Class IX marks a complete turnaround in students’ academic journey from basic learning to in-depth analysis of facts and reasons of various subjects, with science being one of the core. In class 9, the subject enables students to see the world through a completely different perspective, and the CBSE syllabus for Class 9 Science plays the protagonist to do so. Understanding this curriculum is as important as understanding the topics this subject includes, to not only ace the final exam but to form a solid base for higher study of science.
This is why we bring you a comprehensive breakdown of the CBSE Class IX Science syllabus, from the marking scheme to the practical assessments.
The CBSE Syllabus for Class 9 Science is evenly divided into four major branches of science, namely:
The curriculum for each of these branches is designed to foster curiosity and encouragement in students to explore and reason about the various phenomena of the physical world. The students are tested at the end of the academic year via a final theory exam carrying 80 marks and internal assessments of 20 marks.
Theme: Materials
Unit I: Matter-Nature and Behaviour
Matter in Our Surroundings: Definition of matter; Particulate Nature of Matter; States of
Matter: solid, liquid and gas and their characteristics; change of state- melting (absorption
of heat), freezing, evaporation (cooling by evaporation), condensation, sublimation.
Is Matter Around Us Pure: Elements, compounds and mixtures. Heterogeneous and
homogenous mixtures, colloids and suspensions. Physical and chemical changes
(excluding separating the components of a mixture); Pure and Impure substances.
Atoms and Molecules: Atoms and molecules, Law of Chemical Combination, Chemical
formula of common compounds, Atomic and molecular masses.
Structure of atom: Sub-atomic particles: Electrons, protons and neutrons, Models of
atom; Valency, Atomic Number and Mass Number, Isotopes and Isobars.
4Theme: The World of the Living
Unit II: Organization in the Living World
Cell - Basic Unit of life: Cell as a basic unit of life; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells,
multicellular organisms; cell membrane and cell wall, cell organelles and cell inclusions;
chloroplast, mitochondria, vacuoles, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus; nucleus,
chromosomes - basic structure, number.
Tissues, Organs, Organ System, Organism:
Structure and functions of animal and plant tissues (only four types of tissues in animals;
Meristematic and Permanent tissues in plants).
Theme: Moving Things, People and Ideas
Unit III: Motion, Force and Work
Motion: Distance and displacement, velocity; uniform and non-uniform motion along a
straight line; acceleration, distance-time and velocity-time graphs for uniform motion and
uniformly accelerated motion, elementary idea of uniform circular motion.
Force and Newton’s laws: Force and Motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Action and
Reaction forces, Inertia of a body, Inertia and mass, Momentum, Force and Acceleration.
Gravitation: Gravitation; Universal Law of Gravitation, Force of Gravitation of the earth
(gravity), Acceleration due to Gravity; Mass and Weight; Free fall.
Floatation: Thrust and Pressure. Archimedes’ Principle; Buoyancy.
Work, Energy and Power: Work done by a Force, Energy, power; Kinetic and Potential
energy; Law of conservation of energy (excluding commercial unit of Energy).
Sound: Nature of sound and its propagation in various media, speed of sound, range of
hearing in humans; ultrasound; reflection of sound; echo.
Theme: Food
Unit IV: Food Production
Plant and animal breeding and selection for quality improvement and management; Use
of fertilizers and manures; Protection from pests and diseases; Organic farming.
Internal assessment in the science syllabus of class 9 is designed to assess different skills of students over the academic year. It is divided into four major portions of 5 marks each, combining a total of 20 marks. These portions are:
While textbooks are the core of the CBSE syllabus for Class 9 Science, a complete understanding of the subject develops from the combination of various study aids with the NCERTs. Here’s a complete list of powerful tools that can go beyond your traditional textbook and eventually enhance your science prep:
Lakhmir Singh Science for Class 9th
All in One by Arihant
NCERT at Your Fingertips
Flashcards and Mind Maps: These are ideal for memorising definitions, formulas, and cycles, especially useful in Biology and Chemistry sections.
Scoring well in Science requires a smart mix of understanding concepts and consistent revision. Here are some practical tips to excel in your final science exam:
Stay updated with the CBSE Class IX Science syllabus and make sure to download the official CBSE syllabus for Class 9 Science PDF to start your exam prep.
(Session 2025 - 26)