Is Applied Chemistry important for NEB exams?

Yes. Applied Chemistry is a distinct unit in both Class 11 and Class 12 NEB Chemistry. Class 11 covers Fundamentals of Applied Chemistry and Modern Chemical Manufactures (Haber's process, Ostwald's process, Contact process). Class 12 covers Chemistry in the Service of Mankind (polymers, dyes, drugs, pesticides), Cement, Paper and Pulp, and Nuclear Chemistry.

NEB Chemistry Science grade 11 and 12 Syllabus based on New Curriculum

Q: What are the 4 major units in NEB Chemistry?

Both NEB Class 11 and Class 12 Chemistry are divided into 4 major units: General and Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Applied Chemistry. Class 11 lays the foundational concepts while Class 12 advances into deeper topics like electrochemistry, transition metals, and complex organic reactions.

Q: How many chapters are in NEB Class 11 Chemistry?

NEB Class 11 Chemistry has 17 chapters spread across 4 major units. This includes 8 chapters in General & Physical Chemistry (chapters 1–8), 3 chapters in Inorganic Chemistry (chapters 9–11), 4 chapters in Organic Chemistry (chapters 12–15), and 2 chapters in Applied Chemistry (chapters 16–17).

Q: How many chapters are in NEB Class 12 Chemistry?

NEB Class 12 Chemistry has 21 chapters: 5 in General & Physical Chemistry (Volumetric Analysis, Ionic Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry), 2 in Inorganic Chemistry, 10 in Organic Chemistry, and 4 in Applied Chemistry.

Q: What new organic chemistry chapters are introduced in Class 12?

Class 12 introduces advanced organic chapters not covered in Class 11: Haloalkanes, Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic Acid and its Derivatives, Nitro Compounds, Amines, and Organometallic Compounds including Grignard reagent.

Q: What is the NEB Chemistry curriculum framework for 2081 BS?

The NEB Chemistry syllabus for 2081 BS (2024–25) follows Nepal's National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2076). It is designed for Grade 11 and 12 students in the Science stream (+2 level), focusing on developing scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes required at secondary level.

Curriculum at a Glance

17Chapters in Class 11

21Chapters in Class 12

4Major Units per Grade

NCFNational Curriculum Framework 2076

+2Science Stream (Grade 11–12)

About this curriculum: Designed for students with diverse aspirations — whether pursuing higher sciences, technical/vocational fields, or other streams. The focus is on developing scientific knowledge, skill competences, and attitudes required at secondary level, aligned with Nepal’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2076). The NEB Chemistry syllabus 2081 BS covers general chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and applied chemistry across both grades.

Chapter-wise Syllabus

🧬 General & Physical Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
01	Foundation and Fundamentals⏱ 2 hrs	General introduction and importance of chemistry Scope of chemistry in everyday life Basic concepts: atoms, molecules, atomic mass unit (amu), radicals, molecular formula, empirical formula Percentage composition from molecular formula
02	Stoichiometry⏱ 8 hrs	Dalton’s atomic theory and postulates Laws of stoichiometry Avogadro’s law: molecular mass, vapour density, volume and number of particles Mole and its relation with mass, volume and number of particles Limiting reactant and excess reactant Theoretical yield, experimental yield and % yield Empirical and molecular formula from % composition (numerical problems)
03	Atomic Structure⏱ 8 hrs	Rutherford’s atomic model and limitations Postulates of Bohr’s atomic model; spectrum of hydrogen atom Quantum mechanical model: de Broglie’s wave equation Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle Quantum numbers; shapes of s and p orbitals Aufbau Principle, Pauli’s exclusion principle, Hund’s rule Electronic configurations of atoms and ions (up to Z = 30)
04	Classification of Elements and Periodic Table⏱ 5 hrs	Modern periodic law and modern periodic table IUPAC classification of elements into groups, periods and blocks Nuclear charge and effective nuclear charge Periodic trends: atomic radii, ionic radii, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, metallic character
05	Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Molecules⏱ 9 hrs	Ionic bond, covalent bond and coordinate covalent bond Lewis dot structures; resonance VSEPR theory and shapes of simple molecules (BeF₂, BF₃, CH₄, PCl₅, SF₆, H₂O, NH₃, CO₂, H₂S, PH₃) Hybridization involving s and p orbitals Bond length, ionic character, dipole moment Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding and metallic bonding
06	Oxidation and Reduction⏱ 5 hrs	Electronic concept of oxidation and reduction Oxidation number and rules for assigning oxidation number Balancing redox reactions by oxidation number and ion-electron (half-reaction) method Electrolysis: qualitative aspect; Faraday’s laws of electrolysis (quantitative)
07	States of Matter⏱ 8 hrs	Gaseous state: kinetic theory, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Avogadro’s law, Dalton’s law, Graham’s law Ideal gas equation; universal gas constant; deviations of real gases Liquid state: vapour pressure, boiling point, surface tension, viscosity, liquid crystals Solid state: amorphous vs crystalline, types of solids, unit cell, water of crystallization
08	Chemical Equilibrium⏱ 3 hrs	Physical and chemical equilibrium; dynamic nature of equilibrium Law of mass action; equilibrium constant expression Relationship between Kp and Kc Le Chatelier’s Principle

