Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26: All Chapters With PDF

Physics is one of the most important subjects for science students, especially those preparing for engineering and medical entrance exams. The CBSE has released the latest Class 11th Physics syllabus 2025-26, which provides a detailed framework of topics, experiments, and assessments. 

Understanding the syllabus of class 11 physics CBSE helps you plan your studies effectively, focus on important concepts, and strengthen your problem-solving skills. This syllabus not only prepares you for board exams but also builds a strong base for Class 12 Physics and competitive exams like JEE and NEET. 

In this post, we cover the complete physics class 11 syllabus 2025-26 with unit-wise chapters, practicals, exam pattern, and preparation tips.

Class 11th Physics Syllabus 2025-26: Overview

The CBSE Class XI Physics syllabus 2025-26 is designed to help students build a strong foundation in scientific concepts, problem-solving skills, and practical knowledge. 

The subject emphasizes both theoretical understanding and experimental learning, making it highly relevant for board exams as well as competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

Component	Marks	Duration
Theory (10 Units)	70	3 Hours
Practical/Experiments	30	–
Total	100	–

📥Download Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26 PDF

For quick access and future reference, you can download the official CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus PDF 2025-26 directly.

Physics Class 11 Chapters (Name)

There are 14 total chapters in physics class 11th. Find the names list below:

1. Units and Measurement
2. Motion in a Straight Line
3. Motion in a Plane
4. Laws of Motion
5. Work, Energy and Power
6. System of Particles and Rotational Motion
7. Gravitation
8. Mechanical Properties of Solids
9. Mechanical Properties of Fluids
10. Thermal Properties of Matter
11. Thermodynamics
12. Kinetic Theory
13. Oscillations
14. Waves

Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26

Below is the detailed class 11th syllabus of physics:

Unit I: Physical World and Measurement

This unit in the class XI physics syllabus introduces the subject as a discipline, its scope, and its role in understanding natural phenomena. It also covers fundamental concepts of physical quantities, units, dimensions, and errors in measurement. 

Students will develop the skill to measure accurately and appreciate how Physics connects with technology and society.

Chapters	Topics Covered
Chapter 1: Units and Measurement	• Need for measurement • Units of measurement: Systems of units (CGS, MKS, SI) • Fundamental and derived units • Measurement of length, mass, time • Errors in measurement • Significant figures • Dimensions of physical quantities and dimensional analysis

Unit II: Kinematics

This unit in the syllabus of physics class 11 focuses on the study of motion without considering its causes. It develops a strong foundation in vectors, motion in a straight line, and motion in a plane. 

Students learn to describe motion using position, velocity, and acceleration, preparing them for advanced concepts in mechanics.

Chapters	Topics Covered
Chapter 2: Motion in a Straight Line	• Frame of reference • Motion in one dimension • Position, path length, displacement • Average and instantaneous velocity • Acceleration • Graphical representation of motion • Uniformly accelerated motion equations
Chapter 3: Motion in a Plane	• Scalars and vectors • Position and displacement vectors • General vectors and their notation • Vector addition and subtraction • Scalar and vector products • Motion in a plane • Projectile motion • Uniform circular motion

Unit III: Laws of Motion

This unit in the CBSE class 11th physics syllabus introduces Newton’s Laws of Motion, the foundation of classical mechanics. It explains how forces influence motion, covering concepts like inertia, momentum, and friction. 

Students learn the applications of Newton’s laws in real-life situations, making them capable of analyzing motion under different forces.

Chapter	Topics Covered
Chapter 4: Laws of Motion	• Aristotle’s fallacy • Concept of inertia and Newton’s First Law • Momentum and Newton’s Second Law • Impulse • Newton’s Third Law and action-reaction • Law of conservation of linear momentum • Equilibrium of a particle • Common forces in mechanics (friction, tension, normal force) • Circular motion – motion of a car on a level road and on a banked road

Unit IV: Work, Energy and Power

This unit in the CBSE class 11 physics syllabus covers the concepts of work and energy, their relationship, and the principle of conservation of energy. Students learn how energy transforms from one form to another and the importance of power in practical applications. 

