CBSE Class XI Geography
Complete Chapter-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 029
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Physical Geography
35
Marks
India Physical Environment
35
Marks
Practical Work
30
Marks
Total Marks
100
Marks
Learning Objectives
- Understanding fundamental concepts of physical geography and earth systems
- Developing knowledge of India's physical features, climate, and environment
- Learning practical skills in map reading, scale calculation, and geographic techniques
- Understanding the relationship between physical environment and human activities
- Developing spatial thinking and analytical skills through geographic methods
- Building awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable development
- Preparation for advanced geography studies and competitive examinations
- Understanding climate change, natural hazards, and disaster management
Marks Distribution
| Book | Subject Area | Theory Marks | Practical Marks | Total Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book 1 | Fundamentals of Physical Geography | 35 | - | 6 Units |
| Book 2 | India: Physical Environment | 35 | - | 4 Units |
| Book 3 | Geography Practical Work Part I | - | 30 | 6 Chapters |
| Total | 70 | 30 | 100 Marks | |
Book 1: Fundamentals of Physical Geography (35 Marks)
NCERT Book - Understanding Earth's Physical Systems
NCERT Textbook: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Complete coverage of physical geography concepts, processes, and systems
Download NCERT BookUnit I: Geography as a Discipline 3 Marks
Chapter 1: Geography As a Discipline
- Meaning and scope of geography
- Branches of geography
- Physical geography and its importance
- Relationship with other sciences
- Geographic techniques and tools
- Systematic vs regional approach
Unit II: The Earth 23 Marks
Chapter 2: The Origin and Evolution of the Earth (9 marks)
- Origin of the universe and solar system
- Evolution of the earth
- Development of lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere
- Timeline of earth's evolution
- Geological time scale
- Major events in earth's history
Chapter 3: Interior of the Earth (6 marks)
- Sources of information about earth's interior
- Structure of earth's interior
- Crust, mantle, and core characteristics
- Discontinuities in earth's interior
- Volcanoes and earthquakes
- Plate tectonic theory
Chapter 4: Distribution of Oceans and Continents (8 marks)
- Continental drift theory
- Sea floor spreading
- Plate tectonics theory
- Types of plate boundaries
- Major landforms and their evolution
- Ocean floor topography
Unit III: Landforms 8 Marks
Chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes (4 marks)
- Endogenic and exogenic processes
- Weathering and its types
- Mass wasting and erosion
- Agents of erosion and deposition
- Concept of geomorphic cycles
Chapter 6: Landforms and their Evolution (4 marks)
- Landforms made by running water
- Landforms made by groundwater
- Landforms made by glaciers
- Landforms made by waves and currents
- Landforms made by wind
- Landforms made by underground water
Unit IV: Climate 28 Marks + Internal
Chapter 7: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere (3 marks)
- Composition of atmosphere
- Structure and layers of atmosphere
- Elements of weather and climate
- Factors controlling temperature
Chapter 8: Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature (9 marks)
- Solar radiation and its distribution
- Heat balance of earth
- Temperature distribution
- Factors affecting temperature
- Inversion of temperature
Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems (6 marks)
- Atmospheric pressure and winds
- General circulation of atmosphere
- Seasonal winds and local winds
- Air masses and fronts
- Tropical and temperate cyclones
Chapter 10: Water in the Atmosphere (8 marks)
- Humidity and its measurement
- Evaporation and condensation
- Clouds formation and types
- Precipitation types and distribution
- World distribution of rainfall
Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change (Internal Assessment)
- Climate classification
- Major climatic types of the world
- Climate change and global warming
- Greenhouse effect
- Climate change impacts
Unit V: Water (Oceans) 9 Marks
Chapter 12: Water (Oceans) (4 marks)
- Hydrological cycle
- Oceans and their distribution
- Temperature and salinity of oceans
- Factors affecting ocean temperature
Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water (5 marks)
- Ocean currents and their types
- Major ocean currents of the world
- Effects of ocean currents
- Waves and tides
