CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Marking Scheme & Paper Pattern
Upcoming Event
CBSE Class 12th Exam Date:17 Feb' 26 - 17 Feb' 26
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern and marking scheme. According to the latest CBSE Class 12 exam pattern 2026, the theory papers will carry either 80 marks or 70 marks. Additionally, 20 or 30 marks are reserved for internal assessment and practicals, depending on the subject. The CBSE 12th exams will be held from February 17 to April 9, 2026, and students are advised to go through the complete CBSE 12th syllabus and exam pattern to obtain their desired scores in the final exams. Read further to get in-depth information on subject-wise CBSE 12th marking scheme and exam pattern for the academic year 2026.
This Story also Contains
- CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
- CBSE 2026 Class 12 Exam Pattern - Types of Questions
- CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Paper Exam Pattern and Scheme
- CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern for Biology 2026
- CBSE 12th Business Studies Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- How to Prepare with CBSE Class 12th Syllabus 2026?
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Students can refer to the table given below to get the major highlights of the new CBSE 12th exam pattern 2026. They can find the complete CBSE 12th paper pattern PDFs for all subjects from the official website, cbseacademic.nic.in.
Highlights of CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern 2026
| Name of the Exam | CBSE Higher Secondary Examination 2026 |
| The Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Total duration for theory paper | 3 Hours |
CBSE 2026 Class 12 Exam Pattern - Types of Questions
As per the recent modifications in the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern, more multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will be incorporated into the exams. The significant alterations encompass the following:
- A cumulative of 50% of the questions in the final exams will be competency-based, encompassing MCQs, source-based, and case-study-based questions.
- CBSE will integrate approximately 20% of MCQ-based questions for Class 12 in the final board exams of 2026.
- The remaining 30% of the total questions will consist of short and long answer-type questions.
Subject-wise Bifurcation of CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern
| Subjects | Theory Exam | Practical Exam |
| English | 80 | 20 |
| Sociology | 80 | 20 |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 |
| Physics | 70 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 |
| History | 80 | 20 |
| Geography | 70 | 30 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 |
| Hindi | 80 | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
The CBSE 12th English paper includes Reading skills, Writing skills, and a Literature section. Students can check the section-wise marking scheme below:
CBSE Class 12th English Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Section | Total Marks |
Reading Skills | 22 |
Creative Writing Skills | 18 |
Literature Textbooks and Supplementary Reading Texts | 40 |
Total | 80 |
Internal Assessment | 10 |
Project Work | 10 |
Grand Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
The CBSE 12th Physics paper will consist of 70 marks for the theory exam, while 30 marks are reserved for practical/internal assessment. Students can check the complete marking scheme below:
CBSE Class 12th Physics Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
1 Mark Questions | 16 | 16 |
2 Mark Questions | 5 | 10 |
3 Mark Questions | 7 | 21 |
4 Marks Questions | 2 | 08 |
5 Mark Questions | 3 | 15 |
Total | 33 | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Physics Practical Exam Marking Scheme for IA
CBSE Class 12th Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters
CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
The CBSE 12th board exam Mathematics theory paper will carry 80 marks, while 20 marks are reserved for internal assessment. Check out the marking scheme and paper pattern for CBSE 12th Mathematics subject below:
CBSE 12th Mathematics Paper Pattern and Scheme
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
1 Mark | 20 | 20 × 1= 20 |
2 Marks | 5 | 5 × 2= 10 |
3 Marks | 6 | 6 × 3= 18 |
4 Marks | 3 | 3 × 4= 12 |
5 Marks | 4 | 5 × 4 = 20 |
Total | 38 | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Paper Exam Pattern and Scheme
The CBSE 12th Chemistry exam will carry 70 marks for the written paper, while 30 marks will be awarded for practical/internal assessment work. Check out the CBSE 12th exam pattern for the Chemistry paper below:
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
1 Mark | 16 | 16 |
2 Marks | 5 | 10 |
3 Marks | 7 | 21 |
4 Marks | 2 | 8 |
5 Marks | 3 | 15 |
Total | 33 | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern for Biology 2026
The CBSE 12th Bio exam will carry 70 marks for the written paper and 30 for the internal assessment/practical work. Mentioned below is the marking scheme and paper pattern for CBSE 12th Biology subject:
CBSE 12th Biology Exam Pattern 2026
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
1 Mark | 16 | 16 |
2 Marks | 5 | 10 |
3 Marks | 7 | 21 |
4 Marks | 2 | 8 |
5 Marks | 3 | 15 |
Total | 33 | 70 |
CBSE 12th Business Studies Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
The B.St CBSE 12th paper will carry 80 marks for the written exam, while 20 marks are reserved for internal assessment. Checkout the exam pattern of CBSE 12th Business Studies subject below:
CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Exam Pattern 2026
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
1 Mark | 20 | 20 |
3 Marks | 4 | 12 |
4 Marks | 6 | 24 |
6 Marks | 4 | 24 |
Total | 34 | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
CBSE conducts an 80-mark theory exam and a 20-mark practical exam for the CBSE 12th Accountancy paper. Below is a table that contains the CBSE Class 12 Accountancy exam pattern:
CBSE Class 12th Accountancy Exam Pattern 2026
Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
1 Mark | 20 | 20 × 1= 20 |
3 Marks | 6 | 6× 3= 18 |
4 Marks | 3 | 3 × 4= 12 |
6 Marks | 5 | 6 × 5 = 30 |
Total | 34 | 80 |
How to Prepare with CBSE Class 12th Syllabus 2026?
