The class 12 chemistry syllabus prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of the most important academic frameworks for science students in India. Chemistry in Class 12 plays a decisive role in board examinations as well as in competitive exams such as JEE Main, NEET, CUET, NDA, and other university entrance tests. A strong understanding of the syllabus helps students score high marks and build a solid foundation for higher studies in science, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and research.
The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus is carefully designed to balance theoretical concepts, numerical problem-solving, and real-life applications. It focuses on physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry, ensuring conceptual clarity and analytical thinking.
This comprehensive guide explains the CBSE class 12 chemistry syllabus in detail, including unit-wise topics, marks distribution, exam pattern, preparation strategies, and FAQs. The content is fully SEO-optimized, plagiarism-free, and written in short, easy-to-read paragraphs.
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry – Subject Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Class | 12th |
| Subject | Chemistry |
| Subject Code | 043 |
| Exam Type | Theory + Practical |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Theory Exam | 70 Marks |
| Practical Exam | 30 Marks |
| Medium | English / Hindi |
The class 12 chemistry syllabus is divided into 10 major units, each carrying specific weightage in the board examination.
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern
The Chemistry theory paper includes different types of questions to test conceptual understanding and application skills.
Types of Questions
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Very Short Answer Questions
- Short Answer Questions
- Long Answer Questions
- Case-based Questions
Question Paper Highlights
- Total Time: 3 Hours
- Maximum Marks: 70
- Internal Choices provided in most sections
Understanding the exam pattern along with the class 12 chemistry syllabus helps students plan their preparation strategically.
Unit-wise CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus
Unit 1: Solutions
This unit introduces the concept of solutions and their properties. It is a scoring unit with numerical-based questions.
Topics Covered:
- Types of solutions
- Concentration of solutions
- Solubility of gases in liquids
- Solid solutions
- Raoult’s law
- Colligative properties
- Relative lowering of vapour pressure
- Elevation of boiling point
- Depression of freezing point
- Osmotic pressure
- Determination of molecular mass
- Abnormal molecular mass
- Van’t Hoff factor
Marks Weightage: 7 Marks
Unit 2: Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is an important and concept-heavy unit with numerical problems and theoretical questions.
Topics Covered:
- Redox reactions
- Electrochemical cells
- EMF of a cell
- Standard electrode potential
- Nernst equation and applications
- Relationship between Gibbs free energy and EMF
- Conductance in electrolytic solutions
- Molar and specific conductivity
- Kohlrausch’s law
- Electrolysis
- Galvanic cells
- Dry cell
- Lead accumulator
- Fuel cells
- Corrosion
Marks Weightage: 9 Marks
Unit 3: Chemical Kinetics
This unit focuses on reaction rates and factors affecting them.
Topics Covered:
- Rate of reaction (average and instantaneous)
- Factors affecting reaction rate
- Order and molecularity
- Rate law and rate constant
- Integrated rate equations
- Half-life (zero and first order)
- Collision theory (elementary idea)
- Activation energy
- Arrhenius equation
Marks Weightage: 7 Marks
Unit 4: d- and f-Block Elements
This unit explains the properties of transition and inner transition elements.
Topics Covered:
- General characteristics of transition elements
- Electronic configuration
- Oxidation states
- Ionisation enthalpy
- Metallic character
- Colour and magnetic properties
- Catalytic properties
- Interstitial compounds
- Alloy formation
- Potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇)
- Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)
Lanthanoids:
- Electronic configuration
- Oxidation states
- Lanthanoid contraction
Actinoids:
- Electronic configuration
- Oxidation states
- Comparison with lanthanoids
Marks Weightage: 7 Marks
Unit 5: Coordination Compounds
One of the most scoring chapters in the class 12 chemistry syllabus.
