Are you looking for the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27? You have landed on the right page. This comprehensive guide covers the complete CBSE Chemistry syllabus, unit-wise marks distribution, exam pattern, important dates, and expert tips to help you score 90+ marks in the board exam. Bookmark this page for regular updates!

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026-27: Quick Overview

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Structure 2026-27

Understanding the exam structure is the first step towards effective preparation. The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry paper is divided into theory and practical components.

Theory Paper Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Marks Distribution 2026-27

The unit-wise marks distribution helps you prioritise your preparation. Focus more on high-weightage chapters like Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Organic Chemistry.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Complete Syllabus 2026-27 — Unit-Wise Breakdown

Below is the complete and official CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus for 2026-27, chapter by chapter, with all key topics. Use this as your revision checklist during exam preparation.

Unit I: Solid State

•        Classification of Solids — ionic, molecular, network, metallic, amorphous & crystalline solids

•        Unit Cell and Crystal Systems — 7 crystal systems, Bravais lattices

•        Number of atoms in unit cell — simple cubic, BCC, FCC (most important for MCQs)

•        Close Packing — hcp and ccp structures, packing efficiency

•        Voids — tetrahedral and octahedral voids, radius ratio

•        Density of Unit Cell — formula and numerical problems

•        Imperfections in Solids — Frenkel defect, Schottky defect, interstitial defects

•        Electrical and Magnetic Properties — conductors, insulators, semiconductors, dia, para, ferromagnetism

Unit II: Solutions

•        Types of Solutions — solid in liquid, liquid in liquid, gas in liquid

•        Raoult's Law — statement, ideal and non-ideal solutions, deviations

•        Colligative Properties — relative lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure

•        Van't Hoff Factor (i) — association and dissociation

•        Henry's Law — solubility of gases in liquids

•        Abnormal Molar Masses — calculation using colligative properties

Unit III: Electrochemistry

•        Electrochemical Cells — Galvanic cell, electrolytic cell, EMF

•        Nernst Equation — EMF calculation at non-standard conditions, equilibrium constant

•        Standard Electrode Potential — standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), electrochemical series

•        Kohlrausch's Law — molar conductivity at infinite dilution

•        Conductance — specific, molar, equivalent conductance

•        Electrolysis — Faraday's First and Second Laws (numerical problems are frequent)

•        Batteries and Fuel Cells — lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, H₂-O₂ fuel cell

•        Corrosion — electrochemical theory, prevention methods

Unit IV: Chemical Kinetics

•        Rate of Reaction — average rate, instantaneous rate, rate law, rate constant

•        Order and Molecularity — zero, first, second order reactions

•        Integrated Rate Equations — for zero and first order (must memorise)

•        Half-life Period — t½ for zero and first order reactions

•        Arrhenius Equation — activation energy, frequency factor, effect of temperature

•        Collision Theory of Chemical Reactions

•        Factors Affecting Rate — concentration, temperature, catalyst, surface area

Unit V: Surface Chemistry

•        Adsorption — physisorption vs chemisorption, adsorption isotherms, Freundlich isotherm

•        Catalysis — homogeneous, heterogeneous, enzyme catalysis, shape-selective catalysis (zeolites)

•        Colloids — types, preparation, properties (Tyndall effect, Brownian motion)

•        Emulsions, Gels — types and properties

•        Coagulation — Hardy-Schulze rule, electrophoresis

Unit VI: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements (Metallurgy)

•        Occurrence of Metals — ores and minerals, gangue

•        Concentration of Ores — froth flotation, magnetic separation, leaching

•        Extraction of Metals — calcination, roasting, smelting, refining

•        Thermodynamic Principles — Ellingham diagram, application

•        Electrochemical Principles — electrolytic refining

•        Extraction of Iron, Copper, Zinc, Aluminium (frequently asked)

Unit VII: p-Block Elements (Groups 15, 16, 17, 18)

•        Group 15 (Nitrogen Family) — electronic config, oxidation states, allotropy

•        Nitrogen — preparation, properties, uses of N₂, NH₃, oxides, HNO₃

•        Phosphorus — allotropes, PCl₃, PCl₅, oxoacids (structure drawing is important)

•        Group 16 (Oxygen Family) — oxygen, sulphur, SO₂, SO₃, H₂SO₄ (contact process)

•        Oxoacids of Sulphur — structures

•        Group 17 (Halogens) — trends, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens

•        Group 18 (Noble Gases) — properties, compounds of Xenon (XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆)

