CBSE Class Twelve Board Exam Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE Class Twelve Board Exam Exam Pattern
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Key Changes
The CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for 2026 has changed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The major change is that 50% of the exam will include competency-based questions.
This means half of the paper will test real-life understanding through case-based questions, MCQs, case studies, and source-based questions. The pattern will test the conceptual knowledge of candidates.
- The CBSE Class 12 exam includes 20% MCQs and 30% case-based or source-based questions. The other 50% will include short and long-type questions.
- According to the latest updates, 60-70% of the exam will be NCERT-based. Internal assessment, like periodic tests, projects, and activities, will also contribute to the final score.
Every subject will be of 100 marks. In each subject, 80 marks will be from theory and 20 from practical or internal assessment. Students should score more than 33% of marks in each subject to pass the exam.
Key Summary
- The CBSE Class 12 exam will include 50% competency-based questions, with 20% MCQ questions and 30% case studies.
- The other 50% of the questions will be short and long-answer questions.
- Internal assessment will include 20 marks from periodic tests, projects, and activities.
- In each subject, candidates should score 33% to pass the exam.
What is CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26?
The highlights of the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for 2025-26 are given in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Question Paper Pattern |
|
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Medium | English / Hindi |
| Mode | Offline |
| Number of subjects | 5 or 6 (as elected by the student) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 (theory + practical)
|
| Passing marks for each subject | 33% |
| Passing marks for the overall exam | Aggregate 33% |
Benefits of New CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26
- The new syllabus focuses on the applicability.
- It is designed to enhance critical thinking and improve analytical skills.
- The revised syllabus is aligned with NEP 2020.
- Based on the new syllabus, the overall learning outcome will be better.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. How many marks are required to pass CBSE Class 12 in 2026?
Ans. A candidate must secure at least 33% of the maximum marks in each subject to pass. This 33% includes the theory and practical marks together.
For subjects with both theory and practical or internal assessment components, the candidate also needs to meet the minimum in each part, as required.
Ques. What type of questions are asked in the new CBSE 12th exam?
Ans. Under the revised pattern, the question paper for Class 12 includes:
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Key Changes
The CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for the 2025-26 session includes a substantial portion of competency-based questions. These include MCQs, case-based questions, and source-based questions.
Other objective-type formats, such as select-response MCQs, are also part of the paper. Short-answer and long-answer questions will test understanding, application, and analysis rather than rote recall.
One report indicates that competency-based questions may carry around 40-50% of the paper.
Is the 2026 Exam Based on NEP 2020 Guidelines?
Yes, the 2026 exam pattern has been reworked in alignment with NEP 2020. The aim is to shift from rote-learning to competency, skills, understanding, and application.
Key aspects of this alignment include more competency-based assessment, emphasis on application and real-life contexts, revised internal assessment, and flexibility.
Subject-Wise Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The division of total marks for theory and practical as per the updated CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 is provided in the table below:
| Subject | Marks in Theory | Marks in Practical |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 70 | 30 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 |
| English | 80 | 20 |
| Sociology | 80 | 20 |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 |
| History | 80 | 20 |
| Geography | 80 | 20 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern FAQs
Will the pattern for compartment exams in July 2026 also change?
Yes, the compartment exam pattern in the 2025-26 academic year will follow the same pattern as the main exam.
Will the pattern change for private candidates repeating the exam in 2026?
No, private candidates have to take the class 12 exam in the revised exam pattern in 2026.
What changes have been made to the CBSE Class 12th exam pattern for the 2025-26 session?
