CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26, PDF Download

The CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus for 2025-26 is designed to help students develop practical skills in data handling, programming, and database management. With a focus on Python libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib, students learn to create and manipulate data structures such as Series and DataFrames, perform various operations, and visualize data using plots and charts. The syllabus also emphasizes database management using SQL, where students work with mathematical, text, and date functions, along with aggregate queries. Additionally, they explore equi-joins and other SQL concepts to manipulate and query data efficiently. The course provides a solid foundation for real-world data analysis and programming tasks, preparing students for further studies in technology and data sciences.

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26

Apart from technical skills, the syllabus introduces essential topics related to computer networks, internet technologies, and societal impacts of digital advancements. It covers the basics of different network types (like LAN, WAN, and PAN), devices, and internet protocols, while also shedding light on issues such as digital footprints, data protection, and cyber laws. The project work encourages students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios by analyzing and visualizing data or developing useful applications. Through practical exercises, the syllabus ensures that students gain hands-on experience, equipping them with the necessary skills for future academic or professional endeavors in IT and data management.

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26: Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Create and work with Pandas Series and DataFrames, applying various operations.
Visualize data using relevant graphs.
Design SQL queries using aggregate functions.
Import and export data between SQL databases and Pandas.
Understand key networking and internet terminology.
Identify internet security issues and configure browser settings.
Recognize the impact of technology on society, including gender and disability issues.

1. Distribution of Marks and Periods:

Unit No.	Unit Name	Marks	Theory Periods	Practical Periods	Total Periods
1	Data Handling using Pandas and Data Visualization	25	25	25	50
2	Database Query using SQL	25	20	17	37
3	Introduction to Computer Networks	10	12	–	12
4	Societal Impacts	10	14	–	14
	Project	–	–	7	7
	Practical	30	–	–	–
	Total	100	71	49	120

2. CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26: Unit-wise Syllabus:

Unit 1: Data Handling using Pandas and Data Visualization

Introduction to Python libraries: Pandas, Matplotlib.
Data Structures in Pandas:
- Series: Creation from ndarray, dictionary, scalar values. Operations: mathematical functions, head and tail functions, selection, indexing, and slicing.
- DataFrames: Creation from dictionaries of Series, list of dictionaries, Text/CSV files. Display, iteration, and operations on rows and columns like add, select, delete, and rename. Head and tail functions, indexing using labels, Boolean indexing.
Import/Export: Importing/exporting data between CSV files and DataFrames.
Data Visualization: Purpose of plotting. Creating and saving line plots, bar graphs, and histograms using Matplotlib. Customizing plots with labels, titles, and legends.

Unit 2: Database Query using SQL

Revision: SQL commands and concepts from Class XI.
Functions:
- Math Functions: POWER(), ROUND(), MOD().
- Text Functions: UCASE()/UPPER(), LCASE()/LOWER(), MID()/SUBSTRING()/SUBSTR(), LENGTH(), LEFT(), RIGHT(), INSTR(), LTRIM(), RTRIM(), TRIM().
- Date Functions: NOW(), DATE(), MONTH(), MONTHNAME(), YEAR(), DAY(), DAYNAME().
- Aggregate Functions: MAX(), MIN(), AVG(), SUM(), COUNT(), using COUNT(*).
Queries: Group by, Having, Order by. Working with two tables using equi-join.

Unit 3: Introduction to Computer Networks

Introduction to Networks:
- Types of Networks: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN.
- Network Devices: Modem, hub, switch, repeater, router, gateway.
- Network Topologies: Star, Bus, Tree, Mesh.
Internet Introduction: URL, WWW, and applications (Web, email, chat, VoIP).
Website: Differences between websites and web pages. Static vs dynamic web pages, web servers, and website hosting.
Web Browsers: Commonly used browsers, browser settings, add-ons, plug-ins, cookies.

Unit 4: Societal Impacts

Digital Footprint: Net and communication etiquette, data protection.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Plagiarism, licensing, and copyright.
FOSS: Free and open-source software.
Cybercrime: Cyber laws, hacking, phishing, cyberbullying, and the Indian IT Act.
E-waste: Hazards and management.
Health Concerns: Awareness of health issues related to technology usage.

Project Work:

The goal of the project is to develop a useful IT application by identifying real-world problems. For example, students can visit shops, businesses, or organizations to explore how they generate, store, and manage data.

Project Guidelines:

Analyze data from CSV or databases using Python libraries and create visualizations.
Avoid plagiarism and respect copyright rules.
Projects can be done individually or in groups (2-3 students). Start at least six months before the submission deadline.

Practical Marks Distribution:

S. No.	Unit Name	Marks
1	Programs using Pandas and Matplotlib	8
2	SQL Queries	7
3	Practical file (including 15 Pandas programs, 4 Matplotlib programs, and 15 SQL queries)	5
4	Project Work (based on concepts from Class XI and XII)	5
5	Viva-Voce	5
	Total	30

5. Suggested Practical List:

5.1 Data Handling:

Create a Pandas Series from a dictionary and ndarray.
Given a Series, print elements above the 75th percentile.
Create a DataFrame for quarterly sales by category and item, then group by category to display total expenditure.
Create a DataFrame for exam results, showing row/column labels, data types, and dimensions.
Filter out rows based on different criteria, including duplicate rows.
Import and export data between Pandas and CSV files.