⚙️ Inorganic Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
09	Chemistry of Non-metals⏱ 22 hrs	Hydrogen: atomic/nascent hydrogen, isotopes, heavy water, fuel applications Oxygen: allotropy, types of oxides, hydrogen peroxide and applications Ozone: structure, test, layer depletion (causes, effects and control measures) Nitrogen: inertness, ammonia properties and applications, oxy-acids, nitric acid as oxidizing agent Halogens: general characteristics, comparative properties of Cl₂, Br₂, I₂ and haloacids (HCl, HBr, HI) Carbon: allotropes including fullerenes, CO properties and uses Phosphorus: allotropes, phosphine properties Sulphur: allotropes, H₂S, SO₂, H₂SO₄, sodium thiosulphate
10	Chemistry of Metals⏱ 10 hrs	Metallurgy types: hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy Concentration, calcination, roasting, smelting, carbon reduction, thermite and electrochemical reduction Alkali metals: sodium extraction (Down’s process); NaOH and Na₂CO₃ properties and uses Alkaline earth metals: quick lime, bleaching powder, plaster of paris, Epsom salt Solubility and stability trends of hydroxides, carbonates, sulphates and nitrates
11	Bio-inorganic Chemistry⏱ 3 hrs	Micro and macro nutrients Role of metal ions (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr) in biological systems Ion pumps: sodium-potassium and sodium-glucose pump Metal toxicity: Fe, As, Hg, Pb, Cd

🌿 Organic Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
12	Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry⏱ 6 hrs	Tetra-covalency and catenation properties of carbon Classification of organic compounds Alkyl groups, functional groups and homologous series Structural, contracted and bond line structural formulas Cracking, reforming, octane number, cetane number and gasoline additives
13	Fundamental Principles of Organic Chemistry⏱ 10 hrs	IUPAC nomenclature (up to 6-carbon chains) Lassaigne’s test: detection of N, S and halogens Structural isomerism: chain, position, functional, metamerism, tautomerism Geometrical isomerism (cis and trans) and optical isomerism (d and l forms) Reaction mechanism: homolytic and heterolytic fission; electrophiles, nucleophiles, free radicals Inductive effect (+I and –I) and resonance effect (+R and –R)
14	Hydrocarbons⏱ 8 hrs	Alkanes: preparation (Wurtz reaction, decarboxylation, hydrogenation); halogenation, nitration, sulphonation Alkenes: preparation (dehydration, dehydrohalogenation); Markovnikov’s addition, peroxide effect, ozonolysis Alkynes: preparation from C and H₂, 1,2-dibromoethane; addition reactions, acidic nature Tests of unsaturation: bromine water test and Baeyer’s test Kolbe’s electrolysis for alkanes, alkenes and alkynes
15	Aromatic Hydrocarbons⏱ 6 hrs	Aromaticity: Hückel’s rule, Kekulé structure of benzene, resonance and isomerism Preparation of benzene from decarboxylation, phenol and ethyne Chemical properties: addition reactions, EAS — nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel-Craft’s alkylation and acylation Orientation of benzene derivatives (o, m and p); combustion of benzene

