Chemistry is one of the most important subjects in Class 12, especially for students preparing for careers in science, engineering, medicine, and research. The Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2025-26 prescribed by CBSE is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
It covers topics like solutions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, coordination compounds, haloalkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, and biomolecules.
Along with theory, practical work and investigatory projects are an integral part of the curriculum. In this blog, you’ll find the complete syllabus of chemistry for Class 12th, exam pattern, practicals, objectives, preparation tips, projects, and PDF download.
Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26: Overview
Below is the overview of class 12th chemistry syllabus:
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
| I | Solutions | 7 |
| II | Electrochemistry | 9 |
| III | Chemical Kinetics | 7 |
| IV | d- and f-Block Elements | 7 |
| V | Coordination Compounds | 7 |
| VI | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 6 |
| VII | Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | 6 |
| VIII | Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | 8 |
| IX | Amines | 6 |
| X | Biomolecules | 7 |
| Total (Theory) | 70 | |
| Practical | Experiments, Salt Analysis, Volumetric Analysis, Project, Viva | 30 |
| Grand Total | 100 |
📥Download Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus PDF!
To help you prepare better, here is the official CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26 PDF.
Class 12th Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26
Let’s discuss in detail the syllabus of chemistry for class 12th CBSE and NCERT:
Unit I: Solutions (7 Marks)
This unit in class XII chemistry syllabus introduces the concept of solutions, types, and concentration methods. It explains solubility, Raoult’s law, and colligative properties like elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, and osmotic pressure.
Students also learn about abnormal molecular masses and the Van’t Hoff factor.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Types of Solutions | Solid–liquid, liquid–liquid, gas–liquid systems |
| Concentration Expressions | Molarity, molality, mass %, mole fraction |
| Solubility | Solubility of solids and gases in liquids |
| Colligative Properties | Relative lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure |
| Van’t Hoff Factor | Abnormal molecular mass, association & dissociation of solutes |
Unit II: Electrochemistry (9 Marks)
Electrochemistry in class 12th chemistry syllabus deals with redox reactions and their role in generating electrical energy. Students learn about electrochemical cells, EMF, electrode potential, and Nernst equation.
The unit also explains conductance in electrolytic solutions, laws of electrolysis, fuel cells, corrosion, and batteries like the lead accumulator and dry cell.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Electrochemical Cells | Galvanic & electrolytic cells, EMF, electrode potential |
| Nernst Equation | Calculation of EMF of a cell, relation with Gibbs free energy |
| Conductance | Specific, molar conductivity, variation with concentration |
| Laws of Electrolysis | Faraday’s laws, electrolysis principles |
| Applications | Fuel cells, corrosion, batteries (dry cell, lead accumulator) |
Unit III: Chemical Kinetics (7 Marks)
This unit in the syllabus of class 12th chemistry focuses on the rate of chemical reactions and factors affecting it. It includes order and molecularity of reactions, integrated rate equations, and half-life.
The concepts of collision theory, activation energy, and the Arrhenius equation help students understand how reaction rates can be controlled.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Rate of Reaction | Average & instantaneous rate |
| Factors Affecting Rate | Concentration, temperature, catalyst |
| Rate Law & Order | Specific rate constant, integrated rate equations (zero & first order) |
| Collision Theory | Concept of activation energy, Arrhenius equation |
Unit IV: d- and f-Block Elements (7 Marks)
This unit in class 12th chemistry syllabus explains transition metals and their unique properties like variable oxidation states, magnetic behaviour, colour, and catalytic activity. It covers preparation and properties of KMnO₄ and K₂Cr₂O₇.
Students also study lanthanides and actinides, their electronic configuration, and lanthanide contraction with its consequences.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Transition Metals | General properties: electronic configuration, oxidation states, catalytic property, colour, magnetic property, alloy formation |
| Compounds | Preparation & properties of KMnO₄ and K₂Cr₂O₇ |
| Lanthanides | Properties, lanthanide contraction |
| Actinides | Properties, comparison with lanthanides |
Unit V: Coordination Compounds (7 Marks)
This unit in the class 12th syllabus for chemistry deals with the structure and bonding of coordination compounds. Students learn about ligands, coordination numbers, and nomenclature.