This develops an analytical ability to solve problems in mechanics.

Chapter	Topics Covered
Chapter 5: Work, Energy and Power	• Work done by constant and variable force • Kinetic energy and work-energy theorem • Potential energy • Conservation of mechanical energy • Power • Potential energy of a spring • Conservative and non-conservative forces • Collisions (elastic and inelastic)

Unit V: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body

This unit in 11th class physics syllabus explains the motion of extended bodies and systems of particles. Students study concepts like the center of mass, torque, angular momentum, and rotational motion. 

These concepts are crucial for understanding dynamics of rigid bodies, rolling motion, and equilibrium in mechanics.

Chapter

Topics Covered

Chapter 6: System of Particles and Rotational Motion

• Centre of mass of two-particle system • Centre of mass of rigid body • Centre of mass of uniform rod • Motion of centre of mass • Linear momentum of a system of particles • Vector product of two vectors • Torque • Angular momentum • Laws of conservation of angular momentum • Equilibrium of rigid bodies • Moment of inertia, radius of gyration • Theorems of perpendicular and parallel axes (statement only) • Values of moments of inertia for simple geometrical objects (no derivation) • Rolling motion (without slipping)

Unit VI: Gravitation

This unit in class XI physics syllabus 2025-26 explores the universal law of gravitation and its applications in planetary motion, satellites, and weightlessness. Students learn the significance of gravitational force in shaping the universe, and gain problem-solving skills related to orbital motion and acceleration due to gravity.

Chapter	Topics Covered
Chapter 7: Gravitation	• Kepler’s laws of planetary motion • Universal law of gravitation • Acceleration due to gravity (variation with height and depth) • Gravitational potential energy • Escape velocity • Orbital velocity of a satellite • Geo-stationary satellites

Unit VII: Properties of Bulk Matter

This unit in CBSE physics syllabus for class 11th deals with the mechanical properties of solids and fluids. It explains elasticity, pressure, viscosity, surface tension, and fluid dynamics. These concepts help students connect physics to real-world applications such as hydraulics, fluid flow, and structural engineering.

Chapters	Topics Covered
Chapter 8: Mechanical Properties of Solids	• Elastic behavior • Stress-strain relationship • Hooke’s law • Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus of rigidity • Poisson’s ratio • Elastic energy
Chapter 9: Mechanical Properties of Fluids	• Pressure due to fluid column • Pascal’s law and its applications • Effect of gravity • Viscosity, Stokes’ law, terminal velocity • Reynolds number • Streamline and turbulent flow • Bernoulli’s theorem and its applications
Chapter 10: Thermal Properties of Matter	• Heat, temperature, thermal expansion • Specific heat capacity • Calorimetry • Change of state – latent heat • Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) • Newton’s law of cooling

Unit VIII: Thermodynamics

This unit in class 11 physics syllabus 2025-26 introduces the laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Students learn about heat, work, and internal energy, focusing on the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Practical applications like heat engines and refrigerators make this unit essential for future engineering studies.

Chapter	Topics Covered
Chapter 11: Thermodynamics	• Thermal equilibrium • Zeroth law of thermodynamics • First law of thermodynamics – internal energy, work, heat • Second law of thermodynamics (reversible and irreversible processes) • Heat engines and refrigerators

Unit IX: Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory

This unit in class 11 physics syllabus explains the behavior of gases using the kinetic theory of matter. It covers gas laws, molecular motion, and pressure. Students gain insight into how macroscopic properties of gases arise from microscopic behavior of molecules.

Chapter	Topics Covered
Chapter 12: Kinetic Theory	• Equation of state of a perfect gas • Work done on compressing a gas • Assumptions of kinetic theory • Concept of pressure • Kinetic interpretation of temperature • Degrees of freedom • Law of equipartition of energy • Mean free path • Avogadro’s number

Unit X: Oscillations and Waves

This unit in class 11th syllabus of physics studies oscillatory and wave motion. Students explore simple harmonic motion, oscillations of a spring, and wave propagation. It also introduces sound waves, Doppler effect, and resonance, which are crucial for understanding vibrations and communication systems.

