CBSE Class 11 Geography 2026-27 Syllabus
The syllabus is divided into two parts: (A) Fundamentals of Physical Geography (B) India - Physical Environment.
Exam Structure
| Unit | Topic or Chapter | Marks |
| Part A | Fundamentals of Physical Geography | |
| 1 | Geography as a discipline | 3 |
| 2 | The Earth | 9 |
| 3 | Landforms | 6 |
| 4 | Climate | 8 |
| 5 | Water (Oceans) | 4 |
| 6 | Life on the Earth | - |
| Map Work | 5 | |
| Part B | India - Physical Environment | |
| 1 | Introduction | 5 |
| 2 | Physiography | 13 |
| 3 | Climate Vegetation and Soil | 12 |
| 4 | Natural Hazards and Disasters | - |
| Map and Diagram | 5 | |
| Total | 70 |
Part A: 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
Part B: India - Physical Environment
Unit 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: India - Location
- 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
Chapter 6: Natural Hazards and Disasters
To be tested through internal assessment in the form of Projects and presentation