Theories like VBT and CFT are introduced to explain bonding. The importance of these compounds in metallurgy, biological systems, and qualitative analysis is also highlighted.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Basics | Ligands, coordination number, oxidation number, IUPAC nomenclature |
| Bonding Theories | Werner’s theory, Valence Bond Theory (VBT), Crystal Field Theory (CFT) |
| Properties | Colour, magnetism, isomerism |
| Applications | Biological importance, metallurgy, qualitative analysis |
Unit VI: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes (6 Marks)
This unit in the class XII chemistry syllabus introduces halogenated hydrocarbons, their structure, physical and chemical properties.
Students study substitution reactions, directive influence of halogen, and environmental hazards of compounds like DDT and freons. Mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2) are discussed in detail.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Haloalkanes | Nature of C–X bond, nomenclature, physical & chemical properties, substitution reactions (SN1, SN2) |
| Haloarenes | Electrophilic substitution, directive effect of halogen |
| Environmental Aspects | DDT, freons, chloroform, iodoform – uses & hazards |
Unit VII: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers (6 Marks)
This unit in syllabus of class 12th chemistry explains the preparation, properties, and uses of alcohols, phenols, and ethers. Students learn about mechanisms like dehydration of alcohols and substitution in phenols.
The electrophilic substitution reactions of phenols and methods of ether preparation are also covered.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Alcohols | Preparation, properties, dehydration mechanism, uses |
| Phenols | Acidic nature, electrophilic substitution, preparation & uses |
| Ethers | Methods of preparation, properties, uses |
Unit VIII: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids (8 Marks)
This unit in class 12th chemistry syllabus deals with carbonyl compounds and their reactivity. Students study nucleophilic addition reactions, alpha-hydrogen reactivity, and the acidic character of carboxylic acids.
Methods of preparation, physical properties, chemical properties, and applications are included for aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Aldehydes & Ketones | Structure of carbonyl group, preparation, physical & chemical properties, nucleophilic addition, reactivity of alpha-hydrogen |
| Carboxylic Acids | Acidic nature, preparation, properties, uses |
Unit IX: Amines (6 Marks)
This unit covers classification, preparation, properties, and uses of amines. Students also learn about diazonium salts, their preparation, reactions, and role in synthetic organic chemistry. The unit highlights the importance of amines in pharmaceuticals and dye industries.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Amines | Classification, structure, nomenclature, preparation, properties |
| Diazonium Salts | Preparation, chemical reactions, synthetic importance |
Unit X: Biomolecules (7 Marks)
This unit in class 12 chemistry syllabus explores the chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and hormones.
Students study their structures, functions, and biological importance. It also introduces enzymes, peptide bonds, and denaturation of proteins, along with DNA and RNA structures.
| Topics | Details Covered |
| Carbohydrates | Monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides |
| Proteins | Amino acids, peptide bond, structures, denaturation, enzymes |
| Nucleic Acids | DNA, RNA – structure & functions |
| Vitamins & Hormones | Types, functions, biological roles |
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 |
Class 12th Chemistry Syllabus for Practicals
| Component | Marks |
| Volumetric Analysis | 08 |
| Salt Analysis | 08 |
| Content-based Experiment | 06 |
| Project Work | 04 |
| Class Record & Viva Voce | 04 |
| Total | 30 |
The following is the list of practicals in CBSE 12th chemistry syllabus:
A. Surface Chemistry
- Preparation of one lyophilic sol (starch, egg albumin, gum).
- Preparation of one lyophobic sol (aluminum hydroxide, ferric hydroxide).
- Dialysis of sol prepared above.
- Study of role of emulsifying agents in stabilizing emulsions.
B. Chemical Kinetics
Effect of concentration and temperature on the rate of reaction between sodium thiosulphate and hydrochloric acid.
