Kerala PSC HSST Botany Syllabus 2026 PDF Download - Module-Wise Topics & Exam Pattern

Understanding the Kerala PSC HSST Botany Syllabus 2026 is the first step toward effective HSST Botany Preparation 2026. The HSST Botany Syllabus PDF released by Kerala PSC outlines the major topics and modules that candidates must cover to score high in the upcoming HSST Botany Exam 2026. 

Scroll down to get official Kerala PSC HSST Botany Syllabus PDF download link, exam pattern, module-wise topics, and HSST preparation strategy using app based learning, and online coaching through app.

Kerala PSC HSST Botany Exam Pattern 2026

The Kerala PSC HSST Botany exam pattern 2026 explains the exam structure, marking scheme and distribution to test both theoretical knowledge and analytical understanding of plant sciences. 

Kerala PSC HSST Botany Syllabus 2026 Module-Wise

The HSST Botany syllabus 2026 covers advanced topics in plant sciences, ecology, evolution, genetics, and modern biological techniques.

Click Here for Kerala PSC HSST Botany Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

DETAILED SYLLABUS FOR THE POST OF HIGHER SECONDARY

SCHOOL TEACHER (JUNIOR)  IN BOTANY

HIGHER SECONDARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 

(Cat.No.716/2025) 

PART I-BOTANY

MODULE -1 – 10 Marks

PHYCOLOGY

1. Classification of algae - Fritsch and Smith
2. Recent trends in classifications
3. General features of algae - thallus organization, vegetation, sexual and asexual reproduction and life cycle
4. Pattern of life cycle and salient features of the following classes: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Xanthophyta, Bacillariophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta
5. Economic importances of algae : Biofertilizers, Food industry, Industrial and medicinal importances, algal bloom

MYCOLOGY

1. Classification of fungi - Alexopoulos and Mims (1979), Ainsworth and  Bisby (1983)
2. General features of fungi - thallus structure, cell wall structure, heterothallism, parasexuality and reproduction
3. Salient features of following classes- Myxomycota, Mastigomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Deuteromycota
4. Fungal associations - symbiosis, saprophytism, mycorrhiza, endophytes, lichens
5. Economic importances of fungi - degradation of pesticides and wastes, decomposition of organic matter, degradation of lignin, significances in medicine and industry, fungal toxins and human health

PLANT PATHOLOGY

1. Principles of plant pathology - biotic and abiotic agents and various symptoms of plant diseases
2. Process of infection and defense mechanisms - enzymes, toxins, structural and biochemical defense systems
3. Disease management - chemical, biological and quarantine measures
4. Common diseases of crops in Kerala - paddy, coconut, rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger, cardamom, coffee and tea

BRYOLOGY

1. General account on morphology, anatomy and life cycle of the following groups: Hepaticopsida, Anthoceratopsida and Bryopsida
2. Origin, evolution and economic importances of bryophytes - indicators of pollution, horticulture, medicine etc..

PTERIDOLOGY

1. General account on morphology, anatomy and life cycle of the following groups -Psilopsida, Psilotopsida, Lycopsida, Sphaenopsida and Pteropsida
2. Heterospory, seed habit, stelar evolution
3. Economic importances of pteridophytes - as biofertilizers, in horticulture,  medicine, ecological indicators, as weed, in food industry

GYMNOSPERMS

1. General account on morphology, anatomy and life cycle of the following groups-cycadopsida, coniferopsida and gnetopsida
2. Economic importances of gymnosperms

MICROBIOLOGY

1. Bacteria: ultra structure, major groups, nutritional types and reproduction Viruses: ultrastructure, major groups, nutritional types, replication
2. Brief account on phones, viroids, virions, mycoplasmas, interferons,  actinomycetes, bacteriophages
3. Economic importances of microbes- in ecology, food, industry, medicine,  agriculture and other industries

PALAEOBOTANY

1. Geological time scale and evolution of plant groups
2. Types of fossilization
3. Fossil pteridophytes and gymnosperms

MODULE-II – 10 Marks

ANGIOSPERM ANATOMY

1. Tissues - meristem, secretory and excretory tissues, primary and secondary  tissues
2. Anatomy of stem, root and leaf - both primary and secondary structure in stem  and root
3. Anomalous secondary growth in dicot and monocot stems
4. Brief account of nodal anatory, wood anatomy and floral anatomy

