ISC Class 11 Maths Syllabus 2026-27
Board: CISCE (ISC) | Academic Year: 2026-27
The ISC Class 11 Maths syllabus 2026-27 carries 100 marks in total — an 80-mark theory paper plus 20 marks of Project Work. Theory is split into a compulsory Section A (65 marks) covering Sets and Functions, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, and Statistics and Probability, plus a choice between Section B and Section C (15 marks) depending on whether you're leaning toward pure maths or statistics/commerce.
Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sets and Functions | 20 |
| 2 | Algebra | 24 |
| 3 | Coordinate Geometry | 8 |
| 4 | Calculus | 6 |
| 5 | Statistics and Probability | 7 |
| Section A Total (Compulsory) | 65 | |
| Section B or Section C (student's choice) | 15 | |
| Theory Total (Paper 1) | 80 | |
| Project Work (Paper 2) | 20 | |
| Grand Total | 100 | |
Section A — Compulsory (65 Marks)
Sets and Functions
20 marks- Sets — representation, types, operations, Venn diagrams, power set
- Relations and Functions — ordered pairs, Cartesian product, types of relations and functions, domain, range
- Trigonometry — angles in radians and degrees, trigonometric functions and identities, trigonometric equations, properties of triangles
Algebra
24 marks- Mathematical Induction — principle and simple applications
- Complex Numbers — Argand plane, modulus-argument form, De Moivre's theorem, quadratic equations with complex roots
- Permutations and Combinations — fundamental principle of counting, factorial notation, applications
- Binomial Theorem — for positive integral index, Pascal's triangle, general and middle terms
- Sequences and Series — arithmetic and geometric progressions, relationship between AM and GM
Coordinate Geometry
8 marks- Straight Lines — slope, various forms of the equation of a line, distance of a point from a line
- Circles — standard and general equation, finding centre and radius
Calculus
6 marks- Limits and Derivatives — intuitive idea of limits, algebra of limits, derivatives of polynomial and trigonometric functions, rate of change
Statistics and Probability
7 marks- Statistics — measures of dispersion (range, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation) for grouped and ungrouped data
- Probability — random experiments, sample space, events, axiomatic approach to probability
Section B — Optional (15 Marks)
Choose Section B if you're likely to continue pure Maths into Class 12 or JEE preparation.
Conic Sections
7 marksParabola, ellipse and hyperbola — standard forms and simple properties
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Geometry
5 marksCoordinate axes and planes, distance between two points, section formula
Mathematical Reasoning
3 marksStatements, logical connectives, validating statements
Section C — Optional Alternative (15 Marks)
Choose Section C instead of Section B if you're leaning toward Economics, Commerce, or Statistics.
Statistics-2
5 marksCombined mean and variance, deciles, percentiles
Correlation Analysis
4 marksScatter diagrams, covariance, Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation
Index Numbers and Moving Averages
6 marksPrice and quantity index numbers, time series, moving averages
Recommended Reference Books
- ★Understanding ISC Mathematics Class XI (Vol 1 & 2) — M.L. Aggarwal (primary, matched to the CISCE syllabus)
- ★ISC Mathematics for Class XI — O.P. Malhotra (widely used alternative)
- ★S. Chand's ISC Mathematics — for Section A topic practice
- ★Mathematics for Class 11 — R.D. Sharma (extra problem-solving practice on shared topics like Trigonometry, Permutations & Combinations, Sequences & Series)
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How many marks is ISC Class 11 Maths?▾
ISC Class 11 Maths carries 100 marks total — Paper 1 (Theory) is 80 marks and Paper 2 (Project Work) is 20 marks. Theory is split into Section A (65 marks, compulsory) and either Section B or Section C (15 marks, student's choice).
What is the difference between Section B and Section C in ISC Class 11 Maths?▾
Section B (15 marks) covers Conic Sections, Introduction to Three-Dimensional Geometry, and Mathematical Reasoning — pure-maths topics that carry forward into Class 12 and competitive exams like JEE. Section C (15 marks) is a statistics-focused alternative covering Statistics-2 (combined mean, deciles, percentiles), Correlation Analysis, and Index Numbers & Moving Averages, aimed at students leaning toward Economics or Commerce. Students attempt only one of the two, not both.
Should I choose Section B or Section C in ISC Class 11 Maths?▾
Choose Section B if you're likely to continue Maths in Class 12 or aim for engineering entrance exams (JEE) — 3D Geometry and Conic Sections are direct extensions of Class 11 Coordinate Geometry and reappear in Class 12. Choose Section C if you're inclined toward Economics, Commerce, or Statistics — it builds skills used in those subjects at the cost of the pure-maths topics in Section B.
What projects are required for ISC Class 11 Maths Project Work?▾
Two projects are required for the 20-mark Project Work component: one based on a topic from Section A, and one based on a topic from whichever of Section B or Section C the student has chosen. Schools typically also factor in chapter-wise assignments and class tests toward this component through the year.
What are the best reference books for ISC Class 11 Maths?▾
Understanding ISC Mathematics Class XI (Volume 1 & 2) by M.L. Aggarwal is the most widely used reference, with detailed worked examples matched to the CISCE syllabus. O.P. Malhotra's ISC Mathematics and S. Chand's ISC Mathematics are common alternatives. R.D. Sharma is useful for extra problem-solving practice on topics shared with CBSE, such as Trigonometry, Permutations & Combinations, and Sequences & Series.
Is ISC Class 11 Maths harder than CBSE Class 11 Maths?▾
The core Section A topics — Sets and Functions, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability — closely overlap with CBSE. What makes ISC feel heavier is the added elective (Section B or C) plus compulsory Project Work, which CBSE Class 11 Maths doesn't require. Students who stay consistent with the elective topics and project deadlines through the year find the actual difficulty comparable to CBSE.
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