PHYSICS

Subject Code – 042

Class-XII (2025-26)

Senior Secondary stage of school education is a stage of transition from general education
to discipline-based focus on curriculum. The present updated syllabus keeps in view the
rigor and depth of disciplinary approach as well as the comprehension level of learners.
Due care has also been taken that the syllabus is comparable to the international
standards. Salient features of the syllabus include:

 Emphasis on basic conceptual understanding of the content.

 Emphasis on use of SI units, symbols, nomenclature of physical quantities and

formulations as per international standards.

 Providing logical sequencing of units of the subject matter and proper placement
of concepts with their linkage for better learning.

 Reducing the curriculum load by eliminating overlapping of concepts/content within the

discipline and other disciplines.

 Promotion of process-skills, problem-solving abilities and applications of Physics

concepts.

Besides, the syllabus also attempts to

Strengthen the concepts developed at the secondary stage to provide firm foundation
for further learning in the subject.

Expose the learners to different processes used in Physics-related industrial and

technological applications.

Develop process-skills and experimental, observational, manipulative, decision making

and investigatory skills in the learners.

Promote problem solving abilities and creative thinking in learners.

Develop conceptual competence in the learners and make them realize and appreciate
the interface of Physics with other disciplines.
 CLASSXII
CLASS XII(2023-24)
(2025-26)
PHYSICS (THEORY)

Time: 3 hrs. Max Marks: 70

UNIT CHAPTERS MARKS

Unit–I Electrostatics
Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields

Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 16

Unit-II Current Electricity

Chapter–3: Current Electricity

Unit-III Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism

Chapter–4: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Chapter–5: Magnetism and Matter 17

Unit-IV Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

Chapter–6: Electromagnetic Induction

Chapter–7: Alternating Current

Unit–V Electromagnetic Waves

Chapter–8: Electromagnetic Waves

Unit–VI Optics 18
Chapter–9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Chapter–10: Wave Optics

Unit–VII Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Chapter–11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Unit–VIII Atoms and Nuclei 12

Chapter–12: Atoms

Chapter–13: Nuclei

Unit–IX Electronic Devices

Chapter–14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices 7

and Simple Circuits

Total 70
Unit I: Electrostatics

Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields

Electric charges, Conservation of charge, Coulomb's law-force between two- point charges,
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 and its applications to find field due to infinitely
long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet and uniformly charged thin spherical
shell (field inside and outside).

Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole and
system of charges; equipotential surfaces, electrical potential energy of a system of two-point
charges and of electric dipole in an electrostatic field.

Conductors and insulators, free charges and bound charges inside a conductor. Dielectrics
and electric polarization, capacitors and capacitance, combination of capacitors in series and
in parallel, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium
between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor (no derivation, formulae only).

Unit II: 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 non-linear),
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 in parallel, Kirchhoff's rules, Wheatstone bridge.

Unit III: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism

Chapter–4: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Concept of magnetic field, Oersted's experiment.

Biot - Savart law and its application to current carrying circular loop.

Ampere's law and its applications to infinitely long straight wire. Straight solenoid (only
qualitative treatment), force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and electric fields.
Force on a current-carrying conductor in a 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- its current sensitivity and conversion to ammeter and voltmeter.

Chapter–5: Magnetism and Matter

Bar magnet, bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field
intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and perpendicular to its axis
(qualitative treatment only), torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic
field (qualitative treatment only), magnetic field lines.

Magnetic properties of materials- Para-, dia- and ferro – magnetic substances with examples,
Magnetization of materials, effect of temperature on magnetic properties.

Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

Chapter–6: Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction; Faraday's laws, induced EMF and current; Lenz's Law, Self and
mutual induction.

Chapter–7: Alternating Current

Alternating currents, peak and RMS value of alternating current/voltage; reactance and
impedance; LCR series circuit (phasors only), resonance, power in AC circuits, power factor,
wattless current. AC generator, Transformer.

Unit V: Electromagnetic waves

Chapter–8: Electromagnetic Waves

Basic idea of displacement current, Electromagnetic waves, their characteristics, their

transverse nature (qualitative idea only).

Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays,

gamma rays) including elementary facts about their uses.
Unit VI: Optics

Chapter–9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Ray Optics: Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula, refraction of light, total
internal reflection and optical fibers, 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 a prism.

Optical instruments: Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting)

and their magnifying powers.

Chapter–10: Wave Optics

Wave optics: Wave front and Huygen’s principle, reflection and refraction of plane wave at
a plane surface using wave fronts. Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygen’s
principle. Interference, Young's double slit experiment and expression for fringe width (No
derivation final expression only), coherent sources and sustained interference of light,
diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maxima (qualitative treatment only).

Unit VII: 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.

Unit VIII: 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 (qualitative treatment only).

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.
Unit IX: Electronic Devices

Chapter–14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits

Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors and insulators (qualitative ideas only) Intrinsic
and extrinsic semiconductors- p and n type, p-n junction

Semiconductor diode - I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, application of junction
diode -diode as a rectifier.
 PRACTICALS

The record to be submitted by the students at the time of their annual examination has to
include:

Record of at least 8 Experiments [with 4 from each section], to be performed by the

students.
Record of at least 6 Activities [with 3 each from section A and section B], to be
performed by the students.
The Report of the project carried out by the students.

Evaluation Scheme
Max. Marks: 30 Time 3 hours

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

Experiments SECTION–A

1. To determine resistivity of two / three wires by plotting a graph for potential difference
versus current.

2. To find resistance of a given wire / standard resistor using metre bridge.

3. 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.

4. To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to find its

figure of merit.

5. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a
voltmeter of desired range and to verify the same.

OR
To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into an
ammeter of desired range and to verify the same.

6. To find the frequency of AC mains with a sonometer.

Activities
1. To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without iron core.

2. To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC) and check continuity of a given
circuit using multimeter.

3. To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off) switches, a fuse

and a power source.

4. To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.

5. To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire for a steady current.

6. 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.

SECTION-B
Experiments

1. To find the value of v for different values of u in case of a concave mirror and to find the
focal length.
2. To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex lens.

3. To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or between
1/u and 1/v.

4. To find the focal length of a concave lens, using a convex lens.

5. To determine angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph between
angle of incidence and angle of deviation.

6. To determine refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.

7. To find the refractive index of a liquid using convex lens and plane mirror.

8. To find the refractive index of a liquid using a concave mirror and a plane mirror.

9. To draw the I-V characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in forward and reverse
bias.

Activities
1. To identify a diode, an LED, a resistor and a capacitor from a mixed collection of such
items.
2. Use of 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.
3. To study effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of the source) on an LDR.

4. To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident obliquely on a

glass slab.

5. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit.

6. 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).
7. To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses from
the given set of lenses.

Suggested Investigatory Projects

1. To study various factors on which the internal resistance/EMF of a cell depends.

2. To study the variations in current flowing in a circuit containing an LDR because of a
variation in

(a) the power of the incandescent lamp, used to 'illuminate' the LDR (keeping all
the lamps at a fixed distance).

(b) the distance of an incandescent lamp (of fixed power) used to 'illuminate' the
LDR.
3. To find the refractive indices of (a) water (b) oil (transparent) using a plane mirror, an
equiconvex lens (made from a glass of known refractive index) and an adjustable
object needle.
4. To investigate the relation between the ratio of (i) output and input voltage and (ii)
number of turns in the secondary coil and primary coil of a self-designed transformer.
5. To investigate the dependence of the angle of deviation on the angle of incidence
using a hollow prism filled one by one, with different transparent fluids.
6. To estimate the charge induced on each one of the two identical Styrofoam (or pith)
balls suspended in a vertical plane by making use of Coulomb's law.
7. To study the factor on which the self-inductance of a coil depends by observing the
effect of this coil, when put in series with a resistor/(bulb) in a circuit fed up by an
A.C. source of adjustable frequency.
8. To study the earth's magnetic field using a compass needle -bar magnet by plotting
magnetic field lines and tangent galvanometer.
 Practical Examination for Visually Impaired Students of
Class XII Evaluation Scheme

Time 2 hours Max. Marks: 30

Identification/Familiarity with the apparatus 5 marks

Written test (based on given/prescribed practicals) 10 marks
Practical Record 5 marks
Viva 10 marks
Total 30 marks

General Guidelines
 The practical examination will be of two-hour duration.