🏭 Applied Chemistry

#	Chapter	Hours	Topics Covered
16	Fundamentals of Applied Chemistry⏱ 4 hrs		Chemical industry: importance and stages in producing a new product Economics of production and cash flow in the production cycle Running and designing a chemical plant Continuous and batch processing Environmental impact of the chemical industry
17	Modern Chemical Manufactures⏱ 11 hrs		Haber’s process: manufacture of ammonia (principle and flow-sheet diagram) Ostwald’s process: manufacture of nitric acid Contact process: manufacture of sulphuric acid Diaphragm Cell: manufacture of sodium hydroxide Solvay (ammonia soda) process: manufacture of sodium carbonate Chemical fertilizers: types and production of urea with flow-sheet diagram

🧬 General & Physical Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
01	Volumetric Analysis⏱ 8 hrs	Gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis and equivalent weight Equivalent weight of acids, bases, salts, oxidizing and reducing agents Concentration units: percentage, g/L, molarity, molality, normality, ppm and ppb Primary and secondary standard substances Law of equivalence and normality equation Acid-base and redox titrations (numerical problems)
02	Ionic Equilibrium⏱ 10 hrs	Arrhenius, Brønsted–Lowry and Lewis definitions of acids and bases Conjugate acid-base pairs; Ostwald’s dilution law Ionic product of water (Kw); Ka, Kb, pKa and pKb pH of strong and weak acids and bases Solubility product principle and common ion effect Buffer solutions and their applications Indicators and types of salts; hydrolysis of salts
03	Chemical Kinetics⏱ 7 hrs	Rate of reaction: average and instantaneous rate Rate law, rate constant, order and molecularity Integrated rate equations for zero and first order reactions Half-life of zero and first order reactions Collision theory, activation energy and activated complex Factors affecting rate: concentration, temperature (Arrhenius equation), catalyst; energy profile diagram
04	Thermodynamics⏱ 8 hrs	Internal energy; first law of thermodynamics Enthalpy and enthalpy changes: endothermic and exothermic processes Enthalpy of reaction, solution, formation and combustion Thermochemistry laws: Laplace and Hess’s law Entropy, spontaneity and second law of thermodynamics Gibbs’ free energy; prediction of spontaneity; relationship between ∆G and equilibrium constant
05	Electrochemistry⏱ 7 hrs	Electrode potential and standard electrode potential Standard hydrogen electrode and calomel electrode Electrochemical series and applications Voltaic cells: Zn-Cu cell, Ag-Cu cell; cell potential and standard cell potential Relationship between cell potential and free energy Commercial batteries and fuel cells (hydrogen/oxygen)

⚙️ Inorganic Chemistry

#	Chapter	Hours	Topics Covered
06	Transition Metals⏱ 5 hrs		Characteristics and oxidation states of transition metals Complex ions, metal complexes and their shapes d-orbitals in octahedral complexes: crystal field theory (simple explanation) Colour of transition metal compounds Catalytic properties of transition metals
07	Studies of Heavy Metals⏱ 15 hrs		Copper: extraction from copper pyrite; properties and uses; blue vitriol; red and black oxide Zinc: extraction from zinc blende; properties and uses; white vitriol Mercury: extraction from cinnabar; calomel and corrosive sublimate (preparation, properties and uses) Iron: extraction; properties and uses; Basic Oxygen Method and Open Hearth Process for steel; corrosion prevention Silver: cyanide extraction process; silver chloride and silver nitrate