Unit VIII: d and f Block Elements

•        d-Block Elements — electronic configuration, oxidation states, colour, magnetic properties

•        General Trends — ionisation enthalpy, atomic radii, enthalpy of atomisation

•        Important Compounds — KMnO₄ (preparation, properties, uses), K₂Cr₂O₇

•        f-Block Elements — Lanthanoids and Actinoids — electronic configuration, oxidation states, lanthanoid contraction

•        Interstitial Compounds, Alloy Formation

Unit IX: Coordination Compounds

•        Werner's Theory — primary and secondary valency, coordination number

•        IUPAC Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds (most frequently tested topic)

•        Isomerism — structural isomerism (ionisation, linkage, solvate, coordination) and stereoisomerism (geometric, optical)

•        Valence Bond Theory — inner and outer orbital complexes, magnetic character

•        Crystal Field Theory — splitting of d-orbitals, CFSE, high-spin/low-spin

•        Stability of Coordination Compounds

•        Importance in Biological Systems (haemoglobin, chlorophyll)

Unit X: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

•        Classification and Nomenclature — mono, di, poly halides

•        Nature of C–X Bond, Physical Properties

•        Chemical Reactions — nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2), elimination

•        Optical Activity — chirality, enantiomers (important for JEE too)

•        Reactions of Haloarenes — electrophilic substitution, directive influence of halogen

•        Uses and Environmental Effects — DDT, freons

Unit XI: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

•        Classification and Nomenclature — primary, secondary, tertiary alcohols

•        Methods of Preparation — from alkenes, carbonyl compounds, Grignard reagent

•        Physical Properties — H-bonding, boiling points, solubility

•        Chemical Reactions of Alcohols — dehydration, oxidation, esterification, Lucas test

•        Reactions of Phenols — acidity, Kolbe reaction, Reimer-Tiemann reaction, coupling reaction

•        Ethers — preparation by Williamson synthesis, reactions

Unit XII: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

•        Preparation of Aldehydes and Ketones — oxidation, ozonolysis, from acid chlorides

•        Nucleophilic Addition Reactions — Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro reaction, Clemmensen reduction

•        Distinction Tests — Tollens' test, Fehling's test, iodoform test

•        Carboxylic Acids — methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties

•        Reactions — esterification, decarboxylation, Hell–Volhard–Zelinsky reaction

•        Derivatives — acid chlorides, anhydrides, amides, esters

Unit XIII: Amines

•        Classification and Structure — primary, secondary, tertiary amines

•        Nomenclature — common and IUPAC names

•        Methods of Preparation — reduction of nitro compounds, Hofmann bromamide reaction

•        Basic Character of Amines — comparison with ammonia

•        Chemical Reactions — alkylation, acylation, diazotisation, coupling

•        Distinction between Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Amines (Hinsberg test)

Unit XIV: Biomolecules

•        Carbohydrates — classification (mono, oligo, polysaccharides), glucose structure, reactions

•        Proteins — amino acids, peptide bond, primary/secondary/tertiary/quaternary structure

•        Denaturation of Proteins

•        Enzymes — mechanism, enzyme activity

•        Vitamins — classification (fat-soluble and water-soluble), deficiency diseases

•        Nucleic Acids — DNA vs RNA, double helix structure, biological functions

•        Hormones — brief introduction

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Practical Syllabus 2026-27 (30 Marks)

Practical marks contribute 30 marks to your final score. Do not neglect this section — it is easy to score full marks with consistent lab practice.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026-27: Important Dates

Stay ahead with the key academic calendar dates. Bookmark and plan your preparation accordingly.

⚠️ Note: Exact dates will be announced by CBSE on the official website cbse.gov.in. Check regularly for updates.

Chapter-Wise Weightage & Priority for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry

Based on previous year analysis, here is the chapter-wise priority you should follow:

Expert Study Tips for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026-27

Follow these proven study strategies used by top scorers to maximise your chemistry marks:

1. Build a Strong Conceptual Foundation

•        Read NCERT textbook thoroughly — 70% of CBSE questions come directly from NCERT

•        Understand mechanisms, not just reactions — especially in organic chemistry

•        Use flowcharts and mind maps for reactions to improve retention

2. Prioritise NCERT Exemplar and Previous Year Papers

•        Solve last 10 years' CBSE papers — patterns repeat frequently

•        NCERT Exemplar Problems cover application-based MCQs which are now more frequent

