ISC Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2026-27
Introduction
This page contains the complete ISC Class 11 Biology Syllabus for the academic session 2026-27, as prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). ISC Class 11 Biology is a comprehensive subject covering the diversity of living organisms, cell biology, plant physiology, human physiology, and genetics. This guide provides a full unit-wise and chapter-wise syllabus, examination pattern, marking scheme, recommended books, practical requirements, and preparation strategies.
ISC Class 11 Biology builds the scientific foundation for Class 12 board examinations and competitive entrance tests including NEET and various medical and paramedical university examinations. The subject combines theoretical understanding of biological principles with hands-on laboratory work and microscopy skills. Students who develop a thorough conceptual understanding of Class 11 Biology will be well-positioned for both board examinations and medical entrance tests.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Subject | Biology |
Board | CISCE (ISC) |
Class | 11 |
Session | 2026-27 |
Subject Code | Biology (Code: 14) |
Total Marks | 100 |
Theory Paper | 70 Marks |
Practical Examination | 15 Marks |
Internal Assessment | 15 Marks |
Duration | Theory: 3 Hours | Practical: 3 Hours |
Exam Pattern
Component | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
Theory Paper | 70 | 3 Hours | Written examination |
Practical Examination | 15 | 3 Hours | Lab-based; year-end |
Internal Assessment | 15 | Year-round | Practical file, viva, project |
Total | 100 | — | — |
Detailed Syllabus
Unit 1: Diversity of Living Organisms
This unit introduces the classification systems used to organise the vast diversity of life on Earth, from the five-kingdom system to more detailed taxonomic categories.
Chapter | Topics Covered |
The Living World | Attributes of living organisms; biodiversity; taxonomy; three domains of life; tools for taxonomy (keys, herbarium, museum, zoological parks) |
Biological Classification | Five-kingdom classification; Kingdom Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia; viruses, viroids, lichens |
Plant Kingdom | Classification: Algae, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms; life cycles; alternation of generations |
Animal Kingdom | Basis of classification; major phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Chordata; characteristic features and examples |
Unit 2: Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Morphology of Flowering Plants | Root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit, seed; types and modifications; description of families Solanaceae and Fabaceae |
Anatomy of Flowering Plants | Tissues; tissue systems; anatomy of dicot and monocot root, stem, leaf; secondary growth |
Structural Organisation in Animals | Animal tissues: epithelial, connective, muscular, neural; organ and organ system concept; morphology and anatomy of earthworm, cockroach, and frog |
Unit 3: Cell Structure and Function
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Cell: The Unit of Life | Cell theory; prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells; cell organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, plastids, ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, centrosome, ribosome; microbodies; cell wall; cell membrane |
Biomolecules | Types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; enzymes: properties, nomenclature, mechanism, factors affecting enzyme activity; metabolic pathways |
Cell Cycle and Cell Division | Cell cycle: interphase and M phase; mitosis: stages and significance; meiosis: stages and significance; differences between mitosis and meiosis |
Unit 4: Plant Physiology
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Transport in Plants | Diffusion; osmosis; plasmolysis; water potential; ascent of sap; transpiration; phloem transport; apoplast and symplast pathways |
Mineral Nutrition | Essential minerals; macronutrients and micronutrients; deficiency symptoms; nitrogen fixation; nitrogen cycle |
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants | Photosynthetic pigments; light reactions; Calvin cycle; photorespiration; C3, C4, and CAM plants; factors affecting photosynthesis |
Respiration in Plants | Aerobic and anaerobic respiration; glycolysis; Krebs cycle; electron transport chain; oxidative phosphorylation; respiratory quotient |
Plant Growth and Development | Growth regulators: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene; photoperiodism; vernalisation; seed dormancy |
Unit 5: Human Physiology
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Digestion and Absorption | Alimentary canal; digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, fats; absorption; disorders: constipation, indigestion, jaundice, vomiting |
Breathing and Exchange of Gases | Human respiratory system; mechanism of breathing; lung volumes; transport of O2 and CO2; regulation of respiration; disorders: asthma, emphysema, occupational lung disease |
Body Fluids and Circulation | Blood composition; blood groups; coagulation; lymph; human circulatory system; cardiac cycle; ECG; double circulation; disorders: hypertension, coronary artery disease |
Excretory Products and their Elimination | Modes of excretion; human excretory system; urine formation; osmoregulation; regulation of kidney function; disorders: renal failure, kidney stones |
