The syllabus is designed to develop conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and application skills. Students should cover all chapters because CBSE does not prescribe chapter-wise weightage for the Mathematics question paper.
The latest CBSE Class 12 Maths syllabus for 2026-27 consists of six units. Calculus carries the highest unit-wise weightage of 35 marks, followed by Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry with 14 marks and Algebra with 10 marks.
Students should note that the unit-wise marks indicate the overall distribution prescribed by CBSE, but there is no chapter-wise weightage. Therefore, students should prepare all chapters rather than relying only on selected topics.
The overview of the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics examination is given below:
| Class 12 Maths Syllabus Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Subject Code | 041 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Examination Duration | 3 hours |
| Theory Marks | 80 marks |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
The unit-wise marks distribution for the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus 2026-27 is given below:
| Class 12 Maths Syllabus | ||
| No. | Units | Marks |
| I. | Relations and Functions | 08 |
| II. | Algebra | 10 |
| III. | Calculus | 35 |
| IV. | Vectors and Three–Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| V. | Linear Programming | 05 |
| VI. | Probability | 08 |
| - | Total Theory | 80 |
| - | Internal Assessment | 20 |
| - | Grand Total | 100 |
CBSE has prescribed an 80-mark theory paper for Class 12 Mathematics. The question paper is designed around different levels of learning, including remembering and understanding, application, analysis, evaluation, and creation.
| Class 12 Maths Question Paper Design | ||
| Question Typology | Marks | Weightage |
| Remembering and Understanding | 44 | 55% |
| Applying | 20 | 25% |
| Analysing, Evaluating and Creating | 16 | 20% |
| Total | 80 | 100% |
CBSE also states that there will be no overall choice in the question paper. However, 33% internal choices will be provided in all sections. There is also no chapter-wise weightage, so students should prepare the complete syllabus.
The Class 12 Mathematics internal assessment carries 20 marks. CBSE has divided these marks between periodic tests and Mathematics activities.
| Internal Assessment Component | |
| Internal Assessment Component | Marks |
| Periodic Tests – Best 2 out of 3 | 10 |
| Mathematics Activities | 10 |
| Total | 20 |
CBSE specifies that the best two out of three periodic tests are considered for the assessment. Mathematics activities account for the remaining 10 marks.
The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus is divided into six units. The detailed topics are given below.
This unit carries 8 marks and includes the following topics:
| Class 12 Maths Unit I | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Relations and Functions | Types of relations: reflexive, symmetric, transitive and equivalence relations; one-to-one and onto functions |
| Inverse Trigonometric Functions | Definition, domain, range, principal value branch and graphs of inverse trigonometric functions |
Algebra carries 10 marks in the Class 12 Mathematics syllabus.
| Class 12 Maths Unit II | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Matrices | Concept, notation, order, equality, types of matrices, operations on matrices, transpose, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices, invertible matrices |
| Determinants | Determinants up to 3 × 3 matrices, minors, cofactors, area of a triangle, adjoint, inverse of a matrix and solving systems of linear equations |
The syllabus includes solving systems of linear equations in two or three variables using the inverse of a matrix in applicable cases.
Calculus carries the highest weightage of 35 marks in the Class 12 Mathematics syllabus.
| Class 12 Maths Unit III | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Continuity and Differentiability | Continuity and differentiability, chain rule, derivatives of composite and inverse trigonometric functions, implicit functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, logarithmic differentiation, parametric functions and second-order derivatives |
| Applications of Derivatives | Rate of change, increasing and decreasing functions, maxima and minima, first and second derivative tests, and simple real-life applications |
| Integrals | Integration as the inverse process of differentiation, integration by substitution, partial fractions and parts, definite integrals and Fundamental Theorem of Calculus |
| Application of Integrals | Finding areas under simple curves, including lines, circles, parabolas and ellipses in standard form |
| Differential Equations | Definition, order and degree, general and particular solutions, separation of variables, homogeneous differential equations and linear differential equations |
Since Calculus has the highest unit-wise weightage, students should give sufficient time to its concepts and regular problem-solving practice.
This unit carries 14 marks.
| Class 12 Maths Unit IV | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Vectors | Vectors and scalars, magnitude and direction, components, addition, scalar multiplication, scalar product and vector product |
| Three-Dimensional Geometry | Direction cosines and ratios, equation of a line, vector and Cartesian forms, angle between two lines, skew lines and shortest distance between two lines |
Linear Programming carries 5 marks.
| Class 12 Maths Unit V | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Linear Programming | Introduction, constraints, objective function, optimisation, graphical method, feasible and infeasible regions, feasible solutions and optimal feasible solutions |
The CBSE syllabus limits the graphical-method problems to two variables with up to three non-trivial constraints.
Probability carries 8 marks.
| Class 12 Maths Unit VI | |
| Topics Covered | Details |
| Probability | Conditional probability, multiplication theorem, independent events, total probability and Bayes' theorem |
Students preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics examination should use the prescribed NCERT Mathematics textbooks along with the official syllabus.
The major chapters corresponding to the Class 12 Mathematics syllabus include:
Relations and Functions
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Matrices
Determinants
Continuity and Differentiability
Applications of Derivatives
Integrals
Applications of Integrals
Differential Equations
Vector Algebra
Three-Dimensional Geometry
Linear Programming
Probability
Students should check the latest NCERT textbook and CBSE syllabus together while preparing because the syllabus, rather than an assumed chapter-wise marks list, should be treated as the basis for preparation.
Although CBSE does not prescribe chapter-wise marks, students can prioritise topics based on the unit-wise structure of the syllabus.
Calculus: Continuity and Differentiability, Applications of Derivatives, Integrals, Applications of Integrals and Differential Equations
Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry: Vector operations, scalar and vector products, equations of lines and shortest distance
Algebra: Matrices, determinants and systems of linear equations
Relations and Functions: Types of relations, one-to-one and onto functions, inverse trigonometric functions
Probability: Conditional probability, independent events, total probability and Bayes' theorem
Linear Programming: Constraints, feasible regions and graphical optimisation
However, students should not completely skip any chapter because CBSE has clearly stated that there is no chapter-wise weightage.
Start preparation by going through the latest CBSE Class 12 Maths syllabus. Identify all six units and understand the marks distribution. This will help you plan your preparation without ignoring any portion of the syllabus.
Calculus carries 35 marks, the highest unit-wise weightage. Build strong conceptual understanding and practise different types of problems from continuity, differentiation, integration and differential equations.
NCERT textbooks should form an important part of your preparation. Solve examples and exercises systematically and revisit questions that you find difficult.
Practising previous year's question papers can help you understand the structure of the examination, improve speed and identify areas that require more revision.
Do not prepare only the units with higher marks. CBSE does not provide chapter-wise weightage and advises students to cover all chapters.
Mathematics requires both conceptual clarity and calculation accuracy. After solving a problem, check the steps, signs, formulas and final answer.
Maintain a concise formula sheet for important concepts and revise it regularly. This can help you recall formulas quickly during practice and revision.
Take full-length mock tests within the prescribed three-hour duration. Analyse mistakes after every test and work on the topics where you lose marks.
Divide your preparation time across all six units. During the examination, avoid spending too much time on a single question and return to difficult questions after attempting the easier ones.