🌿 Organic Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
08	Haloalkanes⏱ 8 hrs	Nomenclature, isomerism and classification of monohaloalkanes Preparation from alkanes, alkenes and alcohols SN1 and SN2 reactions (basic concept); elimination (Saytzeff’s rule); Wurtz reaction Formation of alcohol, nitrile, amine, ether, thioether, carbylamine, nitroalkane Trichloromethane: preparation and chemical properties
09	Haloarenes⏱ 3 hrs	Nomenclature and isomerism; preparation of chlorobenzene Low reactivity vs haloalkanes in nucleophilic substitution Electrophilic substitution reactions; Fittig and Wurtz-Fittig reactions
10	Alcohols⏱ 7 hrs	Nomenclature, classification; Victor Meyer’s method for 1°, 2°, 3° alcohols Preparation from haloalkane, primary amines, esters; industrial (oxo process, fermentation) Absolute alcohol, power alcohol, denatured alcohol, rectified spirit Chemical properties: reaction with HX, PX₃, PCl₅, SOCl₂, Na; dehydration; oxidation; esterification Catalytic dehydrogenation of 1° and 2° alcohols; test of ethanol
11	Phenols⏱ 4 hrs	Preparation from chlorobenzene, diazonium salt and benzene sulphonic acid Acidic nature: comparison with alcohol and water Kolbe’s reaction, Reimer-Tiemann’s reaction, acylation, EAS (nitration, sulphonation, bromination) Tests: FeCl₃ test, aq. bromine test, Libermann test
12	Ethers⏱ 2 hrs	Nomenclature, classification and isomerism of ethers Williamson’s synthesis for aliphatic and aromatic ethers Chemical properties of ethoxyethane: action with HI, Conc. HCl, Conc. H₂SO₄, air and Cl₂
13	Aldehydes and Ketones⏱ 10 hrs	Preparation: dehydrogenation/oxidation of alcohols, ozonolysis, acid chloride, gem dihaloalkane, hydration of alkynes Distinction by 2,4-DNP, Tollen’s reagent and Fehling’s solution Addition reactions: H₂, HCN, NaHSO₃; reactions with NH₂OH, NH₂-NH₂, phenyl hydrazine, semicarbazide Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro’s reaction, Clemmensen’s reduction, Wolf-Kishner reduction Benzaldehyde: Perkin condensation, Benzoin condensation, Cannizzaro’s reaction, EAS
14	Carboxylic Acid and its Derivatives⏱ 9 hrs	Preparation from aldehydes, nitriles, dicarboxylic acid, sodium alkoxide, trihaloalkanes Preparation of benzoic acid from alkyl benzene Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction; EAS of benzoic acid Acid derivatives: acid halides, amides, esters and anhydrides Claisen condensation, Hofmann bromamide reaction; relative reactivity of acid derivatives
15	Nitro Compounds⏱ 3 hrs	Nitroalkanes: nomenclature, preparation from haloalkane and alkane; reduction Nitrobenzene: preparation from benzene; reduction in different media; EAS (nitration, sulphonation, bromination)
16	Amines⏱ 7 hrs	Separation of 1°, 2°, 3° amines by Hoffmann’s method; comparative basicity Preparation from haloalkane, nitriles, nitroalkanes and amides Reactions with CHCl₃, Conc. HCl, R-X, RCOX and NaNO₂/HCl; nitrous acid test Aniline: preparation, basicity, diazotization, coupling, EAS; uses
17	Organometallic Compounds⏱ 2 hrs	Organolithium, organocopper and organocadmium compounds; nature of metal-carbon bond Grignard reagent: preparation from haloalkane and haloarene Reactions with water, aldehydes, ketones, CO₂, HCN, RCN, ester and acid chloride Synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols using Grignard reagent

