CBSE Class 11 Geography Syllabus for academic session 2026-27
This page contains the CBSE Class 11 Geography syllabus for the academic session 2026-27, as prescribed by CBSE curriculum.
BACKGROUND/ RATIONALE
Geography is introduced as an elective subject at the second phase of secondary stage. After ten years of general education, students branch out at the beginning of this stage and are exposed to the rigors of the discipline for the first time. Being an entry point for the higher education, students choose Geography for pursuing their academic interest and, therefore, need a broader and deeper understanding of the subject. For others, geographical knowledge is useful in daily lives because it is a valuable medium for the education of young people. Its contribution lies in the content, cognitive processes, skills and values that Geography promotes and thus helps the students explore, understand and evaluate the environmental and social dimensions of the world in a better manner.
Since Geography explores the relationship between people and their environment, it includes studies of physical and human environments and their interactions at different scales-local, state/region, nation and the world. The fundamental principles responsible for the varieties in the distributional pattern of physical and human features and phenomena over the earth’s surface need to be understood properly. Application of these principles would be taken up through selected case studies from the world and India. Thus, the physical and human environment of India and study of some issues from a geographical point of view will be covered in greater detail. Students will be exposed to different methods used in geographical investigations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The course in Geography will help learners to:
•
Familiarise with key concepts, terminology and core principles of Geography.
•
Describe locations and correlate with Geographical Perspectives.
•
List/describe what students might see, hear and smell at a place.
•
List/describe ways a place is linked with other places.
•
Compare conditions and connections in one place to another.
•
Analyse/ describe how conditions in one place can affect nearby places.
•
Identify regions as places that are similar or connected.
•
Describe and interpret the spatial pattern features on a thematic map.
•
Search for, recognize and understand the processes and patterns of the spatial arrangement of the natural features as well as human aspects and phenomena on the earth’s surface.
•
Understand and analyse the interrelationship between physical and human environments and utilize such knowledge in reflecting on issues related to community.
•
Apply geographical knowledge and methods of inquiry to emerging situations or problems at different levels-local, regional, national and global.
•
Develop geographical skills, relating to collection, processing and analysis of spatial data/ information and preparation of report including maps and graphs and use of computers wherever possible; and to be sensitive to issues.
•
The learner will develop the competency to analyse, evaluate, interpret and apply the acquired knowledge to determine the environmental issues effectively.
Syllabus – COURSE STRUCTURE
Book – Fundamental of Human Geography
Chapter No.
Chapter Name
Weightage
Unit-I Geography as a Discipline
1
Geography As a Discipline
3
Unit-II The Earth
2
The Origin and Evolution of the Earth
9
3
Interior of the Earth
4
Distribution of oceans and continents
Unit-III Landforms
5
Geomorphic Processes
6
6
Landform and their Evolution
Unit-IV Climate
7
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere
8
8
Solar Radiation, Heat balance and Temperature
9
Atmospheric Circulations and Weather Systems
10
Water in the Atmosphere
11
World Climate and Climate Change (To be tested through internal assessments in the form of project and presentation)
Unit-V Water (Oceans)
12
Water (Oceans)
4
13
Movements of Ocean Water
Unit-VI Life on the Earth
14
Biodiversity and Conservation (To be tested through internal assessments in the form of project and presentation)
–
Map Work
5
Total
35
Book-India Physical Environment
Chapter No.
Chapter Name
Weightage
Unit-I Introduction
1
India- Location
5
Unit-II Physiography
2
Structure and Physiography
13
3
Drainage System
Unit-III Climate Vegetation and Soil
4
Climate
12
5
Natural Vegetation
Unit-IV Natural Hazards and Disasters: Causes Consequences and Management
6
Natural Hazards and Disasters (To be tested through internal assessment in the form of Projects and presentation)
–
Map
5
Total
35
Book-Geography Practical Part I
Chapter No.