MICROTECHNIQUE

1. Tools in microtechnique -microscopy, micrometry, camera lucida, cryostat,  microtomes (rotary and sledge)
2. Fixing, killing, dehydration, clearing, embedding, staining and mounting -  reagents used in each step
3. Brief  account  on  vital  staining,   double  staining,   whole  mount, maceration and histochemical tests for carbohydrates, proteins and lipids

EMBRYOLOGY

1. Microsporogenesis and male gametophyte development
2. Megasporogenesis and embryosac development
3. Pollination, fertilization and embryogeny in both monocots and dicots
4. Endosperm types, polyembryony, parthenocarpy and apmixis

PALYNOLOGY

1. Ultrastructure of pollen wall, pollen morphology, - NPC system of classification of pollen apertures
2. Contributions of Dr. PKK. Nair to palynology
3. Palynology in relation to taxonomy
4. Aeropalynology and melittopalynology and pollen allergy

PLANT BREEDING

1. Methods in crop improvement and achievements - plant introduction, selection, mutation breeding, polyploidy breeding and hybridization
2. Consequences of inbreeding, heterosis and incompatibility
3. Back cross breeding, resistance breeding (disease resistance and stress resistance), vertical and horizontal resistances
4. Seed production and certification, major centres of crop production in India
5. Plant breeder's rights, national biodiversity policy
6. Methods of vegetative propagation of plants

EVOLUTION

1. Origin of life - theories of evolution, classical and modern
2. Speciation

MODULE-III- 10 Marks

TAXONOMY

1. Principles of taxonomy - plant nomenclature, taxonomic hierarchy, phylogeny of angiosperms, taxonomic keys
2. Classification systems - artificial, natural and phylogenetic
3. Interdisciplinary approaches to angiosperm systematic (anatomy, embryology, morphology, cytology, palynology, chemotaxonomy, numerical taxonomy, molecular taxonomy)
4. Study of the following families and their characteristic features: Ranunculaceae, Magnoliaceae, Capparidaceae, Polygalaceae, Cryophyllaceae, Malvaceae,Leguminosae, Myrtaceae, Melastomaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Asclepiadaceae, Boraginaceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Orchidaceae, Scitamineae, Liliaceae, Commelinaceae, Arecaceae, Araceae,Cyperaceae, Poaceae.

MORPHOLOGY

1. Flower as a modified shoot
2. Floral whorls and their parts - fruits and seed morphology
3. Vegetative morphology = leaf, root and stem

ECONOMIC BOTANY

1. Common cereals, millets and pulses
2. Vegetables, spices, beverages crops
3. Timbers, fibres, sugar and oil yielding crops
4. Medicinal plants

ETHONOBOTANY

1. Methods of ethnobotanical studies
2. Contributions of SK. Jain to ethnobotany
3. Common plants of ethnobotanical importance in Kerala
4. Sacred groves and their importance

PHYTOGEOGRAPHY

1. Factors affecting plant distribution
2. Phytogeographic zones of India
3. Soil, climate and vegetation of India

FOREST BOTANY

1. Major and minor forest products with special reference to Kerala
2. Significances of forest on environment
3. Consequences of deforestation and industrialization

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

1. Habitat ecology - terrestrial, fresh water, wet land and marine
2. Population ecology - community ecology and ecological succession
3. Ecosystems - structure, function and types and biomes  ,
4. Species interactions - competitions, herbivory, carnivory, symbiosis etc..
5. Biogeochemical cycles and environmental pollution - air, water and noise
6. Global environmental   problems - ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain,  nuclear hazards, El-nino, climate change,
7. Environmental impact assessment and major programmes - UNEP, IUCN,  MAB, Earth Summit, CBD

MODULE - IV- 10 Marks

CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

1. A brief account on structure, function of cells and cell organelles, - prokaryotic  and eukaryotic cells, cytoskeleton - organization and mobility
2. Origin, Ultrastructure and function of cell membrane, cell organelles
3. Chemistry  of  chromosome  -  DNA,   RNA,   kinetochore,   NOR  and   constriction   of chromosomes
4. Numerical and structural variations of chromosomes
5. Cell divisions - stages, synaptonemal complexes, theories and mechanism of crossing over and molecular mechanism of crossing over
6. Cell differentiation - characteristics and mechanisms
7. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication
8. Molecular nature of genes
9. Molecular tools for studying genes and gene activities
10. Techniques of DNA analysis - preparation of DNA and RNA probes, hybridization, autoradiography, DNA finger printing
11. DNA sequencing, chemical synthesis of nucleotides
12. PCR and FISH and their applications

