ISC Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27
Introduction
This page contains the complete ISC Class 11 Physics Syllabus for the academic session 2026-27, as prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). ISC Class 11 Physics covers mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, and modern physics, alongside compulsory practical work. This guide provides a detailed unit-wise and chapter-wise breakdown, the examination pattern, marking scheme, recommended books, laboratory requirements, and preparation tips for students targeting excellence in ISC Physics.
ISC Class 11 Physics builds the conceptual and mathematical foundation required for success in Class 12 board examinations and competitive entrance tests including JEE, NEET, and various engineering and medical university examinations. The subject emphasises both theoretical understanding and experimental skill, making the practical component an essential element of the assessment.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Subject | Physics |
Board | CISCE (ISC) |
Class | 11 |
Session | 2026-27 |
Subject Code | Physics (Code: 12) |
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: Physical World and Measurement
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Physical World | Scope of physics; nature of physical laws; fundamental forces |
Units and Measurements | International System of units; significant figures; dimensional analysis; errors in measurement; accuracy and precision; least count |
Unit 2: Kinematics
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Motion in a Straight Line | Position, path length, displacement; speed and velocity; acceleration; kinematic equations; relative velocity; motion under gravity |
Motion in a Plane | Scalars and vectors; vector operations; projectile motion; uniform circular motion; relative velocity in two dimensions |
Unit 3: Laws of Motion
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Laws of Motion | Newton's laws; inertia; momentum; impulse; law of conservation of momentum; friction (static, kinetic, rolling); dynamics of uniform circular motion; centripetal force; banking of roads |
Unit 4: Work, Energy and Power
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Work, Energy and Power | Work done by constant and variable force; kinetic and potential energy; work-energy theorem; conservation of mechanical energy; power; collisions (elastic and inelastic); coefficient of restitution |
Unit 5: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body
Chapter | Topics Covered |
System of Particles and Rotational Motion | Centre of mass; torque; angular momentum; conservation of angular momentum; moment of inertia; theorems of parallel and perpendicular axes; rotational kinetic energy; rolling motion |
Unit 6: Gravitation
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Gravitation | Kepler's laws; universal law of gravitation; gravitational constant; acceleration due to gravity; variation with height and depth; gravitational potential energy; escape velocity; orbital velocity; satellites; geostationary satellites |
Unit 7: Properties of Bulk Matter
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Mechanical Properties of Solids | Elastic behaviour; stress-strain curve; Young's modulus; bulk modulus; shear modulus; Poisson's ratio |
Mechanical Properties of Fluids | Pressure; Pascal's law; Archimedes' principle; Bernoulli's theorem; viscosity; Stokes' law; surface tension; capillarity |
Thermal Properties of Matter | Temperature; heat; thermal expansion; specific heat; calorimetry; change of state; heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation); Stefan's law |
Unit 8: Thermodynamics
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Thermodynamics | Thermal equilibrium; zeroth law; internal energy; first law of thermodynamics; isothermal and adiabatic processes; second law; Carnot engine; efficiency; reversible and irreversible processes |
Unit 9: Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Kinetic Theory | Equation of state of a perfect gas; kinetic theory of gases; pressure of ideal gas; mean speed; rms speed; most probable speed; degrees of freedom; law of equipartition; mean free path |
Unit 10: Oscillations and Waves
Chapter | Topics Covered |
Oscillations | Periodic and oscillatory motion; SHM; energy in SHM; simple pendulum; resonance; damped and forced oscillations |
Waves | Transverse and longitudinal waves; displacement relation; speed of wave; principle of superposition; reflection; standing waves; beats; Doppler effect |
Chapter Overview Table
Unit | Chapter / Topic | Approx. Marks |
1 | Physical World and Measurement | 3 |
2 | Kinematics | 8 |
3 | Laws of Motion | 8 |
4 | Work, Energy and Power | 7 |
5 | System of Particles and Rigid Body | 7 |
6 | Gravitation | 6 |
7 | Properties of Bulk Matter | 10 |
8 | Thermodynamics | 7 |
9 | Kinetic Theory | 5 |
10 | Oscillations and Waves | 9 |
Marking Scheme
Component | Section | Marks | Instructions |
Theory | Section A: Short answer and MCQ | 28 | Compulsory |
Theory | Section B: Long answer questions | 42 | Choice-based; attempt required sets |
Practical | Laboratory experiments and record | 15 | Year-end practical exam |
Internal Assessment | File, viva, project | 15 | Year-round school assessment |
Total | — | 100 | — |
Recommended Books
Book Title | Author / Publisher | Purpose |
Concepts of Physics Vol. 1 and 2 | H.C. Verma | Concept building and problem practice |
ISC Physics (Class 11) | P. Vivekanandan / S. Chand | ISC-specific syllabus coverage |
NCERT Physics (Class 11) Part 1 and 2 | NCERT | Foundation and standard questions |
Problems in General Physics | I.E. Irodov | Advanced problem practice |
ISC Sample Question Papers (Physics) | Evergreen / Oswal Publishers | Exam practice and model papers |
Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 Physics
ISC Physics requires a balance of conceptual understanding, mathematical skill, and experimental competence. These strategies are most effective:
• Begin every chapter with NCERT for conceptual clarity, then move to H.C. Verma for deeper understanding and numerical problem practice.
• Maintain a dedicated formula sheet for each chapter and revise it every weekend; do not rely on last-minute formula memorisation.
• Focus especially on Mechanics (Units 2 to 6) as these chapters collectively carry the highest theory weightage and are directly tested in competitive exams.
• For the practical examination, maintain a well-presented physics practical file with correct aim, apparatus, diagram, observation table, calculations, result, and precautions for every experiment.
• Practise dimensional analysis for every formula in the syllabus; this skill helps verify answers and solve unfamiliar problems.
• Solve numerical problems from each chapter daily; aim for at least 15 to 20 numericals per chapter before moving on.
• Solve previous years' ISC Physics papers regularly from October onward to familiarise yourself with the question format and time management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total marks for ISC Class 11 Physics?
ISC Class 11 Physics 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 conducted at the end of the academic year. The remaining 15 marks are awarded through internal assessment carried out by the school throughout the year.
Is practical work compulsory in ISC Class 11 Physics?
Yes, practical work is compulsory in ISC Class 11 Physics. Students must perform laboratory experiments regularly throughout the year and maintain a practical file. The practical examination is conducted at the end of the year and carries 15 marks. A well-maintained practical file with accurate observations and calculations is essential for scoring well.
Which chapters are most important in ISC Class 11 Physics?
Based on ISC examination trends, Properties of Bulk Matter, Oscillations and Waves, Laws of Motion, Kinematics, and Work, Energy and Power are among the most heavily tested chapters. However, all chapters carry marks in the theory paper, and students should not neglect any unit.
How should students prepare for ISC Physics numericals?
Numerical problem-solving in ISC Physics requires systematic practice. Students should identify the given quantities, the unknown, and the applicable formula or principle for each problem before beginning calculations. Starting with solved examples in NCERT and H.C. Verma, then progressing to unsolved problems, is the most effective approach. Maintaining a notebook of solved numericals organised by chapter is strongly recommended.
Is ISC Class 11 Physics sufficient preparation for JEE or NEET?
ISC Class 11 Physics covers the core topics required for JEE and NEET, but the level of problem-solving required for competitive examinations is significantly higher than the ISC board examination. Students targeting JEE or NEET should supplement their ISC preparation with H.C. Verma, D.C. Pandey, and previous years' JEE or NEET papers from the beginning of Class 11.
ISC Class 11 Syllabus |