 A separate list of ten experiments is included here.

 The written examination in practicals for these students will be conducted at the time of
practical examination of all other students.

 The written test will be of 30 minutes duration.

 The question paper given to the students should be legibly typed. It should contain a
total of 15 practical skill based very short answer type questions. A student would be
required to answer any 10 questions.

 A writer may be allowed to such students as per CBSE examination rules.

 All questions included in the question papers should be related to the listed practicals.

 Every question should require about two minutes to be answered.

 These students are also required to maintain a practical file. A student is expected to
record at least five of the listed experiments as per the specific instructions for each
subject. These practicals should be duly checked and signed by the internal examiner.

 The format of writing any experiment in the practical file should include aim, apparatus
required, simple theory, procedure, related practical skills, precautions etc.

 Questions may be generated jointly by the external/internal examiners and used for
assessment.

 The viva questions may include questions based on basic theory/principle/concept,

apparatus/ materials/chemicals required, procedure, precautions, sources of error etc.
 Class XII

A. Items for Identification/ familiarity with the apparatus for assessment in

practicals (All experiments)

Meter scale, general shape of the voltmeter/ammeter, battery/power supply, connecting

wires, standard resistances, connecting wires, voltmeter/ammeter, meter bridge, screw
gauge, jockey Galvanometer, Resistance Box, standard Resistance, connecting wires,
Potentiometer, jockey, Galvanometer, Lechlanche cell, Daniell cell [simple distinction
between the two vis-à-vis their outer (glass and copper) containers], rheostat connecting
wires, Galvanometer, resistance box, Plug-in and tapping keys, connecting wires
battery/power supply, Diode, Resistor (Wire-wound or carbon ones with two wires
connected to two ends), capacitors (one or two types), Inductors, Simple
electric/electronic bell, battery/power supply, Plug- in and tapping keys, Convex lens,
concave lens, convex mirror, concave mirror, Core/hollow wooden cylinder, insulated
wire, ferromagnetic rod, Transformer core, insulated wire.

B. List of Practicals

1. To determine the resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph between

voltage and current.
2. To verify the laws of combination (series/parallel combination) of resistances by
Ohm’s law.
3. To find the resistance of a given wire / standard resistor using a meter bridge.
4. To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection method.
5. To identify a resistor, capacitor, inductor and diode from a mixed collection of such
items.
6. To observe the difference between
(i) a convex lens and a concave lens
(ii) a convex mirror and a concave mirror and to estimate the likely difference
between the power of two given convex /concave lenses.
7. To design an inductor coil and to know the effect of
(i) change in the number of turns
(ii) Introduction of ferromagnetic material as its core material on the inductance of
the coil.
8. To design a (i) step up (ii) step down transformer on a given core and know the
relation between its input and output voltages.
Note: The above practicals may be carried out in an experiential manner rather than recording
observations.

Prescribed Books:

1. Physics, Class XI, Part -I and II, Published by NCERT.

2. Physics, Class XII, Part -I and II, Published by NCERT.

3. Laboratory Manual of Physics for class XII Published by NCERT.

4. The list of other related books and manuals brought out by NCERT (consider
multimedia also).

Note:

The content indicated in NCERT textbooks as excluded for the year 2025-26 is not to
be tested by schools and will not be assessed in the Board examinations 2025-26.
 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
Theory (Class: XII)
Maximum Marks: 70 Duration: 3 hrs.

S No. Typology of Questions Total Approximate

Marks Percentage
1 Remembering: Exhibit memory of previously learned 27 38 %
material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and
answers.
Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of facts and
ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting,
giving descriptions, and stating main ideas

2 Applying: Solve problems to new situations by applying 22 32%

acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a
different way.
3 Analysing : Examine and break information into parts by 21 30%
identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find
evidence to support generalizations
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.
Total Marks 70 100
Practical 30
Gross Total 100

Note:
The above template is only a sample. Suitable internal variations may be made for generating
similar templates keeping the overall weightage to different form of questions and typology of
questions same.
For more details kindly refer to Sample Question Paper of class XII for the year 2025-
26 to be published by CBSE at its website.