•        Focus on intext questions and exercise questions in NCERT chapters

3. Master Organic Chemistry Reactions

•        Make a separate reaction notebook — write all named reactions with mechanisms

•        Practice conversion problems daily — conversions account for 8–12 marks

•        Important named reactions: Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, Sandmeyer, Reimer-Tiemann, Kolbe

4. Memorise Key Formulae and Equations

•        Electrochemistry: Nernst equation, Kohlrausch's law, Faraday's laws

•        Chemical Kinetics: Rate law, Arrhenius equation, integrated rate equations

•        Solutions: Raoult's law, Van't Hoff equation, all colligative property formulae

•        Keep a formula revision sheet and review it daily in the last month

5. Create a Smart Study Schedule

•        Allocate 2–3 hours daily to chemistry — consistency beats cramming

•        Cover one chapter per week with full practice, including numericals

•        Dedicate Sunday for weekly revision of all covered topics

•        Start mock tests from December — aim for full-length timed tests

Top Scoring Tips for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Board Exam

Want to score 95+ in Chemistry? Follow these exam-day and preparation tips:

•        Answer MCQs strategically: Eliminate wrong options, do not guess randomly

•        Show all steps in numerical problems — even if the final answer is wrong, step marks are awarded

•        Draw clear, labelled diagrams for electrochemical cells, crystal structures, and mechanisms

•        In organic chemistry, write balanced equations with reagents and conditions above/below the arrow

•        Use IUPAC names correctly — incorrect nomenclature loses marks even if the rest of the answer is right

•        Attempt all questions — there is no negative marking in CBSE

•        Revise the entire NCERT book at least twice before the board exam

•        Practise sample papers and CBSE question bank released by the board

•        Manage time: give 15 minutes to MCQs, distribute remaining time equally

•        Write answers in points with headings for long answer type questions

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CBSE Class 12 Chemistry

Learning from others' mistakes can save you crucial marks in the board exam:

•        Ignoring Physical Chemistry numericals — many students skip these and lose 15–18 marks

•        Confusing similar reactions — e.g., SN1 vs SN2, physisorption vs chemisorption

•        Not writing conditions of reactions (reagents, temperature, catalyst) — deductions are common

•        Mixing up Lanthanoid contraction with Actinoid contraction

•        Leaving NCERT exercises partially solved — every question in NCERT can be asked in the exam

•        Not practising salt analysis for practicals — it is highly scorable

•        Writing wrong IUPAC names for coordination compounds — practice daily

•        Forgetting to balance chemical equations in answers

•        Relying only on reference books without mastering NCERT first

•        Poor time management in the exam — practise timed mock tests regularly

Best Resources for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Preparation

Official and Primary Resources

•        NCERT Chemistry Part I & II (Class 12) — most essential resource

•        NCERT Exemplar Problems — for advanced MCQs and application questions

•        CBSE Sample Papers 2026-27 — released on cbseacademic.nic.in

•        CBSE Question Bank — chapter-wise questions with solutions

Reference Books for Extra Practice

•        P. Bahadur — Numerical Chemistry (for Physical Chemistry problems)

•        O.P. Tandon — Organic Chemistry (for reaction mechanisms)

•        V.K. Jaiswal — Inorganic Chemistry (for d-block, coordination compounds)

•        Pradeep's Chemistry — for comprehensive coverage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026-27

Q1. Is NCERT enough for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry?

Yes, NCERT is the most important resource for CBSE boards. Approximately 70–80% of questions are directly from NCERT. However, solving NCERT Exemplar and previous year papers is strongly recommended for full preparation.

Q2. Which chapters carry the most marks in Class 12 Chemistry?

Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Aldehydes/Ketones/Carboxylic Acids, and Coordination Compounds are the highest-weightage chapters.

Q3. How many marks is the practical exam?

The practical exam carries 30 marks, which includes titration, salt analysis, project work, and viva voce.

Q4. Has the CBSE Chemistry syllabus been reduced for 2026-27?

CBSE has restored the full pre-COVID syllabus. No reductions are expected for 2026-27. Students must prepare all 14 units as per the official curriculum.

Q5. How do I score above 90 in Class 12 Chemistry?

To score 90+: complete NCERT thoroughly, solve at least 5 previous years' papers, master organic reaction mechanisms and physical chemistry numericals, and devote adequate time to practical preparation.

Disclaimer

This syllabus content is prepared based on the official CBSE curriculum and is intended for educational purposes. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in and cbseacademic.nic.in. Syllabus details may be updated by CBSE at any time.