The Uttar Pradesh board of intermediate education has introduced a new syllabus for class 12 students for biology. Based on NCERT books, the syllabus is designed in such a way that it helps students to prepare for both board exams as well as medical entrance exams. In this article, we will cover the Uttar Pradesh board biology class 12 syllabus 2021-22, the evaluation pattern of the board, the weightage of each chapter, key takeaways from those chapters, and some FAQs.
The syllabus for class 12 biology is designed to prepare students for upcoming entrance exams and provide comprehensive knowledge to them. Apart from the theoretical portion of 70 marks, biology for class 12 under the UP Board also has a 30 mark practical part of conducting various experiments. So by going through this article, you will also learn about the experiments you need to carry out as a part of the UP board biology class 12 syllabus 2021.
Theory Syllabus of Class 12 Biology UP Board
| Unit | Chapter name | Marks |
| 1 | Reproduction | 14 |
| 2 | Genetics and evolution | 18 |
| 3 | Biology and human welfare | 14 |
| 4 | Biotechnology and its applications | 10 |
| 5 | Ecology and environment | 14 |
| Total | 70 |
Biology for class 12 consists of 5 units and 16 chapters in all. Each unit carries varying marks in the exam based on its prominence. The unit genetics and evolutions carry the most weightage in all being the most critical than other units and units reproduction, biology and human welfare and ecology and environment carries equal weightage of 14 marks each and ranks second among the highest weightage. This, in no way, means that the fourth unit, which consists of two chapters, is unimportant. The table also shows the prominence of biotechnology and its applications. For your reference, the description of all the chapters is given as under:
Unit I: Reproduction
- Reproduction in organisms
- Sexual reproduction in flowering plants
- Human reproduction
- Reproductive health
Unit II: Genetics and evolution
- Principles of inheritance and variation
- Molecular basis of inheritance
- Evolution
Unit III: Biology and human welfare
- Human health and disease
- Strategies for enhancement in food reproduction
- Microbes in human welfare
Unit IV: Biotechnology and its applications
- Biotechnology: principles and processes
- Biotechnology and its applications
Unit V: Ecology
- Organisms and population
- Ecosystems
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Environmental issues
So students should keep their focus on the units carrying the highest weightage and the chapters included therein. However, they must not neglect the other chapters as there may be some surprise questions from them.
Practical Syllabus of Class 12 Biology UP Board
Apart from theory, biology for class 12 under the UP board of intermediate education also has a practical aspect. The revised syllabus of class 12 biology under the UP board has two parts for the practicals. The first part deals with the external evaluation, while the other deals with internal evaluation. Students are evaluated in a combined manner by both the evaluations. Their subject teacher will allot 50% marks as an internal evaluator and the remaining 50% by an external evaluator. Project work will have to be mandatorily presented at the time of UP board practical examinations.
External Evaluation
| S. no. | Experiment | Marks |
| 1 | Slide preparation | 5 |
| 2 | Spotting | 6 |
| 3 | Sessional work submission and oral | 2+2= 4 |
| Total | 15 |
There are two experiments that you need to conduct as a part of external evaluation.
Slide Preparation
In the first experiment of external evaluation, you are required to prepare a slide on anyone from the following:
- Study pollen germination on a slide.
- To study mitosis, construct a temporary mount of the onion root tip.
Spotting
Observe/study the following:
- Flowers become pollinated by different agents (like wind, insects).
- Recognizing the stages of gamete development, i.e., T.S. of testis and T.S. of ovary through permanent slides with the help of grasshopper/mice.
- With the help of permanent slides, conduct meiosis in onion bud cells or grasshopper testis.
- Transverse sections(T.S) of blastula with the use of permanent slides(Mammalian).
- Work on pedigree charts of any genetic trait such as tongue rolling, blood
groups, ear lobes, widow’s peak, and color blindness.
- Observe organisms like Ascaris, Entamoeba, any fungus causing ringworm, and Plasmodium, responsible for commonly caused diseases through permanent slides or specimens. Also, mention the symptoms of conditions that they cause.
- Models/virtual images of Two animals and two plants were found in xeric conditions. Give your views upon their morphological adaptations.
- Models/virtual images of two plants and two animals found in aquatic conditions and give your views upon their morphological adaptations.
Internal Evaluation
| S. no. | Experiment | Marks |
| 1 | One major experiment | 5 |
| 2 | One minor experiment | 4 |
| 3 | Project work + oral | 6 |
| Total | 15 |
You must complete and submit a project and viva or oral exam as part of the Internal Evaluation process. Please note that project work and viva carry six marks.
One Major Experiment
You are required to perform a significant experiment from the following:
- Study the effect of different temperatures and three different pH on the activity of salivary amylase on starch.
- Isolate DNA from available plant material such as spinach, green pea seeds, papaya, etc.
One Minor Experiment
You are required to perform a minor experiment from the following:
- Collect and study soil from at least two sites for texture, moisture content, pH, and water holding capacity. Correlate with the kinds of plants found in them.
- Collect water from two different water bodies around you and study them for pH, clarity
and the presence of any living organism.
FAQs of Class 12 Biology UP Board
What is UPMSP, and what does it stand for?
UPMSP stands for ‘Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad. It is the official Uttar Pradesh education board.
What are the total marks allocated for the theory exam of class 12 biology under the UP board?
The Theory paper for class 12 biology is allocated 70 marks under the Uttar Pradesh education board.
How can I download the UP board biology class 12 syllabus?
You can easily download the UP board biology syllabus on the Uttar Pradesh Board of Intermediate Education website. The website has a search option to type your query and get the results on your screens.
Is there any change in the syllabus of biology under the UP Board?
Yes, the UP board of intermediate education has reduced the syllabus by 30% of all the subjects, including biology, for 2021.
Which syllabus does the Uttar Pradesh board of intermediate education follow?
The UP board follows the NCERT syllabus.
What are the features of the UP board biology syllabus?
The UP board syllabus for class 12 biology mentions the units and chapter names you will be studying during the year as a part of the course structure. Apart from this, it also says the topics and sub-topics under each chapter. The question paper pattern and the marking scheme are two other significant features of the syllabus.