The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the updated syllabus for Class 12 Psychology for the academic year 2025–26. This subject, offered as an elective at the senior secondary level, explores human behaviour, thought processes, and emotions through scientific study. Students will engage with fundamental psychological concepts, develop analytical skills, and cultivate an empathetic understanding of human experiences within sociocultural contexts.
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus 2025-26: Marks Distribution and Paper Structure
Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100 (Theory: 70, Practical: 30)
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
| I | Variations in Psychological Attributes | 13 |
| II | Self and Personality | 13 |
| III | Meeting Life Challenges | 9 |
| IV | Psychological Disorders | 12 |
| V | Therapeutic Approaches | 9 |
| VI | Attitude and Social Cognition | 8 |
| VII | Social Influence and Group Processes | 6 |
| Total | 70 |
CBSE 12th Psychology Syllabus 2025-26: Detailed Syllabus
| Unit | Topics |
| Unit I: Variations in Psychological Attributes | Nature and concept of individual differences Introduction to psychological assessment Intelligence: Theories (Psychometric, Information Processing, Triarchic, Multiple Intelligences) Emotional intelligence Special abilities (Aptitude, Creativity) Cultural context of intelligence |
| Unit II: Self and Personality | Understanding self: Cognitive and behavioural components Personality: Definitions and theoretical approaches (Type, Trait, Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Humanistic, Cultural) Personality assessment methods: Self-report, projective techniques, behavioural analysis |
| Unit III: Meeting Life Challenges | Types and sources of stress Impact of stress on health and well-being General Adaptation Syndrome and immunity Stress management strategies Positive health and life skills |
| Unit IV: Psychological Disorders | Abnormality and its historical development Classification and diagnostic systems Causes of psychological disorders Types of disorders: Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Neurodevelopmental and Conduct Disorders, Eating and Substance Use Disorders |
| Unit V: Therapeutic Approaches | Psychotherapy: Nature and process Types of therapies: Behavioural, Cognitive, Humanistic, and Alternative approaches Healing factors in therapy Ethics in psychotherapy Rehabilitation of the mentally ill |
| Unit VI: Attitude and Social Cognition | Understanding social behaviour and attitudes Components and development of attitudes Relationship between attitudes and behaviour Prejudice and discrimination Methods for reducing prejudice |
| Unit VII: Social Influence and Group Processes | Formation and classification of groups Impact of groups on individuals (Social loafing, Group polarization) |
CBSE 12th Psychology Practical Exam (30 Marks)
Students will demonstrate the application of psychological principles and methods through practical work and test administration.
Practical Components:
- Case profile development using interviews, observations, and psychological testing
- Administration and interpretation of five psychological tests (related to intelligence, personality, aptitude, etc.)
- In the exam, students must administer and interpret two psychological tests
| Component | Marks |
| Practical File and Case Profile | 10 |
| Viva Voce (Case Profile & Two Tests) | 5 |
| Test Administration and Report Writing | 15 |
| Total | 30 |
CBSE 12th Psychology Question Paper Design 2025–26
| S. No. | Competency Description | Marks | Weightage (%) |
| 1 | Remembering and Understanding: Recalling and interpreting key concepts and facts | 35 | 50% |
| 2 | Applying: Using acquired knowledge in new situations | 25 | 35% |
| 3 | Analysing, Evaluating, Creating: Breaking down information, drawing conclusions, innovating | 10 | 15% |
| Total | 70 | 100% |
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Prescribed Textbooks
- Psychology – Class XI, NCERT
- Psychology – Class XII, NCERT
Note: Both textbooks are available in English and Hindi mediums.
The Class 12 Psychology syllabus 2025–26 is designed to help students explore human behaviour deeply while developing academic and practical skills in psychological research and application. With emphasis on inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and scientific reasoning, the subject prepares learners for advanced studies and real-world challenges.