Major changes in the CBSE class 12th exam pattern for the 2025-26 session are as follows:
- More competency-based questions
- Including more MCQ-based questions
- Less emphasis on traditional answer-type questions
Marks Distribution for 100 Marks Paper
The marks distribution of the 70-mark theoretical paper is discussed below.
| Question Type | Assigned Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
|
40 Marks, 2 MCQ Questions Mandatory | Easy to Moderate |
| MCQ-Based Direct Questions | 16 Marks | Easy |
| Short and Long Answer Questions | 24 Marks | Easy to Moderate |
CBSE Class 12 Maths: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
For CBSE Class 12 Maths, the theory part has a total weightage of 80 marks and the internal assessment is for 20 marks. The chapter-wise exam pattern and marking scheme for Mathematics is explained below:
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Relations & Functions | 08 |
| Calculus | 35 |
| Algebra | 10 |
| Vectors & 3-Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| Linear Programming | 05 |
| Probability | 08 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern Maths: Typology of Questions
| Typology of Questions | Total Marks | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering: Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and answers. | 44 | 55 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26
The CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for 2025-26 is divided into theory and practical components. The weightage for each subject varies. The details for each subject are provided below.
CBSE Class 12 Commerce Exam Pattern
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The Accountancy theory paper carries a total of 80 marks. The remaining 20 marks are for the project work. The chapter-wise marking scheme is given below.
| Units | Marks |
|---|---|
| Accounting for Partnership Firms | 36 |
| Accounting for Companies | 24 |
| Analysis of Financial Statements | 20 |
| Project Work | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Business Studies: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The Business Studies theory paper carries a total of 80 marks. The remaining 20 marks are for the project work. The chapter-wise marking scheme is given below.
| Units | Marks |
|---|---|
| Principles and Functions of Management | 36 |
| Business Finance and Marketing | 44 |
| Project Work | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Economics: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The Economics theory paper carries a total of 80 marks. The remaining 20 marks are for the project work. The chapter-wise marking scheme is given below.
| Units | Marks |
|---|---|
| Introductory Macroeconomics | 40 |
| Indian Economic Development | 40 |
| Project Work | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme for All Subjects
The question paper for all subjects will have questions based on different cognitive levels. The table below shows the weightage of these levels in the 80-mark theory paper.
| Competency | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering: Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and answers. | 20 | 25 |
| Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas. | 24 | 30 |
| Applying: Solve problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way. | 20 | 25 |
| Analysing: Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations. | 16 | 20 |
| Evaluating: Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, the validity of ideas, or the quality of work based on a set of criteria. | 16 | 20 |
| Creating: Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions. | 16 | 20 |
| Total | 80 | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Science Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Science subject-wise exam pattern 2025-26 along with the marks weightage is provided below.
CBSE Class 12 Physics: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
For CBSE Class 12 Physics, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks belong to the practicals. The chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme are explained below.
| Topics | Marks |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Electrostatics, Unit 2: Current Electricity | 16 |
| Unit 3: Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism, Unit 4: Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents | 17 |
| Unit 5: Electromagnetic Waves, Unit 6: Optics | 18 |
| Unit 7: Dual Nature of Radiation & Matter, Unit 8: Atoms & Nuclei | 12 |
| Unit 9: Electronic Devices | 7 |
| Practicals | |
| 2 experiments 1 from each section | 7+7 |
| Practical record | 5 |
| 1 activity from any section | 3 |
| Investigatory project | 3 |
| Viva | 5 |
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
For Chemistry, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are assigned to the practicals. The table below contains the exam pattern for Class 12 Chemistry chapters and the marking scheme.
| Topics | Marks |
|---|---|
| Solutions | 7 |
| Electrochemistry | 9 |
| Chemical Kinetics | 7 |
| d -and f- block elements | 7 |
| Coordination Compounds | 7 |
| Haloalkaline s & Haloarnes | 6 |
| Alcohol, Phenols & Ethers | 6 |
| Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 8 |
| Amines | 6 |
| Biomolecules | 7 |
| Practicals | |
| Volumetric Analysis | 8 |
| Salt Analysis | 8 |
| Content-Based Experiment | 6 |
| Project | 4 |
| Class record & viva | 4 |
CBSE Class 12 Biology: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
For CBSE Class 12 Biology, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks and practicals constitute of the remaining 30 marks. The chapter-wise marking scheme is given below.
| Topics | Marks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Reproduction | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Genetics & Evolution | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Biology & Human Welfare | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Biotechnology & its Applications | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ecology & Environment | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Practical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 major experiment | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 minor experiment
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam PatternThe Accountancy theory paper carries 80 marks in total. This is split into Part A with 60 marks and Part B with 20 marks. The practical part, called Part C, carries 20 marks. The chapter-wise exam pattern and marking scheme for Accountancy are given below.
CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Exam PatternThe Business Studies theory section is divided into 2 parts, each carrying 40 marks. The remaining 20 marks are for project work. The chapter-wise exam pattern and marking scheme for Business Studies are shown below.
CBSE Class 12 Economics Exam PatternThe Economics theory paper carries 80 marks in total. These marks are equally divided into 2 parts. The practical part carries 20 marks. The chapter-wise exam pattern and marking scheme for Economics are given below.
CBSE Class 12 English Exam PatternThe CBSE Class 12 English paper has sections for reading skills, creative writing, literature, and assessments. The marks for each section are listed below.
CBSE Class 12 Chapter-wise WeightageCBSE Class 12 Science Chapter Wise WeightageThe chapter-wise weightage for CBSE Class 12 Science is given below.
CBSE Class 12 Physics Chapter Wise WeightageThe Physics theory paper for CBSE Class 12 carries a total of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are allocated to practical and internal assessment.
CBSE Class 12 Maths Chapter Wise WeightageThe Maths theory paper for CBSE Class 12 carries a total of 80 marks. The remaining 20 marks are for internal assessment.
CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter Wise WeightageThe Biology theory paper for CBSE Class 12 carries a total of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are for practical and internal assessment.
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Wise WeightageThe Chemistry theory paper for CBSE Class 12 carries a total of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are for practical and internal assessment.
CBSE Class 12 Preparation TipsThese tips can help students prepare effectively for the CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026.
CBSE Class 12 Question Papers (Previous Years)Previous years' question papers are available for CBSE Class 12. Students can refer to these papers for practice.
FAQs for CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026Will there be board exams in 2026 for Class 12?Yes, the CBSE Board Exam 2026 will be conducted as per the annual calendar. More than 21 lakh candidates appear in the board every year. The CBSE 2026 Exam will follow the competency-based exam pattern. Has CBSE released the syllabus for Class 12 2026?The Syllabus for CBSE Class 12th 2026 has been released on the official CBSE Website. In the syllabus, around 60-70% of the weightage will be given to NCERT questions.
Is the 2026 board exam easy or hard for Class 12?The CBSE Class 12th Board Exam 2026 is expected to be of a moderate difficulty level. It will include 50% competency-based questions and 50% theory-based. The exam will test candidates' application, reasoning, and analytical skills. Will the syllabus change in 2026?Yes, the CBSE Class 12th Syllabus 2026 has been changed with around 25% reduction across Science, Commerce, and Arts. CBSE Class 12 Deleted/Reduced Syllabus 2026
What is the Best of 5 Rule in the CBSE Exam?The CBSE Exam will follow the best of 5 rule. This rule allows candidates to calculate their percentage based on the top 5 subjects. For example, if a candidate appears in 6 subjects, only the best 5 exam scores will be considered for percentage calculation. What are the board exam reforms for CBSE in 2026?The CBSE Board Exam 2026 includes changes according to NEP 2020:
Is CBSE class 12 total marks 500 or 600 Science?As per the CBSE class 12 curriculum, the CBSE pattern is designed to allow candidates to appear for 6 subjects. The CBSE class 12 exam percentage will be calculated based on the best of 5 subjects. For each subject, students can score a maximum of 100 marks. For 5 subjects, the maximum marks are 500. So, CBSE class 12 total marks are 500. Is CBSE 12 best of 4 or 5?As per the CBSE class 12 curriculum released by CBSE on the official website, CBSE considers the best of 5 for the CBSE class 12 examination. How is the CBSE Class 12 Percentage Calculated?The CBSE Class 12 percentage is calculated by dividing the total marks obtained by the maximum marks. The result is then multiplied by 100. For the 6-subject calculation, the same method applies. Divide the total marks obtained in all 6 subjects by the maximum marks for 6 subjects. Multiply the result by 100 to get the final percentage. What is the Best 5 Rule in CBSE?The CBSE best 5 rule allows a candidate to take 6 subjects in the Class 12 exam. After appearing for all 6 papers, the percentage is calculated using the 5 subjects with the highest scores. The subject with the lowest score is excluded from the percentage calculation. CBSE Grading System for 90% MarksA score of 90% in CBSE Class 12 receives an A2 grade. An A1 grade requires a score between 91% and 100%.
