CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2024-25: Important Topics, Chapter-wise Weightage, Previous Years' Question Papers

The CBSE Board has published the CBSE class 12 Physics syllabus 2024-25 on their official website. It is categorized into two parts- theory and practical. The theory paper carries 70 marks and the practical paper carries 30 marks. The practical paper is further divided into four parts- experiments, investigatory assessment, practical record, and VIVA & other related activities. There are total 9 units included in the theory paper syllabus. There are several chapters and topics in these units which the student need to focus on for score well in the CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2025. This article familiarizes you with the detailed CBSE 12th Physics Syllabus 2025.

CBSE Latest Physics Syllabus for Class 12

Subject	Syllabus
Physics	Download CBSE class 12 Physics Syllabus

CBSE Class 12 Physics Theory Syllabus 2025

The CBSE 12th Physics Theory Paper carries 70 marks out of 100 marks. It is necessary for students to pass individually in the theory paper to pass overall in the CBSE Class 12 Physics exam. Provided below is the list of chapters and topics in each unit included in the CBSE 12th Physics Syllabus.

Unit Numbers	Name of the Units	Chapters	Topics
1	Electrostatics	Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields	Electric Charges, Conservation of Charge, Coulomb’s Law, Forces between Multiple Charges, Superposition Principle and Continuous Charge Distribution, Electric Field, Electric Field due to a Point Charge, Electric Field Lines, Electric Dipole, Electric Field due to a Dipole, Torque on a Dipole in Uniform Electric Field, Electric Flux, Statement of Gauss’s Theorem, Applications of Gauss’s Theorem, Uniformly Charged infinite Plane Sheet, Uniformly Charged thin Spherical Shell
1	Electrostatics	Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance	Electric Potential, Potential Difference, Electric Potential due to a Point Charge, a Dipole, and a System of Charges, Equipotential Surfaces, Electrical Potential Energy of a System of Two-Point Charges and Electric Dipole in Electrostatic Field, Conductors and Insulators, Free Charges and Bound Charges inside a Conductor, Dielectrics and Electric Polarisation, Capacitors and Capacitance, Combination of Capacitors in Series and Parallel, The Capacitance of a Parallel Plate, Capacitor with and without Dielectric Medium, Energy Stored in a Capacitor (Formula only)
2	Current Electricity	Chapter 3: Current Electricity	Electric Current, Flow of Electric Charges in a Metallic Conductor, Drift Velocity, Mobility and their Relation with Electric Current, Ohm’s Law, V-I Characteristics (Linear and Nonlinear), Electrical Energy and Power, Electrical Resistivity and Conductivity, Temperature Dependence of Resistance, Internal Resistance of a Cell, Potential Difference and EMF of a Cell, Combination of Cells in Series and Parallel, Kirchhoff's Rules, Wheatstone Bridge
3	Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism	Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism	Concept of Magnetic Field, Oersted’s Experiment, Biot-Savart Law and its Applications, Ampere’s Law and its Applications, Straight Solenoid, Force on a Moving Charge in Uniform Magnetic and Electric Fields, Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in Uniform Magnetic Field, Force between Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors, Definition of Ampere, Torque Experienced by a Current Loop in Uniform Magnetic Field, Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole and its Magnetic Dipole Moment, Moving Coil Galvanometer and its Sensitivity, Conversion of Galvanometer to Ammeter and Voltmeter
3	Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism	Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter	Bar Magnet, Bar Magnet as an Equivalent Solenoid (Qualitative Treatment), Magnetic Field Intensity due to Magnetic Dipole along its axis and perpendicular to the axis, Torque on a Magnetic Dipole in Uniform Magnetic Field, Magnetic Field Lines, Magnetic Properties of Materials (Para, Dia, and Ferro), Magnetic Substances with Examples, Magnetization of Materials, Effect of Temperature on Magnetic Properties
4	Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents	Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction	Electromagnetic Induction, Faraday’s Law, Induced EMF and Current, Lenz’s Law, Self and Mutual Induction
4	Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents	Chapter 7: Alternating Current	Alternating Current, Peak and RMS Value of Alternating Current, Reactance and Impedance, LCR Series Circuit (Phasors Only), Resonance, Power in AC Circuit, Power Factor, Wattless Current, AC Generator, Transformer
5	Electromagnetic Waves	Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves	Basic Idea of Displacement Current, Electromagnetic Waves and their Characteristics, Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves, Electromagnetic Spectrum and their Uses
6	Optics	Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	Reflection of Light, Spherical Mirrors, Mirror Formula, Refraction of Light, Total Internal Reflection and Optical Fibres, Refraction at Spherical Surfaces, Lenses, Thin Lens Formula, Lens Maker’s Formula, Magnification, Power of a Lens, Combination of Thin Lenses in Contact, Refraction of Light through Prism, Microscopes and Astronomical Telescopes, Magnifying Powers of These Telescopes
6	Optics	Chapter 10: Wave Optics	Wave Front and Huygens Principle, Reflection and Refraction of Plane Wave at a Plane Surface using Wave Fronts, Proof of Laws of Reflection and Refraction using Huygens Principle, Interference, Young’s Double Slit Experiment, Expression of Fringe Width, Coherent Sources and Sustained Interference of Light, Diffraction due to a Single Slit, Width of Central Maxima
7	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	Dual Nature of Radiation, Photoelectric Effect, Hertz and Lenard’s Observations, Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation – Particle Nature of Light, Experimental Study of Photoelectric Effect, Matter Waves- Wave Nature of Particles, De-Broglie Relation
8	Atoms and Nuclei	Chapter 12: Atoms	Alpha-Particle Scattering Experiment, Rutherford’s Model of Atom, Bohr Model of Hydrogen Atom, Expression for Radius of nth Possible Orbit, Velocity and Energy of Electron in nth Orbit, Hydrogen Line Spectra
8	Atoms and Nuclei	Chapter 13: Nuclei	Composition and Size of Nucleus, Nuclear Force, Mass-Energy Relation, Mass Defect, Binding Energy per Nucleon and its Variation with Mass Number, Nuclear Fission, Nuclear Fusion
9	Electronic Devices	Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits	Energy Bands in Conductors, Semiconductors, and Insulators, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors – p and n-type, p-n junction, Semiconductor Diode – I-V Characteristics in Forward and Reverse Bias, Application of Junction of Diode, Diode as a Rectifier