GENETICS

1. Mendelian genetics and gene interaction
2. Linkage and crossing over, gene mapping
3. Polygenic inheritance
4. Extra chromosomal inheritance
5. Microbial genetics - transduction, transformation and conjugation in bacteria, Lysogeny and lytic cycle in viruses
6. Nucleic acids - DNA and RNA types, structure, function and replication
7. Mutations, DNA damage and repair
8. Genetic code and gene expressions - protein synthesis, gene regulations  prokaryotes and eukaryotes
9. Translation, post translation and post transcription
10. Gene synthesis - Khorana -Kornberg
11. Population genetics - Hardey-Weinberg equilibrium - genetic drift, genetic load, consanguinity and its genetic effects
12. Human genetics - blood group systems - ABO, Rh and MN blood groups, human karyotype and syndromes caused by its aberrations, genetic counseling, pedigree analysis
13. Brief account of human genome project

MODULE-V - 10 Marks

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

1. Water relation to plants - absorption and transpiration of water - opening and closing of stomata - factors affecting water transport
2. Mineral nutrition - hydroponics, aeroponics
3. Nitrogen metabolism in plants
4. Photosynthesis - C3, C4 and CAM cycle in detail, photorespiration
5. Respiration - oxidative photophosphorylation
6. Ascent of sap - source and sink relationship
7. Growth and development - role of phytohormones, photoperiodism, vernalization, florigines
8. Stress physiology - water, salt, hot and cold stress - heat shock proteins,  adaptations
9. Seed germination - physiological and biochemical changes

BIOCHEMISTRY

1. Carbohydrates - structure, function and metabolism, inter conversion
2. Lipids - structure, function and metabolism, biosynthesis of fatty acids, alpha and beta oxidation
3. Amino acids and proteins - structure and properties and classification of amino acids and proteins, amino acid metabolism, Ramachandran plot, verification of proteins
4. Enzymes - major groups, relation of enzyme activity, enzyme kinetics, assay, regulation, allosteric enzymes, isoenzymes, ribioenzymes, coenzymes
5. Vitamins - classification, function and sources of vitamins and their role as co enzymes

BIOPHYSICS

1. pH and buffers
2. Microscopy - bright field, phase contrast, fluorescent and electron microscope (SEM and TEM), photometry, colorimetry
3. Chromatogram - gel filtration, ion exchange, affinity, TLC, GC, HPLC,  HPTLC, GCMS
4. Electrophoresis - AGE, PAGE, SDS-PAGE, isoelectrofocusing, ELISA
5. Centrifugation - density gradient and ultra centrifugation
6. Biophysical methods for analysis of biopolymers - x-ray diffraction, fluorescent, NMR spectroscopy, UV, visible and ESR spectroscopy, ORD/CD, atomic absorption and plasma emission spectroscopy
7. Radiation dosimetry, radioactive isotopes, autoradiography, Cerenkov radiation, liquid scintillation techniques

BIOSTATISTICS

1. Sampling methods and errors
2. Process and presentation of data - tables and graphs
3. Measures of central tendency - mean, median, mode
4. Measures of dispersion - range, quartile deviation, mean deviation, standard deviation and coefficient of variations
5. Probability - basic concept, theorems
6. Experimental design - randomized block, latin square
7. Tests of significance - T-tests, Chi-square, F-tests, ANOVA
8. Correlation and regression analysis

MODULE – VI - 10 Marks

BIOTECHNOLOGY

1. Plant tissue culture techniques - direct and indirect regeneration
2. Somatic cell genetics and somatic clonal variations
3. Somatic embryogenesis - artificial seeds, protoplast culture, somatic hybridization, impacts in plant breeding
4. Haploid production- anther and ovule culture - applications
5. Production of secondary metabolites - cell immobilization - bioreactor technology, in vitro strategies of germplasm conservation
6. Isolation of genomic and organellar DNA. Methods of gene identification -  vector mediated and vectorless PCR, genomioc and cDNA libraries
7. Gene transfer techniques - direct and indirect traspossors as vectors - gene  silencing
8. DNA markers - RFLP, RAPD, AFLP and Antisense RNA
9. Blotting techniques - Northern, Southern and West
10. Transgenic biology - gene cloning and transformation technique in plants-gene targeting and sequence tag
11. Genetically modified organisms and foods, social and ethical considerations,  IPR issues, patents and biopiracy

