KANAVU AASIRIYAR Senior and Higher Secondary School Syllabus and sample questions

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Senior and Higher Secondary School English

Syllabus

Literary Analysis

Reading Comprehension – Different Reading Strategies, Factual questions and
references from passage, Visualisation, Making Connections, Making Inferences, Making
Predictions, Drawing Conclusions, Compare and Contrast characters, Main Idea,
Forming opinions, Mood, Theme, Author’s voice, style, purpose and viewpoint, Poetic
sensibility.
Literary Devices – Figures of Speech*, Imagery, Symbolism, Idioms, Diction,
Connotation.
*List of Figures of Speech – Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Pathetic Fallacy,
Hyperbole, Euphemism, Metonymy, Allusions, Alliteration, Pun, Non sequitur, Oxymoron,
Paradox, Irony and Sarcasm.
Narrative Traits and Structure – Characters - Protagonist and Antagonist, Physical and
Character traits of people and objects, Character emotions, Setting, Character Motives,
Plot, Sequencing and Chronology of events, Conflict, Climax and Resolution, Cause and
Effect, Summarising, Point of view, Parable, Sonnet, Parody, Satire, Colloquialism,
Register, Tone, Substance.
Prosody – Rhyme Scheme, Intonation, Meter, Rhythm, Line length, Stress.
Grammar
Punctuation – Using capital letters, full stops, comma, apostrophe, colons, double
colons, semi-colons, ellipses, dash, hyphen, parentheses, quotation marks, question
marks and exclamation marks.
Parts of Speech – Noun and noun forms, Verb and verb forms (including transitive and
intransitive verbs), Adjective and degrees of adjectives, Adverb and adverb forms,
Gerunds and Infinitives, Apposition, Types of Phrases, Phrasal verbs, Convert from one
form to another, Preposition, Conjunction, Cohesive devices, Transition words,
Contractions, Tenses - continuous and perfect tenses, Participles, Modals, Subject-verb
agreement, Modifiers - types of modifiers, incorrect usage of modifiers, Particles.
Sentences – Based on type of sentence structure: Simple, Compound and Complex,
Main and subordinate clauses, Types of Clauses, Conditionals, Types of Conditionals,
Parallelism, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Reported speech.
Writing
Vocabulary – Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs,
Collocations, Compound and Complex words.
Writing Styles - Proverbs, Different Types of Writing Styles, Attributes of different Writing
Styles, Elements of Writing, Essay Writing, Poetry Writing, Prose Writing, Letter Writing,
Report Writing, Fictional Writing, Cloze Passages, Paraphrasing, Dialogue Writing,
Debate Writing, Discourse Writing, Diatribe Writing, Diary Entry, Notice Writing,
Argumentative essay, Humorous essay, Composition writing, Writing a ballad, Writing
short stories, plays, Script writing, Film Reviews, Different steps of writing - ideate, draft,
enhance, edit and publish.
Listening And Speaking Skills
Syllables - Monosyllabic and Multisyllabic words, Stressed Syllables, Decoding words.
Speech - Types of Conversation, Prosody, Preparing a speech, Fluency development,
Dialects.
Sample questions
Subject expertise
The popular image of him as a laconic, amiable figure is not entirely accurate.
What word can best replace 'laconic' without changing the meaning of the
sentence? 1
concise 1 RA
quiet 2
grumpy 3
smart 4
Explanation: A laconic phrase is a concise or terse statement.
Subject pedagogy
Conversation among a teacher (T) and students (after a poem is read aloud):
T: Sheela, what literary device has the poet used while talking about the car?
Sheela: Personification.
T: Rajesh, what is personification?
Rajesh: It is used to give human characteristics to non-living things.
Which follow-up question can MOST deepen Rajesh's understanding of
personification? 1
What other human-like characteristics can you give to the car? 1 RA
What other literary device is similar to personification? 2
What human characteristics did the poet give to the car? 3
Can personification be applied to describe people? 4
Explanation: Asking Rajesh for other human-like characteristics is the best way to deepen his
understanding of personification. It tests whether Rajesh actually knows what personification
means.
Secondary Geography
Syllabus
Contemporary India
India – Location, Size, India and the World, India’s Neighbours
Physical Features of India – Major Physiographic Divisions –
Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian
Desert, Coastal Plains, Islands
Drainage – Concept of drainage, Drainage Systems in India, The
Himalayan Rivers - Ganga and Brahmaputra River System, The Peninsular
Rivers- Narmada Basin, Tapi Basin, Godavari Basin, Mahanadi Basin,
Krishna Basin, Kaveri Basin, Lakes, Role of Rivers in the Economy, River
Pollution
Climate – Concept, Difference between Climate and Weather, Factors
influencing India’s climate – Latitude, Altitude, Pressure and Winds, Jet
Streams, Western Cyclonic Disturbances, Indian Monsoon, the onset of
the monsoon and withdrawal, The Seasons – Cold Weather Season, Hot
Weather Season, Advancing Monsoon, Retreating/Post Monsoons,
Distribution of Rainfall, Monsoon as a unifying bond
Natural Vegetation and WildLife – Concept, Factors influencing diversity of
flora and fauna, Types of Vegetation – Tropical Evergreen Forests, Tropical
Deciduous Forests, Thorn Forests and Shrubs, Montane Forests, Mangrove
Forests, Wild Life
Population – Population Size and Distribution – India’s Population Size
and Distribution by Numbers, India’s Population Distribution by Density,
Population Growth and Processes of Population Change – Population
Growth, Processes of Population Change/Growth, Population
Composition - Age Composition, Sex Ratio, Literacy Rates, Occupational
Structure, Health, Adolescent Population, National Population Policy, NPP
2000 and Adolescents
Resources and Development – Concept, Types of resources, On the
Basis of Origin, Exhaustibility, Ownership, Status of development,
Development of Resources, Resource Planning - Resource Planning in
India, Conservation of Resources, Land Resources, Land Utilisation, Land
Use Pattern in India, Land Degradation and Conservation Measures, Soil
as a Resource - Classification of Soils, Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation
Forest and Wildlife Resources – Flora and Fauna in India, Conservation of
forest and wildlife in India, Types and distribution of forests and wildlife
resources, Community and Conservation
Water Resources - Water Scarcity and The Need for Water Conservation
and Management, Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water
Resources Management, Rainwater Harvesting
Agriculture – Types of Farming – Primitive Subsistence, Intensive
Subsistence, Commercial, Cropping Pattern – Major Crops, Food Crops
other than Grains, Non-Food Crops, Technological and Institutional
Reforms, Contribution of agriculture to the national economy, employment
and output, Food Security, Impact of globalisation on agriculture
Minerals and Energy Resources – What is a mineral?, Mode of
occurrence of Minerals - Where are these minerals found?, Ferrous
Minerals, Non-Ferrous Minerals, Non-Metallic Minerals, Rock Minerals,
Conservation of Minerals, Energy Resources - Conventional Sources of
Energy, Non-Conventional Sources of Energy, Conservation of Energy
Resources
Manufacturing Industries – Importance of Manufacturing - Industrial
Location, Contribution of Industry to National Economy, Industry,
Classification of Industries, Agro based Industries, Mineral based
Industries, Industrial Pollution and Environmental Degradation, Control of
Environmental Degradation
Life Lines of National Economy – Transport – Roadways, Railways,
Pipelines, Waterways, Major Seaports, Airways, Communication,
International Trade, Tourism as a Trade
Map Reading – Identification, Location and Labelling of items based on the above
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following definitions and corresponding examples refers to an
archipelago?
2
A group of coral reefs surrounding an island - Great Barrier Reef 1
A cluster of islands grouped together in a sea or water body - Andaman and
Nicobar 2 RA
A circular shaped island that has estuaries in the periphery - Minicoy 3
A ring-shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon partially or completely -
Aldabra 4
Explanation: Option 2 has the correct definition and example of an archipelago.
Subject pedagogy
Ms. Nandini has to teach a lesson with the objective 'Students will be able to
explain reasons for rainfall in coastal Kerala during monsoon'.
Which of the following concepts are necessary as part of the first lesson on this
topic, to achieve the objective? 2
Convection 1
Relief features of western ghats
2 RA
Latent heat of condensation 3
Windward and leeward sides of ghats 4
Explanation: Option 2 is the necessary lesson that needs to be taught by the teacher to achieve
the objective of students being able to explain reasons for rainfall in Kerala during monsoon.
Secondary History
Syllabus
Events and Processes :
French Revolution - Introduction, French Society During the Late Eighteenth
Century,The Struggle To Survive,A Growing Middle Class Envisages an End to
Privileges,The Outbreak of the Revolution ,France Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy,
France Abolishes Monarchy andBecomesaRepublic , The Reign of Terror ,A Directory
Rules France, Did Women have a Revolution,TheAbolition of Slavery,The Revolution
and Everyday Life ,Post French Revolution.
Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution - The Age of Social Change
,Liberals, Radicals and Conservatives ,Industrial Society and Social Change,The
Coming of Socialism To Europe,Support For Socialism ,The Russian Empire in 1914,
Economy and Society ,Socialism In Russia ,A TurbulentTime: The 1905 Revolution ,The
First World War and the Russian Empire ,The February Revolution In Petrograd , After
February ,The Revolution of October 1917 ,What Changed after October,The Civil War
,Making a Socialist Society ,Stalinism and Collectivisation ,The Global Influence of
theRussian Revolution and the USSR .
Nazism and the Rise of Hitler - Introduction,Birth of the Weimar Republic , The Effects
of the War ,Political Radicalism and Economic Crises , The Years of Depression ,Hitler’s
Rise to Power ,The Destruction of Democracy , Reconstruction ,The Nazi
Worldview,Establishment of the Racial State ,The Racial Utopia , Youth in Nazi
Germany , The Nazi Cult of Motherhood,The Art of Propaganda ,Ordinary People and
the Crimes Against Humanity , Knowledge about the Holocaust.
The Rise of Nationalism in Europe - Introduction , The French Revolution and the
Idea of the Nation ,The Making of Nationalism in Europe ,The Aristocracy and the New
Middle Class ,What did Liberal Nationalism Stand for ,A New Conservatism after 1815
,The Revolutionaries ,The Age of Revolutions: 1830-1848 ,The Romantic Imagination
and National Feeling ,Hunger, Hardship and Popular Revolt ,1848: The Revolution of
the Liberals , Germany – Can the Army be the Architect of a Nation ,Italy Unified ,The
Strange Case of Britain ,Visualising the Nation ,Nationalism and Imperialism .
Nationalism in India - The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation , The Idea
of Satyagraha ,The Rowlatt Act ,Why Non-cooperation ,Differing Strands within the
Movement ,The Movement in the Towns , Rebellion in the Countryside ,Swaraj in the
Plantations ,Towards Civil Disobedience ,The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience
Movement ,How Participants saw the Movement, The Limits of Civil Disobedience
,The Sense of Collective Belonging ,Post Civil Disobedience Movement , Quit India
Movement.
Livelihoods, Economies and Societies :
Forest Society and Colonialism - Why Deforestation , Land to be Improved ,
Sleepers on the Tracks,Plantations ,The Rise of Commercial Forestry ,How were the
Lives of People Affected ,How did Forest Rules Affect Cultivation ,Who could Hunt
,New Trades, New Employments and New Services ,Rebellion in the Forest ,The
People of Bastar ,The Fears of the People ,Forest Transformations in Java ,The
Woodcutters of Java ,Dutch Scientific Forestry ,Samin’s Challenge ,War and
Deforestation ,New Developments in Forestry .
Pastoralists in the Modern World - Pastoral Nomads and their Movements, In the
Mountains, On the Plateaus, Plains and Deserts ,Colonial Rule and Pastoral Life ,How
Did these Changes Affect the Lives of Pastoralists ,How Did the Pastoralists Cope with
these Changes , Pastoralism In Africa ,Where have the Grazing Lands Gone ,The
Borders are Closed ,When Pastures Dry,Not All were Equally Affected,Conclusion .
The Making of a Global World - The Pre-modern World ,Silk Routes Link the World
,FoodTravels:Spaghetti and Potato ,Conquest, Disease and Trade ,The Nineteenth
Century (1815-1914) ,A World Economy Takes Shape ,Role of Technology ,Late
nineteenth-century Colonialism, Rinderpest or the Cattle Plague ,Indentured Labour
Migration from India ,Indian Entrepreneurs Abroad ,Indian Trade, Colonialism and the
Global System ,The Inter-war Economy ,Wartime Transformations ,Post-warRecovery
,Rise of Mass Production and Consumption ,The Great Depression ,India and the
Great Depression ,Rebuilding a World Economy: The Post-war Era ,Post-war
Settlement and the BrettonWoods Institutions ,The Early Post-war Years
,Decolonisation and Independence ,End of BrettonWoods and the Beginning of
‘Globalisation’.
The Age of Industrialisation - Introduction ,Before the Industrial Revolution ,The
Coming Up of the Factory ,The Pace of Industrial Change ,Hand Labour and Steam
Power ,Life of the Workers ,Industrialisation in the Colonies ,The Age of Indian Textiles
,What Happened to Weavers ,Manchester Comes to India ,Factories Come Up ,The
Early Entrepreneurs ,Where Did the Workers Come From ,The Peculiarities of Industrial
Growth ,Small-scale Industries Predominate ,Market for Goods ,Conclusion .
Everyday Life , Culture and Politics :
Print Culture and the Modern World - The First Printed Books ,Print in Japan ,Print
Comes to Europe , Gutenberg and the Printing Press ,The Print Revolution and Its
Impact ,A New Reading Public ,Religious Debates and the Fear of Print ,Print and
Dissent ,The Reading Mania , Print Culture and the French Revolution ,The Nineteenth
Century, Children, Women and Workers ,Further Innovations ,India and the World of
Print ,Manuscripts Before the Age of Print , Print Comes to India ,Religious Reform and
Public Debates ,New Forms of Publication ,Women and Print ,Print and the Poor
People ,Print and Censorship .
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following is NOT true about the Harappan infrastructure?
4
Buildings were often built on a high raised platform. 1
The city plans usually included a covered drainage system. 2
The plan of the Citadel is approximately in the shape of a parallelogram. 3
They used coal tar extensively in the construction of houses. 4 RA
Explanation: The fourth option is one which is the false statement about Harappan infrastructure.
