CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus - Free PDF Download
CISCE Syllabus 2026-27 ISC Class 12: The CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for the examination year 2026-27 has been released by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, CISCE. 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 CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Board Exam will entirely be based on the most recent syllabus. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand the new CISCE syllabus to prepare for their annual exam properly.
The detailed CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for 2026-27 is below.
Academic year:
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Revised Syllabus
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Course Structure 2026-27 With Marking Scheme
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Syllabus
1: Electrostatics [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
1 Electric Charges and Fields [Revision]
- Electric Charge
- Key Points: Electric Charge
- Positive and Negative Charges
- Introduction
- Classification
- Electron Theory of Electrification
- Conductors and Insulators
- Definition: Conductors
- Definition: Insulators
- Free Charges and Bound Charges Inside a Conductor
- Electrostatic Induction
- Important Properties of Electric Charge
- Quantisation of Electric Charge
- Conservation of Electric Charge
- Invariance Property of Charge
- Coulomb’s Law
- Scalar Form of Coulomb’s Law
- Introduction
- Statement
- Analysis
- Permittivity and Dielectrics
- Comparison with Gravitation
- Importance
- Coulomb's Law in Vector Form
- Derivation
- Example
- Comparison of Gravitational and Electrostatic Forces
- Scalar Form of Coulomb’s Law
- Principle of Superposition
- Derivation
- Force on a Charge at the Centroid
- Example
- Equilibrium of Charge and System of Charges
- Electric Field
- Definition: Electric Field
- Derivation
- DImensional Formula
- Intensity of Electric Field
- Electric Field Intensity Due to a Point-Charge
- Derivation
- Uniform Electric Field
- Non Uniform Electric Field
- Intensity of Electric Field due to a Continuous Charge Distribution
- Introduction
- Linear Charge Distribution
- Surface Charge Distribution
- Volume Charge Distribution
- Electric Lines of Force
- Definition: Line of Force
- Characteristics of Electric Lines of Force
- Imaginary Lines, Real Uses
- Electric Dipole
- Definition: Dipole
- Definition: Axial Line
- Definition: Equitorial Line
- Definition: Dipole Moment
- Natural Dipole
- Electric Field due to an Electric Dipole
- Intensity of the Electric Field at a Point on the Axis of a Dipole
- Intensity of the Electric Field at a Point on the Equatorial Line of a Dipole
- Torque on a Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field
2 Gauss' Theorem [Revision]
- Gauss’s Law
- Definition
- Origin
- Statement
- Derivation
- Example
- Gaussian Surface
- Area Vector
- Solid Angle
- Electric Flux
- Electric Flux
- Derivation
- Special Cases
- Gauss' Theorem
- Derivation
- Gaussian Surface and its Properties
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem
- Electric Field due to a Point Charge
- Electric field due to an Infinite Line of Charge
- Electric Field due to an Infinite Plane Sheet of Charge
- Electric Field due to Two Infinite Parallel Sheets of Charge
- Electric Field Intensity Just Outside a Charged Conductor
- Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Thin Spherical Shell
- Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Sphere (Optional)
- Overview: Gauss' Theorem
3 Electric Potential [Revision]
- Electric Potential
- Introduction
- SI Unit of Potential
- Physical Interpretat ion of Electric Potential
- Potential and Potential Difference
- Introduction
- Definition: Potential at a Point
- Definition: Potential Difference
- Formula: Electric Potential at a Point
- Formula: Potential Difference
- Key Points: Potential and Potential Difference
- Potential Gradient
- Definition
- Electric Field as Gradient of Electric Potential
- Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- Equipotential Surfaces
- Definition
- Properties
- Potential Due to an Electric Dipole
- Potential at a Point on the Axis of the Dipole
- Potential at a Point on the Equatorial Line of the Dipole
- Potential at any Point
