CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus - Free PDF Download
CBSE Syllabus 2026-27 Class 12: The CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus for the examination year 2026-27 has been released by the Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE. The board will hold the final examination at the end of the year following the annual assessment scheme, which has led to the release of the syllabus. The 2026-27 CBSE Class 12 Psychology Board Exam will entirely be based on the most recent syllabus. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand the new CBSE syllabus to prepare for their annual exam properly.
The detailed CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus for 2026-27 is below.
Academic year:
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Revised Syllabus
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Course Structure 2026-27 With Marking Scheme
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Syllabus
1 Variations in Psychological Attributes [Revision]
- Individual Differences in Human Functioning
- Assessment of Psychological Attributes
- Introduction
- Domains of Psychological Attributes
- Methods of Assessment
- Concept of Intelligence
- Introduction
- Definition: Intelligence
- Activity: Fact or Belief?
- Features
- Gardner's Eight Intelligences
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Theories of Intelligence
- Introduction
- Theories of Intelligence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Charles Spearman's Two Factor Theory
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- Understanding Factor Analysis
- Two-Factor Theory
- Thorndike's Alternative View
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Charles Spearman's Two Factor Theory
- Louis Thurstone’s Multifactor Theory
- Introduction
- Seven Primary Mental Abilities
- Key Features of the Theory
- Evaluation: Strengths and Limitations
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Louis Thurstone’s Multifactor Theory
- Guilford's Structural Model Theory
- Introduction
- Three Dimensions of Intelligence
- The SOI Cube Model
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Guilford's Structural Model Theory
- Modern Theories of Intelligence
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Introduction
- Eight Types of Intelligence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory
- Introduction
- Triarchic Theory Overview
- Componential (Analytical) Intelligence
- Experiential (Creative) Intelligence
- Contextual (Practical) Intelligence
- Key Points: Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Individual Differences in Intelligence
- Assessment of Intelligence
- Measurement of Intelligence
- Mental Age
- Introduction
- Historical Framework
- Calculation of Mental Age
- Example
- Interpretation of Mental Age
- Growth Pattern of Mental Age
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Intelligence Quotient
- Introduction
- IQ Levels and Interpretation
- Formula of IQ
- Example
- Activity: Calculation of IQ
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Mental Age
- Variations of Intelligence
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Introduction
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Individual Test
- Introduction
- Features of Individual Tests
- Major Intelligence Testing Scales
- Advantages of Individual Tests
- Disadvantages of Individual Tests
- Process of Individual Testing
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Points: Individual Test
- Group Test
- Introduction
- Historical Evolution
- Advantages of Group Tests
- Disadvantages of Group Tests
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Points: Group Test
- Verbal Test
- Introduction
- Features of Verbal Tests
- Modern Verbal Intelligence Tests
- Types of Verbal Test Questions
- Activity: Verbal Analogy-Intelligence Test
- Advantages of Verbal Tests
- Disadvantages of Verbal Tests
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point: Verbal Test
- Non-Verbal Test
- Introduction
- Features
- Types of Non-Verbal Tests
- Advantages of Non-Verbal Tests
- Disadvantages of Non-verbal Tests
- Research Evidence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Non-Verbal Test
- Culture Bias and Culture Fair Tests
- Introduction
- Culture-Biased Tests
- Culture-Fair Tests
- Examples of Culture-Fair Tests
- Cattell’s Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence
- Strategies for Fair Test Design
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Culture Bias and Culture Fair Tests
- Misuses of Intelligence Tests
- Intelligence Testing in India
- Culture and Intelligence
- Introduction
- Intelligence in the Indian Tradition
- New Trends in Intelligence> Emotional Intelligence