Subject pedagogy
The History teacher in a school arranges a class visit to the Government
History Museum. During their guided tour of the museum, children are
introduced to paintings, sculptures and other forms of visual art from the early
20th century.
What could be the most relevant purpose of this exercise? 4
Children understand and start taking pride in India's glorious history of visual
art. 1
Children understand how colonialism helped India in developing its aesthetic
sense. 2
Children find historical art to be more interesting than other forms of art. 3
Children understand that art is influenced by and evolves with society. 4 RA
Explanation: Option 4 is the most relevant statement, exposing students to archaeological
sources is the best way for them to understand how art transformed with time.
Secondary School Biology
Syllabus
Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Tissues - Different Types Of Epithelial Tissues, Types Of Connective Tissues,
Types Of Muscles Fibres, Nervous Tissue
Control and Coordination - Hormones In Animals, Adrenaline, Endocrine System,
Thyroid Gland, Growth Hormone, Feedback Mechanisms, Sense Organs, Nervous
system, Structure Of Neuron, Reflex Actions, Reflex Arc, Parts Of The Brain, Central
Nervous System, Involuntary Actions, Functioning of Nervous tissue
Nutrition and The Human Digestive System - Nutritional Requirements and Procuring
nutrition, Autotrophic Nutrition, Photosynthesis, Heterotrophic Nutrition, Nutrition In
Human Beings, Alimentary Canal and digestion
Human Excretory System - Excretion In Human Beings, Structure Of A Nephron,
Artificial Kidney (Hemodialysis)
Respiration and Circulation in Animals - Break-Down Of Glucose, Mitochondria,
Build-Up Of Lactic Acid, ATP as Energy Currency, Human circulatory system, Respiratory
Pigment and Transportation In Human Beings, The Heart, Oxygenation of Blood, Blood
Pressure, Blood Vessels, Synthesis Of Blood, Lymph
Reproduction in Animals - Replication of Organisms, Replication of DNA, The
Importance Of Variation, Modes Of Reproduction Used By Single Celled Organism,
Fission, Fragmentation, Regeneration, Budding, Vegetative Propagation, Tissue Culture,
Spore Formation, Sexual Reproduction, Advantages of Sexual Reproductions, Human
Reproductive System - Sexual Maturation Of The Body, Male Reproductive System,
Female Reproductive System, Placenta, Consequence of Fertilisation and lack of
Fertilisation, Menstruation, Reproductive Health, Contraceptive Methods
Human Health - Health And Its Failure, The Significance Of ‘Health’, Effect of Personal
and community issues on Health, Distinctions Between ‘Healthy’ And ‘Disease-Free’,
Acute And Chronic Diseases, Chronic Diseases And Poor Health, Causes Of Diseases,
Infectious And Non-Infectious Causes, Means Of Spread of Infectious Agents,
Organ-Specific And Tissue specific Manifestations, Principles Of Treatment, Principles Of
Prevention, Inoculation, Immunisation
Plant Tissues - Difference between plant and animal tissue, Meristematic Tissue,
Permanent Tissue, Types of Simple Permanent Tissue - Parenchyma, Collenchyma,
Sclerenchyma, Epidermis, Stomata, Cutin, Suberin, Types of Complex Permanent Tissue
- Xylem And Phloem, Vascular Or Conductive Tissue, Tracheids, Vessels, Xylem
Parenchyma, Sieve Tubes
Plant Reproductive System - Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants, Parts Of A
Flower, Self-Pollination, Cross Pollination, Germination
Plant Coordination and Transportation System - Coordination In Plants, Response To
Stimulus, Movement Due To Growth, Environmental Triggers, Tropism, Plant Hormones,
Transportation In Plants -Water, Food And Other Substances, Transpiration
Diversity and classification
Biological Classification - Basis Of Classification, Characteristics, Form And Function,
Classification And Evolution, Evolution, Biodiversity, The Hierarchy Of Classification
Groups (Kingdoms to Species), Monera, Protista, Fungi, Saprophytes, Chitin, Symbiotic
Life Forms Are Called Lichens, Plantae, Animalia, Classification of Plantae -Thallophyta,
Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Cryptogamae, Phanerogams, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms,
Gymnosperms, Angiosperms, Cotyledons, Monocots, Dicots, Classification of Animalia,
Porifera, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Triploblastic, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda,
Mollusca, Echinodermata, Protochordata, Notochord, Vertebrata and its Classifications -
Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia
Environment and Ecology
Ecosystem - Effect of Waste on the Environment, Ecosystem and Its Components
(Biotic, Abiotic), Producers, Consumers And Decomposers, Food Chains And Webs,
Trophic Levels, Energy Flow Diagram, Food Web, Ozone Layer and its depletion, Waste
Management
Cell Biology
Structure and Function of Cells - Cells as the Fundamental Unit Of Life, Compound
Microscope, Types Of Cells, Structural Organisation Of A Cell, Organelles - Plasma
Membrane (Selectively Permeability), Diffusion, Osmosis, Hypotonic Solution, Isotonic,
Solution, Hypertonic Solution, Endocytosis, Cell Wall, Cellulose, Plasmolysis, Nucleus,
Nuclear Membrane, Chromosomes, DNA And Protein, Genes, Chromatin, Nucleoid,
Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Cytoplasm, Cell Organelles, Rough And Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum, Ribosomes, Membrane Biogenesis, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes,
Mitochondria, Plastids, Vacuoles
Genetics and Evolution
Evolutionary Processes - Accumulation Of Variation During Reproduction, Process Of
Evolution, Variations In A Population, Natural Selection, Genetic Drift, Acquired And
Inherited Traits, Speciation, Geographical Isolation, Evolution And Classification,
Characteristics, Tracing Evolutionary Relationships, Homologous Organs, Analogous
Organs, Fossils, Evolution By Stages, Molecular Phylogeny, Difference Between
Evolution and Progress, Human Evolution
Heredity - Heredity, Inherited Traits, Rules For The Inheritance Of Traits – Mendel’s
Contributions, Dominant Traits, Recessive Traits, Expression Of Traits, Genes,
Chromosome, Sex Determination
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli in the lungs mainly
because _____ 4
the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs is higher. 1
carbon dioxide is 20 times more soluble in blood than in oxygen. 2
the H+ ion concentration in the blood is lower. 3
the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the lungs is lower. 4 RA
Explanation: Option 4 is correct as inhaled air has lower amounts of carbon dioxide and this
causes diffusion from the blood to the alveoli.
Subject pedagogy
A student in Mrs. Ansari's class says: "Natural selection provides
organisms with what they need according to their habitat."
Another student responds: "But we learnt that in Jim Corbett National
Park the frequency of elephants without tusks has increased. The change
did not benefit that species."
Which of the following concepts should she probe these students on to
simultaneously address both students' conceptions? 4
Genetic Drift 1
Gene Flow 2
Geographic Speciation 3
Random Mutation 4 RA
Explanation: It is a common misconception that natural selection favors organisms. In reality, it
may positively, negatively or neutrally affect species. This happens due to random mutation.
Secondary School Chemistry
Syllabus
Physical Chemistry
Structure of Atoms and Molecules - Dalton’S Atomic Theory, What Is An Atom,
Symbols Of Atoms, Atomic Mass Unit , A Molecule, Molecules of Elements,Molecules of
Compounds, An Ion, Anion, Cation, Charged Particles In Matter, Electron, Proton, Models
of An Atom (Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr), Energy Levels, Neutrons, Distribution of
Electrons in Orbits, Valency, Octet, Atomic Number, Mass Number, Isotopes, Isobars
Stoichiometry - Laws Of Chemical Combination , Law Of Conservation Of Mass, Law Of
Constant Proportion , Dalton’S Atomic Theory, Molecular Mass And Mole Concept ,
Molecular Mass ,Formula Unit Mass , Avogadro Number, Charged Particles In Matter
States of Matter - Physical Nature of Matter, Characteristics of Particles of Matter, Kinetic
Energy, Diffusion, Particles of Matter Attract Each other, States of Matter (Solid, Liquid,
Gaseous), Change of State of Matter, Effect of Change In Temperature, Melting Point ,
Latent Heat, Boiling Point, Sublimation, Effect of Change in Pressure, Evaporation,
Factors Affecting Evaporation , Evaporation Causing Cooling, Plasma, Bose-Einstein
Condensate
Mixtures and Solutions - Types of Pure Substances, Elements, Compounds, Types of
Mixtures,Solutions, Alloys, Solvent And A Solute, Properties of A Solution, Concentration
of A Solution, Suspension, Properties Of A Suspension, Colloidal Solution, Tyndall Effect,
Properties of A Colloid
Inorganic Chemistry
Periodic Classification of Elements - Classification Of Elements , Döbereiner’s Triads,
Newlands’ Law Of Octaves, Mendeleev's Periodic Table, Modern Periodic Table, Periodic
Law , Position Of Elements In The Modern Periodic Table, Group And Period, Trends In
The Modern Periodic Table, Valency, Atomic Size, Metallic And Non-Metallic Properties,
Metalloids, Electropositive, Electronegative properties
Metals and Non-metals - Physical Properties Of Metals, Physical Properties Of
Nonmetals, Chemical Properties Of Metals, Reaction of Metals With Solutions Of Other
Metal Salts, The Reactivity Series, Reaction of Metals and Non-metals, Electronic
Configuration, Properties Of Ionic Compounds
Properties and Uses of Materials - Separating The Components of a Mixture, Obtaining
Coloured Component From Blue/Black Ink, Separating Cream From Milk, Separation of
Two Immiscible Liquids, Separation A Mixture of Salt And Ammonium Chloride,
Separation of Two Miscible Liquids, Distillation, Fractional Distillation, Separation of
Different Gases From Air, Obtaining Pure Copper Sulphate From an Impure Sample,
Crystallisation, Water Purification System in Water Works, Occurence Of Metals,
Extraction Of Metals, Enrichment Of Ores, Refining Of Metals
Acids, Bases and Salts - Acids And Bases In The Laboratory,Reaction of Acids and
Bases with Metals , Reaction of Metal Carbonates And Metal Hydrogencarbonates with
Acids, Reaction of Acids And Bases With Each Other, Reaction Of Metallic Oxides With
Acids, Reaction Of A Non-Metallic Oxide With Base, Common Properties of Acids and
Bases , Reaction of Acids and Bases with Water Solution, Strength of Acid Or Base
Solutions, Importance Of Ph In Everyday Life, Naturally Occurring Acids
Properties and Uses of Salts - Family Of Salts, Ph Of Salts, Common salts and their
properties: Sodium Hydroxide, Bleaching Powder, Baking Soda, Washing Soda, Crystals
Of Salts, Plaster Of Paris
Chemical Reactions - The Reactants, The Products, Balanced Chemical Equations,
Combination Reaction, Exothermic Reaction, Decomposition Reaction, Endothermic
Reactions, Displacement Reaction, Double Displacement Reaction, Oxidation And
Reduction, Corrosion
Organic Chemistry
Properties of Carbon - Bonding In Carbon - Covalent Bond , Electron Dot Structure,
Allotropes Of Carbon, Catenation, Saturated Compounds, Unsaturated Compounds ,
Tetravalency,Saturated And Unsaturated Carbon Compounds,Chains, Branches And
Rings Heteroatom, Functional Groups, Homologous Series, Nomenclature Of Carbon
Compounds, Combustion, Formation Of Coal And Petroleum, Oxidation, Addition
Reaction, Substitution Reaction
Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid - Properties Of Ethanol and Ethanoic acid, Reaction With
Sodium, Reaction To, Give Unsaturated Hydrocarbon, Properties Of Ethanoic Acid,
Esterification Reaction, Saponification ,Reaction With A Base
Soaps and detergents - Formation Of Micelles, Scum, Hardness Of Water, Detergents
Environmental Chemistry
Role Of The Atmosphere In Climate Control, Winds, Rain, Air Pollution, Water, Pollution,
Water Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Greenhouse Effect, Oxygen Cycle, Ozone
Layer, Management of our Resources, Ecological Stability, Water Conservation and
Distribution, Dams, Water, Harvesting, Coal And Petroleum
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Chloride ion is isoelectronic with which of the following? 1
S
2- 1 RA
Ne 2
F
- 3
Al
3+ 4
Explanation: Both the chloride ion and the sulphur ion in the first option have 18 electrons.
Subject pedagogy
While teaching about properties of carbon compounds, Ms.
Karen asks her students: "All hydrocarbons are organic
compounds. Is that true or false?"
Which of the following skills is she trying to build through this
question? 3
Conditional reasoning 1
Inductive reasoning 2
Deductive reasoning 3 RA
Reductive reasoning 4
Explanation: A specific case is being matched to a general rule.
