ISC Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27

SC Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026-27

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry examination follows a well-defined pattern that divides assessment into theory and practical components. Students must understand this structure thoroughly before they begin their preparation to allocate time and effort appropriately across all sections.

ISC Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27: Unit-wise Breakdown

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry syllabus is divided into broad thematic units covering Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Each unit carries distinct weightage and demands a different approach to learning, ranging from conceptual understanding and mathematical problem-solving to memorisation and application of organic reaction mechanisms.

Unit 1: Solid State

Solid State is a foundational unit in Physical Chemistry that explores the classification, structure, and properties of solids. Students are expected to understand the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids, the types of unit cells, and how point defects affect physical properties.

•       Classification of solids based on different binding forces: molecular, ionic, covalent, and metallic solids

•       Amorphous and crystalline solids

•       Unit cell in two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattices

•       Calculation of density of unit cell

•       Packing efficiency in simple cubic, BCC, and FCC structures

•       Point defects: Schottky, Frenkel, and interstitial defects

•       Electrical and magnetic properties of solids

Unit 2: Solutions

Solutions covers the behaviour of liquid mixtures and colligative properties. This unit requires strong numerical ability as most questions are calculation-based, involving mole fraction, molarity, and the application of Raoult's Law.

•       Types of solutions and concentration expressions

•       Vapour pressure of solutions and Raoult's Law

•       Ideal and non-ideal solutions, positive and negative deviations

•       Colligative properties: relative lowering of vapour pressure, boiling point elevation, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure

•       Abnormal molecular masses and van't Hoff factor

Unit 3: Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is a high-weightage unit that combines theoretical concepts with quantitative problem solving. Topics range from electrochemical cells and electrode potentials to electrolytic conductance and Faraday's laws of electrolysis.

•       Electrochemical cells, electrolytic and galvanic cells

•       Lead storage battery and fuel cells

•       EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation

•       Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell

•       Kohlrausch's Law and electrolytic conductance

•       Faraday's laws of electrolysis, products of electrolysis

Unit 4: Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics deals with the rates of chemical reactions and the factors that influence them. Students must master the concept of order and molecularity of reactions, integrated rate equations, and the Arrhenius equation.

•       Rate of reaction, factors affecting rate of reaction

•       Order and molecularity of reactions

•       Integrated rate equations for zero and first order reactions

•       Half-life of reactions

•       Collision theory and Arrhenius equation, activation energy

Unit 5: Surface Chemistry

•       Adsorption: physisorption and chemisorption, Freundlich adsorption isotherm

•       Catalysis: homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, enzyme catalysis

•       Colloids: types, preparation, properties, Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, electrophoresis

•       Emulsions: types and preparation

Unit 6: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements

•       Occurrence of metals and principles of metallurgy

•       Reduction of metal oxides and electrolytic reduction

•       Thermodynamic principles of metallurgy: Ellingham diagram

•       Electrochemical principles of metallurgy

•       Refining: vapour phase refining, electrolytic refining, zone refining

Unit 7: p-Block Elements

This is one of the most extensive units in Inorganic Chemistry, covering Group 15, 16, 17, and 18 elements. Students are required to know the preparation, properties, uses, and structures of important compounds of each group.

•       Group 15: Nitrogen, phosphorus, their allotropes and compounds (ammonia, nitric acid, phosphine, PCl3, PCl5, oxoacids of phosphorus)

•       Group 16: Oxygen, sulphur, allotropes of sulphur, compounds (SO2, SO3, H2SO4, oxoacids of sulphur)

•       Group 17: Halogens, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens, bleaching powder, fluorine

•       Group 18: Noble gases, properties and uses of xenon compounds

Unit 8: d- and f-Block Elements

•       General characteristics of transition elements (d-block)

•       Variable oxidation states, colour, catalytic properties, magnetic properties

•       Interstitial compounds and alloy formation

•       Important compounds: KMnO4 and K2Cr2O7 (preparation, properties, uses)

•       Lanthanoids: electronic configuration, oxidation states, lanthanoid contraction

•       Actinoids: electronic configuration, oxidation states, comparison with lanthanoids

Unit 9: Coordination Compounds

•       Werner's theory of coordination compounds

•       IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds

•       Isomerism: structural and stereoisomerism

•       Bonding in coordination compounds: Valence Bond Theory (VBT) and Crystal Field Theory (CFT)

•       Colour and magnetic properties based on CFT

•       Importance and applications of coordination compounds

Unit 10: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

•       Classification, nomenclature, and nature of C-X bond

•       Preparation and physical properties of haloalkanes

•       Chemical reactions: SN1, SN2 mechanisms, elimination reactions

•       Haloarenes: preparation, properties, and reactions

•       Uses, environmental effects of polyhalogen compounds (DDT, freons)

