Class 8 is the last class of the Middle Stage in the CBSE system, and it is important as it acts as the foundation year for further secondary school education. The CBSE Class 8 Syllabus 2026-27 follows only the NCERT textbooks that have been updated according to the NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.
From the academic year 2025-26, NCERT has released new textbooks for Class 8 of all core subjects, and the same textbooks will be used in 2026-27. This resource gives a chapter-wise breakdown of the syllabus of all subjects, including details about Term 1, the assessment scheme, and downloading the PDFs.
Before downloading any study material, confirm you are using the correct new books:
Subject | Textbook Name | Syllabus Download Link |
Mathematics | Ganita Prakash (Parts 1 & 2) | Class 8 Maths Syllabus |
Science | Curiosity | Class 8 Science Syllabus |
Social Science | Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Parts 1 & 2) | Class 8 Social Science Syllabus |
English | Poorvi | Class 8 English Syllabus |
Hindi | Malhar | Class 8 Hindi Syllabus |
Sanskrit | Deepakam (दीपकम्) | Class 8 Sanskrit Syllabus |
Critical Note: NCERT has also made a media release on the recall of Class 8 Social Science, Part 2, Exploring Society, India and Beyond. Students should contact their schools to find out about the current edition being used by them, as well as the chapters prescribed for their examinations.
The CBSE Class 8 Syllabus 2026-27 is the endpoint of the Middle Level of education, providing a foundation for the tougher secondary syllabus. In line with the revised NEP guidelines, the textbooks for all subjects are entirely fresh and provide deeper insights into various topics. Ganita Prakash for CBSE Class 8 Syllabus Maths, Curiosity for CBSE Class 8 Syllabus Science, Poorvi for CBSE Class 8 Syllabus English, Malhar for Hindi, and Deepakam for Sanskrit will help students develop conceptual understanding more effectively.
Download the Class 8 CBSE Syllabus PDF from the links and study according to the syllabus as per Term 1 and Term 2.
The CBSE Class 8 Maths syllabus is based on the NCERT textbook Ganita Prakash, which has 14 chapters divided into two parts with 7 chapters each. This textbook is issued by NCERT (1st Edition, July 2025) as per NCF-SE 2023 to help learners gain mathematical reasoning skills through patterns and puzzles.
Chapter 1: A Square and A Cube
Introduction to square numbers, cube numbers, their properties, patterns, and methods to identify perfect squares and perfect cubes. Includes activity-based discovery through number patterns.
Chapter 2: Power Play
Laws of exponents and powers, expressing numbers in standard (scientific) form, negative exponents, and their application to very large and very small numbers.
Chapter 3: A Story of Numbers
Exploring rational numbers, their representation on the number line, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), properties, and real-world contexts. Connects the history of numbers to mathematical thinking.
Chapter 4: Quadrilaterals
Types of quadrilaterals, their properties, angle sum property of polygons, and the relationship between different quadrilateral families (parallelograms, rectangles, rhombus, square, trapezium, kite).
Chapter 5: Number Play
Computational thinking through number puzzles, divisibility, parity, patterns, and recreational mathematics, including magic squares.
Chapter 6: We Distribute, Yet Things Multiply
Algebraic identities through visual and geometric reasoning, discovering (a+b)², (a−b)², and (a+b)(a−b) = a²−b² through area models. Foundation for algebraic manipulation.
Chapter 7: Proportional Reasoning: 1
Introduction to ratio and proportion in context, direct proportion, unitary method, maps and scales, and real-life applications of proportional reasoning.
Chapter 1: Fractions in Disguise
Percentages as fractions in disguise — converting fractions, decimals, and ratios to percentages and vice versa. Applications to profit, loss, discount, simple and compound interest.
Chapter 2: The Baudhayana: Pythagoras Theorem
The Pythagoras theorem through the Indian mathematical heritage (Baudhayana's Sulba-Sutra). Geometric proof, Pythagorean triples, applications in finding missing sides of right-angled triangles.
Chapter 3: Proportional Reasoning-2
Continuation of proportional reasoning — pie charts, inverse proportion, and applications in everyday contexts, including speed, time, and work problems.