Secondary School Mathematics
Syllabus
Number System
Whole Numbers - Natural Numbers, Whole numbers, Properties of whole numbers,
Operations on numbers and their properties, BODMAS, Comparing numbers,
Predecessor and successor, Ascending and Descending Order, Place Value System,
Number Sense (Estimation of numbers), Roman Numerals, Shifting digits of a number,
Even and Odd numbers, Number line, Identifying patterns, Create numbers using the
given digits, Base System, Word problems on real-life issues like time, distance and
speed, Profit and Loss
Integers - Characteristics of positive and negative Integers, Representation of integers on
Number Line, Operations on Integers, Comparing integers
Rational Numbers - Properties of Rational Numbers, Comparison of Rational numbers,
Equivalent rational numbers, Positive and Negative Rational Numbers, Rational numbers
between two Rational numbers, Rational Numbers in standard form, Representation of
Rational Numbers on Number Line, Operations on Rational Numbers
Fractions and Decimals - Characteristics of fractions, Equivalent fractions, Like and
Unlike Fractions, Proper fractions, Improper and mixed fractions, Simplest form of a
fraction, Reciprocal of a fraction, Fractions to decimals and vice-versa, Representation of
fractions and decimals on Number Line, Comparing fractions and decimals, Operations
on fractions and decimals, Word problems on fractions and decimals
Factors and Multiples - Properties of properties Factors and Multiples, Prime and
composite numbers, Co-primes, Highest common factor (HCF), Lowest Common Multiple
(LCM), Properties of HCF and LCM, Prime factorisation of a number, Word Problems on
HCF & LCM, Rules of divisibility
Squares and Square Roots - Properties of Square Numbers, Finding square of a
number, Estimating square roots, Finding Square roots of a number using factor method
and division method, Patterns in square numbers, Pythagorean triplets, Square Roots of
Decimals
Cube and Cube Roots - Estimating cube roots, Finding Cubes and cubes roots using
prime factorisation method
Exponents and power - Laws of exponents, Expanding exponents, Use of Exponents to
Express Small Numbers, Comparing very large or very small numbers
Algebra
Algebraic Expressions - Forming expressions with variables, Identifying constants,
coefficient, Like and Unlike terms, Degree of expressions, Types of polynomials based on
number of terms, Factors of algebraic expressions, Operations on algebraic expressions,
Application of algebraic expressions in geometry and mensuration
Linear Equations - Forming linear equation, Reducing Equations to Simpler Form,
Solution of a Linear Equation, Solving linear equations in one variable, Algebraic
Identities
Ratio and proportion
Concept of Ratio and Proportion, Equivalent ratio, Comparison of ratios, Unitary method,
Percentage, Converting fractions and decimals into percentage and vice-versa, Increase
or Decrease as percent, Estimation in percentages, Direct and Inverse proportion,
Application to real-life problems like profit and loss, discount, simple interest, compound
interest, Rate Compounded Annually or Half Yearly
Geometry
Line and Angles - Line, Line Segment, Ray, Intersecting lines, Parallel lines,
Perpendicular lines, Point, Angle and its parts — Vertex, arm, interior and exterior,
Measurement of angles, Types of angles (acute, obtuse, right, reflex, complementary,
supplementary, linear pair of angles, vertically opposite angles), Angles formed in a clock,
Turn by right and straight angles, Bisector of an angle, Congruence of Angles, Angles
made by a Transversal, Complementary Angles, Angles formed in a shape or object
Polygon - Open and Closed figures, Interior and exterior of closed figures, Curvilinear
and linear boundaries, Properties of polygons, Sides, Vertices, Diagonals, Congruence of
Plane Figures, Convex and concave polygons, Regular and irregular polygons, Angle
sum property of a polygon
Triangle - Types of triangles, Altitudes and Medians of a triangle, Properties of Triangle,
Rules of congruency of triangles - Congruence (SAS, ASA, SSS, RHS), Angle sum
property, Exterior angle property, Pythagoras Theorem
Quadrilateral - Properties of sides and angles of quadrilaterals, Types of quadrilaterals,
Properties of a parallelogram, Properties of a rectangle, Properties of a square,
Properties of a Rhombus
Circle - Centre, Radius, Diameter, Chord, Arc, Sector, Segment, Interior and Exterior of
the circle, Circumference, Semi-circle, Revolution
Practical Geometry - Measuring line segments, Comparison of length of line segments
by Construction of a line segment, Measuring angles using a protractor, Construction of
Perpendicular to a line, Construction of an angle bisector, Constructing specific angles
(30°, 60°, 45°, 90°, and 120°), Constructing a copy of a given line segment or angle,
Construction of a circle of a known radius, Construction of simple triangles and
quadrilaterals, Construction of a line parallel to a given line from a point outside it
Symmetry - Reflection and Symmetry, Line of Symmetry, Figures with multiple lines of
symmetry, Completing a diagram to make it symmetric, Rotational symmetry, Symmetry in
shapes and colours
Three-dimensional Geometry - Different 3-D shapes, Faces, edges and vertices of
different 3D shapes, Perspective drawing - 2D representation of a 3D object, Nets for 3D
shapes, viewing different sections of a solid – Top view, Front view and Side view, Convex
and Regular polyhedrons, Euler’s formula
Mensuration
Area and Perimeter (Two-dimensional Shapes) - Characteristics of area and perimeter,
Area and perimeter of triangle, circle, parallelogram, square, rectangle, trapezium,
rhombus, Area of a General Quadrilateral, Area of a Polygon, Perimeter and area of
Combinations of Plane Figures, Conversion of Units
Surface Area and Volume (Solid Objects) - Surface Area of Cube, Cuboid and Cylinder,
Volume vs Capacity
Statistics and Probability
Statistics - Definition of data, Collection of data, Organisation of data in a table, Grouping
data, Tally marks, Lower class limit, Upper-class limit, width of the class interval,
Graphical representation of data, Types of graphs - bar graph, pie chart, line graph,
histogram, Pictograph, Reading Graphs, Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median
and Mode) of ungrouped data
Probability - Definition of Chance and Probability, Equally likely outcomes, Outcomes as
events
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Two lines P: 2x + 3y = 7 and Q: 3x + 2y = 8 intersect at (a,b).
Find the area of the triangle whose sides are a^2, b+2, and b+2. 3
6 sq. units 1
√25 sq. units 2
√20 sq. units 3 RA
Such a triangle cannot practically exist 4
Explanation: The point of intersection is (2, 1). So, the sides of the triangle are 4, 3 and 3. This is
an isosceles triangle with base 4 units and height √5 units.
Subject pedagogy
A student answers that x^2 -9x =0 has only one solution which is 9.
What is the MOST appropriate action for the teacher to address the
misconception?
Show how to solve the equation by method of completing the square. 1
Show the solution by substituting all possible answers. 2
Show how to find the roots using the quadratic formula. 3
Show zero product rule in other examples. 4 RA
Explanation: By demonstrating the zero product rule in multiple different examples, the teacher
would be able to effectively address the misconception.
Secondary School Physics
Syllabus
Waves and Oscillation
Characteristics of Mechanical Waves - Production Of Sound, Propagation Of Sound,
Longitudinal Waves, Frequency, Amplitude, Speed, Speed Of Sound In Different Media,
Sonic Boom, Reflection Of Sound, Echo, Applications Of Ultrasound, Sonar
Properties of Light - Reflection Of Light, Refraction Of Light, Apparent Displacement,
Refraction Through A Rectangular Glass Slab, Refractive Index, Optical Density, Rainbow
Formation, Atmospheric Refraction, Scattering Of Light, Tyndall Effect
Optical Devices - Spherical Mirrors, Schematic Representation, Centre Of Curvature,
Radius Of Curvature,Focal Length, Image Formation By Spherical Mirrors, Ray Diagrams,
Image Formation By, Concave Mirror, Uses Of Concave Mirrors, Image Formation By A
Convex Mirror, Uses Of Convex Mirrors, Sign Convention For Reflection By Spherical
Mirrors, Mirror Formula And Magnification, Magnification, Refraction By Spherical Lenses,
Converging Action Of A Convex Lens, Diverging Action Of A Concave Lens, Image
Formation By Lenses, Nature, Position And Relative Size Of The Image Formed By A
Convex Lens Nature, Position And Relative Size Of The Image Formed By A Concave
Lens, Image Formation In Lenses Using Ray Diagrams, Sign Convention For Spherical
Lenses, Lens Formula And Magnification, Power Of A Lens
Thermal Physics
Properties of Heat - Concepts of heat and temperature, Units of measurement,
Expansions of solids, liquids and gases, its uses and consequence, Anomalous
Expansion of water, Thermometers, Transfer of Heat (conduction, convection & radiation,
thermal insulation, vacuum flask and ventilation, Energy flow and its importance,
Coefficients of expansion, Calorimetry, Specific Heat Capacity, principle of method of
mixtures, Latent heat, Expressions for heat loss and heat gain involving latent heat,
Common physical phenomena involving latent heat of fusion
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Particle nature, basic units: atoms and molecules, Law of constant proportions, Nucleus,
Nuclear structure, Atomic number (Z), Mass number (A) , Radioactivity and changes in
the nucleus, Nuclear fission and fusion, Radioactivity as spontaneous disintegration, Uses
of radioactivity - radioisotopes, Background Radiation and safety precautions, Thermionic
emission, Work function, Hot cathode ray tube principle, Electron gun, Chain reaction in
Nuclear Reactors, Structure and Working of Nuclear Fission Reactors
Biophysics
Ear - Range Of Hearing, Hearing Aid, Structure Of Human Ear, Tympanic Membrane, Eye
- Power Of Accommodation, Defects Of Vision And Their Correction, Myopia,
Hypermetropia, Presbyopia, Astigmatism
Mechanics and Kinematics
Gravity and its effects - Centripetal Force, Inverse-Square Rule, Free Fall, Value Of 'G',
Motion Of Objects Under Gravity, Mass, Weight
Types and effects of Pressure - Thrust And Pressure, Pressure In Fluids, Buoyancy,
Archimedes’ Principle, Relative Density
Types and Characteristics of Motion - Describing Motion, Reference Point, Motion
Along A Straight Line Displacement, Uniform And Nonuniform Motion, Measuring The
Rate Of Motion, Speed With Direction, Rate Of Change Of Velocity, Acceleration,
Graphical Representation Of Motion (Distance-Time, Velocity-Time) Equations Of Motion
By Graphical Method, Velocity Time Relation, Position Time Relation, Position Velocity
Relation, Uniform Circular Motion
Laws of Motion - Balanced And Unbalanced Forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Law Of
Inertia, Inertia And Mass, Conservation Of Momentum, Conservation Laws, Friction
Energy: Classification and Effects - Work, Scientific Conception Of Work, Work Done
By A Constant Force, Energy, Forms Of Energy - Kinetic, Potential, Gravitational
Potential, Interconvertibility Of Energy Forms, Law Of Conservation Of Energy, Rate Of
Doing Work, Commercial Unit Of Energy, Good Source Of Energy, Conventional Sources
Of Energy, Fossil Fuels, Thermal Power Plant, Hydro Power Plants, Improvements In The
Technology For Using Conventional Sources Of Energy, Biomass, Alternative Or
Non-Conventional Sources Of Energy - Solar, Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, Nuclear
Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and Effects of Electric Current - Coulomb, Ampere, Electric Potential And
Potential Difference, Potential Difference Between Two Points, Volt, Circuit Diagram,
Ohm's Law, Factors Affecting Resistance Of Conductors, Resistance Of A System Of
Resistors (Series & Parallel), Heating Effect Of Electric Current, Joule’S Law Of Heating,
Electric Power
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current - Magnetic Field And Magnetic Lines Of Force,
Magnetic Field Due To A Current Carrying Conductor, Magnetic Field Due To A Current
Through A Straight Conductor, Right-Hand Thumb Rule, Magnetic Field Due To A Current
Through A Circular Loop, Magnetic Field Due To A Current In A Solenoid, Force On A
Current Carrying Conductor In A Magnetic Field, Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, Electric
Components - Electric Motor, Electromagnetic Induction, Galvanometer, Fleming’s
Right-Hand Rule, Electric Generator, Domestic Electric Circuits
Astrophysics
The sun - formation, composition and lifespan; Composition and structure of different
types of galaxies (broad classifications), life cycle of stars (formation,maturity,death),
Constellations, the Solar System, comets, asteroids, Oort Cloud
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Consider the following experiment:
Measure the temperature recorded by thermometers buried in
metal and plastic blocks placed in the class over several days.
The measurement should be done simultaneously and at the
same time every day.
Which of the following statements does the above experiment
demonstrate? 1
The temperature of metals and that of plastics is always different 1
Environmental temperature doesn't affect the temperature of
metals and plastics 2
Metals are better thermal conductors compared to plastics 3 RA
The temperature at the core of a block always remains the same 4
Explanation: This demonstrates accurate understanding of the concept of conduction. Metals
have more free electrons and therefore are better conductors compared to plastics.
Subject pedagogy
Which of the following activities will give students the best
intuitive understanding of the idea of acceleration? 1
Asking students to ride a bicycle and apply the breaks. 1 RA
Dropping objects of different weights from the first floor. 2
Asking students to jump from a safe height. 3
Showing students a video of a rocket launch. 4
Explanation: The first option is the most intuitive because it lets students experience the change in
velocity over a period of time. Generally, acceleration is thought of as 'increase in speed over time'
but that is only partially true. The idea is change in velocity over time - whether it is increasing or
decreasing.
