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NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026: Detailed Subject-wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips

• Updated on Jul 22, 2025 by Shreya Panagria

The NIOS Class 12 syllabus for 2026 offers a flexible yet comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to diverse academic interests & career goals. It is organised into six subject groups (A to F), allowing students to choose subjects with specific restrictions to maintain a balanced & focused study plan. The syllabus encompasses both core and optional modules across a wide range of disciplines, including languages, sciences, commerce, humanities and vocational subjects. The NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 is structured to evaluate students’ understanding through theory exams typically marked out of 100, with some subjects offering optional modules for specialisation. Each subject syllabus details core topics along with optional areas, enabling learners to deepen knowledge in their chosen fields. Practical components are integrated where applicable to promote hands on learning. This syllabus is designed to encourage mastery of fundamental concepts in subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Business Studies and Accountancy while offering flexibility through elective modules like Environmental Science, Astrophysics, and Financial Statement Analysis.

 

Table of Contents
  1. NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026
  2. NIOS Class 12 English Syllabus 2026
  3. NIOS Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026
  4. NIOS Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026
  5. NIOS Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2026
  6. NIOS Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus 2026
  7. NIOS Class 12 Business Studies Syllabus 2026
  8. NIOS Class 12 Accountancy Syllabus 2026
  9. NIOS Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2026
  10. NIOS Class 12 History Syllabus 2026
  11. How to Download NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026
  12. NIOS Class 12 Preparation Tips 2026
  13. NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026 FAQs

 

NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026

The table below provides a detailed group-wise list of subjects under the NIOS Class 12 syllabus 2026. Students can plan their subject combination based on interest and future academic goals while adhering to the selection restrictions for each group.

Groups

Subjects

Group A

Hindi, English, Bengali, Sanskrit, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Arabic, Persian

Group B

Mathematics, Psychology, Home Science, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Ved Adhyayan, Sanskrit Vyakaran, Sanskrit Sahitya, Bhartiya Darshan, Painting, Data Entry Operations, Tourism

Group C

Physics, History, Information Science, Library

Group D

Chemistry, Mass Communication, Political Science

Group E

Biology, Accountancy, Introduction to Law

Group F

Computer Science, Sociology, Environmental Science

 

NIOS Class 12 English Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 English syllabus 2026 includes sections on comprehension, grammar, functional writing and prescribed texts. The total marks for the English exam are 100, with an optional module that enhances writing and language skills in NIOS Class 12 Exam 2026.

Section

Marks

Prescribed Texts

20

Functional Grammar

15

Functional Writing Skills

25

Comprehension (Unfamiliar Passages)

20

Optional Module

20

Total

100

 

NIOS Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Physics syllabus 2026 covers core topics such as motion, electricity, optics and semiconductors, with optional modules like astrophysics and electronics. The exam carries 100 marks, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.

Units

Topics

Marks

Core Modules

1

Motion, Force and Energy

14

2

Properties of Matter

08

3

Heat and Thermodynamics

06

4

Electricity and Magnetism

14

5

Oscillations and Waves

06

6

Optics and Optical Instruments

08

7

Atoms and Nuclei

07

8

Semiconductors and their Applications

07

Optional Modules

1

Astrophysics

10

2

Electronics

10

3

Photography and Audio-Videography

10

4

Physics in Medical Sciences

10

Also Check: NIOS Class 12 Application Process 2026

 

NIOS Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2026 focuses on atomic structure, bonding, organic chemistry & dynamics. Optional modules cover environmental chemistry and industrial applications. The exam is designed to test conceptual clarity & practical applications.

Units

Module

Marks

Core Modules

1

Atom, Molecule and Chemical Arithmetics

07

2

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding

12

3

States of Matter

12

4

Chemical Energetics

08

5

Chemical Dynamics

08

6

Chemistry of Elements

10

7

Chemistry of Organic Compounds

12

Optional Modules

1

Environmental Chemistry OR Chemistry and Industry

15

 

NIOS Class 12 Biology Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Biology syllabus 2026 includes topics on cell biology, life processes, genetics, evolution and environmental studies. Optional modules introduce biotechnology, health science, and economic biology. The paper is for 100 marks, combining core and optional modules.

Units

Module

Marks

Core Modules

1

Diversity and Evolution of Life

06

2

Cell, Cell Functions and Tissues

10

3

Functional Morphology and Life Processes in Plants

11

4

Functional Morphology and Life Processes in Animals

11

5

Reproduction and Development

10

6

Heredity and Genetics

10

7

Population Explosion and Family Planning

04

8

Environmental Biology

08

Optional Modules

1

Tools and Techniques in Biology

10

2

Economic Biology

10

3

Health Science

10

4

Emerging Areas in Biology – Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Immunobiology

10

 

NIOS Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Mathematics syllabus 2026 emphasizes algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry. Optional modules like statistics, probability, and linear programming enhance problem-solving skills. The paper is marked out of 100.

Units

Module

Marks

Compulsory Modules

1

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

10

2

Determinants and Matrices

10

3

Permutations and Combinations

08

4

Sequence and Series

08

5

Trigonometry

10

6

Coordinate Geometry

10

7

Differential Calculus

17

8

Integral Calculus

17

Optional Modules

9

Statistics & Probability OR Vectors & Analytical Solid Geometry OR Linear Programming

20

 

NIOS Class 12 Business Studies Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Business Studies syllabus 2026 includes topics on management, trade, finance, and marketing, with optional modules on practical banking, factory setup and agency services. It is structured for 100 marks.