BIOINFORMATICS

1. Introduction to data structures, data base concepts, tools for searching, homology searching
2. Application of databases in biology
3. Sequence databases .sequence comparison,  structural databases,  proteomics and genomics (elementary)
4. Major bioinformatic resources - NCBI, EBI, EMBL, GENBANK, DDBJ, SWISSPROT, PDB
5. Tools in bioinformatics - BLAST, CLUSTAL -X, CLUSTAL-W, Phylip, GENSCAN
6. Applications of bioinformatics - transcriptomix, metabolomics, pharmacogenomics (brief account only)

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

1. Computer application in biology
2. Computer packages for biostatistics and numerical taxonomy
3. Hardware and software parts of a computer
4. Internet  online  biology  resources,   public  library  of  sciences,   online  publications, electronic journals and books

MODULE – VII - 10 Marks

Recent developments in Botany

PART II (10 Marks)

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/TEACHING APTITUDE

I. TEACHING APTITUDE

 Teaching: Nature, objectives, characteristics and basic requirements; 

 Learner's characteristics; 

 Factors affecting teaching; 

 Methods of teaching; 

 Teaching aids; 

 Evaluation systems. 

II. RESEARCH APTITUDE

 Research: Meaning, Characteristics and types; 

 Steps of research; 

 Methods of research; 

 Research Ethics; 

 Paper, article, workshop, seminar, conference and symposium; 

 Thesis writing: its characteristics and format. 

PART III(10 Marks)

Salient Features of Indian Constitution

Salient features of the Constitution - Preamble- Its significance and its place in the

interpretation of the Constitution.

Fundamental Rights - Directive Principles of State Policy - Relation between Fundamental

Rights and Directive Principles - Fundamental Duties.

Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Both at Union and State Level. - Other Constitutional Authorities.

Centre-State Relations - Legislative - Administrative and Financial.

Services under the Union and the States.

Emergency Provisions.

Amendment Provisions of the Constitution.

Social Welfare Legislations and Programmes       

Social Service Legislations like Right to Information Act, Prevention of atrocities against Women & Children,

Food Security Act, Environmental Acts etc. and Social Welfare Programmes like Employment Guarantee Programme, Organ and Blood Donation etc.

RENAISSANCE IN KERALA       

TOWARDS A NEW SOCIETY

Introduction to English education - various missionary organisations and their functioning founding of educational institutions, factories, printing press etc. 

EFFORTS TO REFORM THE SOCIETY

(A) Socio-Religious reform Movements

SNDP Yogam, Nair Service Society, Yogakshema Sabha, Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham, Vaala Samudaya Parishkarani Sabha, Samathwa Samajam, Islam Dharma Paripalana Sangham, Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha, Sahodara Prasthanam etc.

(B) Struggles and Social Revolts

Upper cloth revolts.Channar agitation, Vaikom Sathyagraha, Guruvayoor Sathyagraha, Paliyam Sathyagraha. Kuttamkulam Sathyagraha, Temple Entry Proclamation, Temple Entry Act .Malyalee Memorial, Ezhava Memorial etc. Malabar riots, Civil Disobedience Movement, Abstention movement etc. 

ROLE OF PRESS IN RENAISSANCE

Malayalee, Swadeshabhimani, Vivekodayam, Mithavadi, Swaraj, Malayala Manorama, Bhashaposhini, Mathnubhoomi, Kerala Kaumudi, Samadarsi, Kesari, AI-Ameen, Prabhatham, Yukthivadi, etc 

AWAKENING THROUGH LITERATURE

Novel, Drama, Poetry, Purogamana Sahithya Prasthanam, Nataka Prashtanam, Library movement etc 

WOMEN AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Parvathi Nenmenimangalam, Arya Pallam, A V Kuttimalu Amma, Lalitha Prabhu.Akkamma