🏭 Applied Chemistry

#	Chapter	Topics Covered
18	Chemistry in the Service of Mankind⏱ 4 hrs	Polymers: addition and condensation; elastomers and fibres; natural and synthetic (polythene, PVC, Teflon, polystyrene, nylon, bakelite) Dyes: types based on structure and method of application Drugs: natural and synthetic; classification; habit-forming drugs and drug addiction Pesticides: insecticides, herbicides and fungicides
19	Cement⏱ 4 hrs	Raw materials for cement production Main steps: crushing and grinding, strong heating, final grinding Types of cement: OPC and PPC; Portland cement process with flow-sheet diagram Cement industry in Nepal
20	Paper and Pulp⏱ 3 hrs	Raw materials and sources Stages in production of paper with flow-sheet diagram Quality of paper
21	Nuclear Chemistry and Applications of Radioactivity⏱ 2 hrs	Natural and artificial radioactivity; units of radioactivity Nuclear fission and fusion reactions Nuclear power and nuclear weapons Industrial and medical uses of radioactivity; radiocarbon dating Harmful effects of nuclear radiations

Quick Comparison – Class 11 vs 12

#	⚗️ Class 11 Chapters	🔭 Class 12 Chapters
1	Foundation and Fundamentals	Volumetric Analysis
2	Stoichiometry	Ionic Equilibrium
3	Atomic Structure	Chemical Kinetics
4	Classification of Elements & Periodic Table	Thermodynamics
5	Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Molecules	Electrochemistry
6	Oxidation and Reduction	Transition Metals
7	States of Matter	Studies of Heavy Metals
8	Chemical Equilibrium	Haloalkanes
9	Chemistry of Non-metals	Haloarenes
10	Chemistry of Metals	Alcohols
11	Bio-inorganic Chemistry	Phenols
12	Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry	Ethers
13	Fundamental Principles of Organic Chemistry	Aldehydes and Ketones
14	Hydrocarbons	Carboxylic Acid and its Derivatives
15	Aromatic Hydrocarbons	Nitro Compounds
16	Fundamentals of Applied Chemistry	Amines
17	Modern Chemical Manufactures	Organometallic Compounds
18	—	Chemistry in the Service of Mankind
19	—	Cement
20	—	Paper and Pulp
21	—	Nuclear Chemistry and Applications of Radioactivity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 major units in NEB Chemistry?

Both NEB Class 11 and Class 12 Chemistry are divided into 4 major units: General and Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Applied Chemistry. Class 11 builds foundational concepts while Class 12 advances into deeper topics like electrochemistry, transition metals, and complex organic functional groups.

How many chapters are in NEB Class 11 Chemistry?

NEB Class 11 Chemistry has 17 chapters spread across 4 major units: 8 chapters in General & Physical Chemistry (ch. 1–8), 3 in Inorganic Chemistry (ch. 9–11), 4 in Organic Chemistry (ch. 12–15), and 2 in Applied Chemistry (ch. 16–17). Total teaching hours approximate 120 hrs.

How many chapters are in NEB Class 12 Chemistry?

NEB Class 12 Chemistry has 21 chapters: 5 in General & Physical Chemistry (Volumetric Analysis, Ionic Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry), 2 in Inorganic Chemistry (Transition Metals, Studies of Heavy Metals), 10 in Organic Chemistry, and 4 in Applied Chemistry.

What new organic chemistry topics are introduced in Class 12?

Class 12 introduces 10 advanced organic chapters not in Class 11: Haloalkanes, Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic Acid and its Derivatives, Nitro Compounds, Amines, and Organometallic Compounds (including Grignard reagent). These build directly on the reaction mechanism concepts learned in Class 11.

Is Applied Chemistry important for NEB board exams?

Yes, Applied Chemistry is a scored unit in both Class 11 and Class 12 NEB Chemistry. Class 11 covers industrial processes (Haber’s, Ostwald’s, Contact, Solvay processes and fertilizers). Class 12 covers polymers, dyes, drugs, pesticides, cement, paper and pulp, and nuclear chemistry. Expect both short-answer and descriptive questions from this unit.

What is the NEB Chemistry curriculum framework for 2081 BS?

The NEB Chemistry syllabus for 2081 BS (2024–25) follows Nepal’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2076). It applies to Grade 11 and 12 students in the Science stream (+2 level). The curriculum focuses on developing scientific knowledge, skill competences and attitudes required at the secondary level, preparing students for higher education in science, technology and related fields.