Study of reaction rates:
- Reaction of iodide ion with hydrogen peroxide.
- Reaction between potassium iodate and sodium sulphite (clock reaction).
C. Thermochemistry
- Enthalpy of dissolution of copper sulphate or potassium nitrate.
- Enthalpy of neutralization of strong acid and strong base.
- Enthalpy change during hydrogen bond formation between acetone and chloroform.
D. Electrochemistry
- Variation of cell potential in Zn/Zn²⁺ || Cu²⁺/Cu with change in concentration of electrolytes (CuSO₄ or ZnSO₄).
E. Chromatography
- Separation of pigments from leaf/flower extracts by paper chromatography.
- Separation of constituents of an inorganic mixture containing two cations with large difference in Rf values.
F. Preparation of Inorganic Compounds
- Preparation of double salt of ferrous ammonium sulphate or potash alum.
- Preparation of potassium ferric oxalate.
G. Preparation of Organic Compounds
Preparation of any one:
- Acetanilide
- Dibenzalacetone
- p-Nitroacetanilide
- Aniline yellow or 2-naphthol aniline dye
H. Functional Group Tests
Tests for alcoholic, phenolic, aldehydic, ketonic, carboxylic, and primary amino groups.
I. Tests of Food Components
Tests for carbohydrates, fats, proteins in pure samples and given foodstuffs.
J. Volumetric Analysis
- Preparation of standard oxalic acid solution & titration with KMnO₄.
- Preparation of ferrous ammonium sulphate solution & titration with KMnO₄.
K. Qualitative Analysis (Salt Analysis)
- Identification of one anion and one cation in a given salt.
- Cations: Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mg²⁺, NH₄⁺
- Anions: CO₃²⁻, S²⁻, SO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻, CH₃COO⁻, C₂O₄²⁻
Suggested Project Topics for Class 12 Chemistry
Class 12 students are required to submit one investigatory project as part of their practical work. Here are some engaging and high-scoring ideas:
- Study of Casein Content in Milk: Compare samples of cow, buffalo, and toned milk.
- Analysis of Oxalate Content in Guava Fruit: At different stages of ripening.
- Preparation of Soybean Milk: Comparison with natural milk in terms of curd formation and nutritional value.
- Effect of Food Preservatives: Study of potassium bisulphate or sodium benzoate on microbial growth in food items.
- Digestion of Starch by Salivary Amylase: Effect of pH and temperature on enzymatic activity.
- Comparative Study of Fermentation: Using materials like wheat flour, potato juice, carrot juice, etc.
- Extraction of Essential Oils: From spices such as cardamom, clove, ajwain, or fennel.
- Study of Food Adulterants: Detection of adulteration in fats, oils, butter, sugar, turmeric, chili powder, and pepper.
- Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Reaction: Example: Reaction between sodium thiosulphate and hydrochloric acid.
- Comparative Study of the Foaming Capacity of Soaps: And the effect of sodium carbonate on it.
- Water Quality Testing: Check hardness, presence of fluoride, chloride, or iron in local drinking water.
- Corrosion of Metals: Factors affecting rusting of iron under different conditions.
Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26 Question Paper Design
| Domain | Description | Weightage % | Marks (out of 70) |
| Remembering & Understanding | Recall facts, terms, basic concepts; demonstrate understanding through explanation and interpretation. | 40% | 28 |
| Applying | Apply knowledge and concepts to solve problems or new situations. | 30% | 21 |
| Analysing, Evaluating & Creating | Break information into parts, interpret data, draw conclusions, propose solutions, form judgments. | 30% | 21 |
| Total | – | 100% | 70 |
- No overall choice in the paper.
- 33% internal choice will be provided in all sections.
- Questions will include MCQs, Short Answer, and Long Answer formats.
- All 10 units will be covered, no unit is left out.