Chapters	Topics Covered
Chapter 13: Oscillations	• Periodic motion • Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and equations • Oscillations of a spring • Simple pendulum (derivation of time period) • Uniform circular motion and SHM relation • Energy in SHM
Chapter 14: Waves	• Wave motion • Types of waves – transverse and longitudinal • Displacement relation for a progressive wave • Speed of a travelling wave • Principle of superposition • Standing waves in strings and organ pipes • Beats • Doppler effect

More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:

CBSE Board: All details	CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects
CBSE Full Form	CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus
All about CBSE Class 11th	Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus
CBSE Class 11 Economics Syllabus

CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26 (Practical: 30 Marks)

The practical component of Physics aims to strengthen students’ conceptual understanding through hands-on experiments. It develops observation, measurement, and analytical skills, while also building confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. The assessment includes experiments, activities, record keeping, and viva voce.

Component	Marks
Experiments (Two experiments: one from each section)	8 + 8 = 16
Practical Record (experiments + activities)	7
Viva on experiments	7
Total	30

1. Section A (Experiments on Basic Concepts & Mechanics)

• Use of Vernier Callipers to measure diameter/depth of objects.
• Use of Screw Gauge to measure thickness/diameter of objects.
• Simple Pendulum: Determination of time period, acceleration due to gravity.
• Study the relationship between force of limiting friction and normal reaction.
• Determine the coefficient of friction between a block and a surface.
• Verify the laws of parallelogram of vectors using force board.
• Determine mass of a body using a beam balance.

2. Section B (Experiments on Properties of Matter & Waves)

• Determine Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material of a wire.
• Find the surface tension of water using capillary rise method.
• Study the relationship between length of a wire and load (Hooke’s law).
• Determine the coefficient of viscosity of a given liquid using Stokes’ law.
• Determine the speed of sound in air using resonance column method.
• Study the characteristics of simple harmonic motion using a spring.
• Verify laws of oscillations of a simple pendulum.

3. Activities (Suggested)

• Observe refraction through glass slab and measure lateral displacement.
• Study conservation of linear momentum using a collision experiment.
• Measure the focal length of a convex lens using distant object method.
• Plot a cooling curve for a hot body.
• Observe capillary rise of liquids.
• Study resonance in a stretched string.

4. Practical Record

• Students must maintain a record notebook with at least 15 experiments (8 from Section A, 7 from Section B).
• The record should also include activities demonstrated in class.

5. Viva Voce

In the viva session, students are assessed on:

• Understanding of experiment principles.
• Ability to explain procedure and precautions.
• Knowledge of apparatus used.
• Application of concept in real life.

Class 11 Physics Syllabus: Question Paper Design

The CBSE Class 11 Physics exam is designed to assess conceptual understanding, analytical ability, numerical problem-solving skills, and practical knowledge. The final assessment includes both theory (70 marks) and practical (30 marks), making a total of 100 marks.

1. Theory Exam Pattern of Physics (70 Marks, 3 Hours)

Unit No.	Unit Name	Marks Weightage
I	Physical World and Measurement	8
II	Kinematics	10
III	Laws of Motion	10
IV	Work, Energy and Power	8
V	Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body	10
VI	Gravitation	6
VII	Properties of Bulk Matter	10
VIII	Thermodynamics	5
IX	Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory	5
X	Oscillations and Waves	8
Total	–	70

2. Internal Assessment / Practical (30 Marks)

• Two Experiments (One from each section): 16 Marks
• Practical Record (Experiments + Activities): 7 Marks
• Viva Voce (Based on experiments): 7 Marks
• Total = 30 Marks

3. Typology of Questions in Physics Class 11

The question paper includes a mix of:

• Remembering & Understanding: Facts, definitions, basic concepts.
• Application: Solving numerical problems and applying concepts.
• Analysis & Evaluation: Higher-order questions, reasoning, and derivations.

