CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus - Free PDF Download
CBSE Syllabus 2025-26 Class 12: The CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus for the examination year 2025-26 has been released by the Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE. The board will hold the final examination at the end of the year following the annual assessment scheme, which has led to the release of the syllabus. The 2025-26 CBSE Class 12 Psychology Board Exam will entirely be based on the most recent syllabus. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand the new CBSE syllabus to prepare for their annual exam properly.
The detailed CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus for 2025-26 is below.
Academic year:
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Revised Syllabus
CBSE Class 12 Psychology and their Unit wise marks distribution
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Course Structure 2025-26 With Marking Scheme
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Syllabus
1 Variations in Psychological Attributes [Revision]
- Individual Differences in Human Functioning
- Assessment of Psychological Attributes
- Introduction
- Domains of Psychological Attributes
- Methods of Assessment
- Concept of Intelligence
- Introduction
- Definition: Intelligence
- Activity: Fact or Belief?
- Features
- Gardner's Eight Intelligences
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Theories of Intelligence
- Introduction
- Theories of Intelligence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Binet's One-Factor Theory
- Charles Spearman's Two Factor Theory
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- Understanding Factor Analysis
- Two-Factor Theory
- Thorndike's Alternative View
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Louis Thurstone’s Multifactor Theory
- Introduction
- Seven Primary Mental Abilities
- Key Features of the Theory
- Evaluation: Strengths and Limitations
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Jensen's Hierarchical Theory of Intelligence
- Guilford's Structural Model Theory
- Introduction
- Three Dimensions of Intelligence
- The SOI Cube Model
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Modern Theories of Intelligence
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Introduction
- Eight Types of Intelligence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory
- Introduction
- Triarchic Theory Overview
- Componential (Analytical) Intelligence
- Experiential (Creative) Intelligence
- Contextual (Practical) Intelligence
- Key Point Summary
- PASS Model of Intelligence
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
- Individual Differences in Intelligence
- Assessment of Intelligence
- Measurement of Intelligence
- Mental Age
- Introduction
- Historical Framework
- Calculation of Mental Age
- Example
- Interpretation of Mental Age
- Growth Pattern of Mental Age
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Intelligence Quotient
- Introduction
- IQ Levels and Interpretation
- Formula of IQ
- Example
- Activity: Calculation of IQ
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Mental Age
- Variations of Intelligence
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Introduction
- Types of Intelligence Tests
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Individual Test
- Introduction
- Features of Individual Tests
- Major Intelligence Testing Scales
- Advantages of Individual Tests
- Disadvantages of Individual Tests
- Process of Individual Testing
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Group Test
- Introduction
- Historical Evolution
- Advantages of Group Tests
- Disadvantages of Group Tests
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Verbal Test
- Introduction
- Features of Verbal Tests
- Modern Verbal Intelligence Tests
- Types of Verbal Test Questions
- Activity: Verbal Analogy-Intelligence Test
- Advantages of Verbal Tests
- Disadvantages of Verbal Tests
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Non-Verbal Test
- Introduction
- Features
- Types of Non-Verbal Tests
- Advantages of Non-Verbal Tests
- Disadvantages of Non-verbal Tests
- Research Evidence
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Performance Test
- Culture Bias and Culture Fair Tests
- Introduction
- Culture-Biased Tests
- Culture-Fair Tests
- Examples of Culture-Fair Tests
- Cattell’s Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence
- Strategies for Fair Test Design
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Misuses of Intelligence Tests
- Intelligence Testing in India
- Culture and Intelligence
- Introduction
- Intelligence in the Indian Tradition
- New Trends in Intelligence> Emotional Intelligence
- Introduction
- Activity 1: Examples of Emotional Intelligence
- Importance of EI vs. IQ
- Activity 2: Emotional Intelligence Comparison
- Characteristics: High EI vs. Low EI
- Models of Emotional Intelligence
- Benefits of High EI
- Key Point Summary
- Special Abilities
- Creativity