Units

Module

Marks

Core Modules

1

Introduction to Business

16

2

Business as a Career

08

3

Trade and Service Activities

16

4

Management of Business

16

5

Financing of Business

12

6

Marketing

12

Optional Modules (Any One)

7

Office Procedures & Practices

20

8

Practical Banking

20

9

Introduction to Factory Set-up

20

10

Agency Services

20

 

NIOS Class 12 Accountancy Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Accountancy syllabus 2026 covers accounting basics, partnership accounts, and share capital, with optional modules like financial statement analysis and accounts of non-trading organizations.

Units

Module

Marks

Core Modules

1

Introduction to Financial Accounting

06

2

Accounting Terms, Accounting Equation and Journal

06

3

Voucher Approach in Accounting

12

4

Bank Reconciliation Statement

06

5

Financial Statements

15

6

Partnership Accounts

20

7

Accounting for Share Capital

15

Optional Module (Any One)

8

Analysis of Financial Statements

20

9

Final Accounts of Non-Trading Organisations

20

 

NIOS Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Geography syllabus 2026 focuses on physical geography, human resources, natural resources, and mapwork. Optional modules include tourism geography and fieldwork.

Units

Module

Marks

Core Module

1

The Earth – A Living Planet

03

2

The Domain of Air on the Planet Earth

08

3

The Domain of Water on the Planet Earth

04

4

Changing Face of the Planet Earth

12

5

Life on the Earth

08

6

Physical Setting in India

08

7

Natural Resources and their Development in India

07

8

Man-made Resources and their Development in India

12

9

Human Resources and their Development in India

08

Optional Module (Any One)

10

Teaching of Geography at Primary Level

10

11

Geography of Tourism in India

10

12

Field Work in Geography

 

NIOS Class 12 History Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 History syllabus 2026 includes ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, with emphasis on independence struggles, contributions and mapwork.

S.No.

Module

Marks

1

Ancient Indian History

08

2

Climax of Ancient India

10

3

Legacy of Ancient India

12

4

Rise and Fall of the Delhi Sultanate

08

5

The Mughal Empire

10

6

Contribution of Medieval India

12

7

Renascent India

08

8

India’s Struggle for Independence

22

9

Maps

10

 

How to Download NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026

The NIOS Class 12 syllabus 2026 can be downloaded from the official NIOS website. Students can access both Hindi and English versions of the syllabus for theory and practical subjects by following the online course material section.

 

NIOS Class 12 Preparation Tips 2026

  • Cover the entire syllabus well before the release of the date sheet.
  • Prepare a structured timetable for balanced study and leisure time.
  • Focus on core concepts from the NIOS study materials and clear doubts early.
  • Practice sample papers and previous year question papers.
  • Get familiar with exam patterns, mark distribution, and question types.
  • Minimise distractions like mobile usage and create a focused study environment.

 

NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026 FAQs

What are the subject group restrictions in the NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026?

Students can choose a maximum of two languages from Group A, and only one subject each from Groups C, D, E, and F, while the remaining subjects must be selected from Groups B, C, D, E, and F.

How many marks is the NIOS Class 12 English exam for 2026, and what are its main sections?

The NIOS Class 12 English exam in 2026 is for 100 marks, including Prescribed Texts (20), Functional Grammar (15), Functional Writing Skills (25), Comprehension (20), and an Optional Module (20).

What core topics are included in the NIOS Class 12 Physics syllabus 2026?

Core topics include Motion, Force and Energy, Properties of Matter, Heat and Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism, Oscillations and Waves, Optics, Atoms and Nuclei, and Semiconductors.

What optional modules are available in the NIOS Class 12 Chemistry syllabus 2026?

Optional modules include Environmental Chemistry or Chemistry and Industry, each carrying 15 marks.

How is the NIOS Class 12 Biology syllabus 2026 structured regarding core and optional modules?

Core modules cover cell biology, genetics, life processes, and environmental biology, while optional modules include Tools and Techniques in Biology, Economic Biology, Health Science, and Emerging Areas in Biology.

What topics does the NIOS Class 12 Mathematics syllabus 2026 emphasize?

It emphasizes Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Calculus, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, and optional modules like Statistics & Probability, Vectors, and Linear Programming.

What are the main subjects in the NIOS Class 12 Business Studies syllabus 2026?

Key subjects include Introduction to Business, Business as a Career, Trade and Service Activities, Management, Financing, and Marketing, with optional practical modules such as Office Procedures and Practical Banking.

What is the passing criteria for NIOS Class 12 exams 2026?

Students must secure at least 33% marks in theory and practicals combined in each subject and pass in at least five subjects, with a maximum of two language papers considered.

How can students download the NIOS Class 12 Syllabus 2026?

The syllabus is downloadable from the official NIOS website under the “Online Course Material” section by selecting the Senior Secondary Course and the required subject.

What are some effective preparation tips for the NIOS Class 12 exams 2026?

Cover the full syllabus early, prepare a balanced timetable, focus on core concepts, practice sample papers, familiarize with exam patterns, and minimize distractions for focused study.