Chapter 4: Exploring Some Geometric Themes
3D geometry, fractals, symmetry, and constructions of geometric figures. Develops spatial thinking and visual reasoning.
Chapter 5: Tales by Dots and Lines
Data handling: arithmetic means revisited, line graphs, interpretation and visualisation of data. Introduction to statistical thinking.
Chapter 6: Algebra Play
Solving linear equations, factorisation of algebraic expressions, and using algebra to model real-world scenarios. Builds on expressions introduced in Chapter 6.
Chapter 7: Area
Area of triangles, quadrilaterals, special quadrilaterals (trapezium, rhombus, kite), and general polygons. Surface area of 3D shapes, including cubes, cuboids, and cylinders.
Study Tip: Part 2 Chapter 2 (Baudhayana-Pythagoras Theorem) and Part 2 Chapter 6 (Algebra Play) have significant marks in exams and are the pillars of mathematics for classes 9 and 10.
The syllabus for Science CBSE Class 8 is now prepared in line with the new NCERT textbook 'Curiosity', which is divided into 13 chapters for the academic year 2026-27. The previous edition of the book was divided into 18 chapters. This book is prepared in a way that focuses on inquiry learning.
Chapter 1: Exploring the Investigative World of Science
The nature of scientific inquiry: observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion. How science as a process evolved and continues to grow through discovery.
Chapter 2: The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye
Microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa. Their roles in nature, food, medicine, and disease. Introduction to beneficial and harmful microbes.
Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure
Components of good health, nutrition, diseases, immunity, vaccines, and public health. Integrates Biology and Health Science to promote wellness awareness.
Chapter 4: Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects
How electric current produces magnetic fields (electromagnets, electric bells) and heat (fuses, electric heaters). Oersted's discovery, magnetic effect applications, and heating effect applications.
Chapter 5: Exploring Forces
Types of forces: contact forces (muscular force, friction) and non-contact forces (gravitational, magnetic, electrostatic). How force affects motion, pressure, and daily life.
Chapter 6: Pressure, Winds, Storms and Cyclones
Atmospheric pressure, how high-speed winds create low pressure, thunderstorms, cyclones, their causes and safety measures. Connects Physics with Earth Science.
Chapter 7: Particulate Nature of Matter
Matter is made of particles, evidence, characteristics of particles, states of matter at the particle level, and interconversion of states through heating and cooling.
Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Classification of matter into elements, compounds, and mixtures. Physical and chemical properties, methods of separation, and examples from everyday life.
Chapter 9: The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents and Solutions
Solutions, concentration, solubility, saturated and unsaturated solutions, factors affecting solubility. Density and its relation to floating and sinking.
Chapter 10: Light: Mirrors and Lenses
Laws of reflection, types of mirrors (concave, convex, plane), image formation, refraction of light, types of lenses, and optical instruments, including the human eye.
Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies
Astronomical timekeeping: lunar phases, solar cycles, Earth's rotation and revolution, calendars, and how ancient civilisations tracked time using the sky.
Chapter 12: How Nature Works in Harmony
Ecosystems: biotic and abiotic components, food chains, food webs, energy flow, biodiversity, sustainable farming practices, and environmental balance.
Chapter 13: Our Home: Earth, A Unique Life-Sustaining Planet
What makes Earth habitable: atmosphere, water, soil, natural resources, environmental challenges, climate change basics, and the responsibility of conservation.
Key Note: "Curiosity (Grade 8)" now consists of 13 chapters as compared to the previous book that contained 18 chapters. Some topics, such as Crop Production, Synthetic Fibres, Adolescence, and Sound, have been revised under the new curriculum framework.
The English syllabus for Class 8 of CBSE has been revamped to include the completely new NCERT book titled Poorvi, which has completely replaced both Honeydew and It So Happened in the earlier course. This book includes a total of 15 chapters arranged in five thematic units, each containing one story, one poem, and one non-fictional passage.