Suggested Project Topics for Class XI Physics Syllabus

• Study of Motion of a Simple Pendulum: Determining factors affecting time period and verifying the relation with length.
• Measurement of Acceleration due to Gravity (g): Using simple experiments like a pendulum or free fall apparatus.
• Verification of Ohm’s Law: Studying the relationship between current and potential difference.
• Friction Study: Exploring the effect of surface texture and mass on the coefficient of friction.
• Resonance in Sound: Investigating resonance using a resonance column apparatus.
• Projectile Motion Analysis: Studying the trajectory of a ball or object and comparing with theoretical predictions.
• Young’s Modulus of Elasticity: Measuring the stretching of a wire under different loads.
• Surface Tension of Liquids: Studying capillary rise in different liquids.
• Study of Conservation of Momentum: Using colliding spheres, carts, or marbles on a smooth surface.
• Energy Conversion in a Spring: Investigating potential and kinetic energy in oscillations.
• Verification of Boyle’s Law: Relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature.
• Thermal Conductivity of Materials: Comparing heat conduction in different rods (copper, aluminum, iron).

Objectives of Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26

• Develop Scientific Temper: Encourage logical thinking, questioning, and curiosity about natural phenomena.
• Conceptual Clarity: Strengthen understanding of fundamental laws, theories, and principles of Physics.
• Application of Knowledge: Enable students to apply concepts to solve numerical problems and real-life situations.
• Experimental Skills: Build confidence in performing laboratory experiments, making observations, and interpreting results.
• Analytical Ability: Improve problem-solving, reasoning, and mathematical interpretation of physical systems.
• Preparation for Higher Studies: Provide a solid foundation for Class 12 Physics and competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and other entrance tests.
• Technological Relevance: Connect Physics concepts with modern technology, innovations, and their impact on society.
• Communication Skills: Develop the ability to explain scientific ideas clearly using diagrams, graphs, and equations.

Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:

The Portrait of a Lady Summary	Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues Summary
We’re Not Afraid to Die Summary	The Landscape of The Soul Summary
The Ailing Planet Summary	The Browning Version Summary
The Adventure Summary	A Photograph Summary
Silk Road Summary	The Voice of The Rain Summary
Childhood Summary	Father to Son Summary
Birth Summary	Mother’s Day Summary
The Summer of The Beautiful White Horse Summary	The Address Summary
The Laburnum Top Summary

Tips to Prepare for Class XI Physics Syllabus 2025-26

1. Focus on NCERT First

The NCERT Physics textbook is the backbone of your preparation. Every concept, definition, derivation, and example should be studied thoroughly, as most board exam questions come directly or indirectly from it.

2. Build Conceptual Clarity

Instead of rote learning, try to understand the “why” behind every law or formula. Physics is concept-driven, and clarity in fundamentals helps in solving numerical problems with confidence.

3. Practice Numericals Regularly

Numerical questions carry significant weightage in exams. Practice derivations and solve numerical problems from each chapter daily to strengthen your problem-solving ability and improve speed.

4. Maintain a Formula Notebook

Keep a separate notebook for formulas, laws, and definitions. Revise them frequently so that they stay fresh in your memory during exams and while attempting competitive entrance tests.

5. Pay Attention to Practicals

Practical experiments form 30 marks of your Physics assessment. Perform experiments carefully, maintain a neat record, and understand the principles behind each activity to excel in viva voce.

6. Make Short Notes for Revision

Summarize each chapter with important formulas, diagrams, and key concepts. These short notes save time during final revision and help in quick recall before the exam.

7. Solve Previous Year Papers

Practice last 5–7 years’ CBSE papers and sample papers. This helps you understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and the type of questions frequently asked.

8. Clear Doubts Immediately

Never leave your doubts unresolved. Ask teachers, discuss with peers, or use reliable online resources. Clearing small confusions on time prevents bigger problems later during revision.

FAQs About Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2025-26