Higher Secondary School Mathematics
Syllabus
Number System
Whole Numbers - Natural Numbers, Whole numbers, Properties of whole numbers,
Operations on numbers and their properties, BODMAS, Comparing numbers,
Predecessor and successor, Ascending and Descending Order, Place Value System,
Number Sense (Estimation of numbers), Roman Numerals, Shifting digits of a number,
Even and Odd numbers, Number line, Identifying patterns, Create numbers using the
given digits, Base System, Word problems on real-life issues like time, distance and
speed, Profit and Loss
Integers - Characteristics of positive and negative Integers, Representation of integers on
Number Line, Operations on Integers, Comparing integers
Rational Numbers - Properties of Rational Numbers, Comparison of Rational numbers,
Equivalent rational numbers, Positive and Negative Rational Numbers, Rational numbers
between two Rational numbers, Rational Numbers in standard form, Representation of
Rational Numbers on Number Line, Operations on Rational Numbers
Fractions and Decimals - Characteristics of fractions, Equivalent fractions, Like and
Unlike Fractions, Proper fractions, Improper and mixed fractions, Simplest form of a
fraction, Reciprocal of a fraction, Fractions to decimals and vice-versa, Representation of
fractions and decimals on Number Line, Comparing fractions and decimals, Operations
on fractions and decimals, Word problems on fractions and decimals
Factors and Multiples - Properties of properties Factors and Multiples, Prime and
composite numbers, Co-primes, Highest common factor (HCF), Lowest Common Multiple
(LCM), Properties of HCF and LCM, Prime factorisation of a number, Word Problems on
HCF & LCM, Rules of divisibility
Squares and Square Roots - Properties of Square Numbers, Finding square of a
number, Estimating square roots, Finding Square roots of a number using factor method
and division method, Patterns in square numbers, Pythagorean triplets, Square Roots of
Decimals
Cube and Cube Roots - Estimating cube roots, Finding Cubes and cubes roots using
prime factorisation method
Exponents and power - Laws of exponents, Expanding exponents, Use of Exponents to
Express Small Numbers, Comparing very large or very small numbers
Algebra
Algebraic Expressions - Forming expressions with variables, Identifying constants,
coefficient, Like and Unlike terms, Degree of expressions, Types of polynomials based on
number of terms, Factors of algebraic expressions, Operations on algebraic expressions,
Application of algebraic expressions in geometry and mensuration
Linear Equations - Forming linear equation, Reducing Equations to Simpler Form,
Solution of a Linear Equation, Solving linear equations in one variable, Algebraic
Identities
Ratio and proportion
Concept of Ratio and Proportion, Equivalent ratio, Comparison of ratios, Unitary method,
Percentage, Converting fractions and decimals into percentage and vice-versa, Increase
or Decrease as percent, Estimation in percentages, Direct and Inverse proportion,
Application to real-life problems like profit and loss, discount, simple interest, compound
interest, Rate Compounded Annually or Half Yearly
Geometry
Line and Angles - Line, Line Segment, Ray, Intersecting lines, Parallel lines,
Perpendicular lines, Point, Angle and its parts — Vertex, arm, interior and exterior,
Measurement of angles, Types of angles (acute, obtuse, right, reflex, complementary,
supplementary, linear pair of angles, vertically opposite angles), Angles formed in a clock,
Turn by right and straight angles, Bisector of an angle, Congruence of Angles, Angles
made by a Transversal, Complementary Angles, Angles formed in a shape or object
Polygon - Open and Closed figures, Interior and exterior of closed figures, Curvilinear
and linear boundaries, Properties of polygons, Sides, Vertices, Diagonals, Congruence of
Plane Figures, Convex and concave polygons, Regular and irregular polygons, Angle
sum property of a polygon
Triangle - Types of triangles, Altitudes and Medians of a triangle, Properties of Triangle,
Rules of congruency of triangles - Congruence (SAS, ASA, SSS, RHS), Angle sum
property, Exterior angle property, Pythagoras Theorem
Quadrilateral - Properties of sides and angles of quadrilaterals, Types of quadrilaterals,
Properties of a parallelogram, Properties of a rectangle, Properties of a square,
Properties of a Rhombus
Circle - Centre, Radius, Diameter, Chord, Arc, Sector, Segment, Interior and Exterior of
the circle, Circumference, Semi-circle, Revolution
Practical Geometry - Measuring line segments, Comparison of length of line segments
by Construction of a line segment, Measuring angles using a protractor, Construction of
Perpendicular to a line, Construction of an angle bisector, Constructing specific angles
(30°, 60°, 45°, 90°, and 120°), Constructing a copy of a given line segment or angle,
Construction of a circle of a known radius, Construction of simple triangles and
quadrilaterals, Construction of a line parallel to a given line from a point outside it
Symmetry - Reflection and Symmetry, Line of Symmetry, Figures with multiple lines of
symmetry, Completing a diagram to make it symmetric, Rotational symmetry, Symmetry in
shapes and colours
Three-dimensional Geometry - Different 3-D shapes, Faces, edges and vertices of
different 3D shapes, Perspective drawing - 2D representation of a 3D object, Nets for 3D
shapes, viewing different sections of a solid – Top view, Front view and Side view, Convex
and Regular polyhedrons, Euler’s formula
Mensuration
Area and Perimeter (Two-dimensional Shapes) - Characteristics of area and perimeter,
Area and perimeter of triangle, circle, parallelogram, square, rectangle, trapezium,
rhombus, Area of a General Quadrilateral, Area of a Polygon, Perimeter and area of
Combinations of Plane Figures, Conversion of Units
Surface Area and Volume (Solid Objects) - Surface Area of Cube, Cuboid and Cylinder,
Volume vs Capacity
Statistics and Probability
Statistics - Definition of data, Collection of data, Organisation of data in a table, Grouping
data, Tally marks, Lower class limit, Upper-class limit, width of the class interval,
Graphical representation of data, Types of graphs - bar graph, pie chart, line graph,
histogram, Pictograph, Reading Graphs, Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median
and Mode) of ungrouped data
Probability - Definition of Chance and Probability, Equally likely outcomes, Outcomes as
events
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Two lines P: 2x + 3y = 7 and Q: 3x + 2y = 8 intersect at (a,b).
Find the area of the triangle whose sides are a^2, b+2, and b+2. 3
6 sq. units 1
√25 sq. units 2
√20 sq. units 3 RA
Such a triangle cannot practically exist 4
Explanation: The point of intersection is (2, 1). So, the sides of the triangle are 4, 3 and 3. This is
an isosceles triangle with base 4 units and height √5 units.
Subject pedagogy
A student answers that x^2 -9x =0 has only one solution which is 9.
What is the MOST appropriate action for the teacher to address the
misconception?
Show how to solve the equation by method of completing the square. 1
Show the solution by substituting all possible answers. 2
Show how to find the roots using the quadratic formula. 3
Show zero product rule in other examples. 4 RA
Explanation: By demonstrating the zero product rule in multiple different examples, the teacher
would be able to effectively address the misconception.
HigherSecondary School Chemistry
Syllabus
Physical Chemistry
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry - General Introduction: Importance and scope of
chemistry. Historical approach to particulate nature of matter, Laws of Chemical
Combination, Dalton’s atomic theory: concept of elements, atoms and molecules , Atomic
and molecular masses. Mole concept and molar mass; Percentage Composition and
Empirical and Molecular formula; Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry and Calculations
based on Stoichiometry
Structure of Atom - Discovery of electron, proton and neutron; atomic number, isotopes
and isobars. Thomson’s model and its limitations, Rutherford’s Model and its Limitations,
Bohr’s Model and its Limitations, Concept of shells and subshells, Dual nature of matter
and light, de Broglie’s Relationship, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Concept of
Orbitals, Quantum numbers, Shapes of s, p, and d orbitals, Rules for filling electrons in
orbitals – Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, electronic
configuration of atoms, Stability of half filled and completely filled orbitals
Equilibrium - Equilibrium in physical and chemical processes, dynamic nature of
equilibrium, Law of Mass Action, Equilibrium Constant, Factors affecting equilibrium – Le
Chatelier’s Principle; Ionic Equilibrium – Ionization of acids and bases, strong and weak
electrolytes, degree of ionization, Concept of pH. Hydrolysis of salts, Buffer solutions,
Solubility Product, Common Ion Effect
Redox Reactions- Concept of Oxidation and Reduction, Redox reactions, Oxidation
number, Balancing redox reactions, Applications of redox reactions
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure - Valence electrons, Ionic Bond, Covalent
Bond, Bond Parameters, Lewis structure, Polar Character of Covalent Bond, Covalent
Character of Ionic Bond, Valence Bond Theory, Resonance, geometry of covalent
molecules, VSEPR theory, Concept of Hybridization involving d, p and d orbitals and
shapes of some simple molecules, Molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic
molecules, Hydrogen bond
States of Matter: Gases and Liquids - Three states of matter, Intermolecular
Interactions, Type of Bonding, Melting and Boiling points, Role of Gas Laws in elucidating
the concept of the molecule, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Gay Lussac’s law, Avogadro’s law,
Ideal behaviour, Empirical Derivation of Gas Equation, Avogadro’s number, Ideal gas
equation, Deviation from Ideal Behaviour, Liquefaction of gases, critical temperature.
Liquid State – Vapour pressure, viscosity and surface tension
Thermodynamics- Concepts of system, Types of Systems, Surroundings, Work, Heat,
Energy, Extensive and Intensive properties, State Functions. First law of
Thermodynamics – Internal energy and Enthalpy, Heat Capacity and Specific Heat,
Measurement of ΔU and ΔH, Hess’s law of constant heat summation, Enthalpy of: bond
dissociation,Combustion, Formation, Atomization, Sublimation, Phase Transition,
Ionization, and Dilution.Introduction of Entropy as a state function, Free Energy change
for Spontaneous and Nonspontaneous process, Equilibrium
Solutions - Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in
liquids, solubility of gases in liquids, solid solutions, colligative properties – relative
lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of B.P, depression of freezing point, osmotic
pressure, determination of molecular masses using, colligative properties, abnormal
molecular mass
Electrochemistry - Redox reactions; conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and
molar conductivity variations of conductivity with concentration, Kohlrausch’s Law,
electrolysis and laws of electrolysis, dry cell – electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells; lead
accumulator, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation and its
application to chemical cells, fuel cells; corrosion
Chemical Kinetics - Rate of a reaction (average and instantaneous), factors affecting
rates of reaction: concentration, temperature, catalyst; order and molecularity of a
reaction; rate law and specific rate constant, integrated rate equations and half life ,
concept of Collision Theory
Surface Chemistry - Adsorption: Physisorption and chemisorption; factors affecting
adsorption of gases on solids; catalysis: homogeneous and heterogeneous, activity and
selectivity: enzyme catalysis; colloidal state: distinction between true solutions, colloids
and suspensions; lyophilic, lyophobic multimolecular and macromolecular colloids;
properties of colloids; Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, electrophoresis, coagulation;
emulsions – types of emulsions
Solid State - Classification of solids based on different binding forces: Molecular, Ionic,
Covalent and Metallic solids, Amorphous and Crystalline solids (elementary idea), Unit
cell in two dimensional and three dimensional lattices, Calculation of density of unit cell,
Packing in solids, Voids, Number of atoms per unit cell in a cubic unit cell, Point defects,
Electrical and Magnetic properties
Inorganic Chemistry
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties - Significance of
classification, Brief history of the development of Periodic Table, Modern Periodic Law
and the present form of Periodic Table, Periodic Trends in properties of elements –
Atomic radii, Ionic radii, Inert gas radii, Ionization enthalpy, Electron gain
enthalpy,Electronegativity, valence
s-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals) , Group 1 and Group 2
elements - General introduction, Electronic Configuration, Occurrence, Anomalous
Properties of the first element of each group, Diagonal Relationship, Trends in the
variation of properties (such as ionization enthalpy, atomic and ionic radii), Trends in
chemical reactivity with oxygen, water, hydrogen and halogens; uses. Preparation and
properties of some important compounds: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium
Hydroxide and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Biological importance of Sodium and
Potassium. CaO, CaCO3, and industrial use of Lime and Limestone, Biological
importance of Mg and Ca
Some p-Block Elements , Group 13 and Group 14 elements - General Introduction to
p-Block Elements , Electronic configuration, Occurrence, Variation of properties, oxidation
states, trends in chemical reactivity, Anomalous properties of first element of the group;
Boron – physical and chemical properties, Some Important compounds: Borax, Boric
acids, Boron hydrides. Aluminium: uses, reactions with acids and alkalis. Group 14
elements: General introduction, Electronic configuration, Occurrence, Variation of
properties, Oxidation states, Trends in chemical reactivity, Anomalous behaviour of the
first element. Carbon – Catenation, Allotropic forms, Physical and Chemical properties;
Uses of some important compounds: Oxides. Important compounds of Silicon and a few
uses: Silicon tetrachloride , Silicones, Silicates and Zeolites
p-Block Elements - Group 15 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration,
occurrence, oxidation states, trends in physical and chemical properties; nitrogen –
preparation, properties and uses; compounds of nitrogen: preparation and properties of
ammonia and nitric acid, oxides of nitrogen (structure only); Phosphorus – allotropic
forms; compounds of phosphorus: preparation and properties of phosphine, halides
(PCl3, PCl5) and oxoacids. Group 16 elements: General introduction, electronic
configuration, oxidation states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties;
dioxygen: preparation, properties and uses; simple oxides; ozone. Sulphur – allotropic
forms; compounds of sulphur: preparation, properties and uses of sulphur dioxide;
sulphuric acid: industrial process of manufacture, properties and uses, oxoacids of
sulphur. Group 17 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation
states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties; compounds of halogens:
preparation, properties and uses of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, interhalogen
compounds, oxoacids of halogens. Group 18 elements: General introduction, electronic
configuration, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties and their uses
d and f Block Elements - General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and
characteristics of transition metals, general trends in properties of the first row transition
metals – metallic character, ionization , enthalpy, oxidation states, ionic radii, colour,
catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy formation.
Preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4. Lanthanoids: electronic
configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity and Lanthanide contraction , Actinoids:
Electronic configuration, oxidation states
Hydrogen - Position of hydrogen in periodic table, Occurrence, Isotopes, preparation,
Properties and Uses of Hydrogen; Hydrides – Ionic, Covalent and Interstitial; Physical and
Chemical Properties of Water,Heavy water; Hydrogen peroxide – preparation, reactions
and structure; Hydrogen as a Fuel
Coordination Compounds - Coordination compounds: Introduction, ligands,
coordination number, colour, magnetic properties and shapes, IUPAC nomenclature of
mononuclear coordination compounds, bonding; isomerism, importance of coordination
compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological systems)
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental pollution : Air, Water and Soil pollution, Chemical reactions in
atmosphere, Smogs , Major Atmospheric Pollutants; Acid rain, Ozone and its reactions,
Effects of depletion of Ozone Layer, Greenhouse effect and Global Warming – Pollution
due to Industrial wastes; Green Chemistry as an alternative tool for reducing pollution,
Strategy for control of environmental pollution
General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements - Principles and methods
of extraction: concentration, oxidation, reduction electrolytic method and refining;
occurrence and principles of extraction of aluminium, copper, zinc and iron
Biochemistry
Biomolecules- Carbohydrates: Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccharides
(glucose and fructose), oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides
(starch, cellulose, glycogen); importance.Proteins: Elementary idea of α - amino acids,
peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary
structure and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only),denaturation of proteins;
enzymes. Vitamins: Classification and functions. Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA
Chemistry in Everyday Life
Polymers - Natural and synthetic, methods of polymerization (addition and
condensation), copolymerization. Some important polymers: natural and synthetic like
polythene, nylon, polyesters, bakelite, rubber
Chemicals in medicines – analgesics, tranquilizers, antiseptics, disinfectants,
antimicrobials, antifertility drugs, antibiotics, antacids, antihistamines.
Chemicals in food – preservatives, artificial sweetening agents.