Unit | Chapter No. | Chapter Name |
Wit and Wisdom | 1 | The Wit that Won Hearts |
2 | A Concrete Example | |
3 | Wisdom Paves the Way | |
Values and Dispositions | 4 | A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam |
5 | Somebody's Mother | |
6 | Verghese Kurien: I Too Had a Dream | |
Mystery and Magic | 7 | The Case of the Fifth Word |
8 | The Magic Brush of Dreams | |
9 | Spectacular Wonders | |
Environment | 10 | The Cherry Tree |
11 | Harvest Hymn | |
12 | Waiting for the Rain | |
Science and Technology | 13 | Feathered Friend |
14 | Magnifying Glass | |
15 | Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science |
Parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions)
Tenses: simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous.
Active and passive voice
Direct and indirect speech
Modals and conditionals
Subject-verb agreement
Sentence transformation
Writing Skills: formal letters, informal letters, message writing, notice writing, paragraph writing, essay writing, and creative compositions
Note for Students: Poorvi is the sole textbook, and there are no additional readers for English class 8 according to the new syllabus. The syllabus includes all 15 chapters from this sole textbook.
There have been changes to the CBSE Class 8 syllabus for Hindi. Malhar (मल्हार) has replaced the books previously used, like Vasant, Durva, and Bharat Ki Khoj. The books were used by schools that implemented the revised NEP 2020 syllabus. There are 10 chapters in the book Malhar, with poetry, short stories, and literary writings.
Chapter | Chapter Name |
1 | स्वदेश (कविता) — गयाप्रसाद शुक्ल 'सनेही' |
2 | दो गौरैया (कहानी) — भीष्म साहनी |
3 | एक आशीर्वाद (कविता) — दुष्यंत कुमार |
4 | हरिद्वार (पत्र) — भारतेंदु हरिश्चंद्र |
5 | कबीर के दोहे |
6 | एक टोकरी भर मिट्टी |
7 | मत बाँधो |
8 | नए मेहमान |
9 | आदमी का अनुपात |
10 | तरुण के स्वप्न |
Note: Schools under the CBSE may be in the process of shifting from their previous books (Vasant Bhag 3, Durva Bhag 3, Bharat Ki Khoj) to the latest edition of Malhar. Students need to inquire with their schools whether they are following the former or latter textbooks.
संज्ञा, सर्वनाम, विशेषण, क्रिया (Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Verbs)
काल (Tenses)
समास, संधि (Compound words and Sandhi rules)
मुहावरे और लोकोक्तियाँ (Idioms and proverbs)
निबंध लेखन, पत्र लेखन (Essay and letter writing)
अपठित गद्यांश और पद्यांश (Unseen comprehension)
There is an entirely new format that the syllabus for Class 8 Social Science has taken up with the CBSE NCERT Syllabus for Class 8 Social Science. The three individual books, History – Our Pasts III, Geography – Resources and Development, and Civics – Social and Political Life III, have now been replaced by Exploring Society: India and Beyond.
There was a media advisory by NCERT about recalling Part 2 of Exploring Society: India and Beyond from Class 8 Social Science textbooks.
Chapter 1: Natural Resources and Their Use
Types of natural resources, their distribution, sustainable use, and conservation. Connects Geography with environmental awareness.
Chapter 2: Reshaping India's Political Map
How India's political map changed after Independence — reorganisation of states, boundaries, and the formation of the Indian Union.
Chapter 3: The Rise of the Marathas
History of the Maratha Empire — Shivaji, the Peshwas, and the Maratha Confederacy's role in Indian history.
Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India
How the East India Company established power, the Permanent Settlement, changes in revenue systems, and the impact of colonialism on Indian society.
Chapter 5: Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System
The right to vote, India's election process, the role of the Election Commission, and why universal adult franchise matters to democracy.
Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive
Structure and functions of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha), the role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and how laws are made.
Chapter 7: Factors of Production
Land, Labour, Capital, and Enterprise as economic factors. How production works, the role of each factor, and livelihoods in India.
Part 2 Status: As mentioned earlier, the Exploring Society Part 2 textbook for Class 8 is under an update. Part 2 Syllabus will be updated soon once released on the official NCERT website.
