NIOS Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) offers a flexible and learner-centric curriculum, especially beneficial for students who wish to pursue education outside the constraints of the formal system. Among its popular science subjects, Chemistry plays a crucial role for students aiming for careers in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, or basic sciences.
The NIOS Class 12 Chemistry syllabus for the October 2025 session follows the Senior Secondary level standards and aligns well with major national education boards in India. It is divided into two major parts:
- Part I – Theory
- Part II – Practical Work
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the chapter-wise breakdown of the theory syllabus, including key topics, learning outcomes, and the importance of each chapter. Additionally, we’ll touch upon the practical syllabus, frequently asked questions, and tips to score well in your Chemistry exams.
Theory Syllabus – Chapter-wise Details (NIOS Class 12 Chemistry)
The Chemistry syllabus is usually divided into 9 modules, each consisting of 1–4 chapters. Here’s the full list:
Module 1: Solid State and Solutions
Chapter 1: The Solid State
Key Topics:
- General characteristics of solids
- Types of solids: ionic, molecular, covalent, metallic
- Unit cell and crystal lattice
- Packing in solids
- Density of unit cell
- Imperfections in solids
Importance:
A foundational chapter, especially useful for understanding materials chemistry and crystalline behavior.
Chapter 2: Solutions
Key Topics:
- Types of solutions
- Concentration terms (molarity, molality, mole fraction)
- Solubility
- Raoult’s Law and ideal/non-ideal solutions
- Colligative properties
- Van’t Hoff factor
Importance:
Vital for numerical questions and conceptual clarity in real-life solution behavior.
Module 2: Electrochemistry and Chemical Kinetics
Chapter 3: Electrochemistry
Key Topics:
- Electrochemical cells
- Galvanic cells and standard electrode potential
- Nernst Equation
- Electrolytic cells
- Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
- Fuel cells and corrosion
Importance:
High-weightage chapter, often appearing in both theory and MCQs.
Chapter 4: Chemical Kinetics
Key Topics:
- Rate of reaction
- Factors affecting rate
- Rate law and order of reaction
- Integrated rate equations
- Activation energy and Arrhenius equation
Importance:
Conceptually rich and numerically important for problem-solving.
Module 3: Surface Chemistry
Chapter 5: Surface Chemistry
Key Topics:
- Adsorption and its types
- Catalysis
- Colloids (lyophilic and lyophobic)
- Properties of colloidal solutions
- Emulsions
Importance:
Often under-prepared but can help score well due to direct and factual questions.
Module 4: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
Chapter 6: Metallurgy
Key Topics:
- Principles of metallurgy
- Concentration, roasting, calcination
- Extraction of important metals (e.g., aluminium, iron)
- Refining methods
- Thermodynamic and electrochemical principles
Importance:
Application-based chapter with theoretical relevance to real-world extraction.
Module 5: The p-Block Element
Chapter 7: The p-Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17, 18)
Key Topics:
- General trends in p-block elements
- Compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine
- Ozone, interhalogen compounds
- Structure of oxoacids
Importance:
Detailed and memory-based chapter, commonly tested with short answer questions.
Module 6: The d- and f-Block Elements
Chapter 8: The d- and f-Block Elements
Key Topics:
- Characteristics of transition elements
- Lanthanide contraction
- Oxidation states, magnetic properties
- Complex formation
Importance:
Inorganic but conceptual—important for understanding periodicity and coordination chemistry.
Module 7: Coordination Compounds
Chapter 9: Coordination Compounds
Key Topics:
- Werner’s theory
- Nomenclature of coordination compounds
- Bonding in complexes (VBT, CFT)
- Isomerism
- Importance in biological systems
Importance:
Frequently included in board exams—important for both short and long answer formats.
Module 8: Organic Chemistry
Chapter 10: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
Key Topics:
- Nomenclature and classification
- Preparation and reactions (nucleophilic substitution)
- Environmental effects (e.g., CFCs)
Importance:
Good for MCQs and direct reactions.