- Creativity and Intelligence
- Introduction
- Everyday and Eminent Creativity
- Features of Creativity
- Theories and Definitions
- Creativity and Intelligence: Relationship
- Creativity & Intelligence Tests
- Key Point Summary
2 Self and Personality [Revision]
- Self and Personality
- Concept of Self
- Introduction
- Self as a Subject and Subject
- Kinds of Self
- Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Self
- Introduction
- Self-esteem
- Self-efficacy
- Self-regulation
- Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Etymology and Historical Context
- Definition: Personality
- Activity: Understanding Personality Traits
- Approaches of Personality
- Features of Personality
- Major Dimensions: The Big Five
- Common Misconceptions
- Key Point Summary
- Culture and Self
- Introduction
- Key Point Summary
- Characteristics of Personality
- Introduction
- Characteristics of Personality
- Personality Expression Modes
- Key Point Summary
- Personality Related Terms
- Introduction
- Personality Related Terms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Descriptive Personality Theories
- Introduction
- Major Approaches to Studying Personality
- Type Approach
- Trait Approach
- Interactional Approach
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Type Theories
- Introduction
- Personality Type Approaches
- Hippocrates’ Four Humors
- Ayurvedic Tridosha
- Trigunas
- Sheldon’s Somatotypes
- Jung’s Introversion–Extraversion
- Type A–D Personalities
- Critiques & Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Trait Theories
- Introduction
- Major Trait Theories
- Characteristics of Trait Theory
- Criticisms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Psychodynamic Approach
- Introduction
- Levels of Consciousness
- Structure of Personality
- Ego Defence Mechanisms
- Behavioural Approach
- Cultural Approach
- Trait Theory> Trait Theory of G. Allport
- Introduction
- Trait Categories
- Cardinal Traits
- Central Traits
- Secondary Traits
- Key Point Summary
- Trait Theory> Cattell’s Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Definition: Personality
- Cattell’s Approach to Personality
- Types of Traits
- Sixteen Personality Factors (16PF)
- Big Five Global Factors
- Applications of Cattell’s Theory
- Criticisms
- Key Point Summary
- Type Theory> Eysenck Concept of Personality
- Introduction
- Key Terms
- Core Dimensions
- Temperament Quadrants
- Four Functional Sectors
- Key Point Summary
- Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality> Stages of Personality Development
- Introduction
- Stages of Personality Development
- Oral Stage
- Anal Stage
- Phallic Stage
- Latency Stage
- Genital Stage
- Comparative Summary Table
- Neo-Freudian Theory of Personality
- Introduction
- Freud vs. Neo-Freudians
- Major Neo-Freudian Theorists
- Key Point Summary
- Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality
- Jung's Personality Types
- Structure of the Psyche
- Archetypes
- Four Psychological Functions
- Jung vs. Freud
- Applications and Engagement
- Key Point Summary
- Karen Horney (1950)
- Introduction
- Causes of Neurosis
- Neurotic Coping Strategies
- Gender and Cultural Perspectives
- Optimism & Therapy
- Key Point Summary
- Erich Fromm's Theory
- Erik Erikson's Theory of Psycho-Social Development
- Introduction
- The Eight Stages
- Criticisms
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Psychodynamic Therapies> Alfred Adler's Psychodynamic Therapy
- Humanistic Approach
- Introduction
- Rogers’ Self-Concept Theory
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Characteristics of Psychologically Healthy People
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Measurement of Personality
- Introduction
- Key Concepts
- Methods of Personality Assessment
- Features of a Good Assessment
- Real-Life Applications
- Key Point Summary
- Self Report Inventories
- Introduction
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
- Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)
- Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF)
- Projective Techniques
- Introduction
- Rorschach’s Ink-Blot Test
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Sentence-Completion Test
- Activity: Sentence Completion Test
- Draw-a-Person Test
- Comparative Overview
- Key Point Summary
- Behavioural Analysis
- Introduction
- Methods of Behavioural Analysis
- Interview Method
- Observation Method
- Activity: Identifying Personality Traits through Observation
- Nomination Method
- Behavioural Ratings
- Situational Tests
- Key Point Summary
3 Meeting Life Challenges [Revision]
- Overcoming Life's Challenges
- Concept of Stress
- Introduction
- Meaning of Stress and Stressors
- Definition: Stress
- Stress in Modern Life
- Stress as Demand and Pressure
- Examples
- Positive and Negative Sides of Stress
- Eustress and Distress
- Working Definition of Stress
- Key Point Summary
- Symptoms of Stress
- Nature of Stress
- Meaning of Stress
- Positive and Negative Stress
- Origin and Basic Concept of Stress and Strain