Chapter Name
Weightage
1
Introduction to Maps
3
2
Map Scale
4
3
Latitude Longitude and Time
4
4
Map Projections
5
5
Topographical Maps
4
6
Introduction to Remote Sensing
5
Practical file and Viva
5
Total
30
Syllabus – COURSE CONTENT
Book- Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Unit 1: Geography as a Discipline
Chapter-1 Geography as a Discipline
•
Introduction to Geography as a discipline
•
Geography as an integrating discipline: Spatial and Temporal synthesis
•
Approaches to study Geography: Systematic and Regional
•
Branches of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography and Bio Geography
•
Physical Geography and its importance.
Unit 2: The Earth
Chapter 2 The Origin and Evolution of The Earth
•
Origin and evolution of the earth
•
Early theories: Origin of the Earth
•
Modern Theories: Origin of the universe
•
Formation of Stars and Planets
•
Evolution of the Earth: Lithosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
•
Origin of Life
Chapter 3 Interior of the Earth
•
Sources of Information about the Interior of the Earth (Direct and Indirect)
•
Earthquakes: Earthquake Waves, Shadow zones, Types, Scales to measure earthquake intensity, effects, frequency of earthquake occurrences
•
Structure of the Earth
•
Volcanoes and Volcanic landforms
Chapter 4 Distribution of Oceans and Continents
•
Continental Drift Theory, and Evidence in support of Continental Drift and Force for Drift
•
Post- Drift Studies
•
Ocean Floor Configuration
•
Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
•
Concept of Seafloor Spreading
•
Plate Tectonics: Types of Plate boundaries, Rate and forces for the Plate Movement
•
Movement of the Indian Plate
Unit 3: Landforms
Chapter 5 Geomorphic processes
•
Geomorphic processes: Exogenic and Endogenic
•
Endogenic Process: Diastrophism, Volcanism
•
Exogenic Processes: Weathering, Landslides.
•
Soil: Processes and factors of Soil Formation
Chapter 6 Landforms and their Evolution
•
Running water: Erosional and Depositional Landforms
•
Wind: Erosional and Depositional Landforms
Unit 4: Climate
Chapter 7 Composition and Structure of Atmosphere
•
Atmosphere- composition and structure; elements of weather and climate
Chapter 8 Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature
•
Solar radiation: Variability of Insolation.
•
Processes of Heating and Cooling of Atmosphere
•
Terrestrial Radiation
•
Heat budget of the earth
•
Temperature- Factors controlling temperature; Horizontal distribution of temperature; Inversion of temperature
Chapter 9 Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
•
Atmospheric Pressure: Horizontal and Vertical Variation of Pressure
•
Forces affecting velocity and direction of Wind
•
General Circulation of the atmosphere: Pressure belts; Winds: Planetary, Seasonal and Local; Air masses and Fronts; Tropical and Extratropical cyclones; Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Chapter 10 Water in the Atmosphere
•
Humidity-Absolute and Relative humidity
•
Evaporation and condensation
•
Different Forms of Condensation: dew, frost, fog, mist and cloud;
•
Precipitation
•
Types of Rainfall and world distribution of rainfall
Chapter 11 World Climate and Climate Change
(To be tested through internal assessments in the form of project and presentation)
Unit 5: Water (Oceans)
Chapter 12 Water (Oceans)
•
Hydrological Cycle
•
Major and Minor Relief Features of the Ocean Floor
•
Temperature and Salinity of Ocean Waters: Factors, Horizontal and Vertical distribution of temperature and Salinity
Chapter 13 Movements of Ocean Water
•
Movements of ocean water- Waves, Tides and Currents.
Unit 6: Life on the Earth
Chapter 14 Biodiversity and Conservation
(To be tested through internal assessments in the form of project and presentation)
Book- India- Physical Environment
Unit 1: Introduction
Chapter 1 India — Location, Size, Latitudinal and Longitudinal extent, Indian Standard time, India and its neighbours
Unit 2: Physiography
Chapter 2 Structure and Physiography
•
Physiographic Divisions: (1) The Northern and North-eastern Mountains (2) The Northern Plain (3) The Peninsular Plateau (4) The Indian Desert (5) The Coastal Plains (6) The Islands.