5.2 Visualization:

Analyze school results data based on different parameters (e.g., subject-wise, class-wise).
Analyze and plot appropriate charts with titles and legends using Matplotlib for the DataFrames created above.
Aggregate and summarize open-source data (e.g., from data.gov.in) and plot using Matplotlib.

5.3 Data Management:

Create a student table with student_id, name, and marks, where student_id is the primary key.
Insert a new student’s details into the table.
Delete a student’s details from the table.
Select students with marks above 80.
Find the minimum, maximum, sum, and average marks in a student marks table.
Use GROUP BY to find the total number of customers from each country in a customer table.
Order the student table by marks in descending order.

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26 PDF Download

For more detailed and downloadable information on the CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2025-26, you can access the PDF version directly from the official CBSE website or via the link given below.

Informatics_Practices_SrSec_2025-26 PDF

Books to Cover CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Syllabus 2026

1. NCERT Class 12 Informatics Practices Textbook

This is the official textbook prescribed by CBSE and covers all core concepts in Python (Pandas), SQL, Computer Networks, and Societal Impacts as per the syllabus.
Why it’s important: It provides concept clarity and is likely to be the basis of many board paper questions.

Study tip: Always finish the NCERT textbook thoroughly before moving to reference books.

2. Sumita Arora – Informatics Practices Class 12

A dedicated reference book by Sumita Arora (available for the 2025-26 session) covering theory, examples, and practice questions aligned with CBSE.
Best for: Learning concepts with step-by-step explanations and practising examples.

3. Arihant – All-in-One Informatics Practices with Python Pandas

Comprehensive book covering theory, practice questions, CBQs, case-based questions, and sample papers designed to the latest CBSE pattern.
Good for: A complete resource to revise concepts and practice all types of questions including practical work.

4. Together With CBSE Question Bank – Informatics Practices Class 12

Offers chapter-wise and topic-wise questions with solutions, practice papers, and project/practical questions.
Useful for: Extensive practice and reinforcement of each chapter with real-exam style questions.

5. Oswaal CBSE Question Bank – Informatics Practices (Class 12)

A large question bank with 1500+ questions, chapter-wise solved papers, mind maps, and revision notes tailored to the 2026 syllabus.
Best for: Practising a wide variety of questions and self-assessment before boards.

6. Sample Paper Books

These aren’t primary textbooks but are excellent for exam practice:

i-Succeed CBSE Informatics Practices – 15 Sample Question Papers (Arihant) with detailed solutions, mind maps, and rapid revision sheets.
Oswaal CBSE 15 Sample Question Papers for IP 2026 with latest pattern questions and probable board questions.

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FAQs

1. What are the main units in the CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices syllabus for 2026?

Answer: The syllabus has four key units:

Data Handling using Pandas and Data Visualization
Database Query using SQL
Introduction to Computer Networks
Societal Impacts of Technology

2. What programming topics should Class 12 IP students focus on?

Answer:

Creating and manipulating Series and DataFrames using Pandas
Importing/exporting data between CSV files and DataFrames
Data visualization using Matplotlib (like line plots, bar graphs, histograms)
Writing and running SQL queries including aggregate functions, joins, and data filtering

3. Are Python libraries part of the syllabus? Which ones?

Answer:
Yes. You need to work with Python libraries:

Pandas for data handling
Matplotlib for data visualization
These help in performing operations on data and creating visual plots.

4. What SQL concepts are included in the syllabus?

Answer:
Key SQL topics include:

Math, text, and date functions
Aggregate functions like SUM(), AVG(), COUNT()
GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY
Working with joins, especially equi-joins for combining data from two tables.

5. Does the syllabus include networking concepts?

Answer:
Yes. You should know:

Basic network definitions
Types of networks (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN)
Network devices (router, modem, switch, hub, etc.)
Network topologies (Star, Bus, Tree, Mesh)
Internet basics, URL, WWW, web browsers and cookies.

6. What topics fall under ‘Societal Impacts’ in IP?

Answer:
This unit covers:

Digital footprints and etiquette
Data protection, privacy, and intellectual property rights (IPR)
Cybercrime (hacking, phishing, cyberbullying) and cyber laws
E-waste hazards and management
Health concerns related to extensive technology use.

7. How is the board exam structured (theory paper)?

Answer:
The theory exam is of 70 marks and typically includes:

MCQs and very short answer questions
Short/long answer questions
Case-study based and programming questions using Python
(Complete marking details are available in the official marking scheme.)

8. Is there a practical exam or project?

Answer:
Yes, apart from theory, there is a practical/ project component worth 30 marks. It includes:

Programming with Pandas and Matplotlib
SQL queries
Practical file and project work
Viva-voce.

9. Do students need to start the project early?

Answer:
Yes. Projects should ideally begin about six months before submission, since they involve real data handling, database work, and visualization.

10. What should students include in their practical file?

Answer:
The practical file should include:

Programs on Pandas and Matplotlib
SQL queries
Complete documentation of project work
Relevant screenshots and explanations.

11. Which book or reference should students follow?

Answer:
Students should primarily follow the NCERT Class 12 Informatics Practices textbook as per the CBSE syllabus. Supplementary books and sample papers can help in revision and practice.

12. How to prepare effectively for the IP board exam?