Cleansing agents – soaps and detergents, cleansing action
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques - General introduction,
Methods of purification, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Classification and IUPAC
nomenclature of Organic Compounds. Electronic displacements in a Covalent Bond:
Inductive effect, Electromeric effect, Resonance and Hyper-conjugation. Homolytic and
Heterolytic Fission of a Covalent Bond: Free radicals, Carbocations, Carbanions;
Electrophiles and Nucleophiles, Types of Organic reactions
Hydrocarbons - Classification of hydrocarbons Alkanes: Nomenclature, Isomerism,
Conformations (ethane only), Physical properties, Chemical reactions including Free
Radical Mechanism of Halogenation, Combustion and Pyrolysis. Alkenes: Nomenclature,
Structure of double bond (ethene), Geometrical Isomerism, Physical properties, Methods
of preparation; Chemical reactions: addition of hydrogen, halogen, water,hydrogen
halides (Markovnikov’s addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of
electrophilic addition. Alkynes: Nomenclature, Structure of triple bond (ethyne), Physical
properties, Methods of preparation, Chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes,
Addition reaction of – hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and water. Aromatic
hydrocarbons: Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature; Benzene: Resonance,
Aromaticity;Chemical properties:Mechanism of Electrophilic Substitution – Nitration
sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel Craft’s alkylation and acylation; directive influence of
functional group in mono-substituted benzene; Carcinogenicity and Toxicity
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes - Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C-X bond,
physical and chemical properties, mechanism of substitution reactions. Haloarenes:
Nature of C-X bond, substitution reactions (directive influence of halogen for
monosubstituted compounds only). Uses and environmental effects of – dichloromethane,
trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons, DDT
Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers - Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation,
physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only); identification of primary,
secondary and tertiary alcohols; mechanism of dehydration, uses, some important
compounds – methanol and ethanol.Phenols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation,
physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution
reactions, uses of phenols. Ethers: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and
chemical properties and their uses
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids - Aldehydes and Ketones: Nomenclature,
nature of carbonyl group, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, and
mechanism of nucleophilic addition, reactivity of alpha hydrogen in aldehydes; uses.
Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, acidic nature, methods of preparation, physical and
chemical properties and their uses
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen - Amines: Nomenclature, classification,
structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, identification of
primary secondary and tertiary amines. Cyanides and Isocyanides will be mentioned at
relevant places in context. Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions and
importance in synthetic organic chemistry
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following processes is definitely
non-spontaneous? 3
A process involving a closed system whose entropy decreases
over time. 1
A process involving a closed system whose entropy increases
over time. 2
A process involving an isolated system whose entropy
decreases over time. 3 RA
A process involving an isolated system whose entropy
increases over time. 4
Explanation: The energy transfer through the boundaries is not possible with an isolated system.
The entropy change in the surroundings in a process involving an isolated system is zero. Hence,
the change in entropy of the system equals the total change in the parameter. Thus the process
described here is STRICTLY nonspontaneous.
Subject pedagogy
Which of the following is the best example Mr. Gogoi could use
to explain acid-base reactions using the Arrhenius concept? 3
2NaOH + CO2 ---> Na2CO3 + H2O 1
NH3 (g) + HCl (g) ---> NH4Cl 2
NaOH(aq) + HCl (aq) ---> NaCl (aq) + H20(l) 3 RA
NH3(aq) + HCl (aq) ---> NH4Cl (aq) 4
Explanation: They are all acid-base reactions. 1 and 2 cannot be explained by the Arrhenius
concept because it requires the presence of an aqueous medium. 4 can be explained since
ammonia is in the aqueous medium. However 98% of the reaction occurs between ammonia and
hydrogen molecules. This is a close choice. Option 3 is the best example to use.
Higher Secondary School Biology
Syllabus
Zoology - Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Organ Systems - Structural organisations in animals ( organ systems, anatomy
and morphology ) - earthworm, frog, cockroach
Animal Tissues- Epithelial tissue and its classification, Connective tissue and its
classification, Muscular tissue and its classification, Neural tissue
Neural Control and Coordination - animal neural systems, human nervous system -
central and peripheral nervous systems, parts of the brain and its functions, Somatic,
Autonomic, parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system, Structure and function of a
neuron , types of neurons and neurotransmitters, Generation And Conduction Of Nerve
Impulse, Reflex Action And Reflex Arc
Body Fluids and Circulation - animal circulatory systems : open and closed circulatory
system, Components of blood and their roles, Blood grouping, Process of Coagulation ,
Parts of the Human Heart, Initiation and Conduction of the Cardiac Cycle, Double
Circulation, Regulation Of Cardiac Activity and Disorders Of Circulatory System
Digestion and Absorption - Parts and functions of the Alimentary canal, Dentition,
Digestive glands, Process of Digestion of food, Absorption Of Digested Products,
Disorders Of Digestive System
Chemical Coordination and Integration - Intercellular Messenger, The Hypothalamus
and its hormones, The Pituitary Gland and its hormones, Thyroid gland and its hormones,
Hypo and Hyper hypothyroidism, Adrenal gland and its hormones, The pineal gland and
its hormones, Parathyroid Gland and its hormone, The Thymus, The Pancreas and its
hormones , Diabetes Mellitus, Testis and Ovaries as a gland and the hormones they
synthesize, Hormones Of Heart, Kidney And Gastrointestinal Tract, Mechanism Of
Hormone Action, Hormone-Receptor Complex, Peptide, Polypeptide, Protein Hormones
Steroid, Iodothyronines, Amino-Acid Derivatives
Excretory products and their Elimination - different excretory waste and their
elimination (uricotelic, ammonotelic and ureotelic), Parts and functions of the Kidney,
Parts and functions of the nephron, Urine Formation, Glomerular Filtration, Ultrafiltration,
Reabsorption, Mechanism Of Concentration Of The Filtrate, Counter Current Mechanism,
Regulation Of Kidney Function - Renin-Angiotensin Mechanism Atrial Natriuretic Factor,
Micturition, Role Of Other Organs In Excretion, Disorders Of The Excretory System
Locomotion and Movement - Types Of Movement, Different types of Muscles and their
functions, Structure of Muscles, Structure of Contractile Proteins, Mechanism Of Muscle
Contraction, Human Skeletal system - different parts of the axial skeletal system, Different
parts of the appendicular skeletal system, Different types of joints and its range of
mobility, Disorders Of Muscular And Skeletal System
Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Different Respiratory Organs - Gills and Lungs,
Different parts of the human respiratory system and its functions, Mechanism of
Breathing, Respiratory Volumes and Capacities - important terms and their definitions,
Alveolar exchange of gases, Transport of Oxygen and Carbon dioxide, Regulation Of
Respiration, Disorders Of Respiratory System, Occupational Respiratory Disorders
Neural Coordination and Control - Sensory Reception And Processing 1) The Eye -
Parts of the Eye and their functions, Mechanism Of Vision, Role of Retinal and Opsin,
Visual Cortex 2) The Ear - Parts of the Ear and its functions, Mechanism Of Hearing
Human Reproductive System - Population Explosion And Birth Control, Different
methods of contraception, Maternal Mortality Rate (Mmr) And Infant Mortality Rate (Imr),
Lactational Amenorrhea, Medical Termination Of Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (Stds), Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technologies - In Vitro Fertilisation,
Embryo Transfer, Zift, Parts of the Male Reproductive system and its glands, Parts of the
Female reproductive system, Gametogenesis, Structure Of A Sperm, Oogenesis,
Menstrual Cycle, Fertilisation And Implantation, Pregnancy And Embryonic Development,
Parturition And Lactation, Foetal Ejection Reflex
Reproduction in Animals - Different types of Asexual reproduction in Organisms with
examples, Sexual Reproduction and its different phases, Oestrus Cycle, Menstrual Cycle,
Events In Sexual Reproduction, Homogametes, Sexuality In Organisms, Different modes
of Gamete Transfer ,Fertilisation, Parthenogenesis, Syngamy, External Fertilisation,
Internal Fertilisation, Post-Fertilisation Events, The Zygote, Embryogenesis, Oviparous
And Viviparous
Botany - Anatomy and Physiology
Plant Growth and Development - Plasticity of Plant growth, Plant Growth Regulators -
Discovery and Physiological Effect, Characteristics of Plant Growth, Apical Dominance,
Phases Of Growth, Growth Rates, Conditions For Growth, Differentiation,
Dedifferentiation And Redifferentiation, Photoperiodism and Types of Plants based on
Photoperiodism
Morphology and Anatomy of Flowering Plants - The Root System and its Types,
Regions Of The Root, Modifications Of Root, The Stem and its parts, Modifications Of
Stem, The Leaf and its parts, Venation, Types Of Leaves, Modifications Of Leaves, The
Flower and its parts, Types of flowers - symmetry, parts present and absent, arrangement
of parts, position of different parts, The Fruit and its parts, Parthenocarpic, The Seed and
its parts, Structure Of A Dicotyledonous Seed, Structure Of Monocotyledonous Seed
Plant Nutrition System - Methods To Study The Mineral Requirements Of Plants,
Essential Mineral Elements, Criteria For Essentiality, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Role
Of Macro- And Micro-Nutrients, Deficiency Symptoms Of Essential Elements, Toxicity Of
Micronutrients, Mechanism Of Absorption Of Elements, Translocation Of Solutes, Soil As
Reservoir Of Essential Elements, Metabolism Of Nitrogen, Nitrogen Cycle, Biological
Nitrogen Fixation
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants - Early Experiments by Joseph Priestley, Jan
Ingenhousz, Julius Von Sachs ,T.W Engelmann,Cornelius Van Niel, Structures involved in
Photosynthesis, Light Reactions, Dark Reactions, Pigments involved in Photosynthesis,
Light reactions - Light Harvesting Complexes, Reaction Centre, The Electron Transport,
Cyclic And Noncyclic Photo-Phosphorylation, Chemiosmotic Hypothesis and Use of ATP
and NADH, Biosynthetic Phase The Calvin Cycle, The C4Pathway, Kranz Anatomy, Pep
Carboxylase, Photorespiration, Differences, Between C4 and C3 plants, Factors Affecting
Photosynthesis, Law Of Limiting Factors
Respiration in Plants - What is Plant Respiration, Glycolysis, Krebs’ Cycle,
Fermentation, Aerobic, Respiration, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Electron Transport System
(Ets) And Oxidative Phosphorylation, The Respiratory Balance Sheet, Amphibolic
Pathway, Respiratory Quotient
Anatomy of Flowering Plants - Different Plant Tissues, Meristematic Tissues -
characteristics and types , Permanent Tissues - Different Types of Simple and Complex
Tissue, Structure of Xylem and Phloem, Epidermal Tissue System, Stomatal Apparatus,
Root Hairs, Trichomes,The Ground Tissue System, The Vascular Tissue System, Open
Vascular Bundles, Structure Of Dicotyledonous Root, Structure Of Monocotyledonous
Roots, Structure Of Dicotyledonous Stem, Structure of Monocotyledonous Stem,
Structure Of Dorsiventral (Dicotyledonous) Leaf, Structure Of Isobilateral
(Monocotyledonous) Leaf, Bulliform Cells, Secondary Growth, Formation Of Cambial
Ring, Activity Of The Cambial Ring, Spring Wood And Autumn Wood, Heartwood And
Sapwood Bark, Secondary Growth In Roots, Translocation
Plant Transportation System - Means Of Transport, Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion,
Porins, Passive Symports And Antiports, Active Transport, Comparison Of Different
Transport Processes, Plant-Water Relations, Transpiration, Water Potential, Solute
Potential, Turgid, Pressure Potential, Osmosis, Pressure Gradient And Concentration
Gradient, Plasmolysis, Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic, Turgor Pressure, Imbibition, Long
Distance Transport Of Water, Mass Or Bulk Flow, Water Absorption Pathways, Apoplast
Pathway, Symplast Pathway, Casparian Strips, Water Movement Up A Plant, Root
Pressure, Guttation, Cohesion-Tension-Transpiration Pull, Cohesion, Adhesion, Surface
Tension, High Tensile Strength, High Capillarity, Tracheids And Vessel Elements,
Transpiration And Photosynthesis – A Compromise, Uptake And Transport Of Mineral
Nutrients, Active Absorption, Translocation Of Mineral Ions, Phloem Transport: Flow From
Source To Sink, The Pressure Flow Or Mass Flow Hypothesis
Plant Reproductive System - Flower – as a reproductive organ, Pre-Fertilisation:
Structures And Events, Pollination, Kinds Of Pollination, Different Types of fertilisation,
Agents Of Pollination, Outbreeding Devices, Pollen-Pistil Interaction, Artificial
Hybridisation, Double Fertilisation, Primary Endosperm Nucleus, Triple Fusion, Primary
Endosperm Cell, Post-Fertilisation : Structures And Events, Seed, Dormancy,
Parthenocarpic Fruits, Apomixis And Polyembryony
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Biomolecules - Analysing Chemical Composition, Primary And Secondary Metabolites,
Biomacromolecules, Proteins, Polysaccharides, Nucleic Acids, Structure Of Proteins,
Nature Of Bond Linking Monomers In A Polymer, DNA Watson-Crick Model, Dynamic
State Of Body Constituents – Concept Of Metabolism, CatalysedReaction, Enzymes,
Metabolic Basis For Living, Anabolic and Catabolic reactions, The Living State, Chemical
Reactions, Mechanism of Enzyme Activity, Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity, Inhibition,
Competitive Inhibitor, Co-Factors, Classification And Nomenclature Of Enzymes
Characteristics and Functions of Cell Organelles - Cell Theory, An Overview Of Cell
and its Organelles, Classification of Cells - Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Prokaryotic Cells
- Cell Envelope And Its Modifications, Ribosomes And Inclusion Bodies, Eukaryotic Cells
- Cell Membrane, Fluid Mosaic Model, Passive Transport and Active Transport, Cell Wall,
Endomembrane System, The Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes,
Vacuoles, Mitochondria, Plastids, Ribosomes, Cytoskeleton, Cilia And Flagella,
Centrosome And Centrioles, Nucleus, Microbodies
Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Phases Of Cell Cycle, Mitosis ( Equational Division) -
steps involved and its significance, Meiosis ( Reductional Division ) - steps involved and
its significance, Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis
Diversity and Classification
Biological Classification - Identification and Nomenclature of organisms, Generic Name