- Introduction
- Activity 1: Examples of Emotional Intelligence
- Importance of EI vs. IQ
- Activity 2: Emotional Intelligence Comparison
- Characteristics: High EI vs. Low EI
- Models of Emotional Intelligence
- Benefits of High EI
- Key Points: Emotional Intelligence
- Special Abilities
- Creativity
- Creativity and Intelligence
- Introduction
- Everyday and Eminent Creativity
- Features of Creativity
- Theories and Definitions
- Creativity and Intelligence: Relationship
- Creativity & Intelligence Tests
- Key Point Summary
2 Self and Personality [Revision]
- Self and Personality
- Concept of Self
- Introduction
- Self as a Subject and Subject
- Kinds of Self
- Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Self
- Introduction
- Self-esteem
- Self-efficacy
- Self-regulation
- Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Etymology and Historical Context
- Definition: Personality
- Activity: Understanding Personality Traits
- Approaches of Personality
- Features of Personality
- Major Dimensions: The Big Five
- Common Misconceptions
- Key Point Summary
- Culture and Self
- Introduction
- Key Point Summary
- Characteristics of Personality
- Introduction
- Characteristics of Personality
- Personality Expression Modes
- Key Point Summary
- Personality Related Terms
- Introduction
- Personality Related Terms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Descriptive Personality Theories
- Introduction
- Major Approaches to Studying Personality
- Type Approach
- Trait Approach
- Interactional Approach
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Type Theories
- Introduction
- Personality Type Approaches
- Hippocrates’ Four Humors
- Ayurvedic Tridosha
- Trigunas
- Sheldon’s Somatotypes
- Jung’s Introversion–Extraversion
- Type A–D Personalities
- Critiques & Applications
- Key Points: Type Theories
- Trait Theories
- Introduction
- Major Trait Theories
- Characteristics of Trait Theory
- Criticisms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Trait Theories
- Psychodynamic Approach
- Introduction
- Levels of Consciousness
- Structure of Personality
- Ego Defence Mechanisms
- Trait Theory> Trait Theory of G. Allport
- Introduction
- Trait Categories
- Cardinal Traits
- Central Traits
- Secondary Traits
- Key Points: Trait Theory of G. Allport
- Trait Theory> Cattell’s Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Definition: Personality
- Cattell’s Approach to Personality
- Types of Traits
- Sixteen Personality Factors (16PF)
- Big Five Global Factors
- Applications of Cattell’s Theory
- Criticisms
- Key Points: Cattell’s Concept of Personality
- Type Theory> Eysenck Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Key Terms
- Core Dimensions
- Temperament Quadrants
- Four Functional Sectors
- Key Points: Eysenck Concept of Personality
- Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality> Stages of Personality Development
- Introduction
- Stages of Personality Development
- Oral Stage
- Anal Stage
- Phallic Stage
- Latency Stage
- Genital Stage
- Comparative Summary Table
- Neo-Freudian Theory of Personality
- Introduction
- Freud vs. Neo-Freudians
- Major Neo-Freudian Theorists
- Key Points: Neo-Freudian Theory of Personality
- Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality
- Jung's Personality Types
- Structure of the Psyche
- Archetypes
- Four Psychological Functions
- Jung vs. Freud
- Applications and Engagement
- Key Points: Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality
- Karen Horney (1950)
- Introduction
- Causes of Neurosis
- Neurotic Coping Strategies
- Gender and Cultural Perspectives
- Optimism & Therapy
- Key Points: Karen Horney (1950)
- Erik Erikson's Theory of Psycho-Social Development
- Introduction
- The Eight Stages
- Criticisms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Erik Erikson's Theory of Psycho-Social Development
- Psychodynamic Therapies> Alfred Adler's Psychodynamic Therapy
- Adler's Psychodynamic Therapy
- Alfred Adler: Lifestyle and Social Interest
- Inferiority Complex
- Key Points: Alfred Adler's Psychodynamic Therapy
- Humanistic Approach
- Introduction
- Rogers’ Self-Concept Theory
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Characteristics of Psychologically Healthy People
- Real-Life Application
- Key Points: Humanistic Approach
- Measurement of Personality
- Introduction
- Key Concepts
- Methods of Personality Assessment
- Features of a Good Assessment
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Self Report Inventories
- Introduction
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
- Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)
- Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF)
- Projective Techniques
- Introduction
