; chemical reactions, stoichiometry and calculations based on stoichiometry.

Unit II: Structure of Atom (Periods 16)

Discovery of electron, proton and neutron; atomic number, isotopes and isobars. Thompson’s model
and its limitations, Rutherford’s model and its limitations, Bohr’s model and its limitations, concept of shells
and subshells, dual nature of matter and light, de Broglie’s relationship, Heisenberg uncertainty principle,
concept of orbitals, quantum numbers, shapes of s, p and d orbitals, rules for filling electrons in orbitals -
Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, electronic configuration of atoms, stability of
half filled and completely filled orbitals.

Unit III: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

(Periods 8)
Significance of classification, brief history of the development of periodic table, modern periodic law
and the present form of periodic table, periodic trends in properties of elements –atomic radii, ionic radii,
inert gas radii, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity, valence. Nomenclature of
elements with atomic number greater than 100.

Unit IV: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure (Periods 16)

Valence electrons, ionic bond, covalent bond, bond parameters, Lewis structure, polar character of
covalent bond, covalent character of ionic bond, valence bond theory, resonance, geometry of covalent
molecules, VSEPR theory, concept of hybridization involving s, p and d orbitals and shapes of some
simple molecules, molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic molecules (qualitative idea only).
Hydrogen bond.

Unit V: States of Matter: Gases and Liquids (Periods 14)

Three states of matter, intermolecular interactions, types of bonding, melting and boiling points,role of
gas laws in elucidating the concept of the molecule, Boyle’s law, Charle’s law, Gay Lussac’s law, Avogadro’s
law, ideal behaviour, empirical derivation of gas equation, Avogadro number, ideal gas equation. Kinetic
energy and molecular speeds (elementary idea), deviation from ideal behaviour, liquefaction of gases,
critical temperature.
Liquid State – Vapour pressure, viscosity and surface tension (qualitative idea only, no mathematical
derivations).

3
Unit VI: Thermodynamics (Periods 18)
Concepts of system, types of systems, surroundings, work, heat, energy, extensive and intensive
properties, state functions.
First law of thermodynamics – internal energy and enthalpy, heat capacity and specific heat,
measurement of ΔU and ΔH, Hess’s law of constant heat summation, enthalpy of : bond dissociation,
combustion, formation, atomization, sublimation, phase transition, ionization, solution and dilution.
Introduction of entropy as a state function, Second law of thermodynamics, Gibbs energy change for
spontaneous and non-spontaneous process, criteria for equilibrium.
Third law of thermodynamics –Brief introduction.

Unit VII: Equilibrium (Periods 20)

Equilibrium in physical and chemical processes, dynamic nature of equilibrium, law of mass action,
equilibrium constant, factors affecting equilibrium – Le Chatelier’s principle; ionic equilibrium – ionization
of acids and bases, strong and weak electrolytes, degree of ionization, ionization of polybasic acids, acid
strength, concept of pH., Hydrolysis of salts (elementary idea), , buffer solutions, Henderson equation,
solubility product, common ion effect (with illustrative examples).

Unit VIII : Redox Reactions (Periods 6)

Concept of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, balancing redox reactions in
terms of loss and gain of electron and change in oxidation numbers , applications of redox reactions.

Unit IX Hydrogen (Periods 8)

Position of hydrogen in periodic table, occurrence, isotopes, preparation, properties and uses of
hydrogen; hydrides – ionic, covalent and interstitial; physical and chemical properties of water, heavy
water; hydrogen peroxide-preparation, reactions, use and structure; hydrogen as a fuel.

Unit X: s- Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline earth metals) (Periods 14)
Group 1 and Group 2 elements:
General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, anomalous properties of the first element
of each group, diagonal relationship, trends in the variation of properties (such as ionization enthalpy,
atomic and ionic radii), trends in chemical reactivity with oxygen, water, hydrogen and halogens; uses.
Preparation and Properties of Some Important Compounds:
Sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydrogencarbonate, biological
importance of sodium and potassium.
CaO, CaCO3, and industrial use of lime and limestone, biological importance of Mg and Ca.

Unit XI: Some p-Block Elements (Periods 16)

General Introduction to p-Block Elements
Group 13 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, variation of properties,
oxidation states, trends in chemical reactivity, anomalous properties of first element of the group; Boron-
physical and chemical properties, some important compounds: borax, boric acids, boron hydrides. Aluminium:
uses, reactions with acids and alkalies.

4
 Group 14 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, variation of properties,
oxidation states, trends in chemical reactivity, anomalous behaviour of first element. Carbon - catenation,
allotropic forms, physical and chemical properties; uses of some important compounds: oxides.
Important compounds of silicon and a few uses : silicon tetrachloride, silicones, silicates and zeolites,
their uses.

Unit XII: Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques

(Periods 14)
General introduction, methods of purification, qualitative and quantitative analysis, classification and
IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds.
Electronic displacements in a covalent bond: inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance and
hyper conjugation.
Homolytic and heterolytic fission of a covalent bond: free radicals, carbocations, carbanions;
electrophiles and nucleophiles, types of organic reactions.

Unit XIII: Hydrocarbons (Periods 16)

Classification of Hydrocarbons.
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons:
Alkanes – Nomenclature, isomerism, conformations (ethane only), physical properties, chemical
reactions including free radical mechanism of halogenation, combustion and pyrolysis.
Alkenes – Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene), geometrical isomerism, physical properties,
methods of preparation; chemical reactions: addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides
(Markovnikov’s addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition.
Alkynes – Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne), physical properties, methods of preparation,
chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes, addition reaction of - hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides
and water.
Aromatic hydrocarbons – Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature; Benzene: resonance, aromaticity ;
chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution – nitration sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel
Craft’s alkylation and acylation; directive influence of functional group in mono-substituted benzene;
carcinogenicity and toxicity.

Unit XIV: Environmental Chemistry (Periods 6)

Environmental pollution – Air, water and soil pollution, chemical reactions in atmosphere, smogs,
major atmospheric pollutants; acid rain, ozone and its reactions, effects of depletion of ozone layer,
greenhouse effect and global warming – pollution due to industrial wastes; green chemistry as an alternative
tool for reducing pollution, strategy for control of environmental pollution.

