CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Marking Scheme & Key Changes

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the Class 12 exam pattern for 2025-26. The board exams are scheduled to begin in February 2026. Students must familiarize themselves with the revised question paper format, subject-wise marking scheme, section-wise weightage, and key changes to prepare effectively.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for time management, prioritising important sections, and maximizing scores. The 2025-26 exam pattern introduces changes aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizing analytical skills and competency-based questions over rote memorization.

CBSE Class 12 Question Paper Typology

The following table provides the overall distribution of question types in Class 12 exams:

Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

The maximum marks per subject are 100, including theory and practical/internal assessments.

General Criteria: Candidates must secure minimum 33% marks in each subject and in aggregate.

CBSE Class 12 English (Core) Exam Pattern

The English Core exam will have three sections for 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal assessment:

Internal Assessment: Listening Test – 5, Speaking Test – 5, Project-Based Assessment – 10

CBSE Class 12 Science Exam Pattern

Science papers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) follow a 3-hour offline exam format with theory 70 marks + practical 30 marks.

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Exam Pattern

Mathematics will have 80 marks written exam + 20 marks internal assessment, including:

• 55% Objective Type (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false)
• 25% Application-Based (Case/Source-based)
• 20% Descriptive (Short & Long Answers)

Internal evaluation includes periodic tests and subject-based activities.

Key Takeaways

• Competency-based questions have increased in weightage for Science and other subjects.
• Students should focus on conceptual clarity and application of knowledge.
• Familiarity with marking schemes, question formats, and key changes will help in effective time management andmaximizing scores.

Students are advised to plan preparation strategically, give priority to high-weightage chapters, and practice sample papers based on the new exam pattern for success in the 2026 CBSE Class 12 board exams.