And The Specific Epithet, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomy, Systematics, Five Kingdom
Classification - different kingdoms and their characteristic traits Kingdom Fungi -
Characteristics and Classification, Plasmogamy, Karyogamy, Meiosis In Zygote Resulting
In Haploid Spores, Dikaryophase, Kingdom Plantae, Alternation Of Generation, Algae - its
Uses and Classification, Bryophytes, Mosses, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms,
Angiosperms, Haplontic, Diplontic, Kingdom Animalia - Levels Of Organisation (Cellular ,
Tissue Level , Organ Level , Organ System), Open Type Circulatory System, Closed Type
Circulatory System, Symmetry, Diploblastic And Triploblastic Organisation, Germ Layers,
Coelom, Segmentation, Metamerism, Notochord, Classification Of Animals - 7 Phylums
and their Characteristic Features, Classes of Chordata and their characteristic traits,
Viruses, Viroids And Lichens
The Living World - Biodiversity, Taxonomic Categories, Taxonomic Hierarchy, The
Different Taxonomical Aids
Biology in Practice
Principles Biotechnology - Principles Of Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering,
Restriction Enzymes, Cloning, Processes Of Recombinant Dna Technology, Isolation Of
The Genetic Material (Dna), Cutting Of Dna At Specific Location, Amplification Of Gene
Of Interest Using Polymerase Chain Reaction - steps involved in PCR Insertion Of
Recombinant Dna Into The Host, Cell/Organism, Obtaining The Foreign Gene Product,
Downstream Processing, Tissue Culture, Totipotency, Tools Of Recombinant Dna
Technology, Separation And Isolation Of Dna Fragments, Cloning Vectors and their
features, Vectors For Cloning Genes In Plants And Animals, Competent Host (For
Transformation With Recombinant Dna)
Application of Biotechnology - Biotechnological Applications In Agriculture - Genetically
Modified Organisms,Pest Resistant Plants, Biotechnological Applications In Medicine -
Production of Genetically Engineered Insulin, Gene Therapy,Molecular Diagnosis,
Transgenic Animals, Ethical Issues
Plant Breeding - Basics of Plant Breeding, Collection Of Variability, Evaluation And
Selection Of Parents, Cross Hybridisation Among The Selected Parents, Selection And
Testing Of Superior Recombinants, Testing, Release And Commercialisation Of New
Cultivars, Plant Breeding For Disease Resistance,Plant Breeding For Developing
Resistance To Insect Pests, Plant Breeding For Improved Food Quality, Biofortification,
Single Cell Protein
Animal Husbandry - Management Of Farms And Farm Animals, Dairy Farm
Management, Poultry Farm Management, Animal Breeding, Inbreeding Depression,
Bee-Keeping, Fisheries
Human Health and Diseases - Common Diseases In Humans, Pathogens, Typhoid,
Pneumonia, Common Cold, Malaria, Amoebiasis, Ascariasis, Elephantiasis, Ringworms,
Immunity, Innate Immunity - Physical Barriers, Physiological Barriers, Cellular Barriers,
Cytokine Barriers, Acquired Immunity - Humoral Immune Response, Cell-Mediated
Immunity, Active And Passive Immunity, Vaccination And Immunisation, Allergies, Auto
Immunity, Immune System In The Body - Lymphoid Organs, Aids -Retrovirus, Elisa,
Prevention Of Aids, Cancer -Contact Inhibition, Causes Of Cancer, Carcinogens,
Oncogenic Viruses, Cancer Detection And Diagnosis, Treatment Of Cancer, Drugs And
Alcohol Abuse, Opioids, Cannabinoids Smoking, Addiction And Dependence, Effects Of
Drug/Alcohol Abuse
Microbes in Human Welfare - Microbes In Household Products, Microbes In Industrial
Products, Fermented Beverages, Antibiotics, Chemicals, Enzymes And Other Bioactive
Molecules, Microbes In Sewage Treatment, Microbes In Production Of Biogas, Microbes
As Biocontrol Agents, Biological Control Of Pests And Diseases, Microbes As
Biofertilisers
Environment and Ecology
Biodiversity and Conservation - Biodiversity , Genetic Diversity, Species Diversity,
Ecological Diversity, Patterns Of Biodiversity, Latitudinal Gradients, Species-Area
Relationships, The Importance Of Species Diversity To The Ecosystem, Loss Of
Biodiversity, Causes Of Biodiversity Losses, Habitat Loss And
Fragmentation,Over-Exploitation, Alien Species Invasions, Co-Extinctions, Biodiversity,
Conservation, Strategies for Conservation - In Situ Conservation, Endemism, Ex Situ
Conservation
Organisms and Populations - Organism And Its Environment, Biome Distribution, Major
Abiotic Factors, Different types of Responses To Abiotic Factors, Adaptations, Population
Attributes, Growth Models, Life History Variation, Different types of Population
Interactions with examples
Ecosystems - Ecosystem – Structure And Function, Stratification, Productivity, Net
Primary Productivity, DecompositionEnergy Flow, Photosynthetically Active Radiation,
Producers, Consumers and Decomposers - their Mode of Action and Consequences,
Detritus Food Chain, Fragmentation, Catabolism, Humification, Saprotrophs, Food Web,
Trophic Level, Standing Crop, Ecological Pyramids, Ecological Succession, Succession
Of Plants, Pioneer Species, Nutrient Cycling- Carbon Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle,
Ecosystem Services
Pollution and its Control - Air Pollution And Its Control , Electrostatic Precipitator, Water
Pollution And Its Control, Domestic Sewage And Industrial Effluents, Biochemical Oxygen
Demand, Planktonic, Algal Bloom, Biomagnification, Eutrophication, Solid Wastes,
Sanitary Landfills, Agro-Chemicals And Their Effects, Radioactive Wastes, Greenhouse
Effect And Global Warming, Ozone Depletion In The Stratosphere, Chlorofluorocarbons
(Cfcs), Ozone Hole, Snow-Blindness, Degradation By Improper Resource Utilisation And
Maintenance, Soil Erosion And Desertification, Waterlogging And Soil Salinity,
Deforestation, Reforestation
Evolution and Genetics
Evolutionary Processes- Origin Of Life, Evolution Of Life Forms – A Theory, Evidences
For Evolution - Paleontological Evidence, Divergent Evolution, Convergent Evolution,
What Is Adaptive Radiation, Mechanism Of Evolution, Hardy-Weinberg Principle, Founder
Effect, A Brief Account Of Evolution, Origin And Evolution Of Man
Heredity - Genes, Alleles, Genotype, Phenotype, Dominant, Recessive, Mendel’s Laws
Of Inheritance, Inheritance Of One Gene, Punnett Square, Law Of Dominance, Law Of
Segregation, Incomplete Dominance, Co-Dominance, Inheritance Of Two Genes, Law Of
Independent Assortment, Chromosomal Theory Of Inheritance, Linkage And
Recombination, Sex Determination in animals, Sex Determination In Humans, Mutation
Genetic Disorders - Pedigree Analysis, Mendelian Disorders, Haemophilia, Sickle-Cell
Anaemia, Phenylketonuria, Chromosomal Disorders, Aneuploidy, Polyploidy, Down’s
Syndrome, Klinefelter’s Syndrome, Turner’s Syndrome
Molecular Genetics - The Dna - Structure Of Polynucleotide Chain, Double Helix,
Transforming Principle, Hershey-Chase Experiment, Properties Of Genetic Material (Dna
Versus Rna), RNA Replication, Messelson And Stahl’s Experiment, The Machinery And
The Enzymes involved in RNA Replication, Transcription - Transcription Unit And The
Gene, Types Of Rna And The Process Of Transcription, Codons For The Various Amino
Acids, Mutations And Genetic Code - Frame-Shift Insertion Or Deletion Mutations, Trna–
The Adapter Molecule, Translation - Charging Of Trna Untranslated Regions (Utr),
Regulation Of Gene Expression, The Lac Operon, Human Genome Project, Salient
Features Of Human Genome, Bioinformatics Methodologies, Applications And Future
Challenges, Dna Fingerprinting, Repetitive Dna, Satellite Dna, Polymorphism, Variable
Number Of Tandem Repeats
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Anaga, a police officer investigating a robbery, found a sample of DNA at
the crime scene. However, the sample has too small a segment to
conduct an analysis of the DNA.
Which of the following processes would allow amplification of the sample
to a size sufficient for analysis? 1
Polymerase Chain Reaction 1 RA
Elongation 2
Whole DNA Replication 3
Gel electrophoresis 4
Explanation: Option 1 confirms their understanding of the overarching purpose of PCR - to amplify
DNA samples.
Subject pedagogy
An interactive software explores the diversity of viruses. It engages with
3D models of different viruses that students can click on to rotate, view
from different angles, discuss scales and units and see them in cross
section.
Which of the following lesson objectives CANNOT be fulfilled by this
interactive module?
4
Describe different components of viruses. 1
Explain how viruses are classified based on morphology. 2
Calculate the size of a virus relative to a human cell. 3
Differentiate between human and non-human viruses. 4 RA
Explanation: More than two-thirds of human viruses can also infect non-human hosts, there is no
way to differentiate between the two just by looking at their structure.
Higher Secondary School Commerce & Accounts
Syllabus
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING - I
Theoretical FrameWork - Introduction to Accounting Accounting- concept, meaning, as a
source of information, objectives, advantages and limitations, types of accounting
information; users of accounting information and their needs. Qualitative Characteristics
of Accounting Information. Role of Accounting in Business. Basic Accounting TermsEntity, Business Transaction, Capital, Drawings. Liabilities (Non Current and Current).
Assets (Non Current, Current); Expenditure (Capital and Revenue), Expense, Revenue,
Income, Profit, Gain, Loss, Purchase, Sales, Goods, Stock, Debtor, Creditor, Voucher,
Discount (Trade discount and Cash Discount) Theory Base of Accounting Fundamental
accounting assumptions: GAAP: Concept Basic accounting concept : Business Entity,
Money Measurement, Going Concern, Accounting Period, Cost Concept, Dual Aspect,
Revenue Recognition, Matching, Full Disclosure, Consistency, Conservatism, Materiality
and Objectivity System of Accounting. Basis of Accounting: cash basis and accrual basis
Accounting Standards: Applicability in IndAS Goods and Services Tax (GST):
Characteristics and Advantages.
Accounting Process - Recording of Business Transactions Voucher and Transactions:
Source documents and Vouchers, Preparation of Vouchers, Accounting Equation
Approach: Meaning and Analysis, Rules of Debit and Credit. Recording of Transactions:
Books of Original Entry- Journal Special Purpose books: Cash Book: Simple, cash book
with bank column and petty cash book. Purchases book Sales book Purchases return
book Sales return book Journal proper Note: Including trade discount, freight and cartage
expenses for simple GST calculation. Ledger: Format, Posting from journal and
subsidiary books, Balancing of accounts Bank Reconciliation Statement: Need and
preparation, Bank Reconciliation Statement Depreciation, Provisions and Reserves
Depreciation: Meaning, Features, Need, Causes, factors Other similar terms: Depletion
and Amortisation Methods of Depreciation: i. Straight Line Method (SLM) ii. Written Down
Value Method (WDV) Note: Excluding change of method Difference between SLM and
WDV; Advantages of SLM and WDV Method of recording depreciation i. Charging to
asset account ii. Creating provision for depreciation/accumulated depreciation account
Treatment of disposal of asset Provisions, Reserves, Difference Between Provisions and
Reserves. Types of Reserves: i. Revenue reserve ii. Capital reserve iii. General reserve
iv. Specific reserve v. Secret Reserve Difference between capital and revenue reserve.
Trial balance and Rectification of Errors Trial balance: objectives, meaning and
preparation (Scope: Trial balance with balance method only) Errors: classification-errors
of omission, commission, principles, and compensating; their effect on Trial Balance.
Detection and rectification of errors; (i) Errors which do not affect trial balance (ii) Errors
which affect trial balance preparation of suspense account.
Financial Accounting - II
Financial Statements of Sole Proprietorship - Financial Statements Meaning,
objectives and importance; Revenue and Capital Receipts; Revenue and Capital
Expenditure; Deferred Revenue expenditure. Opening journal entry. Trading and Profit
and Loss Account: Gross Profit, Operating profit and Net profit. Preparation. Balance
Sheet: need, grouping and marshaling of assets and liabilities. Preparation. Adjustments
in preparation of financial statements with respect to closing stock, outstanding expenses,
prepaid expenses, accrued income, income received in advance, depreciation, bad debts,
provision for doubtful debts, provision for discount on debtors, Abnormal loss, Goods
taken for personal use/staff welfare, interest on capital and managers commission.
Preparation of Trading and Profit and Loss account and Balance Sheet of a sole
proprietorship with adjustments.
Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies
Accounting for Partnership Firms - Partnership: features, Partnership Deed. Provisions
of the Indian Partnership Act 1932 in the absence of partnership deed. Fixed v/s
fluctuating capital accounts. Preparation of Profit and Loss Appropriation account- division
of profit among partners, guarantee of profits. Past adjustments (relating to interest on
capital, interest on drawing, salary and profit sharing ratio). Goodwill: meaning, nature,
factors affecting and methods of valuation - average profit, super profit and capitalization.
Note: Interest on partner's loan is to be treated as a charge against profits. Goodwill:
meaning, factors affecting, need for valuation, methods for calculation (average profits,
super profits and capitalization) , adjusted through partners capital/ current account or by
raising and writing off goodwill (AS 26) Accounting for Partnership firms - Reconstitution
and Dissolution. Change in the Profit Sharing Ratio among the existing partners -
sacrificing ratio, gaining ratio, accounting for revaluation of assets and reassessment of
liabilities and treatment of reserves, accumulated profits and losses. Preparation of
revaluation account and balance sheet. Admission of a partner - effect of admission of a
partner on change in the profit sharing ratio, treatment of goodwill (as per AS 26),
treatment for revaluation of assets and reassessment of liabilities, treatment of reserves,
accumulated profits and losses, adjustment of capital accounts and preparation of capital,
current account and balance sheet. Retirement and death of a partner: effect of
retirement / death of a partner on change in profit sharing ratio, treatment of goodwill (as
per AS 26), treatment for revaluation of assets and reassessment of liabilities, adjustment
of accumulated profits, losses and reserves, adjustment of capital accounts and
preparation of capital, current account and balance sheet. Preparation of loan account of
the retiring partner. Calculation of deceased partner’s share of profit till the date of death.
Preparation of deceased partner’s capital account and his executor’s account. Dissolution
of a partnership firm: meaning of dissolution of partnership and partnership firm, types of
dissolution of a firm. Settlement of accounts - preparation of realization account, and
other related accounts: capital accounts of partners and cash/bank a/c (excluding
piecemeal distribution, sale to a company and insolvency of partner(s)). Note: (i) If the
realized value of tangible assets is not given it should be considered as realized at book
value itself. (ii) If the realized value of intangible assets is not given it should be
considered as nil (zero value). (ii) In case, the realization expenses are borne by a
partner, clear indication should be given regarding the payment thereof.