5
 PRACTICALS

Total Periods 60
Micro-chemical methods are available for several of the practical experiments. Wherever possible
such techniques should be used.

A. Basic Laboratory Techniques (Periods 2)

1. Cutting glass tube and glass rod
2. Bending a glass tube
3. Drawing out a glass jet
4. Boring a cork

B. Characterization and Purification of Chemical Substance

(Periods 6)
1. Determination of melting point of an organic compound.
2. Determination of boiling point of an organic compound.
3. Crystallization involving impure sample of any one of the following:
Alum, copper sulphate, Benzoic acid.

C. Experiments Related to pH Change (Periods 6)

(a) Any one of the following experiments:
• Determination of pH of some solutions obtained from fruit juices, solutions of known and
varied concentrations of acids, bases and salts using pH paper or universal indicator.
• Comparing the pH of solutions of strong and weak acid of same concentration.
• Study the pH change in the titration of a strong acid with a strong base using universal indicator.
( b) Study of pH change by common-ion effect in case of weak acids and weak bases.

D. Chemical Equilibrium (Periods 4)

One of the following experiments:
(a) Study the shift in equilibrium between ferric ions and thiocynate ions by increasing /decreasing
the concentration of either of the ions.
(b) Study the shift in equilibrium between [Co (H2O)6]2+and chloride ions by changing the concentration
of either of the ions .

E. Quantitative Estimation (Periods 16)

• Using a chemical balance.
• Preparation of standard solution of oxalic acid.
• Determination of strength of a given solution of sodium hydroxide by titrating it against standard
solution of oxalic acid.
• Preparation of standard solution of sodium carbonate.

6
 • Determination of strength of a given solution of hydrochloric acid by titrating it against standard
sodium carbonate solution.

F. Qualitative Analysis (Periods 16)

(a) Determination of one anion and one cation in a given salt
Cations - Pb 2+ ,Cu 2+ , As3+ ,Al3+ ,Fe3+ , Mn 2+ ,Ni 2+ ,Zn 2+ ,Co 2+ ,Ca 2+ ,Sr 2+ ,Ba 2+ ,Mg 2+ ,NH 4+

Anions - CO32- ,S2- ,SO32- ,SO 24- ,NO-2 ,NO-3 ,Cl- ,Br - ,I- ,PO34- ,C 2O 24- ,CH 3COO-
(Note : Insoluble salts excluded)
(b) Detection of nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, in organic compounds.

Project (Periods 10)

Scientific investigations involving laboratory testing and collecting information from other sources.

A few suggested projects

• Checking the bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing sulphide ions.
• Study of the methods of purification of water.
• Testing the hardness, presence of iron, fluoride, chloride etc. depending upon the regional variation
in drinking water and the study of causes of presences of these ions above permissible limit (if
any)
• Investigation of the foaming capacity of different washing soaps and the effect of addition of
sodium carbonate on them.
• Study of the acidity of different samples of the tea leaves.
• Determination of the rate of evaporation of different liquids.
• Study of the effect of acids and bases on the tensile strength of fibers.
• Analysis of fruit and vegetable juices for their acidity.
Note: Any other investigatory project, which involves about 10 periods of work, can be chosen with
the approval of the teacher.

CLASS XII (THEORY)

Total Periods 180

Unit I: Solid State (Periods 12)

Classification of solids based on different binding forces :molecular, ionic covalent and metallic solids,
amorphous and crystalline solids(elementary idea),unit cell in two dimensional and three dimensional lattices,
calculation of density of unit cell, packing in solids, packing efficiency, voids ,number of atoms per unit cell
in a cubic unit cell, point defects, electrical and magnetic properties, Band theory of metals ,conductors,
semiconductors and insulators and n and p type semiconductors .

Unit II : Solutions (Periods 12)

Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in liquids, solubility of gases in
liquids, solid solutions, colligative properties – relative lowering of vapour pressure, Raoult’s law , elevation
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of B.P., depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure, determination of molecular masses using colligative
properties, abnormal molecular mass, Vant Hoff factor.

Unit III: Electrochemistry (Periods 14)

Redox reactions; conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and molar conductivity variations of
conductivity with concentration, Kohlrausch’s Law, electrolysis and laws of electrolysis (elementary idea),
dry cell – electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells; lead accumulator, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential,
Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells. Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of
a cell, fuel cells; corrosion.

Unit IV: Chemical Kinetics (Periods 12)

Rate of a reaction (average and instantaneous), factors affecting rates of reaction: concentration,
temperature, catalyst; order and molecularity of a reaction; rate law and specific rate constant, integrated
rate equations and half life (only for zero and first order reactions); concept of collision theory (elementary
idea, no mathematical treatment).Activation energy, Arrhenious equation.

Unit V: Surface Chemistry (Periods 8)

Adsorption – physisorption and chemisorption; factors affecting adsorption of gases on solids; catalysis
:homogenous and heterogeneous, activity and selectivity: enzyme catalysis; colloidal state: distinction between
true solutions, colloids and suspensions; lyophillic, lyophobic multimolecular and macromolecular colloids;
properties of colloids; Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, electrophoresis, coagulation; emulsions – types
of emulsions.

Unit VI: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements (Periods 8 )

Principles and methods of extraction – concentration, oxidation, reduction electrolytic method and
refining; occurrence and principles of extraction of aluminium, copper, zinc and iron.

Unit VII: p-Block Elements (Periods 14)

Group 15 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, oxidation states,
trends in physical and chemical properties; nitrogen – preparation, properties and uses; compounds of
nitrogen: preparation and properties of ammonia and nitric acid, oxides of nitrogen ( structure only);
Phosphorous-allotropic forms; compounds of phosphorous: preparation and properties of phosphine
,halides (PCl3, PCl5) and oxoacids (elementary idea only).
Group 16 elements : General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence,
trends in physical and chemical properties; dioxygen: preparation, properties and uses; classification of
oxides; ozone. Sulphur – allotropic forms; compounds of sulphur: preparation, properties and uses of
sulphur dioxide; sulphuric acid: industrial process of manufacture, properties and uses, oxoacids of sulphur
(structures only).
Group 17 elements : General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence,
trends in physical and chemical properties; compounds of halogens: preparation, properties and uses of
chlorine and hydrochloric acid, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens (structures only).
Group 18 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, trends in physical
and chemical properties, uses.

8
Unit VIII: d and f Block Elements (Period 14)
General introduction ,electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics of transition metals,
general trends in properties of the first row transition metals – metallic character, ionization enthalpy,
oxidation states, ionic radii, colour, catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy
formation. Preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.
Lanthanoids – electronic configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity and lanthanoid contraction
and its consequences.
Actinoids – Electronic configuration, oxidation states and comparison with lanthenoids .

Unit IX Coordination Compounds (Period 12)

Coordination compounds : Introduction, ligands, coordination number, colour, magnetic properties
and shapes, IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds, bonding, Werner’s theory
VBT,CFT; isomerism (structural and stereo)importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis,
extraction of metals and biological systems).

Unit X: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes (Periods 12)

Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C-X bond, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of
substitution reactions. Optical rotation.
Haloarenes: Nature of C-X bond, substitution reactions (directive influence of halogen for
monosubstituted compounds only).
Uses and environmental effects of – dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform,
freons, DDT.

Unit XI: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers (Periods 12)

Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary
alcohols only); identification of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols; mechanism of dehydration, uses,
with special reference to methanol and ethanol.
Phenols : Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of
phenol, electrophillic substitution reactions, uses of phenols.
Ethers : Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses.

Unit XII: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids (Period 12)

Aldehydes and Ketones: Nomenclature, nature of carbonyl group, methods of preparation, physical
and chemical properties, and mechanism of nucleophilic addition, reactivity of alpha hydrogen in aldehydes;
uses.
Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, acidic nature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical
properties; uses.

Unit XIII: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Periods 10)

Amines: Nomenclature, classification, structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical
properties, uses, identification of primary secondary and tertiary amines.
Cyanides and Isocyanides – will be mentioned at relevant places in context.
Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions and importance in synthetic organic chemistry.

9
Unit XIV: Biomolecules (Periods 12)
Carbohydrates – Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccharide (glucose and fructose), D-L
configuration, oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen):
importance.
Proteins - Elementary idea of a - amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, primary structure,
secondary structure, tertiary structure and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only), denaturation of
proteins; enzymes.
Hormones –Elementary idea (excluding structure).
Vitamins – Classification and functions.
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA

Unit XV: Polymers (Periods 8)

Classification – Natural and synthetic, methods of polymerization (addition and condensation),
copolymerization. Some important polymers: natural and synthetic like polythene, nylon, polyesters, bakelite,
rubber. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers.

Unit XVI: Chemistry in Everyday Life (Periods 8)

1. Chemicals in medicines – analgesics, tranquilizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, antimicrobials,
antifertility drugs, antibiotics, antacids, antihistamines.
2. Chemicals in food – preservatives, artificial sweetening agents, elementary idea of antioxidants.
3. Cleansing agents – soaps and detergents, cleansing action.

PRACTICALS

Total Periods 60
Micro-chemical methods are available for several of the practical experiments. Wherever possible
such techniques should be used.

A. Surface Chemistry (Periods 5)

(a) Preparation of one lyophilic and one lyophobic sol.
Lyophilic sol : starch , egg albumin and gum.
Lyophobic sol : aluminium hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, arsenious sulphide.
(b) Dialysis of sol prepared in (a) above.
(c) Study of the role of emulsifying agent in stabilizing the emulsions of different oils.

B. Chemical Kinetics (Periods 4)

(a) Effect of concentration and temperature on the rate of reaction between sodium thiosulphate
and hydrochloric acid .
(b) Study of reaction rates of any one of the following:
(i) Reaction of iodide ion with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature
using different concentrations of iodide ions.
(ii) Reaction between potassium iodate (KIO3) and sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) using starch
solution as indicator (clock reaction).
10
C. Thermochemistry (Periods 4)
Any one of the following experiments :
(a) Enthalpy of dissolution of copper sulphate or potassium nitrate.
(b) Enthalpy of neutralization of strong acid (HCl) and strong base (NaOH)
(c) Determination of enthalpy change during interaction (Hydrogen bond formation) between acetone
and chloroform.

D. Electrochemistry (Periods 2)
Variation of cell potential in Zn/Zn2+//Cu2+/Cu with change in concentration of electrolytes (CuSO4 or
ZnSO4) at room temperature.

E. Chromatography (Periods 2)
(a) Separation of pigments from extracts of leaves and flowers by paper chromatography and
determination of Rf values.
(b) Separation of constituents present in an inorganic mixture containing two cations only (constituents
having wide difference in Rf values to be provided).

F. Preparation of Inorganic Compounds (Periods 4)

(a) Preparation of double salt of ferrous ammonium sulphate or potash alum.
(b) Preparation of potassium ferric oxalate.

G. Preparation of Organic Compounds (Periods 2)

Preparation of any one of the following compounds:
(a) Acetanilide
(b) Di-benzal acetone
(c) p-Nitroacetanilide
(d) Aniline yellow or 2 - Napththol aniline dye

H. Test for the Functional Groups Present in Organic Compounds (Periods 5)

Unsaturation, alcoholic, phenolic, aldehydic, ketonic, carboxylic and amino (primary) groups.

I. Characteristic Tests of Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins in Pure Samples and Their
Detection in Given Food Stuffs. (Period 4)

J. Determination of Concentration/Molarity of KMnO4 Solution by Titrating it against a

Standard Solution of – (Periods 10)
(i) Oxalic acid
(ii) Ferrous ammonium sulphate
(Students will be required to prepare standard solutions by weighing themselves).

11
K. Qualitative Analysis (Periods 16)
• Determination of one cation and one anion in a given salt.
Cations - Pb 2+ ,Cu 2+ , As 3+ ,Al3+ ,Fe3+ , Mn 2+ ,Ni 2+ ,Zn 2+ ,Co 2+ ,Ca 2+ ,Sr 2+ ,Ba 2+ ,Mg 2+ ,NH 4+

Anions - CO32- ,S2- ,SO32- ,SO24- ,NO-2 ,NO-3 ,Cl- ,Br - ,I- ,PO34- ,C2 O 42- ,CH 3COO-
(Note : Insoluble salts excluded)

Projects (Periods10)
Scientific investigations involving laboratory testing and collecting information from other sources.

A few suggested projects

• Study of presence of oxalate ions in guava fruit at different stages of ripening.
• Study of quantity of casein present in different samples of milk.
• Preparation of soybean milk and its comparison with the natural milk with respect to curd
formation, effect of temperature, etc.
• Study of the effect of potassium bisulphate as food preservative under various conditions
(temperature, concentration, time etc.)
• Study of digestion of starch by salivary amylase and effect of pH and temperature on it.
• Comparative study of the rate of fermentation of following materials: wheat flour, gram flour,
potato juice, carrot juice etc.
• Extraction of essential oils present in Saunf (aniseed), Ajwain (carum), Illaichi (cardamom).
• Study of common food adulterants in fat, oil, butter, sugar, turmeric powder, chilli powder and
pepper.
Note: Any other investigatory project, which involves about 10 periods of work, can be chosen with
the approval of the teacher. In addition models and exhibits for exhibition ,depicting basic principles and
application in daily life may also be included .

12
MATHEMATICS
 CLASS XI
(Total Periods 180)

UNIT I: SETS AND FUNCTIONS

1. Sets (Periods 12)

Sets and their representations. Empty set. Finite and Infinite sets. Equal sets. Subsets. Subsets of the
set of real numbers especially intervals (with notations). Power set. Universal set. Venn diagrams. Union
and intersection of sets. Difference of sets. Complement of a set, Properties of Complement sets.

2. Relations and Functions (Periods 14)

Ordered pairs, Cartesian product of sets. Number of elements in the Cartesian product of two
finite sets. Cartesian product of the reals with itself (upto R × R × R).

Definition of relation, pictorial diagrams, domain, co-domain and range of a relation. Function as
a special kind of relation from one set to another. Pictorial representation of a function, domain,
co-domain and range of a function. Real valued function of the real variable, domain and range of
these functions, constant, identity, polynomial, rational, modulus, signum and greatest integer
functions with their graphs. Sum, difference, product and quotients of functions.

3. Trigonometric Functions (Periods 18)

Positive and negative angles. Measuring angles in radians and in degrees and conversion from
one measure to another. Definition of trigonometric functions with the help of unit circle. Truth of
the identity sin2x + cos2x = 1, for all x. Signs of trigonometric functions and sketch of their
graphs. Expressing sin (x+ y) and cos (x + y) in terms of sin x, sin y,
cos x and cos y. Deducing the identities like following:

tan x ± tan y cot x cot y ∓ 1

tan (x + y) = 1 ∓ tan x × tan y , cot ( x ± y ) = cot y ± cot x

x+ y x− y x+ y x− y
sin x + sin y = 2 sin .cos , cos x + cos y = 2 cos cos
2 2 2 2

x+ y x− y x+ y x− y
sin x – sin y = 2 cos .sin , cos x − cos y = − 2 sin sin
2 2 2 2

Identities related to sin2x, cos2x, tan2x, sin3x, cos3x and tan3x. General solution of trigonometric
equations of the type sinθ = sin α, cosθ = cosα and tanθ = tan α. Proofs and simple applications
of sine and cosine formulae.

2
UNIT II : ALGEBRA

1. Principle of Mathematical Induction (Periods 06)

Process of the proof by induction, motivating the application of the method by looking at natural
numbers as the least inductive subset of real numbers. The principle of mathematical induction
and simple applications.

2. Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations (Periods 10)

Need for complex numbers, especially −1 , to be motivated by inability to solve every quadratic
equation. Brief description of algebraic properties of complex numbers. Argand plane and polar
representation of complex numbers. Statement of Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, solution of
quadratic equations in the complex number system, Square-root of a Complex number.

3. Linear Inequalities (Periods 10)

Linear inequalities, Algebraic solutions of linear inequalities in one variable and their representation
on the number line. Graphical solution of linear inequalities in two variables. Solution of system of
linear inequalities in two variables - graphially.

4. Permutations and Combinations (Periods 12)

Fundamental principle of counting. Factorial n. Permutations and combinations derivation of

formulae and their connections, simple applications.

5. Binomial Theorem (Periods 08)

History, statement and proof of the binomial theorem for positive integral indices. Pascal’s triangle,
general and middle term in binomial expansion, simple applications.

6. Sequence and Series (Periods 10)

Sequence and Series. Arithmetic Progression (A.P.), Arithmetic Mean (A.M.), Geometric
Progression (G.P.), general term of a G.P., sum of n terms of a G.P. Arithmetic and geometric
series, infinite G.P. and its sum, geometric mean (G.M.). Relation between A.M. and G.M. Sum

∑ n, ∑ n ∑n
2 3
to n terms of the special series : and

UNIT III : COORDINATE GEOMETRY

1. Straight Lines (Periods 09)

Brief recall of 2-D from earlier classes, shifting of origin. Slope of a line and angle between two
lines. Various forms of equations of a line: parallel to axes, point-slope form, slope-intercept
form, two-point form, intercepts form and normal form. General equation of a line. Equation of
family of lines passing through the point of intersection of two lines. Distance of a point from a
line.

3
2. Conic Sections (Periods 12)

Sections of a cone: Circles, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola, a point, a straight line and pair of
intersecting lines as a degenerated case of a conic section. Standard equations and simple properties
of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Standard equation of a circle.

3. Introduction to Three-dimensional Geometry (Periods 08)

Coordinate axes and coordinate planes in three dimensions. Coordinates of a point. Distance
between two points and section formula.

UNIT IV : CALCULUS

Limits and Derivatives (Periods 18)

Derivative introduced as rate of change both as that of distance function and geometrically,
log e (1 + x ) ex –1
intuitive idea of limit. lim , lim . Definition of derivative, relate it to slope
x →0 x x →0 x
of tangent of the curve, derivative of sum, difference, product and quotient of functions. Derivatives
of polynomial and trigonometric functions.

UNIT V: MATHEMATICAL REASONING (Periods 08)

Mathematically acceptable statements. Connecting words/phrases - consolidating the

understanding of “if and only if (necessary and sufficient) condition”, “implies”, “and/or”, “implied
by”, “and”, “or”, “there exists” and their use through variety of examples related to real life and
Mathematics. Validating the statements involving the connecting words - difference between
contradiction, converse and contrapositive.

UNIT VI : STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

1. Statistics (Periods 10)

Measure of dispersion; mean deviation, variance and standard deviation of ungrouped/grouped

data. Analysis of frequency distributions with equal means but different variances.

2. Probability (Periods 15)

Random experiments: outcomes, sample spaces (set representation). Events: Occurrence of

events, ‘not’, ‘and’ & ‘or’ events, exhaustive events, mutually exclusive events. Axiomatic (set
theoretic) probability, connections with the theories of earlier classes. Probability of an event,
probability of ‘not’, ‘and’, & ‘or’ events.

4
 CLASS XII

(Total Periods 180)

UNIT I: RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

1. Relations and Functions (Periods 10)

Types of relations: Reflexive, symmetric, transitive and equivalence relations. One to one and onto
functions, composite functions, inverse of a function. Binary operations.

2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions (Periods 12)

Definition, range, domain, principal value branches. Graphs of inverse trigonometric functions.
Elementary properties of inverse trigonometric functions.

UNIT II: ALGEBRA

1. Matrices (Periods 18)

Concept, notation, order, equality, types of matrices, zero matrix, transpose of a matrix, symmetric
and skew symmetric matrices. Addition, multiplication and scalar multiplication of matrices, simple
properties of addition, multiplication and scalar multiplication. Non-commutativity of multiplication
of matrices and existence of non-zero matrices whose product is the zero matrix (restrict to square
matrices of order 2). Concept of elementary row and column operations. Invertible matrices and
proof of the uniqueness of inverse, if it exists; (Here all matrices will have real entries).

2. Determinants (Periods 20)

Determinant of a square matrix (up to 3 × 3 matrices), properties of determinants, minors, cofactors
and applications of determinants in finding the area of a triangle. Adjoint and inverse of a square
matrix. Consistency, inconsistency and number of solutions of system of linear equations by examples,
solving system of linear equations in two or three variables (having unique solution) using inverse of
a matrix.

UNIT III: CALCULUS

1. Continuity and Differentiability (Periods 18)

Continuity and differentiability, derivative of composite functions, chain rule, derivatives of inverse
trigonometric functions, derivative of implicit function. Concepts of exponential, logarithmic functions.
Derivatives of logex and ex. Logarithmic differentiation. Derivative of functions expressed in parametric
forms. Second order derivatives. Rolle’s and Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorems (without proof)
and their geometric interpretations.

2. Applications of Derivatives (Periods 10)

Applications of derivatives: Rate of change, increasing/decreasing functions, tangents and normals,
approximation, maxima and minima (first derivative test motivated geometrically and second derivative
test given as a provable tool). Simple problems (that illustrate basic principles and understanding of
the subject as well as real-life situations).

5
3. Integrals (Periods 20)
Integration as inverse process of differentiation. Integration of a variety of functions by substitution,
by partial fractions and by parts, only simple integrals of the type –

dx dx dx dx dx
∫x 2
± a2
, ∫ x2 ± a2
, ∫ a2 − x 2
, ∫ ax 2
+ bx + c
, ∫ ax 2 + bx + c
,

( px + q ) ( px + q )
∫ ax 2
+ bx + c
dx , ∫ ax + bx + c
2
dx , ∫ a 2 ± x 2 dx and ∫ x 2 − a 2 dx ,

∫ ax 2 + bx + c dx and ∫ ( px + q ) ax 2 + bx + c dx

to be evaluated.
Definite integrals as a limit of a sum. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (without proof). Basic
properties of definite integrals and evaluation of definite integrals.

4. Applications of the Integrals (Periods 10)

Applications in finding the area under simple curves, especially lines, arcs of circles/parabolas/el-
lipses (in standard form only), area between the two above said curves (the region should be cleraly
identifiable).

5. Differential Equations (Periods 10)

Definition, order and degree, general and particular solutions of a differential equation. Formation of
differential equation whose general solution is given. Solution of differential equations by method of
separation of variables, homogeneous differential equations of first order and first degree. Solutions
of linear differential equation of the type –

dy
+ Py = Q , where P and Q are functions of x or constant
dx

dx
+ Px = Q , where P and Q are functions of y or constant
dy

UNIT IV: VECTORS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

1. Vectors (Periods 10)

Vectors and scalars, magnitude and direction of a vector. Direction cosines/ratios of vectors. Types
of vectors (equal, unit, zero, parallel and collinear vectors), position vector of a point, negative of a
vector, components of a vector, addition of vectors, multiplication of a vector by a scalar, position
vector of a point dividing a line segment in a given ratio. Scalar (dot) product of vectors, projection
of a vector on a line. Vector (cross) product of vectors, scalar triple product.

2. Three-dimensional Geometry (Periods 12)

Direction cosines/ratios of a line joining two points. Cartesian and vector equation of a line, coplanar
and skew lines, shortest distance between two lines. Cartesian and vector equation of a plane. Angle
between (i) two lines, (ii) two planes, (iii) a line and a plane. Distance of a point from a plane.

6
Unit V: Linear Programming (Periods 12)
Introduction, related terminology such as constraints, objective function, optimization, different types
of linear programming (L.P.) problems, mathematical formulation of L.P. problems, graphical method
of solution for problems in two variables, feasible and infeasible regions, feasible and infeasible
solutions, optimal feasible solutions (up to three non-trivial constrains).

Unit VI: Probability (Periods 18)

Multiplications theorem on probability. Conditional probability, independent events, total probability,
Baye’s theorem. Random variable and its probability distribution, mean and variance of haphazard
variable. Repeated independent (Bernoulli) trials and Binomial distribution.

7
 BIOLOGY (CLASSES XI –XII)
In the present attempt of the NCERT to revise the Biology syllabus of the Classes XI and XII, several
documents like ‘Learning without Burden’, the National Curriculum Framework- 2005, the report of the
‘National Focus Group on Teaching of Science’ as well as reports of several external and internal reviews
carried out, helped to decide the main focus of the revision. Hence, the revised syllabus aims primarily at
reducing the information load while ensuring at the same time that ample opportunities and scope for
learning and appreciating basic concepts of Biology continues to be available within the framework.
The Biology Syllabus reinforces the ideas introduced in the lower classes while the children learn new
concepts besides getting an exposure to contemporary areas of Biology. This syllabus aims also at
emphasising the underlying principles that are common to both animals and plants, as well as highlighting
the interrelationships of Biology with other areas of knowledge. The format of the syllabus allows a simple,
clear, sequential flow of concepts without any jarring jumps. The empirical experience gained and practical
exercises carried out during the course would prepare the student to handle Biology easily at higher levels
in case she/he opts to continue further studies in this area.
The revised syllabus stresses the connection of the study of Biology to real life problems -use of
biological discoveries/innovations in everyday life - in environment, industry, medicine, health and agriculture.
Since it was important that the quality of Biology education at the higher secondary level was not
compromised in any way, the reduction in load from the syllabus required a very careful selection of topics
to be taught. The Committee chose to leave topics out if: the question about why the child needs to study
the topic at the particular stage could not be answered; if the topic had no direct relevance to the child i.e.
was not contextual; if the content was repetitive across stages with no change in expected understanding,
and if any topic was in isolation with no evident horizontal or vertical linkages. The need for a network of
ideas and cross-linking between the areas being identified was deemed very important. While deciding on
the units/topics and the depth of each topic for the higher secondary level, a holistic view of the syllabus
across all stages from the primary to the higher secondary and beyond was taken. Reducing the use of too
many technical terms and avoiding very large numbers of examples will also help to make the content a
little lighter. The importance of careful selection of illustrations and their use to make the concepts more
explicit was stressed; in Biology the quality of illustrations can make or mar any attempt at good textbooks/
teaching.
The principal objective at this stage would be to explore the variations amongst the living and developing
respect for the diversities, and to appreciate that the most complex biological phenomena are also built on
essentially simple processes. Learning Biology should uncover these elementary aspects and illustrate their
linkage to more complex phenomena. It was also felt that the contributions of scientists (women scientists
in particular) that led to critical and important discoveries in Biology should be highlighted, not merely
through a chronological listing, but through brief biographical discussions, in an effort to bring out the
processes that led to the discovery of principles and ideas in Biology. These would stimulate critical and
creative thinking. Besides, the proposed course at the higher secondary stage provides substantial orientation
to the students to professional/career opportunities available in medicine, agriculture, research, teaching
and industry.
The syllabus also takes up issues pertaining to environment, health and other ethical issues that arise
with any interference of human beings in the natural processes, which have great relevance from the societal

1
point of view. A discussion on these in the prescribed syllabus would help tackle prevalent misconceptions
and empower the student to playa rational, responsible and informed role in society. The teaching time in
terms of number of periods available is indicated for each unit (total 180 periods).
The young student would get an exposure to the various branches of Biology in a more contextual and
friendly manner as they studied various units in the syllabus; each unit could also provide a glimpse of the
career opportunities in the particular area. After studying any unit, the child gets an opportunity to think
more deeply and to form informed opinions. The description of the diverse/various tools and techniques
used in the study of Biology have not been collated to form a distinct unit in the syllabus. It is envisaged that
the teachers who teach this syllabus and the textbooks prepared based on it, will discuss techniques in a
contextual manner rather than distanced from real experimental situations.
The committee faced a dilemma while considering the topic of animal physiology: whether to deal with
‘animal’ or ‘human’ physiology. But the moment the focus of discussion shifted - from the ‘subject’ dictated
one to the child - and the available time was considered, it was evident that ‘human’ physiology was more
appropriate at this stage. The student is closest to herself and is curious about the functioning of the human
body. The ‘science’ understood after a study of human physiology could be meaningfully applied to other
organisms.
The students should be encouraged to do at least one project, may be in Class XI. The basic objective
of these projects should be to provide the child with an exposure to what it means to carry out an investigation,
what research methodologies are, how data is analysed and presented and, how to interpret data and
draw conclusions. The project should provide space for the child to choose a theme in the area of her
interest, think independently allow autonomous working and also provide freedom to present the project
in any format of her/his choice, thus improving her/his communication skills.
The syllabus committee hopes that the spirit of the exercise is carried forward to the textbook and the
classrooms, across the country, ultimately meeting our objective of reducing the burden on the child while
making learning Biology exciting. Teaching should emphasise on ways of acquiring knowledge rather than
on conveying knowledge.

2
 CLASS XI (THEORY)
(Total Periods = 180)

I. Diversity in Living World ( Periods 25 )

What is living?; Biodiversity; Need for classification; Three domain of life; Taxonomy & Systematics;
Concept of species and taxonomical hierarchy; Binomial nomenclature; Tools for study of Taxonomy–
Museums, Zoos, Herbaria, Botanical gardens.
Five kingdom classification; Salient features and classification of Monera; Protista and Fungi into
major groups; Lichens; Viruses and Viroids.
Salient features and classification of plants into major groups- Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes,
Gymnosperm and Angiosperm (three to five salient and distinguishing features and at least two examples of
each category); Angiosperms- classification up to class, characteristic features and examples.
Salient features and classification of animals- non chordate up to phyla level and chordate up to
classes level (three to five salient features and at least two examples).

II. Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants ( Periods 25 )

Morphology and modifications; Tissues; Anatomy and functions of different parts of flowering
plants: Root, stem, leaf, inflorescence- cymose and racemose, flower, fruit and seed (To be dealt along
with the relevant practical of the Practical Syllabus).
Animal tissues; Morphology, anatomy and functions of different systems (digestive, circulatory,
respiratory, nervous and reproductive) of an insect (cockroach). (Brief account only)

III. Cell Structure and Function (Periods 40)

Cell theory and cell as the basic unit of life; Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell; Plant cell
and animal cell; Cell envelope, cell membrane, cell wall; Cell organelles– structure and function;
Endomembrane system- endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, vacuoles; mitochondria,
ribosomes, plastids, microbodies; Cytoskeleton, cilia, flagella, centrioles (ultra structure and function);
Nucleus–nuclear membrane, chromatin, nucleolus.
Chemical constituents of living cells: Biomolecules–structure and function of proteins, carbodydrates,
lipid, nucleic acids; Enzymes–types, properties, enzyme action.
Cell division : Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and their significance.

