Courses
By Swati Singh
|
Updated on 18 Jun 2026, 14:49 IST
The CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 is designed to build a strong foundation in physics concepts for Class 12 and competitive exams. The syllabus includes 14 chapters divided into 10 units, carrying a total of 100 marks—70 marks for the theory exam and 30 marks for practicals.
This guide covers the complete CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27, including the latest chapter-wise syllabus, unit-wise weightage, marks distribution, practical syllabus, exam pattern, and deleted topics to help you prepare effectively for your exams.
The Class 11 Physics course has 14 chapters, 10 units, a 70-mark theory paper and a 30-mark practical examination.
| Particular | Details |
| Subject | Physics |
| Subject code | 042 |
| Academic session | 2026–27 |
| Number of units | 10 |
| Number of chapters | 14 |
| Theory marks | 70 |
| Practical marks | 30 |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Theory exam duration | 3 hours |
| Practical exam duration | 3 hours |
| Main textbooks | NCERT Physics Part I and Part II |
The syllabus begins with measurement and motion. It then moves to force, energy, rotation, gravitation, properties of matter, heat, thermodynamics, gases, oscillations and waves.
Download the official CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 PDF to access the latest curriculum released by CBSE. The PDF includes the complete chapter-wise syllabus, unit-wise marks distribution, practical syllabus, and exam pattern in one place. Keep a copy on your device so you can easily track your preparation and ensure you don't miss any topics prescribed for the 2026–27 academic session.
The first three units carry 23 marks. Units IV to VI carry 17 marks, Units VII to IX carry 20 marks, and Oscillations and Waves carry 10 marks.
Loading PDF...
CBSE gives combined marks to groups of units. It does not provide separate official marks for each chapter.
| Units | Chapters included | Marks |
| Units I–III | Units and Measurements; Motion in a Straight Line; Motion in a Plane; Laws of Motion | 23 |
| Units IV–VI | Work, Energy and Power; System of Particles and Rotational Motion; Gravitation | 17 |
| Units VII–IX | Mechanical Properties of Solids; Mechanical Properties of Fluids; Thermal Properties of Matter; Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory | 20 |
| Unit X | Oscillations; Waves | 10 |
| Total | 14 chapters | 70 |
The first group carries the highest combined weightage. However, you should not prepare only high-weightage units. Physics concepts are connected. A weak understanding of vectors or force can make later chapters harder.
Also Check: CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27
The syllabus covers measurement, mechanics, heat, gases, oscillations and waves. Each chapter builds a base for Class 12 Physics and entrance-exam preparation.
This chapter teaches you how physical quantities are measured and how the accuracy of a result is checked.
You will study:
JEE
NEET
Foundation JEE
Foundation NEET
CBSE
Dimensional analysis helps you check whether an equation is correct. It can also help you convert quantities from one system of units to another.
This chapter is important because correct units and measurements are used in every other Physics chapter.
Kinematics describes motion without first asking what causes it.
This chapter explains the motion of an object along a straight path.
You will study:
A distance-time graph tells you how far an object has travelled. A velocity-time graph can help you find acceleration and displacement.
This chapter extends motion from one dimension to two dimensions.
You will study:
A scalar has only magnitude. For example, mass and temperature are scalars.
A vector has magnitude and direction. Velocity, force and displacement are vectors.
This chapter explains why an object starts moving, stops moving or changes direction.
You will study:
Newton’s laws form the base of mechanics. You should practise drawing free-body diagrams. These diagrams show all the forces acting on an object.
This chapter explains how force transfers energy and how quickly work is completed.
You will study:
Work is done when a force causes displacement. Power tells you the rate at which work is done.
This chapter introduces the motion of systems and objects that rotate.
You will study:
This is often one of the more challenging Class 11 chapters. Learn the difference between linear and rotational quantities.
For example:
| Linear quantity | Rotational quantity |
| Displacement | Angular displacement |
| Velocity | Angular velocity |
| Acceleration | Angular acceleration |
| Mass | Moment of inertia |
| Force | Torque |
| Momentum | Angular momentum |
This chapter explains the force that attracts objects towards the Earth and keeps planets and satellites in orbit.