CBSE Class 12 Physics Practical Syllabus 2025

Section A	Section B
Determine the resistivity of 2 or 3 wires by plotting a graph for potential difference versus current. To find the resistance of a given wire or standard resistor using a metre bridge. To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using a metre bridge. OR To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of resistances using a metre bridge. To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by the half-deflection method and to find its figure of merit. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a voltmeter of the desired range and to verify the same. OR To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into an ammeter of the desired range and to verify the same. To find the frequency of AC mains with a sonometer.	To find the value of v for different values of u in the case of a concave mirror and to find the focal length. To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex lens. To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or between 1/u and 1/v. To find the focal length of a concave lens, using a convex lens. To determine the angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph between the angle of incidence and the angle of deviation. To determine the refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope. To find the refractive index of a liquid using a convex lens and plane mirror. To find the refractive index of a liquid using a concave mirror and a plane mirror. To draw the I-V characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in forward and reverse bias.
Activities	Activities
To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without iron core. To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC) and check continuity of a given circuit using a multimeter. To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off) switches, a fuse and a power source. To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit. To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire for a steady current. To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at least a battery, resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not connected in proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit diagram.	To identify a diode, an LED, a resistor and a capacitor from a mixed collection of such items. Use a multimeter to see the unidirectional flow of current in case of a diode and an LED and check whether a given electronic component (e.g., diode) is in working order. To study the effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of the source) on an LDR. To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident obliquely on a glass slab. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit. To study the nature and size of the image formed by a (i) convex lens, or (ii) concave mirror, on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for different distances of the candle from the lens/mirror). To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from the given set of lenses

CBSE 12th Physics Practical Marking Scheme 2025

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Practical Exam 2025 is going to be conducted for 3 hours and carries 30 marks. The table below provides the marking scheme for Class 12Physics Practical Exam:

Two experiments one from each section	7+7 Marks
Practical record [experiments and activities]	5 Marks
One activity from any section	3 Marks
Investigatory Project	3 Marks
Viva on experiments, activities and project	5 Marks
Total	30 Marks

CBSE Class 12 Physics Detailed Course Structure

In the CBSE Physics Syllabus each unit carries different marks weightage. By being aware of it students can have a better understanding of the marks distribution.

