ISC Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
The ISC Class 11 Chemistry syllabus for the 2024-25 academic year is designed to introduce students to foundational concepts and prepare them for advanced studies in chemistry. This syllabus is divided into two main parts: Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.
Physical Chemistry begins with topics like Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, which covers fundamental ideas such as atomic structure, stoichiometry, and chemical laws. It progresses to States of Matter, explaining gases, liquids, and solids, along with concepts like gas laws and ideal gases. Another crucial topic is Atomic Structure, which covers the history and development of atomic models, quantum mechanics, and electronic configuration. The unit on Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure explains types of bonding (ionic, covalent, and metallic), VSEPR theory, and molecular geometry. Additionally, the syllabus includes Chemical Thermodynamics, which introduces students to energy changes, enthalpy, and entropy, helping them understand how energy flows in chemical reactions. Equilibrium is another key area, covering chemical and ionic equilibrium concepts, Le Chatelier’s principle, and the importance of pH. Lastly, Redox Reactions explains oxidation-reduction processes and introduces students to balancing redox equations.
Inorganic Chemistry's syllabus covers the Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, where students learn about the periodic table, trends in properties like atomic size and electronegativity, and the significance of periodicity. The syllabus also focuses on the s-block and p-block elements, emphasizing their general properties, uses, and reactions.
This structured syllabus provides a solid base in chemistry, focusing on critical thinking, application-based learning, and analytical skills. It encourages students to explore, experiment, and deepen their understanding of chemistry, equipping them with knowledge for future academic pursuits and competitive exams.
ISC Class 11 Chemistry Semester-Wise Syllabus 2024-25
1. Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry |
General introduction: Importance and scope of chemistry. Study of matter. Understanding laws of chemical combination. Dalton's atomic theory: concept of elements, atoms and molecules. Isotopic (atomic) and molecular masses, mole concept and molar mass, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula. Stoichiometry and calculations based on chemical reactions. |
2. Structure of Atom |
Discovery of fundamental particles electron, proton and neutron), atomic number, isotopes and isobars. Thomson's model and its limitations. Rutherford's experimental model and its limitations. Dual nature of matter and light. Bohr's atomic model and its limitations (de Broglie's equation, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle), concept of shells, subshells, orbitals. Quantum numbers, shapes of s, p and d orbitals. Rules for filling electrons in orbitals - aufbau principle, Pauli's exclusion principle and Hund's rule of maximum multiplicity. Electronic configuration of atoms, stability of half- filled and completely filled orbitals. |
3. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties |
Significance of classification; study of Mendeleev’s periodic law and its limitations; Modern Periodic Law and the present form of periodic table leading to periodic trends in properties of elements - atomic radii, ionic radii, valency, ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity. Nomenclature of elements with atomic number greater than 100. |
4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular structure |
Valence electrons, ionic bond character, covalent bond of ionic bond, covalent bond, bond parameters, lewis structure, polar character of covalent bond, VSEPR theory, geometry of covalent molecules, valence bond theory, concept of hybridisation involving s, p and d orbitals and shapes of some simple molecules. Coordinate bond. Molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic molecules (qualitative idea only). Resonance and hydrogenbond. |
5. Chemical Thermodynamics |
(i) Introduction, concepts, types of system, surroundings, extensive, intensive properties and state functions. (ii) First Law of Thermodynamics and its significance, work, heat, internal energy, enthalpy (∆U or ∆E and ∆H), heat capacity and specific heat. Hess's law of constant heat summation, enthalpy of bond dissociation, combustion, formation, atomisation, sublimation, phase transition, ionisation, solution and dilution. (iii) Second Law of Thermodynamics and its significance, spontaneity of a chemical change; Entropy, Free Energy. Inadequacy of First Law and need for Second Law; Ideas about reversible (recapitulation), spontaneous and non-spontaneous processes (iv)Third Law of Thermodynamics – statement only. |
6. Equilibrium |
(i) Chemical Equilibrium. Introduction of physical and chemical equilibrium and its characteristics Dynamic nature of equilibrium, law of mass action, equilibrium constant and factors affecting equilibrium. Le Chatelier's principle and its applications. (ii) Ionic equilibrium Introduction, electrolyte (strong and weak), non-electrolyte, ionisation, degree of ionisation of polybasic acids, acid strength, concept of pH, pH indicators, buffer solution, common ion effect (with illustrative examples). Henderson equation, hydrolysis |
7. Redox Reactions |
Concept of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, change in oxidation number, balancing redox reactions (in terms of loss and gain of electrons). Applications of redox in various types of chemical reactions. |
8. Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques |
General introduction, classification and IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds and isomerism. Methods of purification, qualitative and quantitative analysis. Electron displacement in a covalent bond: inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance and hyperconjugation. Homolytic and heterolytic bond fission of a covalent bond: free radicals, carbocations, carbanions, electrophiles and nucleophiles, types of organic reactions. |
9. Hydrocarbons |
Classification of Hydrocarbons |
I. Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (i) Alkanes - Nomenclature, isomerism, conformation (methane and ethane), physical properties, chemical properties including free radical mechanism of halogenation, combustion and pyrolysis. (ii) Alkenes - Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene), isomerism; methods of preparation; physical properties, chemical properties; addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides (Markownikoff's addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition. (iii)Alkynes - Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne), methods of preparation; physical properties, chemical properties: acidic character of alkynes, addition reactions - hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and water. |
II. Aromatic Hydrocarbons Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature, benzene: resonance, aromaticity, chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution. Nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel Crafts alkylation and acylation, directive influence of functional group in monosubstituted benzene. Carcinogenicity and toxicity. |
ISC class 11 Chemistry Exam Pattern
Scheme For Theory Examination [70 Marks]:
The theory exam is held for total 70 marks with a maximum time limit of 3 hours given to attempt it. The question paper of the theory exam consists of four types of questions, which is listed below.
- Question 1 is of twenty marks having four sub parts all of which are compulsory.
- Question numbers 2 to 8 carry 2 marks with two questions having internal choice.
- Question numbers 9 to 15 carry 3 marks with two questions having internal choice.
- Question numbers 16 to 18 carry 5 marks each. Each question has an internal choice.
S. No. | Domains | Total Marks |
|
1 | Remembering and Understanding: Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts and answers. Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions and stating main ideas. | 28 | 40 |
2 | Applying: Solve problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way. | 21 | 30 |
3 | Analysing, Evaluating and Creating: Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations. Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas or quality of work based on a set of criteria. Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions. | 21 | 30 |
Practical Exam [15Marks]:
Micro-chemical methods are available for several of the practical experiments. Wherever possible techniques should be used.
Project Work [10 Marks]:
The candidate is to creatively execute one project/assignment on a selected topic of Chemistry. Teachers may assign or students may choose any one project of their choice.
Suggested Evaluation criteria for Project Work:
- Introduction / purpose
- Contents
- Analysis/ material aid (graph, data, structure, pie charts, histograms, diagrams, etc)
- Presentation
- Bibliography

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eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
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