- Modern Psychological View of Stress
- Cognitive Appraisal (Lazarus)
- Factors Affecting Stress Experience
- Types and Dimensions of Stressors
- Stress Reactions
- Types of Stress
- Sources of Stress
- Effects of Stress on Physical Health
- Introduction
- Stress and Health
- Examination Anxiety
- General Adaptation Syndrome
- Stress and the Immune System
- Lifestyle
- Coping with Stress
- Stress Management
- Stress Management Techniques
- Promoting Positive Health and Well-being
4 Psychological Disorders [Revision]
- Concept of Psychological Disorders
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- Causes
- Concept of Abnormal Behaviour
- Basics of Abnormal Psychology
- The Four D’s of Abnormality
- Conceptual Approaches
- Real-Life Scenarios
- Key Takeaways
- Classification of Psychological Disorders
- Factors Underlying Abnormal Behaviour
- Major Psychological Disorder> Anxiety Disorders
- Introduction
- Definition: Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Phobic Disorders
- Activity: Exploring Different Types of Phobias
- Major Psychological Disorder> Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Major Psychological Disorder> Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
- Introduction
- Intense Stress and Stress Disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Major Psychological Disorder> Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
- Introduction
- Features
- Major Psychological Disorder> Dissociative Disorders
- Introduction
- Features
- Mood Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Introduction
- Prevalence of Depression
- Definition: Depressive Disorder
- Symptoms
- Depressive Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Bipolar Disorder
- Introduction
- Symptoms
- Causative Factors
- Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia
- Introduction
- Case Study
- Characteristics
- Symptoms
- Major Psychological Disorder> Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
- Major Psychological Disorder> Eating Disorders
- Introduction
- Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating
- Key Point Summary
- Major Psychological Disorder> Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- Introduction
- Case Study
- Substance Use and Addiction
- Symptoms of Addiction
- Symptoms of Drug Addiction
- Alcoholic Anonymous
5 Therapeutic Approaches [Revision]
- Therapeutic Approaches in Psychology
- Concept of Psychotherapy
- Introduction
- Characteristics
- Objectives
- Nature
- Therapeutic Relationship
- Process
- Therapeutic Approaches
- Forms of Psychotherapy
- Behaviour Therapies
- Introduction
- Method of Treatment
- Behavioural Techniques
- Relaxation Procedures
- Cognitive Therapy
- Humanistic-existential Therapy
- Introduction
- Existential Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Behaviour Therapies
- Humanistic-existential Therapy> Client Centred Therapy
- Introduction
- Method and Process
- Role of Therapist and Outcomes
- Limitations
- Healing Factors in Psychotherapy
- Ethics in Psychotherapy
- Alternative Therapies
- Rehabilitation of the Mentally Ill
6 Attitude and Social Cognition [Revision]
- Concept of Social Behaviour
- Nature and Components of Attitudes
- Formation of Attitude
- Introduction
- Process of Attitude Formation
- Factors Influencing Attitude Formation
- Attitude Change
- Introduction
- Process of Attitude Change
- Factors Influencing Attitude Change
- Attitude-Behaviour Relationship
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Strategies for Handling Prejudice
7 Social Influence and Group Processes [Revision]
- Social Groups
- Characteristics of Social Group
- Formation of Groups
- Introduction
- Five-Stage Model of Group Formation
- Factors Affecting Group Formation
- Human Preference for Groups
- Types of Social Group
- Influence of Group on Individual Behaviour
8 Psychology and Life [Revision]
- Introduction to Psychology and Life
- Human-environment Relationship
- Different Views of the Human-Environment Relationship
- The Bishnois and the Chipko Movement
- Environmental Effects on Human Behaviour
- Human Influence on the Environment
- Noise
- Pollution
- Crowding
- Natural Disasters
- Promoting Pro-environmental Behaviour
- Psychology and Social Concerns
- Poverty and Discrimination
- Aggression, Violence, and Peace
- Mahatma Gandhi on Non-violence : Why Does
- Non-violence Work
- Health
- Impact of Television on Behaviour
9 Developing Psychological Skills [Revision]
- Introduction to Developing Psychological Skills
- Developing as an Effective Psychologist
- General Skills
- Intellectual and Personal Skills; Sensitivity to Diversity
- Individual and Cultural Differences
- Observational Skills
- Specific Skills
- Communication Skills
- Characteristics of Communication
- Some Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills
- Psychological Testing Skills
- Essentials of Psychological Assessment Skills
- Interviewing Skills
- Types of Interview Questions
- Counselling Skills
- Empathy
- Positive regard
- Authenticity