Chapter 11: Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
Key Topics:
- Structure and classification
- Preparation and reactions of alcohols and phenols
- Mechanisms (especially electrophilic substitution)
Importance:
Balanced between theory and reaction mechanisms.
Chapter 12: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Key Topics:
- Nomenclature and structures
- Preparation and properties
- Mechanisms (nucleophilic addition, aldol condensation)
Importance:
Heavily featured in organic chemistry questions.
Chapter 13: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
Key Topics:
- Amines and their classification
- Diazonium salts
- Reactions and properties
Importance:
Frequently seen in short-answer questions and viva.
Chapter 14: Biomolecules
Key Topics:
- Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins
- Enzymes and nucleic acids
- Structure and functions
Importance:
Short and scoring—essential for application-based questions.
Module 9: Chemistry in Everyday Life & Polymers
Chapter 15: Polymers
Key Topics:
- Types of polymers
- Addition and condensation polymers
- Synthetic and natural rubber
- Biodegradable polymers
Importance:
Mostly factual—good for 1- and 2-mark questions
Chapter 16: Chemistry in Everyday Life
Key Topics:
- Drugs and their classification
- Chemicals in food
- Cleansing agents (soaps and detergents)
Importance:
Scoring and interesting chapter—connects well with real life.
Practical Syllabus Overview (NIOS Class 12 Chemistry)
While theoretical understanding is key, the practical component is equally important. It usually carries 20% weightage.
Key Experiments Include:
- Titration – acid-base and redox
- Salt analysis – identification of cation and anion
- Qualitative organic analysis – functional group identification
- Preparation of organic/inorganic compounds
- Study of physical properties – melting point, boiling point
- Project work or investigatory project
FAQs about NIOS Class 12 Chemistry
What is the total mark distribution for NIOS Class 12 Chemistry in October 2025?
The theory paper is of 80 marks, practicals carry 20 marks, making a total of 100 marks.
Are TMAs mandatory for Chemistry?
Yes, TMAs (Tutor Marked Assignments) are mandatory and contribute to your eligibility for appearing in public exams.
How can I download the NIOS Class 12 Chemistry syllabus?
You can download the syllabus from the official NIOS website: https://www.nios.ac.in under the Senior Secondary section.
Is NIOS Chemistry syllabus different from CBSE?
While the core concepts are similar, NIOS offers a more flexible and simplified curriculum compared to CBSE.
What type of questions are asked in the NIOS Chemistry exam?
The exam includes:
Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Short-answer questions
Long-answer questions
Numerical problems
Can I give practicals online in NIOS?
No, practical exams are usually conducted at NIOS study centers (AIs) in offline mode.
How much time should I dedicate daily to Chemistry?
At least 1–2 hours daily for theory and weekly practice of numerical problems and practicals is recommended.
What is the minimum passing marks in NIOS Chemistry?
Theory: 33% out of 80 marks (i.e., 26–27 marks)
Practical: 33% out of 20 marks (i.e., 7 marks)
Can I take Chemistry without Physics in NIOS?
Yes, NIOS allows you to choose subjects independently. Chemistry can be taken without Physics depending on your stream.
When will the October 2025 NIOS Chemistry exams be conducted?
The exam is expected to be held in October–November 2025. The date sheet will be released on the NIOS website around August–September 2025.
Conclusion
The NIOS Class 12 Chemistry syllabus for the October 2025 session is comprehensive, practical, and designed to meet the learning needs of open schooling students. By following a disciplined study plan, regularly practicing numerical problems, completing your TMAs, and engaging with practical work, you can master this subject and score well in both theory and practical exams.
Remember, NIOS gives you the flexibility to learn at your pace, but success depends on consistent effort and self-motivation. Make sure to utilize official NIOS resources, practice old question papers, and never hesitate to seek help from teachers or fellow learners.