CBSE Class 8 Syllabus 2026-27

CBSE Class 8 Mathematics Syllabus

Class 8 Maths is the most algebraically dense year before Class 9, introducing rational numbers and advanced topics:

Chapter 1 — Rational Numbers: Properties, representation on number line, operations. Chapter 2 — Linear Equations in One Variable: Solving equations with variables on both sides, applications. Chapter 3 — Understanding Quadrilaterals: Properties of parallelograms, rhombus, rectangle, square, trapezium. Chapter 4 — Practical Geometry: Constructing quadrilaterals. Chapter 5 — Data Handling: Bar graphs, pie charts, probability. Chapter 6 — Squares and Square Roots: Perfect squares, finding square roots by prime factorisation and division. Chapter 7 — Cubes and Cube Roots: Perfect cubes, finding cube roots. Chapter 8 — Comparing Quantities: Percentage, profit-loss, compound interest, discount. Chapter 9 — Algebraic Expressions and Identities: Multiplication of polynomials, standard identities: (a+b)², (a-b)², (a+b)(a-b). Chapter 10 — Visualising Solid Shapes: Views of 3D shapes, Euler's formula. Chapter 11 — Mensuration: Area of trapezium, general quadrilateral, special quadrilaterals; surface area and volume of cube, cuboid, cylinder. Chapter 12 — Exponents and Powers: Negative exponents, laws of exponents. Chapter 13 — Direct and Inverse Proportions: Solving word problems. Chapter 14 — Factorisation: Common factor method, regrouping, factorisation using identities. Chapter 15 — Introduction to Graphs: Bar graphs, linear graphs, plotting coordinates. Chapter 16 — Playing with Numbers: Divisibility, number puzzles.

CBSE Class 8 Science Syllabus

Class 8 Science is the most conceptually rich pre-secondary science curriculum:

Chapter 1 — Crop Production and Management: Crop types, agricultural practices, tools, irrigation. Chapter 2 — Microorganisms: Friend and Foe: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa; useful and harmful microorganisms. Chapter 3 — Synthetic Fibres and Plastics: Types of synthetic fibres; properties and uses of plastics. Chapter 4 — Materials: Metals and Non-Metals: Properties; chemical reactions of metals with oxygen, water, acids. Chapter 5 — Coal and Petroleum: Formation, types, uses, conservation. Chapter 6 — Combustion and Flame: Types of combustion, fuels, flame structure, fire extinguisher. Chapter 7 — Conservation of Plants and Animals: Deforestation, biosphere reserve, wildlife sanctuary, national park, Red Data Book. Chapter 8 — Cell — Structure and Functions: Cell theory, plant vs animal cells, organelles. Chapter 9 — Reproduction in Animals: Modes — sexual and asexual; human reproductive system (basics). Chapter 10 — Reaching the Age of Adolescence: Puberty changes, hormones, reproductive health. Chapter 11 — Force and Pressure: Contact and non-contact forces; pressure in liquids and gases; atmospheric pressure. Chapter 12 — Friction: Types, factors affecting, advantages and disadvantages. Chapter 13 — Sound: Vibration, propagation, human ear, loudness, pitch, ultrasound. Chapter 14 — Chemical Effects of Electric Current: Conductors and insulators; electrolysis; electroplating. Chapter 15 — Some Natural Phenomena: Lightning, earthquakes, electroscope. Chapter 16 — Light: Laws of reflection; regular and irregular reflection; multiple images; dispersion (prism). Chapter 17 — Stars and the Solar System: Celestial objects, moon, solar system, constellations. Chapter 18 — Pollution of Air and Water: Causes, effects, control measures.

CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus

Class 8 Social Science covers History (Our Pasts III), Geography (Resource and Development), and Civics (Social and Political Life III):

History — Our Pasts III: Chapter 1 — How, When and Where Chapter 2 — From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power Chapter 3 — Ruling the Countryside Chapter 4 — Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age Chapter 5 — When People Rebel: 1857 and After Chapter 6 — Colonialism and the City Chapter 7 — Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners Chapter 8 — Civilising the Native, Educating the Nation Chapter 9 — Women, Caste and Reform Chapter 10 — The Changing World of Visual Arts Chapter 11 — The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947 Chapter 12 — India After Independence

Geography — Resource and Development: Chapter 1 — Resources Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources Chapter 3 — Mineral and Power Resources Chapter 4 — Agriculture Chapter 5 — Industries Chapter 6 — Human Resources

Civics — Social and Political Life III: Chapter 1 — The Indian Constitution Chapter 2 — Understanding Secularism Chapter 3 — Why Do We Need a Parliament? Chapter 4 — Understanding Laws Chapter 5 — Judiciary Chapter 6 — Understanding Our Criminal Justice System Chapter 7 — Understanding Marginalisation Chapter 8 — Confronting Marginalisation Chapter 9 — Public Facilities Chapter 10 — Law and Social Justice

CBSE Class 8 English Syllabus

Class 8 English uses Honeydew (main reader) and It So Happened (supplementary reader):

Honeydew Prose: Chapter 1 — The Best Christmas Present in the World Chapter 2 — The Tsunami Chapter 3 — Glimpses of the Past Chapter 4 — Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory Chapter 5 — The Summit Within Chapter 6 — This is Jody's Fawn Chapter 7 — A Visit to Cambridge Chapter 8 — A Short Monsoon Diary

Honeydew Poems: The Ant and the Cricket | Geography Lesson | Macavity: The Mystery Cat | The Last Bargain | The School Boy | The Duck and the Kangaroo | When I Set Out for Lyonnesse | On the Grasshopper and Cricket

It So Happened (Supplementary): Chapter 1 — How the Camel Got His Hump Chapter 2 — Children at Work Chapter 3 — The Selfish Giant Chapter 4 — The Treasure Within Chapter 5 — Princess September Chapter 6 — The Fight Chapter 7 — The Open Window Chapter 8 — Jalebis Chapter 9 — The Comet

Why Class 8 Matters for Future Board Performance

Class 8 is the last year before Class 9, which directly feeds into the Class 10 board exam. Students who struggle in Class 8 often find Class 9 very difficult — here is why each subject matters:

Maths: Algebraic identities (Chapter 9) and linear equations (Chapter 2) are used extensively in Class 9–10 Algebra and in JEE/NEET foundation. Compound interest (Chapter 8) is tested in competitive exams. Don't rush these chapters.

Science: Chapter 8 (Cells) is the foundation for all Class 9 and 10 Biology. Chapter 11 (Force and Pressure) is the first real Physics chapter with concepts — it sets the stage for Newton's Laws in Class 9.

Social Science: Class 8 History covers the entire British period in India — the most tested period in UPSC and competitive exams. Reading these chapters carefully pays long-term dividends.

English: Class 8 Grammar (passive voice, reported speech, conditionals) is directly tested in Class 9–10 exams. Build good grammar habits now.

Recommendation: Students who want strong Class 10 results should not treat Class 8 casually. Identify weak areas in Class 8 and address them before moving to Class 9.