Computer Science/Computer Applications is a supplementary subject in Class 8 in most CBSE-affiliated schools, and the syllabus depends on the particular school. There is no specific NCERT book prescribed for Class 8 Computer Science/Computer Applications. The CBSE Class 8 Computer Science/Computer Applications Syllabus usually covers these key topics:
Introduction to Computer Language
Basic programming concepts: algorithms, flowcharts, introduction to a programming language (commonly block-based coding platforms, Python, or introductory programming tools, Q-Basic or Python at the introductory level).
Database Management System (DBMS)
What is a database? Introduction to MS Access or similar — creating tables, queries, forms, and reports. Understanding how data is stored and retrieved.
Computer Networking
Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN), network topologies, network devices (router, switch, modem), the internet, and basics of web browsing.
HTML: Hyper Text Markup Language
Creating simple web pages using HTML tags — headings, paragraphs, images, links, lists, and tables.
Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy
Internet safety, responsible digital behaviour, e-commerce basics, and understanding online privacy.
Note: As the Class 8 Computer curriculum is specific to each individual school and not centrally planned by NCERT for this class, you must always consult the school’s yearly academic calendar for precise chapters and examination topics.
The CBSE Class 8 Syllabus Term 1 covers approximately the first half of each subject and is assessed through Periodic Tests and the Half-Yearly Examination.
Subject | Topics Covered in Term 1 |
Maths | Ch. 1–5: Squares & Cubes, Powers, Rational Numbers, Quadrilaterals, Number Play |
Science | Ch. 1–6: Investigative Science, Microorganisms, Health, Electricity, Forces, Pressure |
English | Units 1–3 (Chapters 1–9): Wit & Wisdom, Values, Mystery & Magic |
Social Science | Part 1 Chapters 1–4 (Natural Resources, Political Map, Marathas, Colonial Era) |
Hindi | First 5 chapters as per the school's academic plan |
Sanskrit | Chapters 1–7 as per the school's academic plan |
Term 2 covers the remaining syllabus and culminates in the Annual Examination.
Subject | Topics Covered in Term 2 |
Maths | Ch. 6–14 (Algebraic Identities, Percentages, Pythagoras, Geometry, Data, Algebra, Area) |
Science | Ch. 7–13 (Matter, Elements & Mixtures, Solutions, Light, Astronomy, Ecosystems, Earth) |
English | Units 4–5 (Chapters 10–15): Environment, Science & Technology |
Social Science | Part 1 Chapters 5–7 + Part 2 chapters (as per school/CBSE notification) |
Hindi | Chapters 6–10 + Grammar sections |
Sanskrit | Chapters 8–14 + Grammar (शब्दरूपाणि, धातुरूपाणि) |
Reminder: Term-wise division may vary by school. Always verify with your school's academic calendar for the official Term 1 and Term 2 chapter splits.
The CBSE Class 8 Syllabus PDF and books from NCERT are free to download. How to get the Class 8 Official CBSE Syllabus:
Step 1: Go to the official website of SkillSnap Learning.
Step 2: Click on Free Study Resources and choose CBSE Board.
Step 3: Select Class 8.
Step 4: Download chapter-wise PDFs according to the subject.
SkillSnap Learning offers you chapter-wise PDF downloads of each subject separately. All NCERT textbooks are free to download in PDF format, chapter by chapter, from the official portal.
Most schools conduct periodic tests, notebook evaluations, subject enrichment activities, half-yearly examinations, and annual examinations. Internal assessment contributes 20 marks per subject, and the Annual Examination is out of 80 marks, totalling 100 marks per subject.
Component | Timing | Marks |
Periodic Test 1 | After ~30% syllabus completion | 10 |
Periodic Test 2 | After ~60% syllabus completion | 10 |
Periodic Test 3 | After ~90% syllabus completion | 10 |
Notebook Submission | Twice per year | 5 |
Subject Enrichment Activity | Twice per year | 5 |
Half-Yearly Examination | End of Term 1 | 40 |
Annual Examination | End of Term 2 | 80 |
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