- Difference between Electric Potential at a Point due to a Single Point Charge and an Electric Dipole
- Work Done In Rotating an Electric Dipole In an Electric Field
- Electric Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in an Electrostatic Field
- Explanation
- Particular Cases
- Overview: Electric Potential
4 Capacitors and Dielectrics [Revision]
- Conductors and Insulators
- Definition: Conductors
- Definition: Insulators
- Free Charges and Bound Charges Inside a Conductor
- Capacitance of a Conductor
- Definition: Capacitance of a Conductor
- Unit of Capacitance
- Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor
- Potential Energy of a Charged Conductor
- Redistribution of Charges: Common Potential (Optional)
- Capacitors
- Introduction
- Principle of a Capacitor
- RC time constant
- Capacitance of a Capacitor
- Introduction
- Expression for the Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Dependence of the Capacitance of a Capacitor
- Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor with Dielectric Slab between Plates
- Combination of Capacitors
- In Series
- In Parallel
- Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor
- Introduction
- Energy Stored in a Combination of Capacitors
- Energy Density in a Capacitor
- Force between the Plates of a Charged Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Charges Induced on the Surfaces of a Dielectric Slab Placed between the
Plates of Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Dielectrics
- Definition: Dielectrics
- Dielectric Constant
- Polar and Non-polar Dielectric Molecules
- Electric Polarisation of Matter
- Effect of Introducing a Dielectric between the Plates of a Charged Capacitor
- Overview: Capacitors and Dielectrics
2: Current Electricity [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
5 Electric Resistance and Ohm's Law [Revision]
- Electric Current
- Definition: Current
- Definition: Electric Current
- Key Points: Electric Current
- Current Density
- Definition: Current Density
- Formula: Current Density
- Units and Dimensions
- Mechanism of Flow of Charge in Metals
- Introduction
- Transport Properties of Free Electrons
- Introduction
- Derivation
- Mobility of Electrons
- Derivation
- Relation between Drift Velocity of Free Electrons and Electric Current
- Introduction
- Derivation
- Electric Resistance
- Definition: Electric Resistance
- Key Points: Electric Resistance
- Ohm's Law
- Definition: Conductance
- Law: Ohm's Law
- Ohmic and Non-ohmic Resistors
- Definition: Ohmic Resistors
- Definition: Non-Ohmic Resistors
- Exceptions to Ohm's Law
- Dynamic Resistance
- Definition: Dynamic Resistance
- Formula: Dynamic Resistance
- Derivation of Ohm's Law
- Specific Resistance or Electrical Resistivity
- Definition: Specific Resistance
- Derivation
- Units and Dimensions
- Specific Conductance
- Ohm's law in Vector Form
- Derivation
- Resistance and Conductor Dimensions
- Effect of Temperature on Resistivity
- Resistivity of Metals
- Resistivity of Alloys
- Resistivity of Semiconductors
- Resistivity of Electrolytes
- Colour Code of Carbon Resistors
- Combinations of Resistances
- Introduction
- In Series
- In Parallel
- Derivation Using Series and Parallel Connections
- Electric Energy and Power
- Potential Difference and Energy Transfer in Electric Circuits
- Electric Power
- Illumination of Electric Bulbs in Parallel and in Series
- Commercial Units of Electricity Consumption
- Kilowatt-hour (kW-h)
- Overview: Electric Resistance and Ohm's Law
6 DC Circuits and Measurements [Revision]
- Electric cell
- Introduction
- Definition: Electric Cell
- Mechanism of Cell
- Types of Electric Cells
- Experiment
- Electromotive Force (emf)
- Introduction
- Definition: Electromotive Force
- Formula: Electromotive Force
- Units of Electromotive Force
- Mechanism of Electromotive Force
- Derivation
- Terminal Potential Difference
- Formula: Potential Difference
- Derivation
- Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Definition: Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Formula: Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Relation between E, V, and r
- Combinations of Cells
- In Series
- In Parallel
- In Mixed Grouping
- Kirchhoff’s Laws
- Kirchhoff's First Law or Junction Rule
- Kirchhoff's Second Law or Loop Rule
- Wheatstone Bridge
