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CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Marking Scheme & Paper Pattern
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 start from February 17, 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
- 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 Examination (CBSE) |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Total duration for theory paper | 3 Hours |
CBSE 2026 Class 12 Exam Pattern
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:
- CBSE will integrate approximately 20% of MCQ-based questions for Class 12 in the final board exams of 2026.
- A cumulative of 40% of the questions in the final exams will be competency-based, encompassing MCQs, source-based, and case-study-based questions.
- The remaining 40% 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 |
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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 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. Checkout 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 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: 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.
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 to April 2026.
Q: When will the CBSE 12th result 2026 be declared?
A:
The board will announce the CBSE Class 12 result in May 2026.
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On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.
Hello,
Yes, you can. If you missed the first compartment exam, you can appear in the second compartment exam as per CBSE rules.
Hope it helps !
Hello Prisha
As you have compartment in Mathematics and you wish to change your stream to Humanities you have 2 options from here on:
1. You could try to study and clear your compartment of Mathematics.
2. You can change your stream to Humanities but you will need to repeat from Class 11th so you will need 2 years from now to clear Class 12th.
My personal suggestion will be to choose Option 1. Trust me I have dealt with this feeling myself and wanted to choose Option 2 but I worked hard and cleared my exams. I was scared not only in Mathematics but Physics, Chemistry and even Computer Science.
At last, it's on you what you want to choose.
Thank You!
HELLO,
The GUJCET merit list is calculated by considering 60% of the marks obtained in Class 12 and 40% of the GUJCET score. CBSE students are also eligible to compete with GSEB students, as the merit list is prepared by combining the Class 12 scores with the GUJCET performance.
Merit Calculation:
- The merit list is calculated by combining the scores from both class and the GUJCET exam
- This means that both your performance in the class 12 board exams and the GUJCET exam are considered when determining your rank
CBSE Students and GUJCET:
- CBSE students can appear for the GUJCET exam, even though they are not from the Gujrat Board
- For CBSE students, the 60% weightage for class 12 marks will be based on their performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their class 12 board exams
- The remaining 40% weightage will be given to their GUJCET score.
Hope this Helps!
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, your CBSE migration certificate from March 2024 is totally good for reporting in 2025. These certificates do not randomly expire or anything. As long as you’ve got the real one and it is not scribbled then it is fine. No one’s gonna hassle you about the date, just make sure it’s in decent shape and you’re all set.
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