Accounting for Companies - PAccounting for Share Capital Features and types of
companies Share and share capital: nature and types. Accounting for share capital: issue
and allotment of equity and preferences shares. Public subscription of shares - over
subscription and under subscription of shares; issue at par and at premium, calls in
advance and arrears (excluding interest), issue of shares for consideration other than
cash. Concept of Private Placement and Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP), Sweat
Equity. Accounting treatment of forfeiture and reissue of shares. Disclosure of share
capital in the Balance Sheet of a company. Accounting for Debentures Debentures:
Meaning, types, Issue of debentures at par, at a premium and at a discount. Issue of
debentures for consideration other than cash; Issue of debentures with terms of
redemption; debentures as collateral security-concept, interest on debentures. Writing off
discount / loss on issue of debentures. Note: Discount or loss on issue of debentures to
be written off in the year debentures are allotted from Security Premium Reserve (if it
exists) and then from Statement of Profit and Loss as Financial Cost (AS 16)
Financial Statement Analysis
Analysis of Financial Statements - Financial statements of a Company: Meaning,
Nature, Uses and importance of financial Statement. Statement of Profit and Loss and
Balance Sheet in prescribed form with major headings and subheadings (as per Schedule
III to the Companies Act, 2013) Note: Exceptional items, extraordinary items and profit
(loss) from discontinued operations are excluded. Financial Statement Analysis: Meaning,
Significance Objectives, importance and limitations. Tools for Financial Statement
Analysis: Cash flow analysis, ratio analysis. Accounting Ratios: Meaning, Objectives,
Advantages, classification and computation. Liquidity Ratios: Current ratio and Quick
ratio. Solvency Ratios: Debt to Equity Ratio, Total Asset to Debt Ratio, Proprietary Ratio
and Interest Coverage Ratio. Debt to Capital Employed Ratio. Activity Ratios: Inventory
Turnover Ratio, Trade Receivables Turnover Ratio, Trade Payables Turnover Ratio, Fixed
Asset Turnover Ratio, Net Asset Turnover Ratio and Working Capital Turnover Ratio.
Profitability Ratios: Gross Profit Ratio, Operating Ratio, Operating Profit Ratio, Net Profit
Ratio and Return on Investment.
Cash Flow Statement - Meaning, objectives Benefits, Cash and Cash Equivalents,
Classification of Activities and preparation (as per AS 3 (Revised) (Indirect Method only)
Note: (i) Adjustments relating to depreciation and amortization, profit or loss on sale of
assets including investments, dividend (both final and interim) and tax. (ii) Bank overdraft
and cash credit to be treated as short term borrowings. (iii) Current Investments to be
taken as Marketable securities unless otherwise specified.
Marketing - Marketing – Concept, functions and philosophies, Marketing Mix – Concept
and elements, Product - branding, labelling and packaging – Concept, Price - Concept,
Factors determining price, Promotion – Concept and elements; Advertising, Personal
Selling, Sales Promotion and Public Relation.
Consumer Protection - Concept and importance of consumer protection, The Consumer
Protection Act, 2019: Source: http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210422.pdf
Meaning of consumer Rights and responsibilities of consumers Who can file a complaint?
Redressal machinery Remedies available, Consumer awareness - Role of consumer
organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following items can appear on both
sides of a company's balance sheet? 2
Reserve 1
Provision 2 RA
Cash at Bank 3
Contingent Liability 4
Explanation: Provision is shown either (i) by way of deduction from the item on the asset side for
which it is created, or (ii) on the liabilities side along with current liabilities.
Subject pedagogy
Which of the following exercises can be given to
students to introduce them to the basics of
'database'?
2
Preparing a list of top 500 BSE (Bombay Stock
Exchange) companies
1
Collecting information regarding occupation details
of family members
2 RA
Graphically comparing revenue of last five years of
Company X
3
Preparing year-wise cash flow for any investment
done by parents
4
Explanation: Here the students will be able to create a database of their relatives’ information like
name, occupation, salary, etc.
Higher Secondary School Computer Science
Syllabus
Computer systems and organisation
Introduction to Computers - Definition of a Computer, History and Generations of
Computers, Functions and Characteristics of a Computer, Operating a Computer.
Parts of a Computer - Different parts of a Computer and their Functions, Peripheral
devices, Definition of Hardware, Input/output and Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Memory and Storage - Types of Memory: Internal and External, Storage Devices,
Portable Storage, Hard Disk.
Logic Gates and Boolean Logic - OR, AND, NAND, NOR, XOR, NOT truth tables, De
Morgan’s laws, Logic circuits.
Number Systems and Encoding Schemes: Numbers in base 2, 8 and 16, Binary
Addition, Conversion between two different number systems, ASCII, UTF8, UTF32, ISCII
and Unicode.
Database - DBMS, Different types of DBMS, Types of Data Models, Introduction to
Structured Query Language (SQL), Advantages of SQL, SQL Commands, SQL
functions, Basics of NoSQL databases.
Cloud Computing - Concept of Cloud Computing and Cloud services, Blockchain
Technology, Introduction to Parallel Computing
Computer software
Introduction to Computer Software - Definition of Software, Types of Software: System
and Application Software, Introduction to Operating System, Graphics, Multimedia and
Presentation Software.
Windows - Features of Windows, Windows Explorer, Taskbar, Files and Folders, Types
of Files, Elements of Windows.
TUX Paint - Introduction to TUX Paint, Features of TUX Paint, Different Tools in TUX
Paint, Working with TUX Paint.
MS Office - MS Paint and its tools, Working with MS Paint, MS Word and its tools, MS
PowerPoint and its tools, MS Excel and its tools
LOGO - Introduction to LOGO, Parts of LOGO screen, Commands in LOGO, Primitives in
LOGO, Coding in LOGO.
Scratch - Introduction to Scratch, Parts of Scratch screen, Commands in Scratch,
Programming in Scratch.
System Software - Operating Systems: Introduction to Operating Systems(OS), Different
types of OS, Features of Windows, Windows Explorer, Basics Computer Operations:
Accept data, Store data, Process data as desired, Retrieve stored data as and when
required, Print the result in desired format.
Application Software - MS Office: MS Word and its tools, Working with MS Word, MS
PowerPoint and its tools, Working with MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and its tools, Working
with MS Excel, MS Access and its tools, Working with MS Access
Multimedia: Images, Audio, Video, Animation, Photoshop: Introduction to Photoshop and
its tools, Working with Photoshop.
File handling: Need for a data file, Types of file: Text files, Binary files and CSV files.
Computational thinking and programming
Introduction to Computational Thinking - History of Computing Devices, Types of
Computing Devices, Pattern Recognition.
Algorithms and Flowcharts - Introduction to Algorithms and Flowcharts, Algorithm and
Flowchart for different problems.
Basics of Programming - Programming in LOGO and Scratch, Debugging code.
Algorithms - Basic Algorithms and Flowcharts, Different types of Algorithms: Search
algorithms and Sorting algorithms.
Data Structures - Introduction to Data Structures: stack, queue, lists, simple data
structures functions: push(), pop(), insert(), delete().
Programming - Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Properties of OOP,
Introduction to HTML, Properties of HTML, HTML tags, basic programming in HTML,
Introduction to C programming: Data Types, Variables, Operators, Running and
Debugging programs, Different types of errors.
Algorithms - Different types of Algorithms: Search algorithms and Sorting algorithms,
Recursive algorithms, Efficiency of algorithms.
Data Structures - Simple and Complex Data Structures: stack, queue, table, array,
binary tree, different types of lists, advanced data structure functions, Application of data
structures.
Basics of Computational Thinking - Decomposition, Pattern Recognition/ Data
representation, Generalization/ Data Abstraction and algorithm, Problem Solving
Methodology: Understanding of the problem, Solution for the problem, Breaking down
solution into simple steps, Identification of arithmetic and logical operations required for
solution, Control structure - conditional control and looping (finite and infinite).
Programming - Python: Data Types, Variables, Expressions, Operators, Operands,
Tuples, Functions, Libraries and Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP),
Properties of OOP, C++: Introduction to C++, Tokens, Operators, Functions, Header files
and Programming, Java: Introduction to Java, Objects and Classes, Basic datatypes,
Methods, Advanced C Programming: Functions, Structures, SQL: SQL Commands,
Functions, Programming, Interface of Python with SQL.
Web Designing - Advanced HTML, CSS and XML, Properties of HTML, CSS and XML,
Introduction to Web Designing, Web Development Tools.
Computer networks
Networks - Different types of Network Topology and its applications, Evolution of
Networking: ARPANET, Internet, Interspace Different ways of sending data across the
network with reference to switching techniques (Circuit and Packet switching), Data
Communication terminologies, Different modes of Networking channels: Simplex, Half
Duplex, Full Duplex, Different layers of Computer Network, Multiplexing, Different types of
Multiplexing, Transmission media: Twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, optical fibre, infrared,
radio link, microwave link and satellite link, Network devices: Modem, RJ45 connector,
Ethernet Card, Router, Switch, Gateway, Wi-Fi card, Network Addresses: Internet
Protocol (IP), Media Access Control (MAC) address etc.
Internet - What is the Internet, World Wide Web (www), Web Browsers, Websites and
Webpages, Search Engines, Electronic mails (Emails).
Network Protocol – TCP/IP, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), PPP, HTTP, IP, SMTP, POP3,
Remote Login (Telnet) and Internet, MAC Protocols: ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD,
CSMA/CA etc., Wireless/Mobile Communication protocols, Mobile Telecommunication
Technologies, Mobile processors, Electronic mail protocols such as SMTP, POP3,
Protocols for Chat and
Video Conferencing: VoIP, Wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX, Versions of
IP: IPv4 and IPv6.
Network Security - Security Protocols, Threats and prevention from Viruses, Worms,
Trojan horse, Spams, Use of Cookies, Protection using Firewall, https
Introduction To Web services - WWW, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible
Markup Language (XML); Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Domain Names; URL;
Website, Web browser, Web Servers; Web Hosting, Web Scripting – Client side (VB
Script, Java Script, PHP) and Server side (ASP, JSP, PHP), Web 2.0 (for social
networking), E-commerce payment transactions using online banking, mobile banking,
payment apps and services.
Society, Law and Ethics - Cyber Security and Safety, Computer privacy, Child safety,
Appropriate usage of Social Networks, Safely accessing web sites: Adware, Malware,
Viruses, Trojans, Secure Connection, Intellectual property rights, Privacy Laws,
Technology and society: understanding of societal issues and cultural changes induced
by technology, Gender and disability issues while teaching and using computers,
E-waste management: proper disposal of used electronic gadgets.
Sample questions
Subject expertise
1. 'X' is a c file handling operator which is used to read string from
the stream.
2. Syntax of 'X' is char* X(char *string, int length, FILE *stream)
Identify 'X'. 4
fscan() 1
fgetc() 2
fscanf() 3
fgets () 4 RA
Explanation: It reads the string from the stream. syntax: char* fgets(char *string, int length, FILE
*stream)
Subject pedagogy
Mr. Ravi’s students have been drawing flowcharts for different kinds of
algorithms, based on rules provided by him. Now Mr. Ravi wants to start
'programming'.
Before that, which of the following exercises, done in pairs, will most reinforce
students' conceptual understanding and make them fully ready for programming?
2
Compare your most complex flowchart with the other person's most complex
flowchart and highlight similarities and differences.
1
Provide an unusual set of inputs to the other person's flowchart and let the other 2 RA
person explain step by step, how the flowchart will work.
Provide an additional rule for a flowchart drawn by the other person and let the
other person make changes in the flowchart to incorporate it.
3
Read up about a simple programming language; for each step of the flowchart,
write a line of syntax in that language; let the other person review it.
4
Explanation: One of the biggest differences while moving from a flowchart to a program is that
certain things may be mentally assumed while drawing a flowchart whereas the program will just
give an error if it encounters an unusual input. Therefore, testing a flowchart with unusual inputs
(by another person - because we may not think of such inputs ourselves) can be very powerful in
increasing the level of detail in it, which programming will then require.