- Tsunami and its effects
Unit VI: Life on the Earth Internal Assessment
Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation (Internal Assessment)
- Biodiversity and its importance
- Biogeographic realms
- Ecosystem and food chain
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Threats to biodiversity
- Conservation strategies
Map Work - Physical Geography (5 marks)
Identification and location of major physical features on world map
Book 2: India: Physical Environment (35 Marks)
NCERT Book - India's Physical Geography
NCERT Textbook: India: Physical Environment
Comprehensive study of India's physical features, climate, and natural resources
Download NCERT BookUnit I: Introduction 5 Marks
Chapter 1: India - Location
- India's location and extent
- Standard time of India
- Latitudinal and longitudinal extent
- Physical divisions of India
- Neighboring countries
- Strategic importance of location
Unit II: Physiography 13 Marks + More
Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography (13 marks)
- Geological structure of India
- Physiographic divisions
- The Himalayan mountains
- The Northern Indian Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
Chapter 3: Drainage System
- Drainage patterns in India
- The Himalayan drainage
- The Peninsular drainage
- Major river systems
- Lakes in India
- Role of rivers in Indian economy
Unit III: Climate, Vegetation and Soil 12 Marks + More
Chapter 4: Climate (12 marks)
- Factors controlling Indian climate
- The Indian monsoon
- Onset and withdrawal of monsoon
- Seasonal distribution of rainfall
- Monsoon as a unifying bond
- Regional variations in climate
Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation
- Factors affecting vegetation
- Types of vegetation in India
- Tropical evergreen forests
- Tropical deciduous forests
- Thorn forests and scrubs
- Montane forests
- Mangrove forests
- Conservation of vegetation
Unit IV: Natural Hazards and Disasters Internal Assessment
Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters (Internal Assessment)
- Natural hazards in India
- Earthquakes and their management
- Tsunami and its effects
- Floods and droughts
- Cyclones and their impact
- Landslides and avalanches
- Disaster management strategies
Map Work - India Physical Environment (5 marks)
Identification and location of major physical features on India map
Book 3: Practical Work in Geography Part I (30 Marks)
NCERT Book - Geographic Techniques and Skills
NCERT Textbook: Practical Work in Geography Part I
Essential practical skills for geographic analysis and mapping techniques
Download NCERT BookChapter 1: Introduction to Maps 3 Marks
- Definition and importance of maps
- Types of maps
- Elements of maps
- Map symbols and conventions
- Advantages and limitations of maps
Chapter 2: Map Scale 4 Marks
- Meaning and types of scale
- Representative fraction
- Linear scale
- Comparative scale
- Construction of scales
- Scale conversion
Chapter 3: Latitude, Longitude and Time 4 Marks
- Coordinate system
- Latitude and its importance
- Longitude and its significance
- Great circle and small circle
- Time zones and standard time
- Local time and standard time
Chapter 4: Map Projections 4 Marks
- Need for map projections
- Types of projections
- Cylindrical projections
- Conical projections
- Azimuthal projections
- Properties of projections
Chapter 5: Topographical Maps 4 Marks
- Reading topographical maps
- Contour lines and their properties
- Interpretation of relief features
- Calculation of gradient
- Intervisibility problems
- Cross-section drawing
Chapter 6: Introduction to Remote Sensing 6 Marks
- Concept of remote sensing
- Elements of remote sensing
- Types of remote sensing
- Platforms and sensors
- Aerial photographs
- Satellite imagery
- Applications of remote sensing
Practical File and Viva Voce (5 marks)
Continuous assessment through practical exercises and oral examination
Assessment and Examination Pattern
| Assessment Type | Marks | Time Duration | Question Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Paper 1 (Physical Geography) | 35 | 2 Hours | MCQ, Short & Long Answer |
| Theory Paper 2 (India Physical Environment) | 35 | 2 Hours | MCQ, Short & Long Answer |
| Practical Examination | 30 | 2 Hours | Practical Skills & Viva |
| Total | 100 | 6 Hours | Combined Assessment |
Understanding & Knowledge
40%
Basic concepts, facts, and terminology
Application & Analysis
40%
Problem solving and skill application
Evaluation & Synthesis
20%
Critical thinking and creativity
Internal Assessment Components
- Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change (from Physical Geography)
- Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation (from Physical Geography)
- Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters (from India Physical Environment)
- Project work and presentations on assigned topics
- Practical file maintenance and regular assignments
- Map work and geographic skill development
- Field work reports and observation studies
- Current geographical issues and case studies
Study Tips and Preparation Strategy
Effective Study Methods
- Master map reading and location skills for both theory and practical exams
- Practice drawing diagrams and labeling geographic features regularly
- Understand concepts rather than memorizing facts and figures
- Connect physical geography concepts with real-world examples
- Study India's physical features with reference to their formation and significance
- Practice scale calculations, map projections, and remote sensing applications
- Stay updated with current environmental and climatic issues
- Use atlas and maps frequently for better spatial understanding
- Practice previous year question papers and sample papers
- Maintain practical file with neat diagrams and accurate calculations
- Understand the relationship between different geographic phenomena
- Focus on case studies of natural disasters and climate change impacts
Career Prospects after Geography
Geographic Information Systems
- GIS Analyst and Specialist
- Remote Sensing Specialist
- Cartographer and Map Designer
- Spatial Data Scientist
- GPS Technology Expert
- Digital Mapping Specialist
Environmental and Climate Sciences
- Environmental Consultant
- Climate Change Analyst
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Impact Assessor
- Sustainability Consultant
- Weather Forecaster
Urban Planning and Development
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Transportation Planner
- Land Use Planner
- Smart City Developer
- Infrastructure Planner
- Housing Development Specialist
Disaster Management
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Disaster Risk Reduction Expert
- Hazard Mapping Specialist
- Crisis Management Coordinator
- Relief and Rehabilitation Officer
- Early Warning Systems Developer
Research and Academia
- Geography Research Scientist
- Physical Geography Professor
- Research Associate in Earth Sciences
- Geographic Education Specialist
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Content Writer
Government and Civil Services
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Forest Service (IFS)
- Survey of India Officer
- Geological Survey Officer
- Meteorological Department
- Land Records Officer
Additional Resources and References
Essential Study Materials
- NCERT Textbooks (Primary Reference)
- CBSE Sample Papers and Previous Years
- Oxford School Atlas
- Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- Geography through Maps by K. Siddhartha
Atlas and Maps
- Oxford Student Atlas for India
- Survey of India Topographical Maps
- World Political and Physical Maps
- Climate Maps and Weather Charts
- Relief Maps and Satellite Images
- Geological and Soil Maps of India
Online Resources
- NCERT Official Website
- CBSE Academic Portal
- Google Earth for 3D visualization
- NASA Earth Observatory
- Indian Meteorological Department
- Geological Survey of India
Current Affairs Sources
- National Geographic Magazine
- Down to Earth Magazine
- The Hindu Science and Environment
- BBC Earth and Climate Reports
- Economic Times Environment Section
- Government Policy Documents
Practical Tools
- Compass and measuring instruments
- Graph paper and tracing paper
- Colored pencils for map work
- Scientific calculator
- Digital mapping software
- Weather monitoring apps
Visual Learning
- Documentary films on Earth processes
- Climate change and global warming videos
- Virtual field trips and 360° tours
- Satellite imagery time-lapse videos
- Animation of geological processes
- Weather pattern visualizations
Academic Calendar and Important Dates
| Event | Expected Timeline | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| First Term (Physical Geography) | April - September 2025 | Units I-III completion, Map skills development |
| Internal Assessments | August - October 2025 | Climate change and biodiversity projects |
| Second Term (India Physical Environment) | October 2025 - January 2026 | India-specific topics and practical skills |
| Practical File Completion | November 2025 - February 2026 | All practical exercises and viva preparation |
| Annual Examinations | March 2026 | Comprehensive revision and exam strategy |
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