CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Syllabus (2025-26) - Detailed Breakdown

CBSE Class XII Computer Science Syllabus 2025-26 - Complete Unit-wise Curriculum

Course Overview

Theory Paper

Marks

Practical Work

Marks

Duration

Hours

Total Units

Units

Learning Outcomes

Apply the concept of function in Python programming with proper arguments and return values
Explain and use the concept of file handling for text, binary, and CSV files
Use basic data structure concepts, particularly Stack operations and implementation
Explain basics of computer networks, protocols, and network topologies
Use Database concepts, SQL commands for database manipulation and management
Implement connectivity between Python and SQL databases for real-world applications
Develop problem-solving skills using advanced programming concepts
Create practical projects that demonstrate integration of multiple concepts

Unit-wise Marks Distribution

Unit No.	Unit Name	Marks	Percentage	Key Topics
1	Computational Thinking and Programming – 2	40	57.1%	Advanced Python
2	Computer Networks	10	14.3%	Networking Basics
3	Database Management	20	28.6%	SQL & Connectivity
Total Theory		70	100%	3 Major Units

Note: Advanced Python Programming carries the highest weightage (40 marks)

Unit 1: Computational Thinking and Programming – 2 (40 Marks)

MAJOR FOCUS - 57.1% of Total Theory Marks

NCERT Textbook: Computer Science with Python Class XII

Official NCERT textbook covering advanced Python programming concepts and practical applications

Functions 12 Marks

Function Types and Implementation

Built-in functions and their applications
Module functions and library usage
User-defined functions creation and implementation
Function arguments: positional, keyword, default, variable-length
Returning values from functions
Flow of execution in function calls
Scope concepts: global and local variables

Exception Handling 8 Marks

Error Management in Python

Understanding exceptions and error types
try-except blocks for error handling
finally block implementation
Handling multiple exceptions
Custom exception creation
Best practices for exception handling

File Handling 15 Marks

Text File Operations

File opening modes: read, write, append
Reading from text files: read(), readline(), readlines()
Writing to text files: write(), writelines()
File positioning and seeking
Closing files and resource management

Binary File Operations

Binary file concepts and advantages
Opening and closing binary files
Reading and writing binary data
Using pickle module for serialization
Searching and updating binary files

CSV File Handling

CSV file format and structure
Reading CSV files using csv module
Writing data to CSV files
Handling headers and delimiters
CSV file processing techniques

Data Structure: Stack 5 Marks

Stack Implementation and Operations

Stack concept: LIFO (Last In First Out)
Push operation: adding elements to stack
Pop operation: removing elements from stack
Stack implementation using Python lists
Stack applications and real-world examples
Stack overflow and underflow conditions

Unit 2: Computer Networks (10 Marks)

NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS - 14.3% of Total Theory Marks

Evolution of Networking 3 Marks

Network Development Timeline

ARPANET: The first network foundation
NSFNET: National Science Foundation Network
INTERNET: Global network evolution
Historical milestones in networking
Impact of networking on society

Data Communication 4 Marks

Communication Components

Sender: Data transmission source
Receiver: Data reception destination
Message: Information being transmitted
Communication media: Physical transmission paths
Protocols: Communication rules and standards
Bandwidth: Data transmission capacity
IP addressing and switching concepts

Transmission Media

Wired Media: Twisted pair, Coaxial cable, Fiber-optic cable
Wireless Media: Radio waves, Microwave, Infrared
Media selection criteria and applications
Advantages and disadvantages of each media type

Network Components & Topologies 3 Marks

Network Types and Topologies

Network Types: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN
Topologies: Bus, Star, Tree topologies
Topology selection criteria
Network scalability and performance

Protocols and Web Services

Protocols: HTTP, FTP, PPP, SMTP, TCP/IP, POP3, HTTPS, TELNET, VoIP
Web Services: WWW, HTML, XML
Domain names, URL structure
Website, web browser, web server concepts
Web hosting services and technologies

Unit 3: Database Management (20 Marks)