Chapter 3 Drainage System
•
Drainage patterns
•
Concepts of River basin, Catchment Area, Watershed
•
Drainage and River systems of India: the Himalayan and the Peninsular
•
Extent of Usability of River Water- linking of rivers, problems in using river water and water pollution
Unit 3: Climate, Vegetation and Soil
Chapter 4 Climate
•
Weather and climate
•
Unity and diversity in the Monsoon Climate
•
Factors determining the climate of India
•
The Nature and characteristics of Indian Monsoon
•
The Rhythm of Seasons
•
Distribution of Rainfall
•
Monsoon and the Economic Life in India
•
Global Warming
Chapter 5 Natural Vegetation
•
Natural vegetation – Introduction
•
Forest types and distribution
•
Conservation of forests
•
Wildlife; conservation; biosphere reserves
Unit 4: Hazards and Disasters: Causes, Consequences and Management
Chapter 6 Natural Hazards and Disasters
(To be tested through internal assessment in the form of Projects and presentation)
Book- Geography Practical Part I
Chapter 1 Introduction to Maps
•
Essentials of map making
•
History of map making
•
Maps -types
•
Uses of maps
Chapter 2 Map Scale
•
Scales-methods and construction
•
Conversion of scale
Chapter 3 Latitude, Longitude and Time
•
Drawing of Parallels of latitude and Meridians of longitude
•
Longitude and time
•
International date line
Chapter 4 Map Projections
•
Map projection- typology, construction and properties of projection: Conical with one standard parallel and Mercator’s projection. (only two projections)
Chapter 5 Topographical Maps
•
Study of topographic maps (1 : 50,000 or 1 : 25,000 Survey of India maps); Conventional Symbols, contour cross section and identification of landforms- slopes, hills, valleys, waterfall, cliffs; distribution of settlements
Chapter 6 Introduction to Remote Sensing
•
Satellite imageries, stages in remote sensing data-acquisition, platform and sensors and data products, (photographic and digital)
Map Work
Book- Fundamentals of Physical Geography
(Map items for locating and labelling only on the outline political world map)
Chapter
Map item (Map present on official website of Govt. of India should be used)
Chapter 4 Distribution of oceans and continents
•
Political Map of all Continents of the world.
•
Major Oceans of the world: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Southern Ocean
•
Major lithospheric plates and Minor lithospheric plates, Ring of fire (Pacific Ocean), Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Chapter 9 Atmospheric Circulations and Weather Systems
Major Hot Deserts of the world:
•
Mojave Desert- Nevada, US
•
Patagonian Desert- Argentina
•
Sahara- Africa
•
Gobi Desert- Mongolia, Asia
•
Thar desert- India
•
Great Victoria Desert- Australia
Chapter 12 Water (Oceans)
•
Major Seas
•
Black sea
•
Baltic sea
•
Caspian Sea
•
Mediterranean Sea
•
North Sea
•
Red sea
•
Bay of Fundy (Canada)-Famous for the highest tides in the world
Chapter 13 Movements of Ocean Water
Ocean Currents
Cold currents
Warm currents
•
Humboldt c.
•
California c.
•
Falkland c.
•
Canaries c.
•
West Australian c.
•
Oyashio c.
•
Labrador c
•
Alaska c.
•
Brazilian c.
•
Agulhas c.
•
Kuroshio c.
•
Gulf stream c.