- Introduction
- Definition: Wheatstone’s Bridge
- Derivation
- Resistors
- Rheostat
- Introduction
- As a Current-controller
- As a Potential-divider
- Rheostat
- Metre Bridge: Slide-Wire Bridge
- Description
- Determination of Resistance
- Errors and Their Removal
- Potentiometer
- Principle
- Sensitivity of Potentiometer
- Construction
- Precautions
- Superiority of Potentiometer over Voltmeter
- Overview: DC Circuits and Measurements
3: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
7 Moving Charges and Magnetic Field [Revision]
- Magnetic Field
- Introduction
- Definition: Magnetic Field
- Experiment
- Oersted's Experiment
- Introduction
- Experiment
- Observations
- Explanation
- Inference
- Biot-Savart Law
- Introduction
- Derivation
- Biot-Savart's Law in Terms of Current Density
- Units and Dimensions
- Comparison of Coulomb's Law and Biot-Savart's Law
- Similarities
- Dissimilarities
- Rules to Determine the Direction of Developed Magnetic Field
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field due to a Finite Straight Current-Carrying Wire
- Introduction
- Expertiment
- Activity 1
- Activity 2
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field on the Axis of a Circular Current-Carrying Loop
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field at the Centre of a Circular Loop
- Ampere’s Circuital Law
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Long Straight Solenoid
- Definition: Solenoid
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Long Straight Thin Wire
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Toroidal Solenoid
- Magnetic field due to a long straight solenoid
- Magnetic field due to a toroidal solenoid
- Force on a Moving Charge in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Magnetic Field Defined by Magnetic Force
- Motion of Charged Particles in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Lorentz Force
- Cyclotron
- Description
- Construction
- Theory and Working
- Achievement of Resonance Condition
- Limitations
- Kinetic Energy of Particles Accelerated in a Cyclotron
- Force on a Current - Carrying Conductor in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Description
- Right-hand Palm Rule No. 2
- Fleming's Left-hand Rule
- Expression for the Force
- Ampere: Based on Force Between Currents
- Derivation
- Definition: Ampere
- Overview: Moving Charges and Magnetic Field
8 Torque on a Current-Loop : Moving-Coil Galvanometer [Revision]
- Torque on a Current-Loop in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Magnetic Moment of a Coil
- Moving Coil Galvanometer
- Description
- Suspended-coil Galvanometer
- Radial Field
- Working
- Pivoted-coil (or Weston) Galvanometer
- Sensitivity of a Galvanometer
- Conversion of a Galvanometer into an Ammeter
- Conversion of a Galvanometer into a Voltmeter
- Overview: Torque on a Current-Loop : Moving-Coil Galvanometer
9 Magnetic Field and Earth's Magnetism [Revision]
- Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole: Magnetic Dipole Moment of Current Loop
- Magnetic Dipole Moment of a Revolving Electron
- Magnetic Field of a Magnetic Dipole (Small Bar Magnet)
- Torque on a Magnetic Dipole (Bar Magnet) in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Potential Energy of a Magnet in a Magnetic Field
- Current-Carrying Solenoid as an Equivalent to a Bar Magnet
- Magnetic Lines of Force
- Introduction
- Properties
- Activity
- Formula: Magnetic Field
- Earth’s Magnetic Field
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Angle of Declination
- Definition: Magnetic Meridian
- Definition: Geographical Meridian
- Definition: Angle of Declination
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Angle of Dip or Magnetic Inclination
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Horizontal Component of Earth's Magnetic Field
- Definition: Horizontal Component
- Derivation
- Apparent Angle of Dip
- Overview: Magnetic Field and Earth's Magnetism
10 Magnetic Classification of Substances [Revision]
- Classification of Substances According to their Magnetic Behaviour
- Terms Used in Magnetism
- Properties of Dia-, Para-, and Ferromagnetic Substances
- Diamagnetic Substances
- Paramagnetic Substances
- Ferromagnetic Substances
- Explanation of Dia-, Para-, and Ferromagnetism based on the Atomic Model of Magnetism
- Description