DATABASE CONCEPTS - 28.6% of Total Theory Marks

Database Fundamentals 6 Marks

Database Concepts

Database definition and importance
Need for databases in modern applications
Database vs. file systems
Database management system (DBMS) overview

Relational Data Model

Relation: Table structure and organization
Attribute: Column characteristics
Tuple: Row data representation
Domain: Data type constraints
Degree: Number of attributes
Cardinality: Number of tuples

Database Keys

Candidate key: Minimal unique identifier
Primary key: Main table identifier
Alternate key: Alternative unique identifier
Foreign key: Referential integrity
Key constraints and relationships

SQL Programming 10 Marks

DDL (Data Definition Language)

CREATE: Creating databases and tables
DROP: Deleting database structures
ALTER: Modifying table structure
Data types: INT, VARCHAR, DATE, FLOAT, etc.
Constraints: PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, NOT NULL, UNIQUE

DML (Data Manipulation Language)

INSERT: Adding new records
DELETE: Removing records
SELECT: Retrieving data
UPDATE: Modifying existing records
WHERE clause: Conditional operations
ORDER BY: Sorting results
GROUP BY: Grouping data
HAVING: Group filtering

Advanced SQL Operations

Joins: Cartesian product, Equi join, Natural join
Aggregate Functions: COUNT, SUM, AVG, MAX, MIN
SHOW and DESCRIBE commands
Complex query construction
Subqueries and nested queries

Python-SQL Integration 4 Marks

Database Connectivity

Connecting Python to SQL databases
Database connection establishment
Connection string configuration
Error handling in database connections

Python Database Methods

connect(): Establishing database connection
cursor(): Creating cursor object
execute(): Executing SQL commands
commit(): Saving transaction changes
fetchone(), fetchall(), fetchmany(): Retrieving results
close(): Closing connections and cursors

Practical Implementation

Creating database applications in Python
Executing queries from Python programs
Handling query results and data processing
Building interactive database applications

Practical Work (30 Marks)

Practical Assessment Components

Lab Test: 12 Marks | Report File + Viva: 10 Marks | Project: 8 Marks

Lab Test

12 Marks Total
Python Programming: 8 marks
SQL Queries: 4 marks

Report File

7 Marks
Min 15 Python programs
5 sets SQL queries
4 Python-SQL connectivity programs

Project Work

8 Marks
Real-world problem solving
File handling or SQL connectivity

Viva Voce

3 Marks
Oral examination on concepts
Project understanding

Suggested Practical Programs

Python Programming

File Handling Programs

Reading and writing text files
Binary file operations with pickle
CSV file processing and manipulation
File searching and updating operations

Stack Implementation

Stack using list with push/pop operations
Expression evaluation using stacks
Bracket matching algorithms

Advanced Python Concepts

Function with different types of arguments
Exception handling programs
Random number generator and analysis
Text analysis and processing

Database Operations

SQL Commands Practice

Creating and altering table structures
Inserting, updating, and deleting records
Complex SELECT queries with conditions
Aggregate functions and grouping
Join operations between multiple tables

Python-SQL Integration

Database connection establishment
Executing SQL commands from Python
Data retrieval and processing
Interactive database applications

Project Work Guidelines

Project Objective

Create tangible and useful applications using Python file handling or Python-SQL connectivity

Focus: Real-world problem solving with practical implementation

Project Requirements

Find a real-world problem that is worthwhile to solve using programming
Visit local businesses and organizations to identify practical needs
Use Python file handling concepts for data management
Implement Python-SQL connectivity for database operations
Start project work at least 6 months before the deadline
Students can use any Python libraries relevant to their project
Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism in project work
Document the project thoroughly with proper explanation
Prepare for comprehensive project presentation and viva
Focus on creativity, innovation, and practical utility

Examination Pattern (March 2026)

Question Paper Design

Total Marks: 70 | Duration: 3 Hours

Subject Code: 083

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

Emphasis on practical programming skills and implementation
Python coding questions with focus on file handling and functions
SQL query writing and database design problems
Network concepts and computer system understanding
Integration of Python with SQL database connectivity
Problem-solving using data structures like Stack
Real-world application of programming concepts
Code debugging and error handling scenarios