Chapter 14 Biodiversity and Conservation
Ecological hotspots
•
Eastern Himalaya, India
•
Western ghats, India
•
Indonesia, Asia
•
Eastern Madagascar, Africa
•
Upper Guinean forests, Africa
•
Atlantic forest, Brazil
•
Tropical Andes
Map Work
Book- India Physical Environment
(Map items for locating and labelling only on the outline political map of India)
Book- India Physical Environment
(Map items for locating and labelling only on the outline political map of India)
Chapter
Map item (Map present on official website of Govt. of India should be used)
Chapter-1 India-Location
•
Latitudinal extent of India
•
Longitudinal extent of India
•
Standard Meridian of India
•
Important latitude passing through India (Tropic of Cancer)
•
Southern Most Point of mainland of India (Kanya Kumari)
Chapter-2 Structure and Physiography
•
Mountains: Karakoram Range, Garo- Khasi- Jaintia hills, Aravalli Range, Vindhyan Range, Satpura Range, Western ghats & Eastern ghats
•
Peaks: K2, Kanchenjunga, Nandadevi, Nanga Parvat, Namcha Barwa and Anaimudi
•
Passes: Shipkila, Nathula, Palghat, Bhor ghat and Thal ghat
•
Plateaus: Malwa, Chhotnagpur, Meghalaya and Deccan Plateau.
•
Coastal Plains: Saurashtra, Konkan, North and South Kanara, Malabar, Coromandel and Northern Circars
•
Islands: Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands
Chapter-3 Drainage System
•
Rivers: Brahmaputra, Indus, Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Damodar, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kaveri,Godavari, Narmada, Tapti and Luni
•
Lakes: (Identification)Wular, Sambhar, Chilika, Kolleru, Pulicat & Vembanad
•
Straits, Bays , Gulfs: Palk Strait, Rann of Kachchh, Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Mannar & Gulf of Khambat
Chapter-4 Climate
•
Area with highest temperature in India
•
Area with lowest temperature in India
•
Area with highest rainfall in India
•
Area with lowest rainfall in India
Chapter-5 Natural Vegetation
(Identification on an outline map of India) Tropical evergreen, Tropical deciduous, Tropical thorn, Montane and Littoral/ Swamp forests. Wildlife reserves: (locating and labeling)
•
National Parks: Corbett, Kaziranga, Ranthambore. Shivpuri, Simlipal
•
Bird Sanctuaries: Keoladeo Ghana and Ranganathittu
•
Wild life Sanctuaries: Periyar, Rajaji, Mudumalai, Dachigam,
Note: The following topics are included in the syllabus but will be assessed only formatively to reinforce understanding without adding to summative assessments. This reduces academic stress while ensuring meaningful learning. Schools can integrate these with existing chapters as they align well. Relevant NCERT textual material is enclosed for reference.
Book: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
•
Minerals and Rocks- Major types of rocks and their characteristics
Guidelines for Internal Assessment/ Geography Practical
1.
A practical file must be prepared by students covering all the topics prescribed in the practical syllabus.
2.
The file should be completely handwritten with a cover page, index page and acknowledgment.
3.
All practical works should be drawn neatly with appropriate headings, scale, index etc. Data can be taken from the NCERT textbook.
4.
The practical file will be assessed at the time of term end practical examinations.
5.
A written exam of 25 marks will be conducted based on prescribed practical syllabus.
6.
Viva will be conducted based on practical syllabus only.
7.
Written Exam -25 Marks
8.
Practical file- 03 Marks
9.
Viva- 02 Marks
Prescribed Books:
1.
Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Class XI, Published by NCERT
2.
India, Physical Environment, Class XI, Published by NCERT
3.
Practical Work in Geography Part I, Class XI, Published by NCERT
Links for NCERT textbooks:
1.
2.
3.
Note:
1.
The above textbooks are also available in Hindi medium.
2.
Kindly refer to the latest editions of all NCERT Textbooks.
QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
S No.
Domains
%
1
Remembering and Understanding
Recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, data, and information. Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas.
41
2
Application
Use a concept in a new situation or unprompted use of abstraction by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules.
37
3
Analysing, Evaluating and Creating
Examine and break information into parts and determine how the parts relate to one another and/or to an overall structure or purpose by identifying motives or causes so that its organizational structure may be understood. Distinguish between facts and inferences.
Make inferences and find evidence to support generalisations. Synthesis: Builds a structure or pattern from diverse elements. Put parts together to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure.
Create: Put elements together to form a new coherent or functional whole; reorganise elements into a new pattern or structure.
22