The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has released the UP Board Class 12 Geography Syllabus for the academic year 2025-26. This article aims to provide students with essential details on the course curriculum, examination pattern, and internal assessment for effective preparation. The board has decided to retain a 30% reduction in the syllabus for this academic year.
UP Board Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26: Course Structure
The UP Board Class 12 Geography examination is for a total of 100 marks. This includes a theory paper worth 70 marks and a practical exam for 30 marks. To pass the examination, students need a minimum of 33 marks in total.
The theory syllabus (70 marks) is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Fundamentals of Human Geography (35 Marks)
- Part B: India: People and Economy (35 Marks)
Part A: Fundamentals of Human Geography (35 Marks)
This section covers foundational concepts in human geography.
| Unit No. | Unit Title | Marks | Subtopics |
| Unit 1 | Human Geography: Nature and Scope | 05 | - |
| Unit 2 | People | 10 | Population - distribution, density and growth Population change - spatial patterns and structure; determinants of population change Age-sex ratio Rural-urban composition Human development - concept; selected indicators, international comparisons |
| Unit 3 | Human Activities | 10 | Primary activities - concept and changing trends; gathering, pastoral, mining, subsistence agriculture Modern agriculture; people engaged in agriculture and allied activities - some examples from selected countries Secondary activities - concept; manufacturing (household, small scale, large scale); agro based and mineral based industries; people engaged in secondary activities Tertiary activities - concept; trade, transport and communication; services; people engaged in tertiary activities Quaternary activities - concept; people engaged in quaternary activities - case study from selected countries |
| Unit 4 | Transport, Communication and Trade | 10 | Transport and Communication - Land transport - roads, railways Trans-continental railways, water transport - inland waterways, major ocean routes; air transport Oil and gas pipelines; satellite communication and cyber space International Trade - basis and changing patterns; ports as gateways of international trade Role of WTO in International trade |
Part B: India: People and Economy (35 Marks)
This section focuses on the geography of India, specifically its population, resources, and economic activities.
| Unit No. | Unit Title | Marks | Subtopics |
| Unit 1 | People | 05 | Population - distribution, density and growth Population change - spatial patterns and structure Determinants of population change; age-sex ratio Rural-urban composition; literacy rates Occupational structure Population, migration (internal, international) and human development |
| Unit 2 | Human Settlements | 05 | Rural settlements - types and distribution Urban settlements - types, distribution and functional classification |
| Unit 3 | Resources and Development | 10 | Land resources - general land use Agricultural land use, common property resources Agricultural output and contribution in economy Water resources - availability and utilization; irrigation, domestic, industrial and other uses; scarcity of water and conservation methods Rainwater harvesting Mineral and energy resources - distribution, utility and conservation of metallic and non-metallic minerals (iron ore, copper, bauxite, manganese, mica, coal, petroleum, natural gas, conventional energy sources) Non-conventional energy sources (solar, wind, biogas, geo-thermal, nuclear) |
| Unit 4 | Transport, Communication and International Trade | 10 | Transport and Communication - Roads, railways, waterways, and airways Oil and gas pipelines; national waterway; and other important things International Trade - changing patterns of India's foreign trade Sea ports and their hinterland and airports |
| Unit 5 | Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems | 05 | Environmental pollution - urban waste disposal Rural urban migration; problems of slums Land degradation |
UP Board Class 12 Geography Practical Syllabus 2025-26 (30 Marks)
The practical exam is for 30 marks and is divided into several components:
| Unit | Topics | Subtopics |
| Unit 1 | Processing of Data and Thematic Mapping | - Sources of data - Tabulation of data - Graphic representation of data: bar diagram, pie diagram, line graph, flow chart - Thematic maps: construction of dot maps, choropleth maps, isopleths maps - Use of computer in data processing and mapping (excluding software details) |
| Unit 2 | Field Study (Option 1) | - Field observation and its recording - Measurement of selected attributes (weather, population, soil, etc.) - Rural/urban survey: preparation of questionnaire and tabulation of data - Drawing conclusions |
| OR Spatial Information Technology (Option 2) | - Introduction to GIS - Components of GIS - Applications of GIS - Geographical Information System - Digital maps, scanners, digitisers, pixels, and resolution |
Components of Practical Exam
| Component | Marks |
| Practical Book | 05 |
| Written Exam | 10 |
| Viva | 05 |
| Project Work | 10 |
| Total | 30 |
UP 12th Board Geography Exam Pattern 2025-26
| Question Type | Question Numbers | Marks Per Question | Total Marks |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1–10 | 1 mark | 10 marks |
| Very Short Answer Type Questions | 11–18 | 3 marks | 24 marks |
| Short Answer Type Questions | 19–24 | 6 marks | 36 marks |
| Long Answer Type Questions | 25–27 | 10 marks | 30 marks |
How to Download UP Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2025-26 PDF
Students can download the official UP Board Class 12 Geography syllabus in PDF format from the UPMSP's official website. The steps are:
- Visit the official website of the UP Board: upmsp.edu.in
- On the homepage, find the "पाठ्यक्रम 2025-26" (Syllabus 2025-26) option, usually on the left side
- Click on this option. A new window will open showing syllabi for various classes and subjects
- Select "Class 12" and then choose "Geography" from the subject list
- Click the download button to save the UP Board 12th Geography syllabus 2025-26 PDF to your device
Preparation Tips for UP 12th Geography Board Exam
- Effective preparation is key for the Geography exam. The article provides the following tips:
- Complete the Syllabus in Advance: Finishing the syllabus early provides ample time for revision
- Make Notes: Creating concise notes helps in quick and efficient revision
- Understand Marking Scheme: Knowing the marks allotted to each topic helps in prioritizing study efforts
- Practice within Time Limit: Solving questions within a set time limit improves speed and accuracy
Recommended Books for UP Board Class 12 Geography
NCERT books for Class 12 Geography
Knowing the exam pattern, types of questions, and marks allocation is highly beneficial for targeted preparation.