Topics Covered:
- Introduction to coordination compounds
- Ligands
- Coordination number
- Nomenclature (IUPAC)
- Isomerism
- Werner’s theory
- Valence Bond Theory (VBT)
- Crystal Field Theory (CFT)
- Colour and magnetic properties
- Importance of coordination compounds
Marks Weightage: 7 Marks
Unit 6: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
This unit belongs to organic chemistry and focuses on halogen derivatives.
Topics Covered:
Haloalkanes:
- Nomenclature
- Nature of C–X bond
- Physical properties
- Chemical reactions
- Mechanism of substitution reactions
- Optical rotation
Haloarenes:
- Nature of C–X bond
- Electrophilic substitution reactions
- Directive influence of halogens
- Uses and environmental effects of DDT, freons, iodoform, chloroform
Marks Weightage: 6 Marks
Unit 7: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
This unit introduces oxygen-containing organic compounds.
Alcohols:
- Nomenclature
- Preparation methods
- Physical and chemical properties
- Dehydration mechanism
- Identification tests
- Uses of methanol and ethanol
Phenols:
- Preparation
- Acidic nature
- Electrophilic substitution
- Uses
Ethers:
- Nomenclature
- Preparation
- Physical and chemical properties
- Uses
Marks Weightage: 6 Marks
Unit 8: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
This unit focuses on carbonyl compounds and acids.
Aldehydes and Ketones:
- Nomenclature
- Carbonyl group
- Preparation methods
- Chemical reactions
- Nucleophilic addition mechanism
- Reactivity of alpha hydrogen
Carboxylic Acids:
- Nomenclature
- Acidic nature
- Preparation
- Properties
- Uses
Marks Weightage: 8 Marks
Unit 9: Amines
Amines are nitrogen-containing organic compounds with wide applications.
Topics Covered:
- Classification of amines
- Nomenclature
- Structure
- Preparation methods
- Physical and chemical properties
- Uses
- Identification of amines
Diazonium Salts:
- Preparation
- Chemical reactions
- Importance in synthesis
Marks Weightage: 6 Marks
Unit 10: Biomolecules
This unit connects chemistry with biology and life processes.
Topics Covered:
Carbohydrates:
- Classification
- Glucose and fructose
- Disaccharides
- Polysaccharides
- Importance
Proteins:
- Amino acids
- Peptide bonds
- Protein structure
- Enzymes
- Denaturation
Vitamins:
- Classification
- Functions
Nucleic Acids:
- DNA
- RNA
Marks Weightage: 7 Marks
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Marks Distribution Table
| Unit | Chapter Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solutions | 7 |
| 2 | Electrochemistry | 9 |
| 3 | Chemical Kinetics | 7 |
| 4 | d- and f-Block Elements | 7 |
| 5 | Coordination Compounds | 7 |
| 6 | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 6 |
| 7 | Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | 6 |
| 8 | Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | 8 |
| 9 | Amines | 6 |
| 10 | Biomolecules | 7 |
Practical Chemistry Syllabus (30 Marks)
The practical exam is an essential part of the class 12 chemistry syllabus.
Practical Components:
- Volumetric analysis
- Salt analysis
- Organic compound tests
- Chemical kinetics experiments
- Project work
- Viva voce
Preparation Tips for Class 12 Chemistry
- Study NCERT textbooks thoroughly
- Practice numerical problems daily
- Focus on reaction mechanisms
- Revise formulas regularly
- Solve previous year question papers
- Attempt mock tests
- Make short notes for revision
Importance of Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus
The class 12 chemistry syllabus is crucial for board exams and competitive exams. It strengthens analytical skills, enhances problem-solving ability, and builds conceptual clarity needed for higher education in science-related fields.
Important Link
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry syllabus enough for competitive exams?
Yes, the syllabus covers most foundational topics required for exams like JEE and NEET.
Q2. Which units are most scoring in Class 12 Chemistry?
Coordination compounds, Electrochemistry, and Biomolecules are highly scoring.
Q3. Is NCERT sufficient for Class 12 Chemistry boards?
Yes, NCERT is the primary and most important resource
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