Does CBSE Repeat Questions in Board Exams?Yes, CBSE often repeats questions in board examinations. Students should solve previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern and improve preparation. Passing Marks for CBSE Class 12The minimum passing marks for CBSE Class 12 are 33%. For a paper of 80 marks, a student must score at least 26 marks to pass.
CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 OverviewThe CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 will be conducted as per the annual calendar. More than 21 lakh candidates appear in the board exam every year. The 2026 exam will follow a competency-based pattern aligned with NEP 2020 guidelines. The focus is on understanding, application, and skills rather than rote learning. Passing MarksA candidate must secure at least 33% of the maximum marks in each subject to pass. This 33% includes theory and practical marks together. For subjects with both theory and practical/internal assessment components, the minimum marks in each part must also be met as required. Exam PatternThe revised question paper for Class 12 includes a substantial portion of competency-based questions. These include MCQs, case-based questions, and source-based questions. The paper also contains objective-type formats, short-answer questions, and long-answer questions. These test understanding, application, and analysis rather than rote recall. Competency-based questions may carry around 40-50% of the paper. The exam is expected to be of moderate difficulty, with 50% competency-based questions and 50% theory-based questions. Syllabus and WeightageThe syllabus for CBSE Class 12th 2026 has been released on the official CBSE website. Around 60-70% of the weightage will be given to NCERT questions.
Deleted or Reduced Syllabus TopicsThe CBSE Class 12th Syllabus 2026 has been changed with around 25% reduction across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.
Best of 5 RuleThe CBSE exam follows the best of 5 rule for percentage calculation. Candidates can calculate their percentage based on the top 5 subjects. For example, if a candidate appears in 6 subjects, only the best 5 exam scores will be considered for percentage calculation. Total MarksCBSE Class 12 total marks are 500. Each subject carries a maximum of 100 marks, and 5 subjects make up the total. The CBSE pattern allows candidates to appear for 6 subjects, but the percentage is calculated based on the best of 5 subjects. Percentage CalculationTo calculate the CBSE Class 12 percentage, divide the total marks obtained by the maximum marks. Then multiply the result by 100. For 6 subjects, divide the total marks obtained by the maximum marks in 6 subjects, then multiply by 100. Board Exam ReformsThe CBSE Board Exam 2026 includes changes according to NEP 2020. These reforms include 50% competency-based questions such as MCQs and case or source-based questions.
CBSE Class 12 Best of 5 RuleThe CBSE best of 5 rule lets a candidate take 6 subjects in the Class 12 exam. After appearing for all 6 papers, the percentage is calculated on the 5 subjects with the highest scores. CBSE Class 12 Grading SystemUnder the CBSE Class 12 grading system, 90% marks receive an A2 grade. A candidate needs 91-100% marks to get an A1 grade. Question Repetition in CBSE Board ExamsCBSE often repeats questions in board examinations. Students should solve previous years' CBSE Class 12 question papers to prepare and understand the exam pattern. Passing Marks for CBSE Class 12The minimum passing mark for the CBSE Class 12 exam is 33%. For a paper of 80 marks, a student must score at least 26 marks to pass. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
