CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the class 12 biology syllabus for the academic year 2024-25. Early access to this syllabus helps students organise their studies effectively and adapt to their new academic level. The syllabus encompasses several key areas: cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human health. It includes topics such as cell structure and function, cell division, and cell signalling under cell biology; DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and protein synthesis in molecular biology; Mendelian and molecular genetics, as well as genetic engineering in genetics; and the theory of evolution, natural selection, and speciation in evolution. Ecology covers the biosphere, ecosystems, and biodiversity, while human health focuses on the human body, diseases, and the immune system. Our blog outlines all modules, chapters, and topics for both theoretical and practical exams, emphasising a structured study approach and practical applications, including hands-on experiments and specimen identification. It also provides insights into the exam pattern, question paper design, and internal assessment structure.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2024-25: An Overview

The CBSE 12^th class Biology syllabus for the academic year 2024-25 is a crucial guide for students. It details the topics and concepts to be covered throughout the year, which helps in organising study schedules and ensuring thorough preparation. To aid in this, a breakdown of the chapters in each unit is provided below.

Unit VI: Reproduction

• Chapter 2: Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants: Includes flower structure, gametophyte development, pollination types and agencies, outbreeding devices, pollen-pistil interaction, double fertilisation, and post-fertilisation events such as seed and fruit development. Special modes like apomixis and parthenocarpy, and the significance of seed dispersal are also covered.
• Chapter 3: Human Reproduction: Focuses on male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis), the menstrual cycle, fertilisation, embryo development, pregnancy, placenta formation, parturition, and lactation.
• Chapter 4: Reproductive Health: Covers reproductive health, prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), birth control methods, contraception, medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), amniocentesis, infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT.

Unit VII: Genetics and Evolution

• Chapter 5: Principles of Inheritance and Variation: Includes Mendelian inheritance, deviations such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance. It also covers sex determination, linkage, crossing over, sex-linked inheritance, and Mendelian and chromosomal disorders in humans.
• Chapter 6: Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Discusses DNA as genetic material, DNA and RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, gene expression, and regulation. It also includes the Human and rice genome projects and DNA fingerprinting.
• Chapter 7: Evolution: Covers the origin of life, biological evolution evidence, Darwin’s contributions, modern synthetic theory, mechanisms of evolution (variation and natural selection), gene flow, genetic drift, and human evolution.

Unit VIII: Biology and Human Welfare

• Chapter 8: Human Health and Diseases: Includes pathogens, parasites causing diseases, immunology basics, vaccines, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and adolescence-related issues like drug and alcohol abuse.
• Chapter 10: Microbes in Human Welfare: Focuses on the role of microbes in food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment, energy generation, bio-control agents, and bio-fertilisers. It also covers antibiotics, their production, and usage.

Unit IX: Biotechnology and its Applications

• Chapter 11: Biotechnology – Principles and Processes: Discusses genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.
• Chapter 12: Biotechnology and its Applications: Covers biotechnology applications in health and agriculture, such as human insulin and vaccine production, stem cell technology, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms (Bt crops), transgenic animals, and issues like biosafety, biopiracy, and patents.

Unit X: Ecology and Environment

• Chapter 13: Organisms and Populations: Focuses on population interactions, attributes, growth, birth rate, and death rate. (Excluded topics: Organism and its Environment, Major Abiotic Factors, Responses to Abiotic Factors, Adaptations)
• Chapter 14: Ecosystem: Covers ecosystem patterns, components, productivity, decomposition, and energy flow. (Excluded topics: Ecological Succession and Nutrient Cycles)
• Chapter 15: Biodiversity and Its Conservation: Includes concepts of biodiversity, its importance, loss, and conservation. It covers hotspots, endangered species, extinction, Red Data Book, Sacred Groves, biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites.

Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2024-25: Marking Distribution

Students can review the key topics from the CBSE 12^th class Biology syllabus 2024-25 to effectively prepare for the CBSE Board examinations 2024. Additionally, the syllabus is important for preparing for competitive exams. It comprises 5 units, with theoretical papers accounting for 70 marks and practical tests for 30 marks. Given the significance of the class 12 board examinations in academic progression and university admissions, students must be well-versed in the latest syllabus for each subject to achieve success. Besides the theory paper, we have also outlined the grading structure for CBSE Biology Practical class 12:

>Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2024-25: Question Paper Design

The table below presents the question paper design for CBSE 12^th class Biology syllabus. Analysing this syllabus is crucial as it significantly enhances the students’ preparation and helps them score better marks in the examination.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2024-25 for Practical Exams

Biology CBSE class 12 syllabus allows students to engage in experiments that illustrate various biological principles. The practical curriculum aligns with topics that are relevant for advanced studies in fields like Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). To aid in preparation for board examinations, a range of Biology Practical experiments are outlined. Each experiment includes detailed information on the procedure and purpose. Here is a breakdown of the practical syllabus:

Part A – List of Experiments:

• Prepare a temporary mount to observe pollen germination.
• Study plant population density and frequency using the quadrat method.
• Prepare a temporary mount of onion root tips to study mitosis.
• Isolate DNA from plant materials such as spinach or green peas.