Locomotion and Movement | Types of movement; skeletal muscle; structure of sarcomere; mechanism of muscle contraction; skeletal system; joints; disorders: myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, arthritis, gout |
Neural Control and Coordination | Neuron structure; types of neurons; nerve impulse; synapse; human nervous system; reflex action; sensory receptors; eye; ear |
Chemical Coordination and Integration | Endocrine glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads; hormones and their functions; mechanism of hormone action; disorders |
Chapter Overview Table
Unit | Chapter / Topic | Approx. Marks |
1 | Diversity of Living Organisms | 10 |
2 | Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals | 10 |
3 | Cell Structure and Function | 15 |
4 | Plant Physiology | 15 |
5 | Human Physiology | 20 |
— | Practical Examination | 15 |
— | Internal Assessment | 15 |
Marking Scheme
Component | Section | Marks | Instructions |
Theory | Section A: Short answer (compulsory) | 28 | All questions compulsory |
Theory | Section B: Long answer questions | 42 | Choice-based; attempt required sets |
Practical | Microscopy, dissection, spotting | 15 | Year-end practical exam |
Internal Assessment | Practical file, viva, project | 15 | Year-round school assessment |
Total | — | 100 | — |
Recommended Books
Book Title | Author / Publisher | Purpose |
NCERT Biology (Class 11) | NCERT | Primary text; essential for all students |
ISC Biology (Class 11) | P.S. Dhami / Pradeep Publications | ISC-specific coverage and questions |
Pradeep's Biology (Class 11) | Pradeep Publications | Comprehensive diagrams and explanations |
Trueman's Elementary Biology | K.N. Bhatia / S. Chand | Detailed theory and exam-oriented questions |
ISC Sample Question Papers (Biology) | Oswal / Evergreen Publishers | Exam practice and model papers |
Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 Biology
ISC Biology requires a combination of conceptual understanding, diagram accuracy, and memory of factual content. These strategies are most effective:
• Draw and label all important biological diagrams (cell organelles, heart, kidney, neuron, flowers, etc.) regularly; diagrams carry significant marks and must be neat, accurate, and well-labelled.
• Study Human Physiology (Unit 5) as a priority since it carries the highest weightage and is the most detailed and frequently tested unit in ISC Biology.
• Read NCERT Biology thoroughly for every chapter before consulting additional references; the ISC examination closely follows NCERT in terms of factual content and definitions.
• Prepare a summary table for Animal Kingdom and Plant Kingdom covering phyla, class, characteristic features, and examples; these are commonly tested through short-answer and MCQ questions.
• For plant physiology, understand the mechanisms (photosynthesis, respiration, transport) conceptually rather than memorising steps; this makes application and diagram-based questions significantly easier.
• Maintain a biology practical file with neat drawings of all specimens observed, stained slides, and experimental observations with complete labels and conclusions.
• Revise the complete syllabus systematically at least twice before the final examination; biology has a high volume of factual content that requires repeated exposure to retain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total marks for ISC Class 11 Biology?
ISC Class 11 Biology is assessed for a total of 100 marks. The theory paper carries 70 marks and is conducted for 3 hours. The practical examination carries 15 marks and is held at the end of the academic year. The internal assessment also carries 15 marks and is evaluated by the school through practical file work, viva examinations, and project work.
Which unit carries the highest weightage in ISC Class 11 Biology?
Human Physiology (Unit 5) typically carries the highest weightage in the ISC Class 11 Biology theory paper, accounting for approximately 20 of the 70 theory marks. Cell Structure and Function and Plant Physiology are also heavily weighted. Students should allocate more study time to these units while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all chapters.
Are diagrams compulsory in ISC Biology examinations?
Yes, well-drawn and labelled diagrams are a compulsory component of ISC Biology answers for many questions. Questions on cell organelles, the digestive system, heart, kidney, neuron structure, mitosis, meiosis, and various plant and animal structures typically carry dedicated marks for diagrams. Students should practise drawing these diagrams to scale with clear labels.
How does ISC Class 11 Biology prepare students for NEET?
ISC Class 11 Biology covers a significant portion of the NEET Biology syllabus through its five units. Cell biology, genetics and evolution (covered in Class 12), human physiology, plant physiology, and diversity of organisms are all core NEET topics. ISC students preparing for NEET should supplement their board preparation with NCERT, previous years' NEET papers, and topic-wise NEET-oriented practice from Class 11 itself.
What types of practical experiments are included in ISC Class 11 Biology?
ISC Class 11 Biology practicals include microscopic examination of plant cells and animal tissues, preparation of temporary slides, study of specimens (insects, flowers, seeds), dissection of earthworm and cockroach, study of osmosis and plasmolysis, and spotting of biological specimens. Students are assessed on their ability to set up experiments, make accurate observations, draw labelled diagrams, and present results correctly.
ISC Class 11 Syllabus |