Unit Numbers	Name of the Units	Chapters	No. of Periods	Marks Allotted
1	Electrostatics	Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields	26	16
		Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
2	Current Electricity	Chapter 3: Current Electricity	18
3	Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism	Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism	25	17
		Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter
4	Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents	Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction	24
		Chapter 7: Alternating Current
5	Electromagnetic Waves	Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves	04	18
6	Optics	Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	30
		Chapter 10: Wave Optics
7	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	08	12
8	Atoms and Nuclei	Chapter 12: Atoms	15
		Chapter 13: Nuclei
9	Electronic Devices	Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits	10	07
Total			160	70

CBSE Chapter-Wise Weightage for Class 12

In the CBSE Physics Syllabus each chapter carries different marks weightage. By being aware of it students can have a better understanding of the marks distribution.

Chapter Number	Name of the chapter	Marks allotted
1	Electric Charges and Fields	4
2	Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance	6
3	Current Electricity	6
4	Moving Charges and Magnetism	5
5	Magnetism and Matter	3
6	Electromagnetic Induction	3
7	Alternating Current	6
8	Electromagnetic Waves	3
9	Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	9
10	Wave Optics	6
11	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	5
12	Atoms	3
13	Nuclei	4
14	Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits	7

CBSE Class 12 Physics Important Topics

The CBSE class 12 physics syllabus does have some important topics in each chapter which can help the student to score better. The table below lists the important topics in each chapter:

Chapter Number	Name of the chapter	Important Topics
1	Electric Charges and Fields	Coulomb’s Law Dipole Gauss’s Theorem
2	Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance	Potential Energy of System of charges Equipotential Surfaces Capacitors and Capacitance
3	Current Electricity	Drift VelocityResistivity (Temperature difference)Cell Combination Kirchhoff's RulesWheatstone Bridge
4	Moving Charges and Magnetism	Biot-Savart Law and its ApplicationsForce between Two Parallel Current-Carrying ConductorsGalvanometerTorque Experienced by a Current Loop in Uniform Magnetic Field
5	Magnetism and Matter	Magnetic Properties of Materials (Para, Dia, and Ferro)
6	Electromagnetic Induction	Faraday’s Law Induced EMF and Current Lenz’s Law
7	Alternating Current	LCR Series Circuit (Phasors Only) Average Power transformer
8	Electromagnetic Waves	Displacement Current Electromagnetic Waves and their Characteristics
9	Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	Refraction at Spherical Surfaces Lens Maker’s Formula Total Internal Reflection and Optical Fibres
10	Wave Optics	Reflection and Refraction of Plane Wave at a Plane Surface using Wave Fronts Young’s Double Slit Experiment Interference Diffractions
11	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	All graphs Work Function/Threshold Frequency Matter Waves- Wave Nature of Particles
12	Atoms	Alpha-Particle Scattering Experiment Bohr Model of Hydrogen Atom Hydrogen Line Spectra Rutherford’s Model of Atom
13	Nuclei	Binding Energy Nuclear Force Nuclear Energy Size of Nucleus
14	Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits	Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors – p and n-type, p-n junction Diode as a Rectifier

CBSE 12th Physics Exam Question Paper Structure 2025

Question Types	Total Marks	Approximate %
Remembering: Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and answers. Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organising, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas.	27	38
Applying: Solve problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way.	22	32
Analysing: Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalisations. Evaluating: Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas, or quality of work based on a set of criteria. Creating: Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions.	21	30
Total	70	100
Practical	30
Gross Total	100

Books prescribed for CBSE 12th Physics Board Exam 2025

Physics, Class XII, Part-I and II, Published by NCERT
Laboratory, Manual of Physics for Class XII, Published by NCERT
List of related books as well as manuals issued by NCERT (consider multimedia also).

CBSE Class 12 Physics Most Repeated Questions

Provided below is the link where students can refer to the most often asked questions in CBSE 12th Physics Board Exams. Students must practice these questions as there is a high chance of these or similar type questions to be asked in the CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2025.

CBSE 12th Physics Board Exam 2025: Know Most Repeated Questions in the Last Years Here!

CBSE 12th Physics Expected Questions from Specific Topics

Provided below is the link where students can refer to the expected questions in CBSE 12th Physics Board Exams. Students must practice these questions as there is a high chance of these or similar type questions to be asked in the CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2025.

CBSE 12th Physics Board Exam 2025: Expected Questions

CBSE Physics Class 12 Preparation Tips

Be thorough with the basics. For covering the basics you can refer to the NCERT Book which can serve as the main study book.
Know all the important formulae with proper understanding.
Learn how the formulae have been derived.
Practice the important diagrams and graphs while understanding them too.
Practice the CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers and CBSE 12th Physics Previous Year Question Papers by timing yourself.
Prepare brief notes for last minute revision
Refer to online videos or websites to easily understand the concepts.