Higher Secondary School Economics
Syllabus
Statistics
Basic Concepts – Definition and features of Statistics, Statistical inference, Statistics in
economics, Importance of statistics, Shortcomings of Statistics
Collection of data - Sources of data (primary and secondary),
Questionnaire, Characteristics of a Good Questionnaire, Mode of data
collection, Census And Sample Surveys, Types of Sampling, Sampling and
Non-Sampling Errors, Important sources of secondary data, Census of India
and NSSO
Organisation of Data- Raw Data, Types of Data Classification, Meaning
and types of variables; Features and shortcomings of Frequency
Distribution, Preparation of Frequency Distribution, Preparation of
Frequency array, Bivariate Frequency distribution
Presentation of Data – Textual Presentation of data, Preparation and
Interpretation of Tabular and Diagrammatic Presentation of Data, Parts of a
table, Basis of data classification, Geometric forms (bar diagrams and pie
diagrams), Frequency diagrams (histogram, polygon, and Ogive), Arithmetic
line graphs (time series graph)
Measures of Central Tendency - Measures of Central Tendency (Mean,
Median, and Mode), Calculation of Percentiles and Quartiles, Calculation of
Measures of Central Tendencies for grouped and ungrouped data,
Calculation of Mean using Assumed Mean method as well as Step deviation
Method, Properties of Arithmetic Mean, Weighted Arithmetic Mean, Relative
position of Arithmetic Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Dispersion – Calculation of measures of absolute dispersion
(range, quartile deviation, mean deviation, and standard deviation),
Calculation of measures of absolute dispersion relative dispersion
(coefficient of range, coefficient of quartile-deviation, coefficient of mean
deviation, and coefficient of variation), Features, construction, and
interpretation of Lorenz Curve, Features and Limitations of Measures of
dispersion
Correlation – Types of the relationship between data, Meaning and
properties of the correlation coefficient, Scatter diagram, Types of
correlation, Calculation of correlation coefficient (Karl Pearson's method and
Spearman's rank correlation), Properties of both measures of correlation,
Correlation vs causality
Index Numbers - Meaning and features of Index numbers, Types of Indices
based on the construction method, Features of Major Indices (Laspeyres
price index, Paasche's price index, CPI, WPI, Agricultural Production index,
Stock Market Indices, HDI), Shortcomings of Index Numbers, Secondary
Sources of Major Index Numbers used in Economic
Microeconomics
Basic Concepts – Economics and its importance, Market participants, Economic
Activities, Consumption, Production and Distribution, Features of Simple Economy,
Central problems of an economy, Production Possibility Frontier, Organisation of
economic activities, Types of Economic Systems (Market, Centrally Planned and
Mixed), Positive and normative economics, Microeconomics vs Macroeconomics
Consumer Behaviour – Properties of Utility and Marginal Utility, Conditions of
consumer's equilibrium using marginal utility analysis, Concept and determination of
consumer’s Budget, Budget Set, Budget Line, Preferences of the consumer, Monotonic
Preferences, Substitution between Goods, Diminishing Rate of Substitution, Indifference
Curve, Marginal rate of substitution (MRS), Indifference Map, Concept of Demand and
Market demand, determinants of demand, demand schedule, demand curve and its
slope, Normal and Inferior Goods, Substitutes and Complements, Change in demand,
Shifts in the Demand Curve, Movements along the Demand Curve, Price elasticity of
demand, Factors affecting price elasticity of demand; Measurement of price elasticity of
demand, Elasticity along a Linear Demand Curve, Relationship between Elasticity and
Expenditure
Producer Behaviour and Supply – Product market vs factor market, Concept of
Production Function (Short run and long run), Isoquant, Total Product (TP), Average
Product, Marginal Product, Returns to a factor, Law of diminishing marginal product,
Law of variable proportions, Returns to scale, Costs, Short Run Costs, Long Run Costs,
Relationships among different costs, Opportunity cost, Cobb-Douglas Production
Function, Forward linkage, Meaning and relationship among various measures of
Revenue (Total, Average and Marginal revenue), Producer's equilibrium and its
conditions in terms of marginal revenue and marginal cost, The Shutdown Point, The
Normal Profit and Break-even Point, Profit maximisation, Concept of Supply and market
supply, Determinants of the supply curve, Supply Schedule, Supply Curve and its slope
(Long-run and Short-run), Movements along and shifts in the supply curve, Price
elasticity of supply; measurement of price elasticity of supply
Perfect competition – Features of Perfect Competition, Condition of Market
Equilibrium, Excess demand/excess supply, Wage Determination in Labour Market,
Shifts in Demand and Supply, Price Ceiling, Price Floor, Impact of Free Entry and Exit
on Market Equilibrium
Non-competitive Markets – Types of the non-competitive market and their features
(Monopoly, Monopolistic and oligopoly), Determination of price in non-competitive
markets, Characteristics of Cost and Revenue in non-competitive markets
Externalities - Positive and Negative Externalities, Private costs and benefits, Social
costs and benefits, Market failures and their impact, Public Goods and their
characteristics
Macroeconomics
National Income and Related Aggregates – Concept and Features of
Macroeconomics, Types of goods (consumption goods, capital goods, final goods,
intermediate goods), Stocks vs Flows concept, Gross investment and Depreciation,
Circular flow of income (two-sector model), Methods of calculating National Income
(Value Added method, Expenditure method, and Income method), Aggregates related
to National Income (GNP, NNP, GDP and NDP - at market price and at factor cost),
Real and Nominal GDP, GDP Deflator, GDP and Welfare
Money and Banking - Meaning and supply of money, Functions of Money, Demand for
money, Legal Definitions of money, Money creation by the banking system, The
Currency Deposit Ratio, The Reserve Deposit Ratio, Cash Reserve Ratio, Statutory
Liquidity Ratio, Bank Rate, Commercial Banks, High Powered Money, Central bank and
its functions (example of the Reserve Bank of India), Open Market Operations, Bank
Rate Policy, Varying Reserve Requirements, Sterilisation by RBI
Determination of Income and Employment - c Ex Ante vs Ex Post, Aggregate
demand and its components, Propensity to consume and propensity to save (average
and marginal), Short run equilibrium output, Movement along a curve versus a shift of a
curve, Investment multiplier and its mechanism, Meaning of full employment and
involuntary unemployment, Problems of excess and deficient demand, Measures to
correct them (changes in government spending, taxes and money supply), Paradox of
Thrift, Properties of Inflation
Government Budget and the Economy – Characteristics of Public goods, Functions of
Government, Public Production vs Provision, Meaning, objectives and components of
Government Budget, Classification of receipts (revenue and capital receipts),
Classification of expenditure (revenue and capital expenditure, Plan and non-plan
expenditure), Measures of government deficit (revenue deficit, fiscal deficit, primary
deficit), Fiscal Policy, Changes in Government Expenditure, Changes in Taxes,
Discretionary fiscal policy, Transfers, Debt, Ricardian equivalence, Deficit Reduction,
Phillips Curve
Open Economy – Meaning and Features of The Balance of Payments, Meaning and
components of Balance of payment Account, Balance of Trade, Balance of Payments
deficit, Foreign exchange rate, Fixed vs flexible rates, Managed floating, Determination
of exchange rate in a free market, Purchasing power parity, NEER vs REER, Interest
Rates and the Exchange Rate, Income and the Exchange Rate, Exchange Rates in the
Long Run, Exchange Rate Systems, National Income Identity in case of Open
Economy, Equilibrium Output and the Trade Balance, WTO and its Role, World Bank
and its Role, IMF and its role
Economic Theories and Practices
Economic Development - Economic Growth vs Economic Development, Measures of
economic growth and economic development, Shortcomings of Economic Growth,
Meaning and features of Human Development Index
Economic Reforms– Factors leading to economic reforms, Features and appraisals of
Liberalisation, Globalisation and Privatisation; Concepts of demonetization and GST,
Criticism of new policies, UN and its role
Current Challenges in Developing Economies -
Poverty- Absolute vs relative Poverty, Poverty Line, Causes of poverty, Major Global
Poverty Alleviation Programmes and Policies
Human Capital Formation – Concept of People as Resource; Role of human capital in
economic development, Sources of Human capital, Concept of Human development,
Ways of Human Capital Formation, Role of Gender, UNICEF and its role
Rural development - Issues of Credit and Marketing, Role of cooperatives, Agricultural
diversification, Alternative farming (organic farming)
Employment- Formal and informal sectors, Self-employed vs Hired workers, Factors
leading to Unemployment, Meaning and Types of Unemployment, Major policies for
employment generation
Infrastructure- Meaning, Importance and Role of Infrastructure, Types of Infrastructure,
Energy and its Sources, Public vs Private Health Infrastructure, Infant Mortality Rate,
Morbidity Rate, WHO and its role
Sustainable Economic Development- Meaning and Functions of Environment, Effects
of Economic Development on Resources and Environment, Pollution and its effects,
Global warming, Meaning and features of Sustainable Development, Strategies for
Sustainable Development
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a Command Economy?
Choose the CLOSEST option.
1
Central regulations ensure that the society provides goods and services most
efficiently. 1 RA
Allocation of resources takes place according to the central plan 2
The central plan sets the priorities for the production of all goods and services. 3
Government owns monopoly business 4
Explanation: Option 1 is the only feature that is not a part of the Command Economy out of all the
options.
Subject pedagogy
Mr. Khilnani gives his students the following exercise:
In three columns, divide your 24 hours in the day, among sleep, study and
entertainment, as per your preference, for regular school days, weekends,
summer vacation, exam days. Now repeat the exercise by keeping sleep
constant at 8 hours and dividing the remaining time between study and
entertainment in different situations.
Which of the following concepts would be MOST appropriate to introduce
through this hook? 4
Price-demand-supply relationship 1
Consumer utility function
2
Production possibility curve 3
Consumer budget line 4 RA
Explanation: Consumer budget line is the best option that can be introduced through the
mentioned hook.
Higher Secondary School Geography
Syllabus
Physical Geography : Fundamentals
Geography as a Discipline – Geography as an integrating discipline, as a science of spatial
attributes, Branches of Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Biogeography,
Branches of geography based on regional approach, Physical geography and its importance
The Earth – Origin and evolution of the earth, Interior of the earth Earthquakes and
volcanoes: causes, types and effects, Distribution of oceans and continents: Wegener's
continental drift theory and plate tectonics
Landforms – Geomorphic processes: weathering; mass wasting; erosion and deposition;
soil-formation, Landforms and their evolution- Brief erosional and depositional features
Climate – Atmosphere- composition and structure; elements of weather and climate, Solar
Radiation-Insolation-angle of incidence and distribuƟon; heat budget of the earth heaƟng
and cooling of atmosphere (conduction, convection, terrestrial radiation and advection);
temperature- factors controlling temperature; distribution of temperature-horizontal and
vertical; inversion of temperature, Atmospheric circulation and weather systems - Pressurepressure belts; winds-planetary, seasonal and local; air masses and fronts; tropical and extra
tropical cyclones, Water in the atmosphere-Precipitation evaporation; condensation-dew,
frost, fog, mist and cloud; rainfall-types and world distribution, World Climate and Global
Concerns
Water (Oceans) – Basics of Oceanography, Oceans - distribution of temperature and salinity,
Movements of ocean water-waves, tides and currents; submarine reliefs
Life on the Earth – Biosphere - importance of plants and other organisms; biodiversity and
Conservation
India : Physical Environment
India – Location, space relations, India's place in the world
Physiography – Structure and Relief; Physiographic Divisions, Drainage systems: Concept of
river basins, watershed; the Himalayan and the Peninsular rivers
Climate, Vegetation and Soil - Weather and climate - spatial and temporal distribution of
temperature, Indian monsoon: mechanism, onset and withdrawal, Natural vegetation-forest
types and distribution; wild life; conservation; biosphere reserves
Hazards and Disasters: Causes, Consequences and Management – Floods, Cloudbursts,
Droughts: types and impact, Earthquakes and Tsunami Cyclones: features and impact,
Landslides
Human Geography : Fundamentals
Human Geography - Nature and Scope
People - The World Population- distribution, density and growth, Population change -
Components of population change, Demographic Transition, Human development -
concept; selected indicators, international comparisons
Human Activities - Primary activities - concept and changing trends; gathering, pastoral,
mining, subsistence agriculture, modern agriculture; people engaged in agricultural and
allied activities - some examples from selected countries, Secondary activities- concept;
manufacturing: types - household, small scale, large scale; agro based and mineral based
industries, Tertiary activities - concept; trade, transport and tourism; services; people
engaged in tertiary activities, Quaternary activities- concept; people engaged in quaternary
activities - case study from selected countries
Transport, Communication and Trade - Land transport - roads, railways; transcontinental
railways Water transport- inland waterways; major ocean routes, Air transport- Intercontinental
air routes Oil and gas pipelines, Satellite communication and cyberspace importance and usage
for geographical informaƟon; use of GPS, International trade-bases and changing patterns;
ports as gateways of international trade; role of WTO in international trade
India: People and Economy
People - Population: distribution, density and growth; composition of population - linguistic,
religious; sex, rural-urban and occupational-regional variations in growth of population
Human Settlements - Rural settlements - types and distribution, Urban settlements - types,
distribution and functional classification
Resources and Development - Land resources- general land use; agricultural land use;
geographical conditions and distribution of major crops (Wheat, Rice, Tea, Coffee, Cotton,
Jute, Sugarcane and Rubber); agricultural development and problems, Water resourcesavailability and uƟlizaƟon irrigaƟon, domesƟc, industrial and other uses; scarcity of water
and conservation methods-rain water harvesting and watershed management, Mineral and
energy resources- distribution of metallic (Iron ore, Copper, Bauxite, Manganese); nonmetallic (Mica, Salt) minerals; conventional (Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas and Hydroelectricity)
and non-conventional energy sources (solar, wind, biogas) and conservation, Planning in Indiatarget group area planning (case study); idea of sustainable development (case study)
Transport, Communication and International Trade - Transport and communication-roads,
railways, waterways and airways: oil and gas pipelines; Geographical information and
communication networks, international trade- changing pattern of India's foreign trade; sea
ports and their hinterland and airports
Geographical Perspective on selected issues and problems - Environmental pollution;
urban-waste disposal, Urbanization, rural-urban migration; problems of slums, Land degradation
Maps - Identification, Location and Labelling of items based on the above on the outline
Political/Physical map of India and map of the world
Practical
Fundamentals of Maps - Geo spatial data, Concept of Geographical data matrix; Point, line,
area data, Maps - types; scales-types; construction of simple linear scale, measuring
distance; finding direction and use of symbols, Map projection- Latitude, longitude and
time, typology, construction and properties of projection: Conical with one standard parallel
and Mercator's projection. (only two projections)
Topographic and Weather Maps - Study of topographic maps (1 : 50,000 or 1 : 25,000
Survey of India maps); contour cross section and identification of landforms-slopes, hills,
valleys, waterfall, cliffs; distribution of settlements, Satellite imageries, stages in remote
sensing data- acquisition, platform and sensors and data products, (photographic and
digital)
Processing of Data and Thematic Mapping - Type and Sources of data: Primary, Secondary
and other sources, Tabulating and processing of data; calculation of averages, measures of
central tendency, Representation of data- construction of diagrams: bars, circles and
flowchart; thematic maps; construction of dot; choropleth and isopleth maps
Spatial Information Technology - Introduction to GIS; hardware requirements and software
modules; data formats; raster and vector data, data input, editing and topology building;
data analysis; overlay and buffer
Sample questions
Subject expertise
Which of the following processes helped in making the Earth's
atmosphere more habitable? 2
Degassing of Earth by volcanic eruptions 1
Photosynthesis performed by early algae and plants 2 RA
Stripping away of early hydrogen-helium rich atmosphere by
solar winds 3
Impacts of asteroids in the early stages of Earth’s history 4
Explanation: Here the 2nd option is correct since photosynthesis helped in increasing the level of
Oxygen in the air making the Earth’s atmosphere more habitable.
Subject pedagogy
Mr. Aditya wants his students to explain the reason behind why
the river Ganga flows eastwards till Farakka in West Bengal.
Which of the following concepts should be covered first for
students to understand this phenomena? 4
The location of the bifurcation of the Ganga river at its
northernmost point 1
The length of the Brahmaputra river system 2
Names of tributaries arising from Himalayan and Peninsular
rivers 3
The course of tributaries arising from river Yamuna and Ganga 4 RA
Explanation : Option 4 helps to differentiate between right and left bank tributaries which is the
reason why the Ganga enlarges with water and flows towards West Bengal.