CBSE Class XI Chemistry
Complete Unit-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 043
Course Overview
Theory Paper
70
Marks
Practical Work
30
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Units
9
Units
Learning Objectives
- Understanding fundamental concepts of matter, atoms, and molecules with stoichiometric calculations
- Developing knowledge of atomic structure, quantum mechanics, and electronic configurations
- Analyzing periodic trends and classification of elements based on modern periodic law
- Comprehending chemical bonding theories and molecular structures using VSEPR and VBT
- Understanding thermodynamic principles and their applications in chemical processes
- Studying chemical equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry concepts
- Learning redox reactions and their applications in various chemical processes
- Mastering organic chemistry principles including nomenclature and reaction mechanisms
- Understanding hydrocarbon chemistry including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds
- Developing practical laboratory skills through hands-on experiments and analytical techniques
Unit-wise Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks | Percentage | NCERT Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 7 | 10% | Chapter 1 |
| 2 | Structure of Atom | 9 | 12.9% | Chapter 2 |
| 3 | Classification of Elements and Periodicity | 6 | 8.6% | Chapter 3 |
| 4 | Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure | 7 | 10% | Chapter 4 |
| 5 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 9 | 12.9% | Chapter 6 |
| 6 | Equilibrium | 7 | 10% | Chapter 7 |
| 7 | Redox Reactions | 4 | 5.7% | Chapter 8 |
| 8 | Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles | 11 | 15.7% | Chapter 12 |
| 9 | Hydrocarbons | 10 | 14.3% | Chapter 13 |
| Total Theory | 70 | 100% | 9 Chapters | |
Note: Units 8 and 9 (Organic Chemistry) carry the highest weightage (25 marks combined)
Unit-wise Detailed Curriculum
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE - All Fundamental Chemistry Concepts
NCERT Textbooks: Chemistry Part I & II Class XI
Official NCERT textbooks covering all theoretical concepts with solved examples and exercises
Download Links: Chemistry Part I | Chemistry Part II
Unit 1: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry 7 Marks
Chapter 1: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- General Introduction: Importance and scope of Chemistry
- Nature of matter and laws of chemical combination
- Dalton's atomic theory: concept of elements, atoms and molecules
- Atomic and molecular masses, mole concept and molar mass
- Percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula
- Chemical reactions and stoichiometry
- Calculations based on stoichiometry
Unit 2: Structure of Atom 9 Marks
Chapter 2: Structure of Atom
- Discovery of Electron, Proton and Neutron
- Atomic number, isotopes and isobars
- Thomson's model and its limitations
- Rutherford's model and its limitations
- Bohr's model and its limitations
- Concept of shells and subshells
- Dual nature of matter and light, de Broglie's relationship
- Heisenberg uncertainty principle
- Concept of orbitals, quantum numbers
- Shapes of s, p and d orbitals
- Rules for filling electrons: Aufbau principle, Pauli's exclusion, Hund's rule
- Electronic configuration and stability of orbitals
Unit 3: Classification of Elements and Periodicity 6 Marks
Chapter 3: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Significance of classification and brief history
- Development of periodic table
- Modern periodic law and present form of periodic table
- Periodic trends in properties of elements:
- • Atomic radii and ionic radii
- • Inert gas radii
- • Ionization enthalpy
- • Electron gain enthalpy
- • Electronegativity and valency
- Nomenclature of elements with atomic number greater than 100
Unit 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure 7 Marks
Chapter 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- Valence electrons, ionic bond, covalent bond
- Bond parameters and Lewis structure
- Polar character of covalent bond
- Covalent character of ionic bond
- Valence bond theory and resonance
- Geometry of covalent molecules, VSEPR theory
- Concept of hybridization involving s, p and d orbitals
- Shapes of simple molecules
- Molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic molecules
- Hydrogen bond
Unit 5: Chemical Thermodynamics 9 Marks
Chapter 6: Thermodynamics
- Concepts of System and types of systems, surroundings
- Work, heat, energy, extensive and intensive properties
- State functions and First law of thermodynamics
- Internal energy and enthalpy
- Heat capacity and specific heat
- Measurement of ∆U and ∆H, Hess's law
- Enthalpy of bond dissociation, combustion, formation
- Enthalpy of atomization, sublimation, phase transition
- Enthalpy of ionization, solution and dilution
- Second law of Thermodynamics (brief introduction)
- Introduction of entropy as a state function
- Gibb's energy change and criteria for equilibrium
- Third law of thermodynamics (brief introduction)
Unit 6: Equilibrium 7 Marks
Chapter 7: Equilibrium
- Equilibrium in physical and chemical processes
- Dynamic nature of equilibrium
- Law of mass action, equilibrium constant
- Factors affecting equilibrium – Le Chatelier's principle