Unit 11: Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers

•       Classification, nomenclature, structure of alcohols, phenols, and ethers

•       Preparation and physical properties

•       Chemical properties: esterification, oxidation, reactions with PCl5/PCl3/SOCl2

•       Electrophilic aromatic substitution in phenols

•       Methods of preparation and reactions of ethers

Unit 12: Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids

•       Nomenclature and structure of carbonyl group

•       Preparation and physical properties of aldehydes and ketones

•       Nucleophilic addition reactions, aldol condensation, Cannizzaro reaction

•       Carboxylic acids: preparation, physical and chemical properties

•       Acidity of carboxylic acids, reactions of carboxylic acids

Unit 13: Amines

•       Nomenclature, classification, and structure of amines

•       Preparation from nitro compounds, nitriles, amides

•       Physical properties and chemical reactions: basicity, alkylation, acylation

•       Electrophilic aromatic substitution in aromatic amines

•       Diazonium salts: preparation and chemical reactions

Unit 14: Biomolecules

•       Carbohydrates: classification, structure of glucose and fructose, disaccharides, polysaccharides

•       Proteins: amino acids, peptide bond, structure of proteins, denaturation

•       Enzymes: mechanism of enzyme action

•       Vitamins: classification and deficiency diseases

•       Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, their structure and biological functions

Unit 15: Polymers

•       Classification of polymers: natural and synthetic, addition and condensation polymers

•       Methods of polymerisation: addition and condensation

•       Important natural and synthetic polymers: rubber, nylon, polyesters, Bakelite, PVC

•       Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers

Unit 16: Chemistry in Everyday Life

•       Drugs and medicines: analgesics, tranquilisers, antiseptics, disinfectants, antimicrobials, antifertility drugs

•       Chemicals in food: artificial sweeteners, preservatives, antioxidants

•       Cleansing agents: soaps and detergents, cleansing action

Chapter Overview and Weightage Table

ISC Chemistry Marking Scheme 2026-27

Preparation Tips for ISC Class 12 Chemistry

Success in ISC Chemistry requires a structured approach that balances conceptual learning with regular practice. Students who start their preparation early and follow a chapter-wise study plan consistently outperform those who rely on last-minute revision.

Study Strategy

•       Begin with NCERT Chemistry for foundational concepts before moving to ISC-specific resources

•       Create a dedicated notebook for organic reaction mechanisms, distinguishing reagents, and named reactions

•       Practise numerical problems from Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Solutions daily

•       Revise Inorganic Chemistry tables (oxoacids, interhalogen compounds, allotropes) through flash cards

•       Solve at least 10 years of ISC Chemistry previous year papers to understand question patterns

•       Maintain a formula sheet for Physical Chemistry units and revise it weekly

•       Dedicate specific lab sessions to mastering salt analysis and titration for the practical examination

Time Management

•       Allocate 25% of study time to Physical Chemistry numericals

•       Spend 35% of study time on Organic Chemistry reactions and mechanisms

•       Reserve 30% for Inorganic Chemistry factual learning and revision

•       Use the remaining 10% for mock tests and previous year paper analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the total marks distribution for ISC Class 12 Chemistry 2026-27?

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry examination is evaluated out of 100 marks. The theory paper carries 70 marks and is of 3 hours duration. The practical examination carries 30 marks and is also conducted over 3 hours.

Is NCERT sufficient for ISC Class 12 Chemistry?

NCERT Chemistry is an excellent starting point and covers the majority of conceptual topics in the ISC syllabus. However, ISC examinations often include deeper and more application-based questions, especially in Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry numericals. Students are advised to supplement NCERT with ISC-specific books and previous year papers.

Which chapters carry the highest weightage in ISC Chemistry?

Electrochemistry, p-Block Elements, Aldehydes/Ketones/Carboxylic Acids, and Solutions are traditionally the highest-weightage chapters in ISC Class 12 Chemistry. However, students should not neglect any unit as CISCE designs papers to test comprehensive understanding.

How should I prepare for the ISC Chemistry practical examination?

The ISC Chemistry practical examination tests skills in salt analysis, volumetric analysis (titrations), and laboratory techniques. Regular hands-on practice in school labs, familiarity with the list of prescribed experiments, and a well-maintained practical file are essential for scoring well in this component.

When is the ISC Class 12 Chemistry exam 2026-27 scheduled?

The exact examination dates are announced by CISCE through the official ISC timetable closer to the examination season. Students should regularly check the official CISCE website at www.cisce.org for updated schedules and notifications.