CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27

Introduction

Class 11 Physics under CBSE is the gateway to understanding the fundamental laws that govern the universe, from the motion of everyday objects to the behaviour of gases and the wave nature of light. The 2026-27 syllabus is carefully structured to develop both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills essential for board examinations and competitive tests like JEE.

This page presents the complete CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus for 2026-27, with unit-wise chapter breakdowns, exam pattern, marking scheme, practical syllabus, recommended books, and strategic preparation guidance.

Quick Facts

Exam Pattern

Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit 1: Physical World and Measurement

This introductory unit establishes the framework for doing physics, covering the scope of the discipline, measurement systems, dimensional analysis, and the significance of error estimation.

•      Physics: Scope and Excitement, Nature of Physical Laws

•      Fundamental and Derived Units, SI Units

•      Significant Figures, Dimensions of Physical Quantities

•      Dimensional Analysis and Its Applications

•      Measurement of Length, Mass, Time and Errors in Measurements

Unit 2: Kinematics

Kinematics describes the motion of objects without considering the forces causing the motion. It introduces vectors, displacement, velocity, and acceleration in both one and two dimensions.

•      Frame of Reference, Motion in a Straight Line

•      Position-Time Graph, Speed and Velocity, Acceleration

•      Elementary Concepts of Differentiation and Integration for Kinematics

•      Equations of Motion (Uniform Acceleration), Motion in a Plane

•      Vector Quantities, Position and Displacement Vectors

•      Relative Velocity, Projectile Motion, Uniform Circular Motion

Unit 3: Laws of Motion

•      Aristotle's Fallacy, Concept of Inertia, Newton's First Law

•      Momentum, Newton's Second Law, Impulse

•      Newton's Third Law, Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum

•      Friction: Static and Kinetic, Laws of Friction

•      Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion: Centripetal Force

Unit 4: Work, Energy, and Power

•      Work Done by a Constant and Variable Force

•      Kinetic Energy, Work-Energy Theorem

•      Potential Energy, Elastic Potential Energy, Conservation of Mechanical Energy

•      Various Forms of Energy, Power

•      Collisions: Elastic and Inelastic, Coefficient of Restitution

Unit 5: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body

•      Centre of Mass and its Motion, Momentum Conservation

•      Angular Velocity, Angular Acceleration, Torque

•      Angular Momentum, Laws of Conservation of Angular Momentum

•      Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies, Moment of Inertia

•      Radius of Gyration, Values of Moment of Inertia for Simple Objects

•      Rolling Motion (Without Slipping)

Unit 6: Gravitation

•      Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

•      Universal Law of Gravitation, Gravitational Constant

•      Acceleration due to Gravity: Variation with Altitude, Depth, Latitude

•      Gravitational Potential Energy, Escape Velocity

•      Orbital Velocity, Time Period and Energy of Satellites

•      Weightlessness

Unit 7: Properties of Bulk Matter

•      Elastic Behaviour: Stress, Strain, Hooke's Law, Elastic Moduli

•      Pressure: Pascal's Law, Hydraulic Machines

•      Viscosity: Stokes' Law, Terminal Velocity, Reynolds Number

•      Streamline and Turbulent Flow, Bernoulli's Theorem

•      Surface Tension, Surface Energy, Angle of Contact, Capillarity

•      Thermal Properties: Temperature, Heat, Thermal Expansion, Specific Heat, Calorimetry

•      Change of State, Latent Heat Capacity

•      Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Stefan's Law, Newton's Law of Cooling

Unit 8: Thermodynamics

•      Thermal Equilibrium and Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

•      First Law of Thermodynamics

•      Isothermal, Adiabatic, Isochoric, Isobaric Processes

•      Second Law of Thermodynamics, Reversible and Irreversible Processes

•      Carnot Engine: Efficiency and Heat Pumps

Unit 9: Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory

•      Equation of State of a Perfect Gas, Work Done in Compressing a Gas

•      Kinetic Theory of Gases, Pressure of a Gas, Kinetic Energy and Temperature

•      RMS Speed, Degrees of Freedom, Law of Equipartition of Energy

•      Mean Free Path, Avogadro's Number

Unit 10: Oscillations and Waves

•      Periodic Motion: Time Period, Frequency, Displacement as Function of Time, Periodic Functions

•      Simple Harmonic Motion: Phase, Amplitude, Velocity, Acceleration, Energy

•      Free, Forced, and Damped Oscillations, Resonance

•      Wave Motion: Transverse and Longitudinal, Speed of Wave, Displacement Relation

•      Reflection of Waves at Rigid and Open Boundary

•      Principle of Superposition, Beats

•      Standing Waves: Normal Modes, Strings, Organ Pipes

•      Doppler Effect

Chapter Overview Table

Practical Syllabus

Recommended Books

Preparation Tips for Class 11 Physics

Understand Concepts Before Attempting Numericals

Physics is fundamentally about understanding how the physical world works. Before solving numerical problems, thoroughly read the concept, understand the derivation, and identify which physical quantities are involved. Attempting problems without conceptual clarity leads to confusion and incorrect applications of formulas.

Master Vector Mathematics Early

Vectors are used extensively in Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, and Wave Physics. Spending dedicated time in the first month on vector addition, subtraction, dot products, and cross products prevents confusion when these concepts appear repeatedly in later units.

Solve H.C. Verma Alongside NCERT

While NCERT is essential for board preparation, H.C. Verma's Concepts of Physics is widely regarded as the gold standard for building problem-solving skills for both boards and JEE. Start with NCERT for conceptual understanding, then use H.C. Verma for progressively challenging problems.

Create a Formula and Derivation Sheet

Physics has a large number of important formulas and derivations. Maintain a dedicated sheet organised by unit, listing all key formulas with their conditions of applicability. Review this sheet every weekend to keep formulas fresh in memory throughout the academic year.

Take Lab Work and Practical Examinations Seriously

Practical marks contribute 30 percent of the total score. Regular lab practice ensures accuracy in experiments such as finding the acceleration due to gravity, measuring surface tension, and resonance tube experiments. A well-maintained lab record with careful observations, sources of error, and precautions earns full marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The subject code for CBSE Class 11 Physics is 042.

How many units are in the Class 11 Physics syllabus?

The CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus consists of ten units covering measurement, mechanics, properties of matter, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, oscillations, and waves.

Which units carry the most marks in Class 11 Physics?

Kinematics, Laws of Motion, and Properties of Bulk Matter each carry 10 marks, making them the highest-weightage units. Oscillations and Waves together also carry 10 marks, making the last unit particularly important.

Is Class 11 Physics harder than Class 10 Science Physics?

Class 11 Physics requires significantly more mathematical rigour, including calculus-based derivations in Class 12. However, Class 11 itself uses basic algebra and trigonometry. Students who are comfortable with mathematics generally find Class 11 Physics challenging but manageable.

How important is H.C. Verma for Class 11 Physics?

H.C. Verma is considered one of the best books for building conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills for both CBSE boards and JEE. It is not mandatory for board exams, but students targeting engineering entrance examinations find it indispensable from Class 11 itself.