- Rorschach’s Ink-Blot Test
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Sentence-Completion Test
- Activity: Sentence Completion Test
- Draw-a-Person Test
- Comparative Overview
- Key Points: Projective Techniques
- Behavioural Analysis
- Introduction
- Methods of Behavioural Analysis
- Interview Method
- Observation Method
- Activity: Identifying Personality Traits through Observation
- Nomination Method
- Behavioural Ratings
- Situational Tests
- Key Points: Behavioural Analysis
3 Meeting Life Challenges [Revision]
- Overcoming Life's Challenges
- Concept of Stress
- Introduction
- Meaning of Stress and Stressors
- Definition: Stress
- Stress in Modern Life
- Stress as Demand and Pressure
- Examples
- Positive and Negative Sides of Stress
- Eustress and Distress
- Working Definition of Stress
- Key Point Summary
- Symptoms of Stress
- Nature of Stress
- Meaning of Stress
- Positive and Negative Stress
- Origin and Basic Concept of Stress and Strain
- Modern Psychological View of Stress
- Cognitive Appraisal (Lazarus)
- Factors Affecting Stress Experience
- Types and Dimensions of Stressors
- Stress Reactions
- Types of Stress
- Introduction
- Main Types of Stress
- Physical and Environmental Stress
- Psychological Stress
- Social Stress
- Interrelation of Types of Stress
- Key Point Summary
- Sources of Stress
- Introduction
- Main Sources of Stress
- Life Events
- Daily Hassles
- Traumatic Events
- Key Points: Sources of Stress
- Effects of Stress on Physical Health
- Effects of Stress on Physical Health
- Effects of Stress on Psychological Functioning
- Examination Anxiety
- Stress, Health, and Burnout
- General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
- Stress and the Immune System
- Stress, Negative Emotions, and Psychological Disorders
- Lifestyle
- Key Points: Effects of Stress on Physical Health
- Coping with Stress
- Stress Management
- Stress Management Techniques
- Introduction
- Stress Management Techniques
- Spiritual / Lifestyle Programme (Art of Living)
- Key Points: Stress Management Techniques
- Stress Management Techniques
- Promoting Positive Health and Well-being
- Introduction
- Definition: Positive Health
- Definition: Health Promotion
- Definition: Wellness
- Definition: Life Skills
- Factors Influencing Positive Health and Well-being
- Key Points: Promoting Positive Health and Well-Being
4 Psychological Disorders [Revision]
- Concept of Psychological Disorders
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- Causes
- Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Basics of Abnormal Psychology
- Definition: Distress
- Definition: Dysfunction
- The Four D’s of Abnormality
- Conceptual Approaches
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Points: Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Classification of Psychological Disorders
- Why Classify Psychological Disorders?
- Definition: Syndrome
- What is a Syndrome?
- Need for Classification in Mental Health
- Evolution and Revisions
- DSM-V Classification System
- ICD-10 Classification System
- Benefits of Classification
- Diagnosis Process
- Key Points: Classification of Psychological Disorders
- Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour
- Major Psychological Disorder> Anxiety Disorders
- Introduction
- Definition: Anxiety Disorder
- Definition: Panic Attack
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Phobic Disorders
- Other Anxiety Disorders
- Common Symptoms
- Activity: Exploring Different Types of Phobias
- Case Study
- Key Points: Major Psychological Disorder> Anxiety Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Introduction
- OCD: Normal Worry vs. Disorder
- Definition: Obsessive Behaviour
- Definition: Compulsive Behaviour
- Obsession vs. Compulsion
- Everyday Signs of OCD
- Related Disorders
- Key Points: Major Psychological Disorder> Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Major Psychological Disorder> Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
- Introduction
- Intense Stress and Stress Disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Major Psychological Disorder> Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
- Introduction
- Features
- Major Psychological Disorder> Dissociative Disorders
- Introduction
- Definition: Dissociative Disorders
- Types of Dissociative Disorders
- Causes and Context
- Key Points: Depressive Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Definition: Depressive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms
- Definition: Manic Depressive or Bipolar Disorder
- Definition: Cyclic Psychoses
- Normal vs. Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar Mania Phase
- Bipolar Depression Phase
- Risk Factors
- Key Points: Depressive Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Bipolar Disorder