- Ionic equilibrium- ionization of acids and bases
- Strong and weak electrolytes, degree of ionization
- Ionization of polybasic acids, acid strength
- Concept of pH, hydrolysis of salts
- Buffer solution, Henderson Equation
- Solubility product, common ion effect
Unit 7: Redox Reactions 4 Marks
Chapter 8: Redox Reactions
- Concept of oxidation and reduction
- Redox reactions and oxidation number
- Balancing redox reactions in terms of loss and gain of electrons
- Balancing redox reactions by change in oxidation number
- Applications of redox reactions
Unit 8: Organic Chemistry - Basic Principles 11 Marks
Chapter 12: Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques
- General introduction and methods of purification
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Classification and IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds
- Electronic displacements in a covalent bond:
- • Inductive effect
- • Electromeric effect
- • Resonance and hyperconjugation
- Homolytic and heterolytic fission of covalent bond
- Free radicals, carbocations, carbanions
- Electrophiles and nucleophiles
- Types of organic reactions
Unit 9: Hydrocarbons 10 Marks
Chapter 13: Hydrocarbons
- Aliphatic Hydrocarbons:
- Alkanes - Nomenclature, isomerism, conformation (ethane)
- Physical properties, chemical reactions including free radical mechanism
- Halogenation, combustion and pyrolysis
- Alkenes - Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene)
- Geometrical isomerism, physical properties
- Methods of preparation, chemical reactions
- Addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides
- Markovnikov's addition and peroxide effect
- Ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition
- Alkynes - Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne)
- Physical properties, methods of preparation
- Chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes
- Addition reactions of hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides, water
- Aromatic Hydrocarbons:
- Introduction, resonance, aromaticity
- Chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution
- Nitration, sulphonation, halogenation
- Friedel Craft's alkylation and acylation
- Directive influence of functional group in mono substituted benzene
- Carcinogenicity and toxicity
Practical Work (30 Marks)
HANDS-ON LEARNING - 30% of Total Assessment
Practical Assessment Structure
Total Marks: 30 | Duration: 3 Hours
Components: Laboratory experiments, project work, and viva-voce
Marks Distribution
Volumetric Analysis
8 Marks
Quantitative chemical analysis using titration methods
Salt Analysis
8 Marks
Qualitative identification of cations and anions
Content Based Experiment
6 Marks
Experiments based on theory topics and concepts
Project Work
4 Marks
Independent investigatory project work
Class Record & Viva
4 Marks
Laboratory record maintenance and oral examination
Practical Syllabus Components
A. Basic Laboratory Techniques
- Cutting glass tube and glass rod
- Bending a glass tube
- Drawing out a glass jet
- Boring a cork
- Safety measures in laboratory
- Proper handling of apparatus and chemicals
B. Characterization and Purification
- Determination of melting point of organic compounds
- Determination of boiling point of organic compounds
- Crystallization of impure samples:
- • Alum from impure sample
- • Copper sulphate from impure sample
- • Benzoic acid
C. Experiments based on pH
- Any one of the following experiments:
- Determination of pH of different samples using pH paper or universal indicator:
- • Fruit juices and vegetable extracts
- • Solutions of known and varying concentrations of acids, bases and salts
- Compare pH of solutions of strong and weak acids of same concentration
- Study variation of pH during the titration of strong acid with strong base using universal indicator
D. Chemical Equilibrium
- Study of shift in equilibrium between:
- • Ferric chloride and potassium thiocyanate solutions
- • Potassium dichromate and potassium chromate solutions
- Study the effect of:
- • Concentration changes
- • Temperature changes
- Application of Le Chatelier's principle
E. Quantitative Estimation
- Using a chemical balance
- Preparation of standard solutions
- Determination of strength of a given solution by titration
- Volumetric analysis techniques
- Use of indicators in acid-base titrations
- Calculations based on molarity and normality
F. Qualitative Analysis
- Determination of one anion and one cation from given salt
- Cations: Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, As³⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mg²⁺, NH₄⁺
- Anions: CO₃²⁻, S²⁻, SO₃²⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PO₄³⁻, C₂O₄²⁻, CH₃COO⁻
- Systematic analysis procedures
- Confirmatory tests for identification
Suggested Project Topics
Investigatory Projects for Class XI
- Study of bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing sulphide ion
- Methods of purification of water
- Testing the hardness, presence of Iron, Fluoride, Chloride etc. in drinking water
- Investigation of the foaming capacity of different washing soaps
- Study of the acidity of different samples of tea leaves
- Determination of the rate of evaporation of different liquids
- Study of effect of acids and bases on the tensile strength of fibers
- Study of acidity of fruit and vegetable juices
- Comparative study of antacid tablets
