CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2026-27

Introduction

Class 11 Biology under CBSE is a comprehensive exploration of life at multiple levels of organisation, from the molecular machinery of cells to the diversity of organisms and the ecological systems they inhabit. The 2026-27 syllabus is designed to build a strong conceptual foundation for medical entrance examinations like NEET, as well as for advanced academic study in life sciences.

This page provides the complete CBSE Class 11 Biology syllabus for 2026-27, with unit-wise chapter details, exam pattern, marking scheme, recommended books, and evidence-based preparation strategies for every aspiring biologist.

Quick Facts

Exam Pattern

Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit 1: Diversity of Living Organisms

This unit examines the incredible variety of life on Earth, introducing the principles of biological classification and surveying the major groups of organisms from viruses to angiosperms.

•      What is Living? Diversity in the Living World

•      Taxonomic Categories, Taxonomical Aids: Herbarium, Museum, Botanical Gardens, Key

•      Systematics and Binomial Nomenclature

•      Five Kingdom Classification: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia

•      Kingdom Monera: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Mycoplasma

•      Kingdom Protista: Chrysophytes, Dinoflagellates, Euglenoids, Slime Moulds, Protozoans

•      Kingdom Fungi: Structure, Reproduction, Economic Importance

•      Kingdom Plantae: Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms

•      Kingdom Animalia: Basis of Classification, Major Phyla to Mammalia

•      Viruses, Viroids, and Lichens

Unit 2: Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants

This unit explores how cells are organised into tissues, organs, and organ systems, examining both plant and animal structural organisation with emphasis on morphology and anatomy.

•      Morphology of Flowering Plants: Roots, Stem, Leaf, Flower, Fruit, Seed

•      Description of Families: Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae

•      Anatomy of Flowering Plants: Tissues, Tissue System

•      Meristematic and Permanent Tissues

•      Anatomy of Dicot and Monocot Root, Stem, and Leaf

•      Animal Tissues: Epithelial, Connective, Muscular, Neural

•      Morphology, Anatomy, and Functions of Earthworm, Cockroach, and Frog

Unit 3: Cell: Structure and Function

The cell unit dives deep into the biochemical and structural foundations of life, from the molecular basis of cellular components to the mechanisms of cell division.

•      Cell Theory and Cell as a Basic Unit of Life

•      Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Ultrastructure

•      Cell Organelles: Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Bodies, Lysosomes, Vacuoles

•      Mitochondria, Plastids, Ribosomes, Cytoskeleton, Cilia, Flagella, Centrioles

•      Cell Nucleus: Structure, Chromosomes, DNA Organisation

•      Biomolecules: Chemical Composition of Living Tissue

•      Enzymes: Nature, Classification, Mechanism of Enzyme Action

•      Cell Division: Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis and their Significance

Unit 4: Plant Physiology

Plant Physiology covers the functional processes that keep plants alive and growing, from water absorption and photosynthesis to hormone-mediated growth responses.

•      Mineral Nutrition: Macro and Micronutrients, Deficiency Symptoms

•      Transport in Plants: Means of Transport, Diffusion, Osmosis, Plasmolysis

•      Absorption of Water and Minerals, Transpiration, Guttation

•      Long-Distance Transport: Apoplast, Symplast Pathways

•      Photosynthesis: Site, Mechanism, Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

•      Light Reactions: Photosystems I and II, Cyclic and Non-cyclic Photophosphorylation

•      Calvin Cycle (C3 Pathway), C4 Pathway, Photorespiration

•      Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Fermentation

•      Plant Growth and Development: Phases, Growth Regulators (Auxin, Gibberellin, Cytokinin, ABA, Ethylene)

Unit 5: Human Physiology

Human Physiology covers the integrated organ systems of the human body, from digestion and gas exchange to coordination and reproduction, providing the biological basis for medicine and health sciences.

•      Digestion and Absorption: Digestive System, Digestion Process, Absorption, Disorders

•      Breathing and Exchange of Gases: Respiratory System, Mechanism, Transport of Gases, Disorders

•      Body Fluids and Circulation: Blood, Lymph, Cardiac Cycle, ECG, Disorders

•      Excretory Products and Their Elimination: Kidney Structure, Urine Formation, Osmoregulation

•      Locomotion and Movement: Types, Skeletal System, Joints, Disorders

•      Neural Control and Coordination: Neuron, Nerve Impulse, Reflex Action, Sensory Organs

•      Chemical Coordination and Integration: Endocrine Glands, Hormones, Disorders

Chapter Overview Table

Practical Syllabus

Recommended Books

Preparation Tips for Class 11 Biology

Learn by Drawing and Labelling Diagrams

Biology is a highly visual subject. Drawing and labelling well-annotated diagrams for cell organelles, plant tissues, digestive system, heart structure, and neuron anatomy is one of the most effective revision techniques. Board examiners award full marks for accurate, neatly labelled diagrams.

Build a Strong Foundation in Cell Biology

Unit 3 on Cell Structure and Function is foundational for understanding virtually every other unit in Biology, from genetics to physiology. Investing extra time here in Class 11 pays dividends in Class 12 when you encounter topics like Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biotechnology.

Focus on NCERT for Theory and Facts

CBSE board questions and NEET questions are strongly aligned with NCERT content. Read each chapter meticulously, pay attention to bold terms, and memorise important tables such as plant hormone functions, digestive enzyme substrates, and classification criteria.

Revise Taxonomy Systematically

Diversity of Living Organisms has extensive content covering classification from bacteria to mammals. Create comparative charts for different phyla, note distinguishing features, and use mnemonics to remember the hierarchy from Kingdom to Species.

Attempt Chapter-wise Tests Regularly

After completing each chapter, take a chapter-wise test covering MCQs, short answers, and diagram-based questions. Biology has a large volume of content, and regular testing helps consolidate information in long-term memory and reveals which areas need revision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the subject code for Biology in CBSE Class 11?

The subject code for CBSE Class 11 Biology is 044.

How many units are there in Class 11 Biology?

The CBSE Class 11 Biology syllabus has five units covering Diversity, Structural Organisation, Cell Biology, Plant Physiology, and Human Physiology.

Is Class 11 Biology important for NEET?

Yes, Class 11 Biology forms approximately 45 percent of the NEET Biology question paper. Topics from Plant Physiology, Cell Biology, Diversity, and Human Physiology are regularly featured in NEET.

How many marks does the Biology practical carry?

The Biology practical examination carries 30 marks distributed across spotting, experiments, microscopy, project work, and viva voce.

Is Class 11 Biology tougher than Class 10 Science Biology?

Class 11 Biology is significantly more detailed and concept-intensive than Class 10. The volume of factual content is much higher, particularly in Diversity of Living Organisms and Human Physiology, but systematic reading and diagram practice make the subject very manageable.