- Explanation of Diamagnetism
- Explanation of Paramagnetism
- Explanation of Ferromagnetism
- Explanation of Demagnetisation by the Atomic Model
- Hysteresis: Retentivity and Coercivity
- Hysteresis Curve
- Hysteresis Loss
- Hysteresis Loop
- Differences in Magnetic Properties of Soft Iron and Steel
- Magnetic Materials
- Selection of Magnetic Materials
- Overview: Magnetic Classification of Substances
4: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
11 Electromagnetic Induction [Revision]
- Magnetic Flux
- Definition: Magnetic Flux
- Explanation
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Definition: Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Definition: Faraday's Law of Induction
- Law: Faraday's First Law or Neumann's Law
- Law: Faraday's Second Law or Lenz's Law
- Induced Current and Induced Charge
- Methods of Changing the Magnetic Flux
- Motion of a Straight Conductor in a Uniform Magnetic Field (Motional EMF)
- Explanation
- Example
- Explanation of Electromagnetic Induction in Terms of Lorentz Force: Proof of Faraday's Law
- Motional emf in Rotating a Conducting Rod in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Self – Induction
- Introduction
- Definition: Self-Induction
- Coefficient of Self-induction
- Dimensions of L
- Self-Inductance of a Long Solenoid
- Energy Stored in an Inductor
- Examples of the Effects of Self-Induced Current
- Mutual Induction
- Inductance
- Eddy Currents or Foucault Currents
- Explanation
- Applications
- Overview: Electromagnetic Induction
12 Alternating Current [Revision]
- Alternating Voltage and Current in a Rotating Coil
- Definitions Regarding Alternating Voltage and Current
- Definition: Maximum Value or Peak Value or Amplitude
- Definition: Periodic Time
- Formula: Periodic Time
- Definition: Frequency
- Formula: Frequency
- Mean (or Average) Value of Alternating Current (or Voltage)
- For One Cycle
- For Half-Cycle
- Root-Mean-Square Value of Alternating Current
- Phasors and Phasor Diagrams
- Types of AC Circuits
- Circuit containing Resistance Only
- Circuit containing Inductance Only
- Circuit containing Capacitance Only
- Circuit containing Inductance and Resistance in Series (L-R Series Circuit)
- Circuit containing Capacitance and Resistance in Series (C-R Series Circuit)
- Circuit containing Inductance and Capacitance (L-C Circuit)
- Circuit containing Inductance, Capacitance and Resistance in Series (L-C-R Series Circuit)
- Power in AC Circuit
- Circuit Containing Pure Resistance Only
- Circuit Containing both Inductance and Resistance (L-R Circuit)
- Wattless Current
- Half Power Points, Bandwidth and Q-Factor
- Choke Coil
- Electrical Oscillations in L-C Circuit
- Resonant Circuits
- Series Resonant Circuit
- Characteristics of Series Resonant Circuit
- Frequency Response of AC Circuits
- A.C. Generator
- Principle
- Construction and Its Main Parts
- Working
- Frequency of Altering Current
- Transformers
- Introduction
- Principle
- Construction
- Theory
- Energy Losses in a Transformer
- Utility of Transformers in Long-distance Power Transmission
- Types of Transformer
- Examples
- Uses of Transformers
- Table
- Utility of Alternating Current in Comparison to Direct Current
- Overview: Alternating Current
5: Electromagnetic Waves [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
13 Electromagnetic Waves [Revision]
- Displacement Current
- Relation between Conduction and Displacement Current
- Maxwell's Equation
- Introduction
- Gauss’ Law of Electricity
- Gauss’ Law of Magnetism
- Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
- Ampere-Maxwell's Circuital Law
- EM Wave
- Basic Laws and their Origin
- Field Magnitude Relation in Free Space
- Energy Density in Electromagnetic Waves
- Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Definition: Invisible Spectrum
- Key Points: Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Overview: Electromagnetic Waves
6: Optics (Ray and Wave Optics) [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
14 Reflection of Light: Spherical Mirrors [Revision]
- Spherical Mirrors
- Definition: Spherical Mirror
- Definition: Concave Mirror
- Definition: Convex Mirror
- Definition: Pole
- Definition: Centre of Curvature
- Definition: Radius of Curvature
- Definition: Principal Axis
- Introduction
- Types of Spherical Mirrors
- Activity