Good scores can be achieved in the CBSE 12th board exam result with proper preparation and knowledge of the syllabus. Students should create a timetable to determine what topics have to be covered first. For good preparation, students should follow the CBSE Class 12 preparation tips provided below:
- Develop a Timetable - List the topics and allocate your daily time wisely. Establish a schedule and adhere to it strictly. It is recommended that students finish the CBSE Class 12 syllabus 2026 at least one month before the announcement of CBSE 12th exam dates 2026.
- Prepare Notes - Take the time to create handwritten notes, as this will help you comprehend complex subjects more quickly and aid in topic revision.
- Solve Last Year’s Papers - Students must solve the latest CBSE 12th sample papers and previous year's question papers. This will help them assess their preparation and identify their weak areas.
CBSE Exam Grading System for Class 12
| Grades | Particulars |
| A-1 | Top 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| A-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| B-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| C-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D-1 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| D-2 | Next 1/8th of the passed candidates |
| E* | *Essential Repeat |
Also, Check: CBSE Class 12 Previous Years’ Question Papers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will the CBSE conduct the Class 12 board exams 2026?
A:
The CBSE Class 12 board exam 2026 will be held from February 17 to April 9, 2026.
Q: When will the CBSE 12th result 2026 be declared?
A:
The board will announce the CBSE Class 12 result on May 20, 2026 (tentatively).
Q: Where can I find the CBSE Class 12 syllabus 2026?
A:
The CBSE board 12th syllabus 2026 can be downloaded from cbseacademic.nic.in.
Q: Do CBSE board exams have negative markings?
A:
Board exams for the CBSE 12th class 2026 do not comprise negative markings.
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Questions related to CBSE Class 12th
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?
Hello,
No, it’s not true that GSEB (Gujarat Board) students get first preference in college admissions.
Your daughter can continue with CBSE, as all recognized boards CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards (like GSEB) which are equally accepted for college admissions across India.
However, state quota seats in Gujarat colleges (like medical or engineering) may give slight preference to GSEB students for state-level counselling, not for all courses.
So, keep her in CBSE unless she plans to apply only under Gujarat state quota. For national-level exams like JEE or NEET, CBSE is equally valid and widely preferred.
Hope it helps.
Hello,
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases the previous year's question papers for Class 12.
You can download these CBSE Class 12 previous year question papers from this link : CBSE Class 12 previous year question papers (http://CBSE%20Class%2012%20previous%20year%20question%20papers)
Hope it helps !
Hi dear candidate,
On our official website, you can download the class 12th practice question paper for all the commerce subjects (accountancy, economics, business studies and English) in PDF format with solutions as well.
Kindly refer to the link attached below to download:
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Question Paper 2025
CBSE Class 12 Economics Sample Paper 2025-26 Out! Download 12th Economics SQP and MS PDF
CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Question Paper 2025
CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers 2025-26 Out – Download PDF, Marking Scheme
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Hello,
Since you have passed 10th and 12th from Delhi and your residency is Delhi, but your domicile is UP, here’s how NEET counselling works:
1. Counselling Eligibility: For UP NEET counselling, your UP domicile makes you eligible, regardless of where your schooling was. You can participate in UP state counselling according to your NEET rank.
2. Delhi Counselling: For Delhi state quota, usually 10th/12th + residency matters. Since your school and residency are in Delhi, you might also be eligible for Delhi state quota, but it depends on specific state rules.
So, having a Delhi Aadhaar will not automatically reject you in UP counselling as long as you have a UP domicile certificate.
Hope you understand.
Hello,
You can access Free CBSE Mock tests from Careers360 app or website. You can get the mock test from this link : CBSE Class 12th Free Mock Tests
Hope it helps !
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