Cheriyan, Anna Chandi, Lalithambika Antharjanam and others 

LEADERS OF RENAISSANCE

Thycaud Ayya Vaikundar, Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyan Kali.Chattampi Swamikal, Brahmananda Sivayogi, Vagbhadananda, Poikayil Yohannan(Kumara Guru) Dr Palpu, Palakkunnath Abraham Malpan, Mampuram Thangal, Sahodaran Ayyappan, Pandit K P Karuppan, Pampadi John Joseph, Mannathu Padmanabhan, V T Bhattathirippad, Vakkom Abdul Khadar Maulavi, Makthi Thangal, Blessed Elias Kuriakose Chaavra, Barrister G P Pillai, TK Madhavan, Moorkoth Kumaran, C. Krishnan, K P Kesava Menon, Dr.Ayyathan Gopalan, C V Kunjuraman, Kuroor Neelakantan Namboothiripad, Velukkutty Arayan, K P Vellon, P K Chathan Master, K Kelappan, P. Krishna Pillai, A K Gopalan, T R Krishnaswami Iyer, C Kesavan. Swami Ananda Theerthan , M C Joseph, Kuttippuzha Krishnapillai and others

LITERARY FIGURES

Kodungallur Kunhikkuttan Thampuran, KeralaVarma Valiyakoyi Thampuran, Kandathil Varghesc Mappila. Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, Ulloor S Parameswara Iyer, G Sankara Kurup, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, Chandu Menon, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Kesav Dev, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Ponkunnam Varky, S K Pottakkad and others

PART IV (10 Marks)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS  

How to Prepare HSST Botany 2026 using App Based Learning

With the vast HSST Botany syllabus 2026, traditional textbook study alone may not be enough. App based learning and organised app classes help candidates the flexibility and depth needed to cover every module.

Benefits of App Based Learning

• Live & Recorded App Classes
• Allows Repeated Watch
• Frequent Revisions Through App
• Daily MCQs and Tests
• Topic-wise Short Notes
• Downloadable Study Materials
• Doubt Clearing Support in App

By combining classes through app with self-practice, candidates can cover HSST Botany topics more efficiently even while working or studying other subjects.

Related Links:

• Kerala PSC Higher Secondary School Teacher Junior Notification 2026 Coming Soon!
• Kerala PSC HSST Notification 2026 Expected on 31 Dec 2025: Expected Date, Eligibility & Preparation Guide
• Kerala PSC HSST Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Subject-Wise Rules
• Kerala PSC HSST English 2025 Notification | Vacancy, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & HSST Exam Preparation Strategies
• Kerala PSC HSST Zoology 2025 Notification Soon | Syllabus, Exam Pattern & HSST Exam Preparation Tips
• Kerala PSC Higher Secondary School Teacher Notification 2025 | Vacancy, Eligibility, Syllabus & Apply Online
• How to easily crack Kerala PSC HSST Exam?
• Kerala PSC HSST Recruitment 2025 | Previous Rank List, Cut Off, Advice List & Preparation Strategy

Prepare HSST Botany 2026 with CC Learning App

Cracking the Kerala PSC HSST Botany Exam 2026 becomes easier with the right app based learning platform. CC Learning App has been recommended for the best online HSST coaching 2026 by thousands of successful candidates across Kerala.

Why CC Learning App?

• Complete HSST Botany syllabus coverage
• Live and Recorded Classes 
• Exclusive app classes by expert faculty
• PDF Notes
• HSST Botany Previous Year Question Discussions
• Topic-wise Revisions
• Mock Tests
• Personal Mentorship and doubt resolution

Download CC Learning App today and transform your HSST Botany 2026 preparation with app based learning, result oriented classes, and reliable coaching through app.

FAQs

What is the HSST Botany syllabus for Kerala PSC 2026?
The HSST Botany syllabus includes advanced plant sciences modules like anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, taxonomy, molecular biology, biotechnology, and current trends.

Is app based learning useful for HSST Botany preparation?
Yes. App based learning provides flexible revision, topic-wise tests, app classes, and mock assessments.

Can I prepare HSST Botany 2026 while working?
Yes. With organised syllabus based classes through app and recorded lessons, working aspirants can effectively manage preparation as per their convenience.

Is HSST Botany syllabus difficult to cover?
The HSST Botany syllabus is comprehensive but manageable with focused preparation and app based learning strategies.

How should I start preparing for HSST Botany 2026?
Begin by covering high-weightage modules like physiology, genetics, and ecology, use app classes regularly, and practice mock tests.