You will study:
Do not confuse G and g.
This chapter explains how solid materials change shape when a force acts on them.
You will study:
A material is elastic if it returns to its original shape after the force is removed, within its elastic limit.
This chapter explains the behaviour of liquids and gases at rest and in motion.
You will study:
You can connect this chapter with daily examples. Hydraulic brakes use Pascal’s law. An aeroplane wing uses ideas linked to pressure and airflow.
This chapter explains heat, temperature and how materials respond when heated.
You will study:
Heat and temperature are not the same.
Temperature tells you how hot or cold an object is. Heat is energy transferred because of a temperature difference.
This chapter studies the relationship between heat, work, temperature and internal energy.
You will study:
Thermodynamics can seem abstract at first. Draw pressure-volume graphs and learn what changes during each process.
This chapter explains the behaviour of gases by studying the motion of their molecules.
You will study:
The chapter connects large-scale properties, such as pressure and temperature, with the movement of tiny gas molecules.
This chapter explains repeated motion around a fixed or mean position.
You will study:
A swinging pendulum is a common example of periodic motion. Simple harmonic motion is a special type of periodic motion.
This chapter explains how energy travels through a medium in the form of a disturbance.
You will study:
In a transverse wave, particles move at right angles to the direction of the wave. In a longitudinal wave, particles move parallel to the direction of the wave.
The old standalone chapter called “Physical World” is not listed as an active chapter in the CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus 2026-27. The course starts with Chapter 1, Units and Measurements.
However, the name of Unit I is still Physical World and Measurement in the official course structure.
This difference can confuse students. For preparation, follow the chapter list in the current official syllabus and the latest NCERT textbooks.
CBSE does not provide one complete chapter-wise deletion table in the Physics syllabus PDF. It states that content shown as excluded in the 2026–27 NCERT textbooks will not be tested.
Some topics that do not appear in the active syllabus text include:
| Area | Topic not listed in the active syllabus |
| Physical World | Standalone Physical World chapter |
| Rotational Motion | Parallel and perpendicular axes theorems |
| Gravitation | Geostationary and polar satellites |
| Thermodynamics | Detailed heat-engine and refrigerator treatment |
| Oscillations | Free, forced and damped oscillations; resonance |
| Waves | Doppler effect |
Treat this table as a quick comparison, not as a replacement for the official syllabus. Check the latest NCERT textbook and instructions given by your school before leaving out any topic.
The practical assessment carries 30 marks. Students must maintain experiment and activity records and complete an investigatory project.
The practical record submitted at the annual examination should include:
| Practical component | Marks |
| Two experiments, one from each section | 7 + 7 |
| Practical record of experiments and activities | 5 |
| One activity from either section | 3 |
| Investigatory project | 3 |
| Viva on experiments, activities and project | 5 |
| Total | 30 |
Section A mainly covers measurement and mechanics. Experiments may include:
Section B mainly covers matter, heat and waves. Experiments may include:
Students should understand the aim, apparatus, formula, procedure, graph, precautions and possible sources of error for each experiment.
The 70-mark theory design gives about 38% weight to remembering and understanding, 32% to application and 30% to analysis, evaluation and creation.
| Learning skill | Marks | Approximate percentage |
| Remembering and understanding | 27 | 38% |
| Applying concepts | 22 | 32% |
| Analysing, evaluating and creating | 21 | 30% |
| Total | 70 | 100% |
This means that learning definitions and formulas is not enough. You must also know how to use concepts in new situations.
Your school may change the exact number and style of questions. However, the overall learning-skill distribution should remain similar.
Yes. The question-paper design gives considerable weight to applying, analysing and evaluating concepts.
Competency-focused questions may ask you to:
Practise questions that test understanding, not just direct formula recall.
NCERT Physics Part I and Part II are the main prescribed books for the CBSE Class 11 Physics course.
The official list includes:
Begin with NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics, examples and exercises. Use another reference book only when you need more practice or a different explanation.