- Key Points: Spherical Mirrors
- Fundamental Terms Related to Spherical Mirrors
- Definition: Pole
- Definition: Centre of Curvature
- Definition: Radius of Curvature
- Definition: Principal Axis
- Definition: Aperture
- Definition: Principal Focus
- Definition: Focal Length
- Definition: Focal Plane
- Explanation
- Relation Between Focal Length and Radius of Curvature of a Spherical Mirror
- Concave Mirror
- Convex Mirror
- Rules to Trace the Image Formed by Spherical Mirrors
- Conditions of Image Formation
- Position and Nature of Image Formed by Spherical Mirrors
- Sign Convention
- Key Points: Sign Convention
- Mirror Formula for Concave Mirror
- Mirror Formula for Convex Mirror
- Linear Magnification by Spherical Mirrors
- Introduction
- Definition: Linear Magnification
- Magnification Formula
- Other Formulae for Magnification
- Uses of Spherical Mirrors
- Concave Mirror
- Convex Mirror
- Overview: Reflection of Light: Spherical Mirrors
15 Refraction of Light at a Plane Interface : Total Internal Reflection : Optical Fibre [Revision]
- Refraction of Light
- Definition: Refraction
- Definition: Refracted Light
- Definition: Refraction of Light
- Key Points: Refraction of Light
- Laws of Refraction
- Key Points: Laws of Refraction
- Cause of Refraction
- Physical Significance of Refractive Index
- Reversibility of Light
- Definition: Principle of reversibility of light
- Explanation
- Refraction of Light Through a Rectangular Glass Block
- Definition: Lateral Displacement
- Key Points: Refraction of Light Through a Rectangular Glass Block
- Refraction through Parallel Multiple Media
- Real and Apparent Depths: Normal Displacement
- Critical Angle
- Definition: Critical Angle
- Total Internal Reflection
- Definition: Total Internal Reflection
- Applications of Total Internal Reflection
- Mirage
- Brilliancy of Diamonds
- Totally Reflecting Prisms
- Optical Fibre
- Prism Binoculars
- Periscope
- Example
- Overview: Refraction of Light at a Plane Interface
16 Refraction of Light at Spherical Surfaces : Lenses [Revision]
- Coordinate Geometry Sign Convention for Measuring Distances and Lengths
- Refraction at Concave Spherical Surface
- Refraction at a Convex Spherical Surface
- Concept of Lenses
- Definition: Lens
- Definition: Converging Lens or Convex Lens
- Definition: Diverging Lens or Concave Lens
- Key Points: Concepts of Lenses
- Definition: Centre of Curvature
- Definition: Radius of Curvature
- Definition: Principal Axis
- Definition: Optical Centre
- Definition: Principal Focus
- Definition: Focal Length
- Converging and Diverging Actions of Lenses
- Lens Maker's Formula
- Factors Affecting Focal Length of a Lens
- Image Formation by Thin Lenses
- Ray Diagrams for Formation of Image by a Convex Lens
- Ray Diagram for Formation of Image by a Concave Lens
- Linear Magnification by Spherical Lenses
- Magnification by a Convex Lens
- Magnification by a Concave Lens
- Other Formulae for Magnification
- Power of a Lens
- Definition: Power of a Lens
- Formula: Power of a Lens
- Combined Focal Length of Two Thin Lenses in Contact
- Both the Lenses are Convex
- One Lens is Convex and the Other is Concave
- Combination of Lenses and Mirrors
- Overview: Refraction of Light at Spherical Surfaces: Lenses
17 Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism [Revision]
18 Optical Instruments [Revision]
19 Wave Nature of Light : Huygens' Principle [Revision]
20 Interference of Light [Revision]
21 Diffraction of Light [Revision]
22 Polarisation of Light [Revision]
7: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
23 Photoelectric Effect [Revision]
24 Matter Waves [Revision]
25 X-Rays [Revision]
8: Atoms and Nuclei [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
26 Atom, Origin of Spectra : Bohr's Theory of Hydrogen Atom [Revision]
27 Nuclear Structure [Revision]
28 Radioactivity [Revision]
29 Mass-Energy Equivalence : Nuclear Binding Energy [Revision]
30 Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion : Sources of Energy [Revision]
9: Electronic Devices [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
31 Semiconductor Electronics [Revision]
32 Junction Diodes [Revision]
33 Junction Transistors [Revision]
34 Logic Gates [Revision]
10: Communication Systems [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
35 Communication Systems [Revision]
