The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the key details for the Class 12 Geography paper for the 2025-26 session. The exam is scheduled for February 26 2026 and the board has released both the official sample paper and marking scheme.
Exam Date for Geography (Class 12) – February 26 2026
The Class 12 Geography exam (code 029) for the 2025-26 session will be conducted on February 26 2026. Students should note that the full board examinations for Class 12 commence on February 17 2026. An early awareness of the date enables learners and schools to plan revision schedules and final preparations. This advance notice is particularly helpful in aligning time for practice and revision of map-based and analytical questions.
Structure of the Sample Paper & Marking Scheme
Below is an overview of the exam pattern as reflected in the sample paper and marking scheme released by CBSE.
The full paper carries 70 marks and spans a duration of three hours. Internal choices are provided in select questions across all sections except Section A; there is no overall choice for the paper.
Importance of the Sample Paper for Geography Exam Prep
With the sample paper and marking scheme now available, candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the question-paper layout, sections, and scoring scheme. This step is vital because it helps in:
- Understanding the breakdown of marks across different question types
- Practising time management based on section-wise weightage
- Aligning revision strategies with map-based and source-based questions
Experts typically recommend solving full-length versions of the sample paper at least twice each week prior to the exam. Consistent practice helps enhance speed, accuracy, and confidence.
How Students Can Access the Sample Paper & Marking Scheme?
The board has made the sample paper and the marking scheme available on its curriculum website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the CBSE academic site at cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Under the ‘Curriculum’ or ‘Sample Question Papers’ section, select Class XII.
- Choose the subject: Geography (code 029).
- Download both the sample paper and the marking scheme.
Researchers and educators note that early access and dedicated practice using these documents improve the likelihood of achieving higher scores. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey

