Biology is one of the core subjects in the Science stream, especially for students aspiring for careers in medicine, biotechnology, microbiology, and life sciences. The Class 11th Biology syllabus 2025-26 prescribed by CBSE is designed to build strong conceptual clarity and practical understanding of living organisms and life processes.
It covers topics like Diversity of the Living World, Structural Organisation, Cell Biology, Plant Physiology, and Human Physiology. Along with theory, practical work is an integral part of the subject.
This detailed guide provides the complete syllabus, exam pattern, prescribed books, objectives, preparation tips, and a downloadable PDF.
Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
Find the overview of 11th class biology syllabus:
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
| I | Diversity of the Living World | 12 |
| II | Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants | 12 |
| III | Cell Structure and Function | 12 |
| IV | Plant Physiology | 17 |
| V | Human Physiology | 17 |
| Total (Theory) | 70 | |
| Practical | Experiments, Slide Preparation, Spotting, Viva, Record | 30 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
📥 Download Class 11 Biology Syllabus PDF!
To help you in exam preparation, we’ve added the official CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2025-26 PDF. It includes complete details of units, chapters, practicals, and exam pattern. Students are advised to keep a copy for regular reference.
Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2025-26
Let’s discuss in detail the biology syllabus for class 11 CBSE and NCERT:
Unit I: Diversity of the Living World (12 Marks)
This unit in biology class 11th syllabus builds the foundation of Biology by explaining the variety of life forms, classification, and biodiversity.
| Chapter | Details Covered |
| The Living World | What is living, taxonomic categories, taxonomical aids (herbarium, museum, zoological parks, keys). |
| Biological Classification | Five kingdom classification, monera, protista, fungi, plantae, animalia, viruses, viroids, lichens. |
| Plant Kingdom | Algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms, plant life cycles and alternation of generations. |
| Animal Kingdom | Basis of classification, levels of organisation, symmetry, coelom, segmentation; phyla from Porifera to Chordata with examples. |
Unit II: Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants (12 Marks)
This unit in 11th class biology syllabus explains the morphology and anatomy of higher plants and basic animal tissues.
| Chapter | Details Covered |
| Morphology of Flowering Plants | Root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit, seed, description of families (Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae). |
| Anatomy of Flowering Plants | Tissues, tissue systems, anatomy of dicot and monocot root, stem and leaf, secondary growth. |
| Structural Organisation in Animals | Animal tissues (epithelial, connective, muscular, neural), morphology and anatomy of frog. |
Unit III: Cell Structure and Function (12 Marks)
The 3rd unit of biology syllabus for class 11 focuses on the cell as the structural and functional unit of life.
| Chapter | Details Covered |
| Cell – The Unit of Life | Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell size and shape, structure of cell organelles. |
| Biomolecules | Structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids; enzymes – properties, classification, mechanism of action. |
| Cell Cycle and Cell Division | Phases of cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, significance of cell division. |
Unit IV: Plant Physiology
The 4th unit in syllabus for class 11 biology deals with plant functions like transport, nutrition, photosynthesis, and growth.
| Chapter | Details Covered |
| Transport in Plants | Means of transport, plant-water relations, diffusion, osmosis, long distance transport, transpiration, phloem transport. |
| Mineral Nutrition | Essential minerals, macro and micronutrients, deficiency symptoms, nitrogen metabolism, biological nitrogen fixation. |
| Photosynthesis in Higher Plants | Pigments, light reaction, electron transport, photophosphorylation, C3, C4 and CAM pathways. |
| Respiration in Plants | Glycolysis, fermentation, aerobic respiration, electron transport system, energy relations. |
| Plant Growth and Development | Growth phases, differentiation, dedifferentiation, plant growth regulators, photoperiodism, vernalisation. |
Unit V: Human Physiology
The 5th unit in biology syllabus for class 11 CBSE explains how different systems in the human body work together.
| Chapter | Details Covered |
| Digestion and Absorption | Human digestive system, digestion of food, absorption, assimilation, digestive glands, disorders. |
| Breathing and Exchange of Gases | Human respiratory system, mechanism of breathing, transport of gases, regulation, disorders. |
| Body Fluids and Circulation | Blood composition, blood groups, clotting, human circulatory system, cardiac cycle, ECG, disorders. |
| Excretory Products and Their Elimination | Human excretory system, urine formation, regulation of kidney function, dialysis, disorders. |
| Locomotion and Movement | Types of movement, skeletal system, joints, muscle contraction mechanism, disorders. |
| Neural Control and Coordination | Neuron structure, impulse conduction, central nervous system, reflex action, sense organs. |
| Chemical Coordination and Integration | Endocrine glands, hormones, mechanism of hormone action, disorders related to hormones. |
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Full Form | All about CBSE Class 11th |
| Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus for Practicals
| Component | Marks |
| One Major Experiment | 5 |
| One Minor Experiment | 4 |
| Slide Preparation | 5 |
| Spotting | 7 |
| Practical Record + Viva Voce | 4 |
| Project Record | 5 |
| Total | 30 |
1. Experiments
- Study and description of the distribution of stomata in the upper and lower surface of leaves.
- Comparative study of the rates of transpiration using potometer.
- Separation of plant pigments by paper chromatography.
- Study of plasmolysis in onion peel cells.
- Study of distribution of different types of plant tissues (permanent and meristematic) by preparing temporary slides.
- Study of mitosis in onion root tip cells.
- Study of osmotic pressure by potato osmometer.
2. Slide Preparation
- Preparation and study of TS of dicot root, stem and leaf.
- Preparation and study of TS of monocot root, stem and leaf.
- Preparation and study of permanent slides of animal tissues (stratified epithelium, areolar tissue, adipose tissue, striated muscle).
3. Spotting (7 Marks)
Identify and comment on:
- Plant specimens: Algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms.
- Animal specimens: From Porifera to Chordata.
- Fossils: Study of importance.
- Prepared slides: Mitosis, meiosis stages.
4. Practical Records & Projects
- Maintain a proper practical record notebook.
- Project work (can be chosen from environment, biodiversity, human health, genetics, etc.).
CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus: Question Paper Design
- Maximum Marks: 70 (Theory)
- Duration: 3 Hours
1. Typology of Questions
| Type of Questions | Marks per Question | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| Very Short Answer (VSA) / MCQs | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Short Answer I (SA-I) | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Short Answer II (SA-II) | 3 | 9 | 27 |
| Long Answer (LA) | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| Total | – | 29 | 70 |
2. Class 11 Biology Marks Distribution Chapter-wise
| Unit | Marks |
| I. Diversity of the Living World | 12 |
| II. Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants | 12 |
| III. Cell Structure and Function | 12 |
| IV. Plant Physiology | 17 |
| V. Human Physiology | 17 |
| Total | 70 |
3. Internal Assessment
- Practical Work – 15 Marks
- Project Record – 5 Marks
- Practical Record & Viva Voce – 5 Marks
- Class Test/Periodic Assessment – 5 Marks
Suggested Project Topics for CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus
- Effect of Different Fertilizers on Plant Growth – Compare chemical vs organic fertilizers.
- Study of Water Pollution in a Local Area – Testing for pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen.
- Role of Microbes in Everyday Life – Fermentation, antibiotics, probiotics.
- Effect of Different Light Colours on Photosynthesis – Using aquatic plants for experiment.
- Survey of Common Human Diseases in Your Locality – Their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.
- Study of Plant Growth Regulators (Hormones) – Effect of auxins, gibberellins, etc.
- Antimicrobial Effect of Medicinal Plants – Testing tulsi, neem, garlic, turmeric, etc.
- Impact of Junk Food on Health – Case study or survey among students.
- Effect of Acid Rain on Plant Growth – Simulation and observation.
- Study of Blood Groups in Classmates/Family Members – Preparing frequency chart.
- Effect of Music on Plant Growth – Observing response of plants to sound vibrations.
Prescribed Books for CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus
The CBSE recommends NCERT textbooks as the primary resource for Class 11 Biology. Students should strictly follow these for board exams and competitive exams like NEET.
- Biology – Class XI, NCERT Publication
- Other reference books (optional): Trueman’s Elementary Biology, Pradeep’s Biology, or other guides for additional practice.
Check the latest CBSE Class 11 syllabus for all subjects below:
| Class 11th History Syllabus | Class 11th Chemistry Syllabus |
| Class 11th Legal Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Physics Syllabus |
| Class 11th Accountancy Syllabus | Class 11th Psychology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Entrepreneurship Syllabus | Class 11th Fine Arts Syllabus |
| Class 11th Business Studies Syllabus | Class 11th Sociology Syllabus |
| Class 11th Maths Syllabus | Class 11th Economics Syllabus |
| Class 11th Political Science Syllabus | Class 11th English Syllabus |
| Class 11th Sanskrit Syllabus | Class 11th Hindi Syllabus |
| Class 11th Geography Syllabus | Class 11th Computer Science Syllabus |
| Class 11th Informatics Practices Syllabus | Class 11th Physical Education Syllabus |
| Class 11th Home Science Syllabus |
Class 11 Biology Chapters List
| Unit | Chapters |
| Unit I: Diversity of the Living World | 1. The Living World 2. Biological Classification 3. Plant Kingdom 4. Animal Kingdom |
| Unit II: Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants | 5. Morphology of Flowering Plants 6. Anatomy of Flowering Plants 7. Structural Organisation in Animals |
| Unit III: Cell Structure and Function | 8. Cell – The Unit of Life 9. Biomolecules 10. Cell Cycle and Cell Division |
| Unit IV: Plant Physiology | 11. Transport in Plants 12. Mineral Nutrition 13. Photosynthesis in Higher Plants 14. Respiration in Plants 15. Plant Growth and Development |
| Unit V: Human Physiology | 16. Digestion and Absorption 17. Breathing and Exchange of Gases 18. Body Fluids and Circulation 19. Excretory Products and Their Elimination 20. Locomotion and Movement 21. Neural Control and Coordination 22. Chemical Coordination and Integration |
Total: 22 chapters across 5 units.