IV. Plant Physiology (Periods 45)

Transport in plants: Movement of water, gases and nutrients; Cell to cell transport– Diffusion,
facilitated diffusion, active transport; Plant – water relations– Imbibition, water potential, osmosis,
plasmolysis; Long distance transport of water– Absorption, apoplast, symplast, transpiration pull, root
pressure and guttation; Transpiration– Opening and closing of stomata; Uptake and translocation of mineral
nutrients– Transport of food, phloem transport, Mass flow hypothesis; Diffusion of gases (brief mention).
Mineral nutrition: Essential minerals, macro and micronutrients and their role; Deficiency symptoms;
Mineral toxicity; Elementary idea of Hydroponics as a method to study mineral nutrition; Nitrogen metabolism –
Nitrogen cycle, biological nitrogen fixation.

3
 Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis as a means of Autotrophic nutrition; Where does photosynthesis
take place; How many pigments are involved in Photosynthesis (Elementary idea); Photochemical and
biosynthetic phases of photosynthesis; Cyclic and non cyclic photophosphorylation; Chemiosmotic
hypothesis; Photorespiration; C3 and C4 pathways; Factors affecting photosynthesis.
Respiration: Exchange of gases; Cellular respiration – glycolysis, fermentation (anaerobic), TCA
cycle and electron transport system (aerobic); Energy relations – Number of ATP molecules generated;
Amphibolic pathways; Respiratory quotient.
Plant growth and development: Seed germination; Phases of plant growth and plant growth rate;
Conditions of growth; Differentiation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation; Sequence of developmental
process in a plant cell; Growth regulators–auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene, ABA; Seed dormancy;
Vernalisation; Photoperiodism.

V. Human Physiology (Periods 45)

Digestion and absorption: Alimentary canal and digestive glands; Role of digestive enzymes and
gastrointestinal hormones; Peristalsis, digestion, absorption and assimilation of proteins, carbohydrates
and fats; Calorific value of proteins, carbohydrates and fats (for box item not to be evaluated); Egestion;
Nutritional and digestive disorders– PEM, indigestion, constipation, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea.
Breathing and Respiration: Respiratory organs in animals (recall only); Respiratory system in humans;
Mechanism of breathing and its regulation in humans– Exchange of gases, transport of gases and regulation
of respiration, Respiratory volumes; Disorders related to respiration-Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational
respiratory disorders.
Body fluids and circulation: Composition of blood, blood groups, coagulation of blood; Composition
of lymph and its function; Human circulatory system– Structure of human heart and blood vessels; Cardiac
cycle, cardiac output, ECG; Double circulation; Regulation of cardiac activity; Disorders of circulatory
system-Hypertension, Coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, Heart failure.
Excretory products and their elimination: Modes of excretion – Ammonotelism, ureotelism, uricotelism;
Human excretory system–structure and fuction; Urine formation, Osmoregulation; Regulation of kidney
function– Renin-angiotensin, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, ADH and Diabetes insipidus; Role of other organs
in excretion; Disorders-Uraemia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis; Dialysis and artificial kidney.
Locomotion and Movement: Types of movement – ciliary, flagellar, muscular; Skeletal muscle –
contractile proteins and muscle contraction; Skeletal system and its functions (To be dealt with the relevant
practical of Practical syllabus); Joints; Disorders of muscular and skeletal system- Myasthenia gravis,
Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout.
Neural control and coordination: Neuron and nerves; Nervous system in humans– central nervous
system, peripheral nervous system and visceral nervous system; Generation and conduction of nerve impulse;
Reflex action; Sensory perception; Sense organs; Elementary structure and function of eye and ear.
Chemical coordination and regulation: Endocrine glands and hormones; Human endocrine system-
Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads; Mechanism of hormone
action (Elementary Idea); Role of hormones as messengers and regulators, Hypo-and hyperactivity and
related disorders (Common disorders e.g. Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Cretinism, goiter, exopthalmic goiter,
diabetes, Addison’s disease).
Imp: Diseases related to all the human physiology systems to be taught in brief.

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 PRACTICALS

(Total Periods = 60)

A. List of experiments
1. Study and describe three locally available common flowering plants from each of the following
families (Solanaceae, Fabaceae and Liliaceae) including dissection and display of floral whorls
and anther and ovary to show number of chambers. Types of root (Tap and Adventitious); Stem
(Herbaceous and woody); Leaf (arrangement, shape, venation, simple and compound).
2. Preparation and study of T.S. of dicot and monocot roots and stems (primary).
3. Study of osmosis by potato osmometer.
4. Study of plasmolysis in epidermal peels (e.g. Rhoeo leaves)
5. Study of distribution of stomata in the upper and lower surface of leaves.
6. Comparative study of the rates of transpiration in the upper and lower surface of leaves.
7. Test for the presence of sugar, starch, proteins and fats. To detect them in suitable plant and
animal materials.
8. Separation of plant pigments through paper chromatography.
9. To study the rate of respiration in flower buds/leaf tissue and germinating seeds.
10. To test the presence of urea in urine.
11. To detect the presence of sugar in urine/blood sample.
12. To detect the presence of albumin in urine.
13. To detect the presence of bile salts in urine.

B. Study/observation of the following (spotting)

1. Study parts of a compound microscope.
2. Study of the specimens and identification with reasons- Bacteria, Oscillatoria, Spirogyra, Rhizopus,
mushroom, yeast, liverwort, moss, fern, pine, one monocotyledonous plant and one dicotyledonous
plant and one lichen.
3. Study of specimens and identification with reasons- Amoeba, Hydra, Liverfluke, Ascaris, leech,
earthworm, prawn, silkworm, honeybee, snail, starfish, shark, rohu, frog, lizard, pigeon and rabbit.
4. Study of tissues and diversity in shapes and sizes of plant and animal cells (e.g. palisade cells,
guard cells, parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem, phloem, squamous epithelium, muscle
fibers and mammalian blood smear) through temporary/permanent slides.
5. Study of mitosis in onion root tips cells and animals cells (grasshopper) from permanent slides.
6. Study of different modifications in root, stem and leaves.
7. Study and identification of different types of inflorescence.
8. Study of imbibition in seeds/raisins.
9. Observation and comments on the experimental set up for showing:
a. Anaerobic respiration
b. Phototropism

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 c. Apical bud removal
d. Suction due to transpiration
10. Study of human skeleton and different types of joints.
11. Study of external morphology of cockroach through models.