- Introduction
- Symptoms
- Causative Factors
- Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia
- Origin
- Definition: Schizophrenia
- Key Theorists
- Positive Symptoms
- Negative Symptoms
- Psychomotor Symptoms
- Overall Impact
- Key Points: Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia
- Major Psychological Disorder> Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Eating Disorders
- Introduction
- Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating
- Key Points: Major Psychological Disorder> Eating Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- Introduction
- Case Study
- Substance Use and Addiction
- Symptoms of Addiction
- Symptoms of Drug Addiction
- Alcoholic Anonymous
5 Therapeutic Approaches [Revision]
- Therapeutic Approaches in Psychology
- Concept of Psychotherapy
- Meaning of Psychotherapy
- Definition: Psychotherapy
- Purpose of Psychotherapy
- Common Characteristics of All Psychotherapies
- Goals of Psychotherapy
- Definition: Therapeutic Relationship / Therapeutic Alliance
- Concept of Therapeutic Relationship
- Features of the Therapeutic Relationship
- Key Points: Concept of Psychotherapy
- Forms of Psychotherapy
- Forms of Psychotherapy Overview
- Three Broad Classifications
- Parameters of Classification of Psychotherapies
- Clinical Formulation Process
- Key Points: Forms of Psychotherapy
- Behaviour Therapies
- Meaning and Nature of Behaviour Therapy
- Definition: Behaviour Modification
- Core Beliefs and Theoretical Roots
- Historical Foundations
- Method of Treatment - Behavioural Analysis
- Antecedent and Consequent Operations
- Reinforcement Techniques
- Definition: Token Economy
- Aversive Conditioning
- Systematic Desensitisation
- Definition: Modelling
- Relaxation Procedures and Modelling
- Classical Conditioning for Enuresis and Therapist's Skill
- Key Points: Behaviour Therapies
- Cognitive Therapy
- Introduction
- Cognitive Therapy Principles
- Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) by Albert Ellis
- Beck's Cognitive Therapy
- Benefits and Features of CBT
- Key Points: Cognitive Therapy
- Humanistic-existential Therapy
- Introduction
- Existential Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Humanistic-existential Therapy> Client Centred Therapy
- Background – Humanistic and Existential Therapies
- Aim of Client‑Centred Therapy
- Theoretical Basis – Self‑Actualisation
- Non‑Directive Nature and Therapeutic Climate
- Warm, Accepting Environment and Its Effects
- Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard
- Client’s Role and Guiding Principles
- Limitations
- Key Points: Humanistic-existential Therapy> Client Centred Therapy
- Healing Factors in Psychotherapy
- Ethics in Psychotherapy
- Alternative Therapies
- Rehabilitation of the Mentally Ill
6 Attitude and Social Cognition [Revision]
- Concept of Social Behaviour
- Nature and Components of Attitudes
- Formation of Attitude
- Introduction
- Process of Attitude Formation
- Factors Influencing Attitude Formation
- Attitude Change
- Introduction
- Process of Attitude Change
- Factors Influencing Attitude Change
- Attitude-Behaviour Relationship
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Strategies for Handling Prejudice
7 Social Influence and Group Processes [Revision]
- Social Groups
- Characteristics of Social Group
- Formation of Groups
- Introduction
- Five-Stage Model of Group Formation
- Factors Affecting Group Formation
- Human Preference for Groups
- Types of Social Group
- Influence of Group on Individual Behaviour
8 Psychology and Life [Revision]
- Introduction to Psychology and Life
- Human-environment Relationship
- Different Views of the Human-Environment Relationship
- The Bishnois and the Chipko Movement
- Environmental Effects on Human Behaviour
- Human Influence on the Environment
- Noise
- Pollution
- Crowding
- Natural Disasters
- Promoting Pro-environmental Behaviour
- Psychology and Social Concerns
- Poverty and Discrimination
- Aggression, Violence, and Peace
- Mahatma Gandhi on Non-violence : Why Does
- Non-violence Work
- Health
- Impact of Television on Behaviour
9 Developing Psychological Skills [Revision]
- Introduction to Developing Psychological Skills
- Developing as an Effective Psychologist
- General Skills
- Intellectual and Personal Skills; Sensitivity to Diversity
- Individual and Cultural Differences
- Observational Skills
- Specific Skills
- Communication Skills
- Characteristics of Communication
- Some Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills
- Psychological Testing Skills
- Essentials of Psychological Assessment Skills
- Interviewing Skills
- Types of Interview Questions
- Counselling Skills
- Empathy
- Positive regard
- Authenticity