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 Biology 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 Physics 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 11th Sanskrit Syllabus |
Prescribed Books for Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26
The CBSE recommends NCERT books as the primary resource for Class 12 Chemistry. These are sufficient for board preparation as well as for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
- Chemistry Part – I, Class XII, NCERT Publication
- Chemistry Part – II, Class XII, NCERT Publication
- Manual of Microscale Chemistry Laboratory Kit (for practical experiments)
Objectives of Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2025-26
The syllabus is framed to achieve the following objectives:
- Strengthen conceptual understanding of physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry for higher education.
- Develop analytical and problem-solving skills through numerical questions, mechanisms, and experimental analysis.
- Promote practical knowledge and experimental skills via laboratory work and investigatory projects.
- Connect chemistry with real-life applications in industries, environment, and daily life.
- Prepare students for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and other entrance tests.
- Encourage scientific curiosity and research orientation by linking theory with practical applications.
- Build awareness about sustainable development through concepts like green chemistry and environmental chemistry.
Tips to Prepare for Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus
1. Stick to NCERT First
NCERT is the backbone of Class 12 Chemistry. Read every line carefully, underline important definitions, and revise all NCERT diagrams, examples, and in-text questions.
2. Master Physical Chemistry Numericals
Chapters like Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Thermodynamics require numerical practice. Solve derivations, formulas, and past exam problems regularly to build speed and accuracy.
3. Revise Organic Chemistry Mechanisms
Focus on reaction mechanisms in Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Amines. Write short notes, prepare flowcharts, and practice IUPAC nomenclature daily for clarity.
4. Focus on Inorganic Chemistry Trends
For d- and f-block elements and Coordination Compounds, prepare summary tables of oxidation states, colours, magnetic properties, and reactions. These are direct scoring areas.
5. Practice Diagrams & Structures
Draw and label molecular orbital diagrams, hybridization models, biomolecule structures, and mechanisms. Neat, well-labeled diagrams can boost your marks.
6. Don’t Ignore Practicals
Practical exams hold 30 marks. Revise salt analysis, titrations, chromatography, and functional group tests. Keep your record book neat and prepare for viva questions.
7. Solve PYQs and Sample Papers
Solve previous year board questions and CBSE sample papers to understand marking schemes, frequently asked topics, and time management strategies.
8. Link Boards with JEE/NEET Preparation
If you’re preparing for competitive exams, solve NCERT-based MCQs after completing each chapter. This way, you can cover board exams and entrance tests together.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
FAQs About Class 12th Chemistry Syllabus
There are 10 units covering 16 chapters in the Class 12 Chemistry syllabus.
The theory exam carries 70 marks and the practical exam carries 30 marks, making a total of 100 marks.
Electrochemistry (9 marks) and Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids (8 marks) are the highest-weightage units.
Yes, NCERT is more than enough for board exams as most questions come directly from it.
Important chapters include Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Aldehydes & Ketones, and Biomolecules.
There are volumetric analysis, salt analysis, surface chemistry, chromatography, functional group tests, and food analysis experiments.
One investigatory project is compulsory as part of the practical evaluation.
Yes, nearly 50% of NEET Chemistry questions are from the Class 12 syllabus.
Yes, Class 12 chapters like Electrochemistry, Solutions, Chemical Kinetics, and Organic Chemistry carry significant weightage in JEE Main.
Organic Chemistry (Units VI–IX) together carry 26 marks.
Physical Chemistry (Units I–III) carries 23 marks.
Inorganic Chemistry (Units IV & V) carries 14 marks.
Students usually find Solutions, Haloalkanes & Haloarenes, and Biomolecules easier compared to others.
Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Coordination Compounds are often considered challenging.
Maintain neat practical records, practice titration, salt analysis, and revise functional group tests thoroughly.
Yes, neat and labeled diagrams (electrochemical cells, molecular orbital diagrams, biomolecule structures) can fetch extra marks.
At least 1.5 to 2 hours daily with a balance of theory, numericals, and organic mechanisms.
No, the full syllabus as prescribed by CBSE is applicable for the 2025-26 session.
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