CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026 was conducted on 20 February 2026 by the Central Board of Secondary Education across examination centres in India and 26 countries abroad. The examination was held in a single shift from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm for science stream students. Initial reactions from students and teachers suggest that the Physics paper was well-structured, balanced, and aligned with the prescribed syllabus, though it leaned towards a moderate to difficult level overall.
CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026: Overall Difficulty Level
According to student feedback, the overall difficulty level of the Class 12 Physics paper was moderate to difficult. While several questions were straightforward and NCERT-based, some numericals and application-based problems required strong conceptual understanding and time management. Students who had practiced previous years’ question papers and focused on numerical problem-solving found the paper manageable. However, those with weaker conceptual clarity reported time pressure in certain sections.
Section-Wise CBSE Physics Paper Analysis 2026
The question paper followed the latest CBSE exam pattern and was divided into multiple sections. Before reviewing the sections, teachers noted that the paper maintained a fair balance between theory and numericals.
- Section A (MCQs): Questions were mostly direct and NCERT-based. Students found this section scoring, with a few conceptual twists.
- Section B (Very Short Answer): Required precise answers and formula-based responses. Most questions were considered easy to moderate.
- Section C (Short Answer): Included numericals from chapters such as Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Magnetism. This section tested conceptual clarity.
- Section D (Long Answer): Some questions were lengthy and calculation-intensive, increasing the difficulty level. Proper step-wise presentation was essential.
- Section E (Case-Based Questions): Application-oriented and slightly time-consuming, but based on familiar NCERT concepts.
Student and Teacher Reactions on Physics Exam 2026
Many students stated that the paper did not include unexpected or out-of-syllabus questions. Teachers highlighted that the paper rewarded students who prepared from NCERT textbooks and focused on understanding derivations and numerical applications. Experts observed that internal choices provided adequate flexibility, allowing students to attempt questions from their strong areas. The paper was considered fair but not overly easy.
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Exam Day Highlights
The CBSE board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 began at 10:30 am, with students instructed to reach exam centres by 10:00 am. Due to traffic regulations and security arrangements linked to national and international events, candidates were advised to plan their commute in advance. Approximately 46 lakh students are appearing for the CBSE board examinations in 2026, making it one of the largest academic assessments conducted this year. Overall, the CBSE Class 12 Physics exam 2026 maintained academic rigor while adhering to syllabus guidelines, setting balanced expectations for result outcomes.