Objectives of CBSE Class 11th Biology Syllabus 2025-26
The syllabus of Biology in Class 11 is framed with the following objectives:
- Develop understanding of life processes by studying plants, animals, and human systems in detail.
- Introduce diversity of organisms and their structural and functional organisation.
- Build knowledge of cell structure and functions, forming the basis for advanced molecular biology.
- Explain physiological processes in plants and humans, connecting biology with chemistry and physics.
- Develop experimental and analytical skills through practical work, spotting, and slide preparation.
- Encourage awareness about environment and sustainability by linking biological concepts to real-life issues.
- Prepare students for higher studies and competitive exams like NEET, AIIMS, and other medical/paramedical fields.
Tips to Prepare for CBSE Class XI Biology Syllabus
1. Focus on NCERT First
NCERT is the backbone of Class 11 Biology and also the most important for NEET. Read every line, make notes of key terms, and practice NCERT-based questions.
2. Practice Diagrams Regularly
Diagrams carry high weightage in exams. Practice well-labeled diagrams of cells, tissues, organ systems, and plant structures to score easy marks.
3. Revise Chapter-wise Summaries
After completing each chapter, prepare a short summary or flow chart of important points. This helps in quick revision before tests and exams.
4. Strengthen Concepts, Not Rote Learning
Biology has facts, but understanding processes like photosynthesis, digestion, or mitosis will make them easier to remember and apply in questions.
5. Prepare Notes for Definitions & Examples
Important definitions, scientists’ names, classifications, and examples should be noted separately for last-minute revision.
6. Balance Theory with Practicals
Don’t ignore practical work. Perform every experiment sincerely, maintain records neatly, and revise spotting examples regularly.
7. Solve Previous Year Question Papers
Go through past Class 11 exam papers and sample papers. This will help you understand the question format, marking scheme, and important topics.
8. Connect with NEET Preparation (if aiming medical)
Class 11 syllabus forms the base for NEET. Start solving objective questions along with theory so that you can strengthen your competitive exam preparation side by side.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
FAQs About CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus
The syllabus includes five main units: Diversity of the Living World, Structural Organisation, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, and Human Physiology, along with practical work.
The theory paper is of 70 marks and practicals are of 30 marks, making a total of 100 marks.
Yes, Class 11 Biology syllabus is highly important for NEET as nearly 40–45% of questions come from Class 11 chapters.
Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, and Cell Structure chapters carry the maximum weightage.
The NCERT Biology textbook for Class XI is the prescribed book by CBSE.
There are five main units covering 15 chapters in total.
Maintain a neat record book, practice diagrams, prepare slides carefully, and revise spotting examples regularly.
Human Physiology carries 17 marks, the highest along with Plant Physiology.
Yes, well-labeled diagrams add value to your answers and can help you score higher marks.
Minor updates may happen, but the core syllabus remains largely the same. Students must check the official CBSE document each session.
There are around 6–8 major experiments, slide preparation, and spotting activities included in the practical syllabus.
Yes, NCERT is sufficient for board exams. For NEET or deeper understanding, reference books can be used.
The exam includes MCQs, short answer questions, and long answer questions covering all five units with a total of 70 marks.
There are 15 chapters spread across the five units.
Study each system step by step, draw labeled diagrams, and practice flow charts of processes like digestion, circulation, and respiration.
The objectives are to develop conceptual understanding of life processes, strengthen experimental skills, and prepare students for higher studies and entrance exams.
At least 1–1.5 hours daily is recommended, with extra focus on diagrams and NCERT examples.
The units Diversity of Living World and Structural Organisation carry 12 marks each, which is the least compared to other units.
One project is required as part of the practical assessment. Topics can be chosen from environment, biodiversity, or human health.
Yes, the official CBSE syllabus PDF for Class 11 Biology 2025-26 can be downloaded directly from the CBSE academic website or from the link provided below in this blog.
Find detailed questions and answers from all chapters of English Class 11 now:
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