Key Success Tips

Preparation Strategy

Master Python programming fundamentals and advanced concepts like functions and file handling
Practice extensive coding with focus on file operations, exception handling, and stack implementation
Learn SQL commands thoroughly - DDL, DML, and complex queries with joins
Understand database concepts and practice Python-SQL connectivity programs
Study computer networking basics, protocols, and network devices
Work on practical programming projects throughout the year
Practice debugging and error handling in Python programs
Focus on code efficiency, documentation, and proper programming practices
Understand real-world applications of programming concepts
Complete practical file with minimum required programs and SQL queries
Prepare thoroughly for viva-voce on all theoretical and practical concepts
Practice previous year question papers and CBSE sample papers

Career Connections

Software Development

Software Engineer
Python Developer
Full Stack Developer
Backend Developer
Application Developer
Game Developer
Mobile App Developer

Database & Analytics

Database Administrator
Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Business Intelligence Analyst
Database Developer
Data Engineer
Big Data Specialist

Networking & Security

Network Administrator
Network Engineer
Cybersecurity Specialist
System Administrator
Network Security Analyst
Cloud Computing Specialist
Infrastructure Engineer

Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
DevOps Engineer
Blockchain Developer
IoT Developer
Cloud Solutions Architect
Automation Engineer

Higher Education

Computer Science Engineering (B.Tech)
Information Technology (B.Tech)
Computer Applications (BCA)
Software Engineering
Cybersecurity (B.Sc)
Data Science (B.Sc)
Master's in Computer Science

Business & Consulting

IT Consultant
Business Analyst
Product Manager
Technical Writer
Software Quality Assurance
Project Manager
Technology Entrepreneur

Important Resources

Official CBSE Resources

NCERT Computer Science with Python Class XII Textbook
CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
Previous Year Question Papers
CBSE Marking Schemes and Guidelines
Support Material on CBSE Official Website
Practical Examination Guidelines

Programming Practice

Python.org Official Documentation
Online Python Interpreters and IDEs
GitHub for project repositories
Stack Overflow for problem solving
Coding practice platforms
Python library documentation

Database Learning

MySQL official documentation
SQLite for practice databases
Online SQL practice platforms
Database design tutorials
Python database connectivity guides
SQL query optimization resources

Networking Concepts

Computer Networks textbooks
Cisco networking basics
Network simulation software
Protocol documentation
Network security resources
Internet technology guides

Development Tools

Python IDLE and PyCharm IDE
Visual Studio Code for coding
MySQL Workbench for database
Git for version control
Command line interfaces
Debugging tools and techniques

Additional Learning

Online programming courses
Computer Science MOOCs
Technology blogs and tutorials
Programming competitions
Open source project contributions
Technical webinars and workshops

Follow for Updates

@menturox.in - Latest CBSE Updates & Study Materials

Important Dates & Timeline

Event	Timeline	Action Required
Practical File Preparation	July - December 2025	Complete minimum 15 Python programs and 5 SQL query sets
Project Topic Selection	August - September 2025	Choose real-world problem with teacher guidance
Project Development	October 2025 - January 2026	Implement project using Python file handling or SQL connectivity
Practical Examination	February - March 2026	Lab test, file submission, project presentation, and viva
Theory Examination	March 2026	3-hour comprehensive theory paper

NCERT Textbook Download

Official NCERT Computer Science Class XII Textbook

Download the official NCERT Computer Science with Python textbook for comprehensive study material covering all units and practical concepts.

Textbook Features

Complete coverage of all three units as per CBSE syllabus 2025-26
Detailed explanations of Python programming concepts and file handling
Comprehensive database management and SQL query examples
Computer networking fundamentals with practical applications
Step-by-step programming examples and practice exercises
Real-world case studies and project ideas
Python-SQL connectivity with detailed implementation
Updated content aligned with latest technology trends

CBSE Class XII Computer Science