Updated CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus for 2025-26 – Get the latest chapter-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and study tips. Download the official PDF at the end!
Overview of CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2025-26
The Class 11 CBSE syllabus for Biology plays a crucial role in board exams and competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, etc. This year, CBSE has introduced competency-based questions and a revised weightage system to encourage conceptual learning over rote memorization.
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 11 |
| Session | 2025-26 |
| Subject | Biology |
| Content-Type | Syllabus/Curriculum |
| Official Website | https://cbseacademic.nic.in |
COURSE STRUCTURE: CLASS XI BIOLOGY (2025-26)
THEORY
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Maximum Marks: 70
Mark Distribution by Unit
| Unit | Title | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Diversity of Living Organisms | 15 |
| II | Structural Organization in Plants and Animals | 10 |
| III | Cell: Structure and Function | 15 |
| IV | Plant Physiology | 12 |
| V | Human Physiology | 18 |
| Total | 70 |
Detailed Syllabus
Unit I: Diversity of Living Organisms (15 Marks)
- Chapter 1: The Living World
- Biodiversity, Need for classification.
- Three domains of life.
- Taxonomy and systematics, Concept of species, Taxonomical hierarchy.
- Binomial nomenclature.
- Chapter 2: Biological Classification
- Five kingdom classification.
- Salient features and classification of Monera, Protista, and Fungi into major groups.
- Lichens, Viruses, and Viroids.
- Chapter 3: Plant Kingdom
- Classification of plants into major groups: Algae, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnospermae, and Angiosperms.
- Salient and distinguishing features with examples.
- Chapter 4: Animal Kingdom
- Salient features and classification of animals: Non-chordates (up to phyla level) and Chordates (up to class level).
- Examples for each category.
- Note: No live animals or specimens to be displayed.
Unit II: Structural Organization in Plants and Animals (10 Marks)
- Chapter 5: Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Morphology of root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit, and seed.
- Description of family Solanaceae.
- Chapter 6: Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy and functions of tissue systems in dicots and monocots.
- Chapter 7: Structural Organisation in Animals
- Morphology, anatomy, and functions of systems in frogs: Digestive, Circulatory, Respiratory, Nervous, and Reproductive.
Unit III: Cell: Structure and Function (15 Marks)
- Chapter 8: Cell – The Unit of Life
- Cell theory, Cell as the basic unit of life.
- Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, Plant vs. Animal cells.
- Cell envelope: Cell membrane, Cell wall.
- Cell organelles: Structure and function (Endomembrane system, ER, Golgi bodies, Lysosomes, Vacuoles, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Plastids, Microbodies).
- Cytoskeleton, Cilia, Flagella, Centrioles (ultrastructure and function).
- Nucleus.
- Chapter 9: Biomolecules
- Chemical constituents: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic acids (structure and function).
- Enzymes: Types, Properties, Action.
- Excluded Topics: Nature of bonds linking monomers, Dynamic state of body constituents, Metabolic basis of living, The living state.
- Chapter 10: Cell Cycle and Cell Division
- Cell cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis, and their significance.
Unit IV: Plant Physiology (12 Marks)
- Chapter 11: Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
- Photosynthesis as autotrophic nutrition.
- Site of photosynthesis, Pigments (elementary idea).
- Photochemical and biosynthetic phases, Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation.
- Chemiosmotic hypothesis, Photorespiration, C3 and C4 pathways.
- Factors affecting photosynthesis.
- Chapter 12: Respiration in Plants
- Gas exchange, Cellular respiration: Glycolysis, Fermentation (anaerobic), TCA cycle, Electron transport system (aerobic).
- Energy relations (ATP generation), Amphibolic pathways, Respiratory quotient.
- Chapter 13: Plant Growth and Development
- Seed germination, Phases of plant growth, Growth rate, Conditions of growth.
- Differentiation, Dedifferentiation, Redifferentiation.
- Developmental processes in a plant cell.
- Plant growth regulators: Auxin, Gibberellin, Cytokinin, Ethylene, ABA.
Unit V: Human Physiology (18 Marks)
- Chapter 14: Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Respiratory organs (recall only), Human respiratory system.
- Mechanism of breathing, Regulation, Gas exchange, Transport of gases, Respiratory volumes.
- Disorders: Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational respiratory disorders.
- Chapter 15: Body Fluids and Circulation
- Blood composition, Blood groups, Coagulation.
- Lymph composition and function.
- Human circulatory system: Heart, Blood vessels, Cardiac cycle, Cardiac output, ECG, Double circulation, Regulation.
- Disorders: Hypertension, Coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, Heart failure.
- Chapter 16: Excretory Products and Their Elimination
- Modes of excretion: Ammonotelism, Ureotelism, Uricotelism.
- Human excretory system: Structure and function, Urine formation, Osmoregulation.
- Regulation: Renin-angiotensin, Atrial natriuretic factor, ADH, Diabetes insipidus.
- Role of other organs, Disorders: Uremia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis.
- Dialysis, Artificial kidney, Kidney transplant.
- Chapter 17: Locomotion and Movement
- Types of movement: Ciliary, Flagellar, Muscular.
- Skeletal muscle: Contractile proteins, Muscle contraction.
- Skeletal system, Joints.
- Disorders: Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout.
- Chapter 18: Neural Control and Coordination
- Neuron, Nerves, Human nervous system: CNS, PNS, Visceral nervous system.
- Generation and conduction of nerve impulses.
- Chapter 19: Chemical Coordination and Integration
- Endocrine glands and hormones, Human endocrine system: Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads.
- Mechanism of hormone action (elementary).
- Role as messengers/regulators.
- Disorders: Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Cretinism, Goiter, Exophthalmic goiter, Diabetes, Addison’s disease.
Additional Topic (Formative Assessment Only)
Note: This topic is included in the syllabus but assessed formatively to reinforce understanding without contributing to summative marks. It reduces academic stress while ensuring meaningful learning and aligns with existing chapters. Relevant NCERT material is provided for reference.
- Digestion and Absorption (Refer to CBSE Reading Material)
- Alimentary canal, Digestive glands, Role of digestive enzymes and gastrointestinal hormones.
- Peristalsis, Digestion, Absorption, Assimilation of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Calorific values of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Egestion.
- Nutritional and digestive disorders: PEM, Indigestion, Constipation, Vomiting, Jaundice, Diarrhea.
Prescribed Books for Class XI Biology (2025-26)
Core Textbook
Biology - Class XI
- Published by: NCERT
- Parts: Part I & Part II
- Official syllabus coverage with diagrams, exercises, and summaries
Supplementary Resources
Other NCERT Materials
- Laboratory manuals
- Multimedia learning resources
- Model question banks
Biology Supplementary Material (Revised)
- Available on: CBSE Academic Website
- Download Link (Check "Senior Secondary Curriculum" section)
Reading Material - Biology Class XI
- Published by: CBSE
- Focus areas:
- Additional explanatory content
- Formative assessment topics (e.g., Digestion & Absorption)
Download CBSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Click the button below to download the official CBSE syllabus PDF for 2025-26.
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Related Guides
CBSE Class 11 Syllabus – All Subjects
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