- Study of crystallization conditions
- Analysis of honey for sugar content
- Study of fertilizers - NPK content analysis
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 70 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 043
| Question Type | Cognitive Level | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | Knowledge & Comprehension | 28 | 40% |
| Applying | Application | 21 | 30% |
| Analysing, Evaluating and Creating | Higher Order Thinking | 21 | 30% |
| Total Theory + Practical | 100 | 100% | |
Assessment Features
- No chapter-wise weightage; all chapters must be covered in teaching and assessment
- No overall choice provided; however, 33% internal choice in all sections
- Emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorization
- Numerical problems based on stoichiometry, atomic structure, and thermodynamics
- Organic chemistry mechanisms and IUPAC nomenclature questions
- Periodic trends analysis and chemical bonding theories
- Equilibrium calculations and pH-related problems
- Integration of theoretical concepts with practical applications
- Questions testing scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Laboratory-based questions connecting theory with practical work
Study Tips & Success Strategy
Preparation Guidelines
- Master fundamental concepts before moving to complex topics
- Practice numerical problems daily, especially stoichiometry and mole concept
- Understand electronic configurations and periodic trends thoroughly
- Learn chemical bonding theories with molecular geometry visualization
- Practice drawing Lewis structures and predicting molecular shapes
- Memorize important thermodynamic formulas and their applications
- Understand equilibrium concepts with Le Chatelier's principle applications
- Master organic chemistry nomenclature (IUPAC rules)
- Practice drawing structures and mechanisms for organic reactions
- Connect theoretical concepts with practical laboratory work
- Maintain a well-organized practical record throughout the year
- Practice previous year question papers and sample papers regularly
Mathematical Skills
- Strong foundation in algebra and logarithms
- Unit conversions and dimensional analysis
- Graph plotting and interpretation
- Scientific notation and significant figures
- Percentage calculations and ratios
Visualization Skills
- 3D molecular geometry understanding
- Orbital shapes and electron distribution
- Periodic table trends visualization
- Reaction mechanism pathways
- Laboratory apparatus and setups
Study Materials
- NCERT textbooks (primary resource)
- NCERT solutions and exemplar problems
- Reference books for additional practice
- Online simulations for molecular models
- Previous year papers and sample papers
Time Management
- Allocate more time to high-weightage units
- Regular revision schedule for all topics
- Practice time-bound problem solving
- Balance theory study with practical work
- Mock test practice before final exams
Career Pathways
Pure Sciences
- B.Sc. Chemistry (Honors/General)
- M.Sc. Chemistry (Organic/Inorganic/Physical)
- Ph.D. in Chemistry and Research
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Forensic Chemistry
Applied Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Food Technology
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Petrochemicals
Industry & Manufacturing
- Chemical Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Quality Control Analyst
- Research & Development
- Production Management
- Safety & Environmental Officer
- Technical Sales & Marketing
Education & Research
- Chemistry Teacher/Professor
- Educational Content Developer
- Science Communicator
- Research Scientist
- Laboratory Instructor
- Academic Writer
- Educational Technology
Professional Services
- Patent Attorney (Chemistry)
- Scientific Consultant
- Technical Writer
- Laboratory Manager
- Regulatory Affairs
- Environmental Consultant
- Science Journalism
Government Services
- Indian Forest Service (Chemistry background)
- Food Safety Officer
- Drug Inspector
- Environmental Officer
- Scientific Officer (DRDO/ISRO)
- Laboratory Analyst (Government)
- Research Fellow (CSIR/ICMR)
Important Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Chemistry Part I Class XI
- NCERT Chemistry Part II Class XI
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Manual of Microscale Chemistry Laboratory Kit
Digital Resources
- NCERT Chemistry Part I Download
- NCERT Chemistry Part II Download
- Laboratory Manual Download
- NCERT Solutions Online
- Interactive Simulations
- Video Lectures and Tutorials
Laboratory Equipment
- Basic glassware and apparatus
- Analytical balance
- pH meter and indicators
- Burettes and pipettes
- Reagents and chemicals
- Safety equipment
Online Tools
- Molecular structure viewers
- Periodic table interactive
- Chemical equation balancer
- Unit conversion calculators
- pH and pOH calculators
- Stoichiometry calculators
Study Groups & Communities
- Local study groups formation
- Online chemistry forums
- Teacher guidance and doubt sessions
- Peer learning partnerships
- Laboratory practice groups
- Follow @menturox.in for updates
Progress Tracking
- Regular self-assessment tests
- Chapter-wise practice papers
- Practical record maintenance
- Error analysis and improvement
- Mock test performance tracking
- Concept mapping and revision notes