NCERT is the main book for the school syllabus, but most students also need regular numerical practice and revision.
For school examinations, complete:
For JEE or NEET preparation, you will usually need more numerical and objective-question practice after completing NCERT.
Also Check: JEE Main Class 11 Syllabus
Study Physics through concepts, diagrams and written problem-solving. Do not only read solved questions.
Ask what each formula means. Learn the conditions in which it can be used.
For example, the equations of uniformly accelerated motion work only when acceleration remains constant.
Before solving a numerical problem, write:
This simple method reduces mistakes.
Use diagrams for:
A clear diagram can make a difficult question much easier.
Graphs are important in motion, elasticity, thermodynamics, cooling, oscillations and practical work.
Learn what the slope and area of each graph represent.
Write down:
Review this notebook every week.
Also check: CBSE Class 11 Notes
| Stage | Chapters to focus on | Main goal |
| Stage 1 | Units and Measurements; Motion in a Straight Line; Motion in a Plane | Build units, graphs and vector skills |
| Stage 2 | Laws of Motion; Work, Energy and Power | Learn force and energy methods |
| Stage 3 | Rotational Motion; Gravitation | Strengthen advanced mechanics |
| Stage 4 | Solids; Fluids; Thermal Properties | Connect formulas with real materials |
| Stage 5 | Thermodynamics; Kinetic Theory | Understand heat and gas behaviour |
| Stage 6 | Oscillations; Waves | Complete periodic motion and wave concepts |
| Final revision | All chapters and practicals | Solve mixed papers and revise errors |
Do not wait until the end of the year to revise early mechanics chapters. Later units often use the same ideas.
The CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus 2026-27 contains 14 chapters and covers the main foundations of mechanics, heat, gases, oscillations and waves.
Start with NCERT and follow the official chapter list. Focus on understanding, diagrams, graphs and numerical practice. Also complete your practical record and project during the year. A steady study routine will make Class 11 Physics easier and prepare you for Class 12 as well as future entrance examinations.
No courses found
The subject code for CBSE Class 11 Physics is 042. Students should use this code while checking the official curriculum, examination pattern and school records.
The CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus 2026-27 contains 14 chapters divided into 10 units. These chapters cover measurement, mechanics, properties of matter, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, oscillations and waves.
CBSE Class 11 Physics has a total of 100 marks. The theory examination carries 70 marks, while the practical examination and related assessment carry 30 marks.
The Class 11 Physics theory examination is generally conducted for three hours. The exact examination schedule and reporting instructions are decided by the school.
Units I, II and III have the highest combined weightage of 23 marks. These units cover Units and Measurements, Motion in a Straight Line, Motion in a Plane and Laws of Motion.
Schools conduct the Class 11 examination using the prescribed CBSE curriculum. They may decide the exact number, type and order of questions while following the syllabus and assessment framework.
Calculators are generally not allowed in regular Class 11 Physics examinations unless the school provides a specific instruction. Students should practise calculations without depending on a calculator.
Yes. The question-paper design gives weight to application, analysis and problem-solving. Students may be asked to interpret graphs, analyse data, apply formulas in unfamiliar situations or explain concepts through real-life examples.
Start with NCERT and study one concept at a time. Make a formula notebook, draw diagrams, practise graphs and solve numerical questions in writing. Revise completed chapters every week and attempt mixed questions before the examination.
Class 11 Physics forms a major part of the JEE syllabus. Topics such as kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, rotational motion, gravitation, thermodynamics, oscillations and waves are important for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Many students find System of Particles and Rotational Motion, Thermodynamics and Mechanical Properties of Fluids challenging. These chapters become easier when students learn the basic concepts first and practise numerical problems step by step.
NCERT is the main prescribed resource for the CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus. Students should complete the theory, solved examples, in-text questions, exercises, diagrams and graphs. Extra numerical practice may be useful for difficult chapters and entrance-exam preparation.
The practical record should generally contain at least eight experiments, with four from each section, and at least six activities, with three from each section. Students must also complete an investigatory project.