CLASS XII (THEORY)

(Total Periods = 180)

I. Reproduction (Periods 35)

Reproduction in organisms: Reproduction, a characteristic feature of all organisms for continuation
of species; Modes of reproduction – Asexual and sexual; Asexual reproduction; Modes- Binary fission,
sporulation, budding, gemmule, fragmentation; vegetative propagation in plants.
Sexual reproduction in flowering plants: Flower structure; Development of male and female
gametophytes; Pollination–types, agencies and examples; Outbreedings devices; Pollen-Pistil interaction;
Double fertilization; Post fertilization events– Development of endosperm and embryo, Development of
seed and formation of fruit; Special modes– apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony; Significance of seed
and fruit formation.
Human Reproduction: Male and female reproductive systems; Microscopic anatomy of testis and
ovary; Gametogenesis- spermatogenesis & oogenesis; Menstrual cycle; Fertilisation, embryo development
upto blastocyst formation, implantation; Pregnancy and placenta formation (Elementary idea); Parturition
(Elementary idea); Lactation (Elementary idea).
Reproductive health: Need for reproductive health and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
(STD); Birth control- Need and Methods, Contraception and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP);
Amniocentesis; Infertility and assisted reproductive technologies – IVF, ZIFT, GIFT (Elementary idea for
general awareness).

II. Genetics and Evolution (Periods 45)

Heredity and variation: Mendelian Inheritance; Deviations from Mendelism– Incomplete dominance,
Co-dominance, Multiple alleles and Inheritance of blood groups, Pleiotropy; Elementary idea of polygenic
inheritance; Chromosome theory of inheritance; Chromosomes and genes; Sex determination– In humans,
birds, honey bee; Linkage and crossing over; Sex linked inheritance- Haemophilia, Colour blindness;
Mendelian disorders in humans– Thalassemia; Chromosomal disorders in humans; Down’s syndrome,
Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes.
Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Search for genetic material and DNA as genetic material; Structure
of DNA and RNA; DNA packaging; DNA replication; Central dogma; Transcription, genetic code,
translation; Gene expression and regulation– Lac Operon; Genome and human genome project; DNA
finger printing.
Evolution: Origin of life; Biological evolution and evidences for biological evolution (Paleontological,
comparative anatomy, embryology and molecular evidence); Darwin’s contribution, Modern Synthetic
theory of Evolution; Mechanism of evolution– Variation (Mutation and Recombination) and Natural Selection
with examples, types of natural selection; Gene flow and genetic dirft; Hardy- Weinberg’s principle; Adaptive
Radiation; Human evolution.

6
III Biology and Human Welfare (Periods 35)
Health and Disease: Pathogens; parasites causing human diseases (Malaria, Filariasis, Ascariasis,
Typhoid, Pneumonia, common cold, amoebiasis, ring worm); Basic concepts of immunology–vaccines;
Cancer, HIV and AIDs; Adolescence, drug and alcohol abuse.
Improvement in food production: Plant breeding, tissue culture, single cell protein, Biofortification;
Apiculture and Animal husbandry.
Microbes in human welfare: In household food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment,
energy generation and as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers.

IV Biotechnology and Its Applications (Periods 30)

Principles and process of Biotechnology: Genetic engineering (Recombinant DNA technology).
Application of Biotechnology in health and agriculture: Human insulin and vaccine production, gene
therapy; Genetically modified organisms- Bt crops; Transgenic Animals; Biosafety issues– Biopiracy and
patents.

V Ecology and environment (Periods 35)

Organisms and environment: Habitat and niche; Population and ecological adaptations; Population
interactions–mutualism, competition, predation, parasitism; Population attributes–growth, birth rate and
death rate, age distribution.
Ecosystems: Patterns, components; productivity and decomposition; Energy flow; Pyramids of
number, biomass, energy; Nutrient cycling (carbon and phosphorous); Ecological succession; Ecological
Services– Carbon fixation, pollination, oxygen release.
Biodiversity and its conservation: Concept of Biodiversity; Patterns of Biodiversity; Importance of
Biodiversity; Loss of Biodiversity; Biodiversity conservation; Hotspots, endangered organisms, extinction,
Red Data Book, biosphere reserves, National parks and sanctuaries.
Environmental issues: Air pollution and its control; Water pollution and its control; Agrochemicals
and their effects; Solid waste management; Radioactive waste management; Greenhouse effect and global
warming; Ozone depletion; Deforestation; Any three case studies as success stories addressing environmental
issues.

PRACTICALS

(Total Periods = 60)

List of Experiments
1. Study pollen germination on a slide.
2. Collect and study soil from at least two different sites and study them for texture, moisture content,
pH and water holding capacity of soil. Correlate with the kinds of plants found in them.
3. Collect water from two different water bodies around you and study them for pH, clarity and
presence of any living organisms.
4. Study the presence of suspended particulate matter in air at the two widely different sites.
5. Study of plant population density by quadrate method.
6. Study of plant population frequency by quadrate method.
7. Prepare a temporary mount of onion root tip to study mitosis.
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 8. To study the effect of the different temperatures and three different pH on the activity of salivary
amylase on starch.

Study/observation of the following (Spotting)

1. Flowers adapted to pollination by different agencies (wind, insect).
2. Pollen germination on stigma through a permanent slide.
3. Identification of stages of gamete development i.e. T.S. testis and T.S. ovary through permanent
slides (from any mammal).
4. Meiosis in onion bud cell or grass hopper testis through permanent slides.
5. T.S. of blastula through permanent slides.
6. Mendelian inheritance using seeds of different colour/size of any plant.
7. Prepared pedigree charts of genetic traits such as rolling of tongue, blood groups, widow’s peak,
colour blindness.
8. Exercise on controlled pollination – Emasculation, tagging and bagging.
9. Identification of common disease causing organisms like Ascaris, Entamoeba, Plasmodium,
ringworm through permanent slides or specimens. Comment on symptoms of diseases that they
cause.
10. Two plants and two animals found in xerophytic conditions. Comment upon their morphological
adaptations.
11. Plants and animals found in aquatic conditions. Comment upon their morphological adaptations.