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
- Properties of Electric Charge
- Simple Atomic Structure
- Conductors and Insulators
- Mechanism of Charging of an Object
- Coulomb’s Law
- Forces Between Multiple Charges: Superposition Principle
- Equilibrium of System of Charges
- Electric Field
- Intensity of Electric Field
- Electric Lines of Force
- Electric Dipole
- Electric Field due to an Electric Dipole
- Torque on a Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field
- Motion of a Charged Particle in Uniform Electric Field
- Equilibrium of a Charged Body in a Uniform Electric Field
- Introduction to Gauss' Theorem of Electrostatics
- Area Vector
- Flux of a Vector Field
- Gauss' Theorem
- Gaussian Surface and its Properties
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Point Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to an Infinite Line of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to an Infinite Plane Sheet of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to Two Infinite Parallel Sheets of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field Intensity Just Outside a Charged Conductor
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Thin Spherical Shell
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Sphere
- Overview: Gauss' Theorem
2 Electric Potential, Potential Energy and Capacitance [Revision]
- Electric Potential
- Introduction
- Definition: Electric Potential
- Formula: Electric Potential
- SI Unit of Potential
- Physical Interpretation of Electric Potential
- Potential and Potential Difference
- Electron-volt or eV
- Introduction
- Formula: Electron-volt or eV
- Units
- Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge
- Potential due to a Group of Point Charges
- Derivation
- Potential Gradient
- Introduction
- Definition: Potential Gradient
- Formula: Potential Gradient
- Electric Field as Gradient of Electric Potential: Relation between E and V
- Derivation
- Importance of the Relation between Electric Field and Electric Potential
- Potential Difference in a Uniform Electric Field
- Special Cases
- Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- Introduction
- Definition: Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- Formula Derivation
- Formula: Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- Potential Energy of the Charges in an External Electric Field
- Potential Energy of a System of Two Point Charges in External Electric Field
- Equipotential Surfaces
- Potential Due to an Electric Dipole
- Work Done in Rotating an Electric Dipole in an Electric Field
- Derivation
- Electric Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in an Electrostatic Field
- Derivation
- Particular Cases
- Conductors and Insulators
- Free Charges and Bound Charges Inside a Conductor
- Introduction
- Definition: Good Conductors
- Definition: Bad Conductors
- Definition: Bound Charge
- Explanation
- Capacitance of a Conductor
- Definition: Capacitance of a Conductor
- Unit of Capacitance
- Dimensions of Capacitance
- Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor
- Derivation
- Potential Energy of a Charged Conductor
- Derivation
- Redistribution of Charges: Common Potential
- Derivation
- Quantity of Transferred Charge
- Loss of Energy in Redistribution of Charges
- Capacitors
- Introduction
- Definition: Capacitor
- Principle of a Capacitor
- Capacitance of a Capacitor
- Introduction
- Definition: Capacitance of a Capacitor
- Expression for Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Derivation
- Dependence of the Capacitance of a Capacitor
- On the Area of the Plates
- On the Distance between the Plates
- On the Medium between the Plates
- Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor with Dielectric Slab between Plates
- Derivation
- Combination of Capacitors
- Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor
- Force between the Plates of a Charged Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Derivation
- Induced Charges in a Dielectric Slab in a Capacitor
- Derivation
- 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
- When key K is closed (Battery connected)
- When key K is opened (Battery disconnected)
2: Current Electricity [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
3 Electric Resistance and Ohm's Law [Revision]
- 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
- Drift of Electrons and the Origin of Resistivity
- Electric Current and Its Related Concepts
- Resistance
- Definition: Electric Resistance
- Key Points: Electric Resistance
- Units and Dimensions
- Electric Conductance
- Ohm's Law
- Experimental Verification of Ohm’s Law and Ohmic Resistors
- Derivation
- Exceptions of Ohm's Law : Non-Linear V-I Characteristics
- Change of Nature due to Flow of Current
- No Measurable Current in the Beginning
- Dynamic Resistance
- Definition: Dynamic Resistance
- Formula: Dynamic Resistance
- Derivation of Ohm's Law
- Derivation
- Specific Resistance or Electrical Resistivity
- Ohm's law in Vector Form
- Derivation
- Dependence of Resistance on the Dimensions of the Conductor
- Derivation
- Effect of Temperature on Resistivity
- Resistivity of Metals
- Resistivity of Alloys
- Resistivity of Semiconductors
- Resistivity of Electrolytes
- Colour Code of Carbon Resistors
- Introduction
- Explanation
- Combinations of Resistances
- Introduction
- In Series
- In Parallel
- On the Basis of Series and Parallel Combinations, to Prove R ∝ 1/A
- Derivation
- 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)
- Net Power Consumption
- In Series Combination
- In Parallel Combination
- Overview: Electric Resistance and Ohm's Law
- Electric cell
- Introduction
- Definition: Electric Cell
- Mechanism of Cell
- Types of Electric Cells
- Experiment
- Electromotive Force (emf)
- 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
- Wheatstone Bridge
- Resistors
- Rheostat
- Metre Bridge: Slide-Wire Bridge
- 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
4 Moving Charges and Magnetism [Revision]
- Magnetic Field
- Introduction
- Definition: Magnetic Field
- Experiment
- Oersted's Experiment
- Introduction
- Experiment
- Observations
- Explanation
- Inference
- Magnetic Field Due to a Current Element, Biot-savart Law
- 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
- 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
- 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 Magnetic Field
- Key Points: Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- Ampere: Based on Force Between Currents
- Derivation
- Definition: Ampere
- Overview: Moving Charges and Magnetic Field
- Torque on a Current-Loop in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Magnetic Moment of a Coil
- Moving Coil 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
5 Magnetism and Matter [Revision]
- Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
6 Electromagnetic Induction [Revision]
- Magnetic Flux
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- 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
7 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
- 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
- Transformers
- Utility of Alternating Current in Comparison to Direct Current
- Overview: Alternating Current
5: Electromagnetic Waves [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
8 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
- Concept of Electromagnetic Waves
- Field Magnitude Relation in Free Space
- Energy Density in Electromagnetic Waves
- Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Overview: Electromagnetic Waves
6: Optics [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments [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
- 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
- Applications of Total Internal Reflection
- 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
- Combined Focal Length of Two Thin Lenses in Contact
- Combination of Lenses and Mirrors
- Overview: Reflection of Light: Spherical Mirrors
- Overview: Refraction of Light at Spherical Surfaces: Lenses
- Overview: Refraction of Light at a Plane Interface
- Overview: Optical Instruments
- Overview: Refraction and Dispersion of Light through a Prism
10 Wave Optics [Revision]
7: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
11 Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter [Revision]
8: Atoms and Nuclei [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
13 Nuclei [Revision]
9: Electronic Devices [Revision]
CISCE ISC Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus
14 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]