Part B – Spotting (Study and Observe):

• Flowers adapted to different pollination methods (wind, insects, birds).
• Pollen germination on stigma using permanent slides or SEM.
• Stages of gamete development and meiosis in onion buds or grasshopper testis.
• Blastula stages through permanent slides.
• Mendelian inheritance patterns using seeds of varying colors or sizes.
• Prepared pedigree charts of genetic traits.
• Controlled pollination techniques like emasculation, tagging, and bagging.
• Common disease-causing organisms through slides or models.
• Symbolic associations in root modules and flashcard models of homologous and analogous organs.

Part C – Practicals

• Study of flowers adapted to various pollination agencies.
• Identification of T.S. of morula or blastula in frogs.
• Analysis of mammalian inheritance patterns using beads or seeds.
• Preparation of pedigree charts for genetic traits.
• Exercises on controlled pollination techniques
• Identification of disease-causing organisms and their symptoms.
• Examination of plant adaptations in xerophytic conditions.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2024-25: New Updates & Deletion

For the 2024-25 academic year, the Biology syllabus class 12 CBSE has undergone significant updates. The revised curriculum now includes two new topics: Plant Physiology and Biotechnology and its Applications. Additionally, existing topics like Cellular Respiration and Evolution have been modified. A key focus of the new syllabus is on experiential learning, emphasising hands-on activities and projects to enhance student engagement.

In line with the updates, the syllabus has been reduced by 30%. Notable deletions include the entire Chapter 1 on Reproduction in Organisms, Chapter 9 on Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production, and Chapter 16 on Environmental Issues. Sections from Chapter 13 on Organisms and Populations and Chapter 14 on Ecosystem have also been removed. The updated syllabus is available on the official CBSE website.

Download Biology Previous Year Question Paper class 12 NCERT

class 12 serves as the foundation for further education and graduation studies. To excel in class 12 and be well-prepared for board and competitive exams in the future, students must remain highly focused. The CBSE board examinations are a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. Practicing previous year's questions is an effective way to improve preparation for these crucial exams. At JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), we are committed to offering valuable resources to support students in achieving their academic goals. Click here to visit the website.

Download Biology Sample Paper class 12 with Solution

Solving sample papers for CBSE class 12 Biology can significantly benefit students by improving their chances of scoring better marks. These sample papers help identify gaps in their exam preparation. class 12 students should prioritise solving these papers once they have completed their revision to refine their preparation. Regular practice with CBSE Biology sample papers allows students to assess their readiness for the board exams and address any weak areas in their knowledge. We have provided the link for the sample question papers for class 12 CBSE Biology, complete with solutions. Click here to visit the website.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Preparation Tips

Students should adhere to essential and effective strategies while preparing for the CBSE class 12 exams. Taking the subject seriously and dedicating ample effort to it can significantly boost the students’ scores. Here are some effective preparation tips for class 12 Biology exams:

• Begin by thoroughly reviewing the class 12 Biology syllabus. Students must familiarise themselves with all units, chapters, and topics to create a clear study plan.
• Students must develop a structured timetable that allocates specific time slots for each topic. They should prioritise difficult areas and ensure to cover all topics before exams.
• Relying on NCERT textbooks will help students prepare in accordance with the CBSE curriculum. Students must read and understand each chapter comprehensively.
• Biology often involves complex diagrams. Students must practice drawing and labelling diagrams from the syllabus, such as the structure of cells, human anatomy, and plant physiology.
• Students should regularly practice CBSE sample papers and previous years’ question papers. This will help students get familiar with the exam pattern and types of questions.
• Students can create flashcards for important terms, definitions, and concepts. They are useful for quick revisions and memorisation.
• Periodic revision is crucial. Reviewing notes and key concepts frequently helps reinforce the students’ understanding and retention.

Way Forward

The class 12 Biology syllabus for 2024-25 serves as a vital resource for students aiming to excel in their examinations. By gaining early access to the syllabus, students are equipped to strategically organise their study schedules and adapt to the rigorous demands of the curriculum. Emphasising both theoretical understanding and practical application, it offers students a comprehensive framework for their studies. As students navigate through this syllabus, they are encouraged to employ effective study strategies, including thorough review, structured planning, and regular practice. By leveraging the updated content and adhering to recommended preparation tips, students can significantly enhance their performance and achieve success in their class 12 Biology exams.

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