CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 has been minutely changed by CBSE. The Competency Focused Questions will account for 50%. You can download subject-wise exam patterns from the official website.

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About CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26
The Central Board of Secondary Education has introduced some changes in the CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 following the National Education Policy 2020. As per the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF), around 50% of the questions in the question paper will be Competency Questions in the form of MCQs/Case-Based Questions, Source-based Integrated Questions, or any other type. MCQs will account for 20%, and constructed response questions (Short Answer Questions/Long Answer type Questions, as per existing pattern) will be 30%. You must also download the latest CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 to check the topics covered in every subject.
You will need to appear for 5 subjects, and each paper will carry 100 marks in the CBSE Class 12. To pass the exam, it is mandatory to score a minimum of 33% in each subject and aggregate. By downloading the exam pattern, you can easily check the format and the weight allotted for each section included in the question paper. Check out more information about the CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 here.
Also Check: CBSE Class 12 Registration Form 2025
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 Subject Wise
You can refer to the exam pattern for the main subjects that are included in the CBSE class 12 curriculum from the tables given below. This will help you to prepare well for the board exams.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For English
The theory paper in English Core will be conducted for 80 marks followed by 20 marks for internal assessment. Check the detailed CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2025-26 here:
Section | Total Marks |
---|---|
Reading Skills | 22 |
Creative Writing Skills | 18 |
Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text | 40 |
TOTAL | 80 |
Internal Assessment | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Accountancy
The Accountancy paper will be conducted for 80 marks and 20 marks are kept aside for the practical exam. Check the detailed CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Pattern 2025-26 from the table given below:
Units | Marks |
---|---|
Part A: Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies | - |
Unit 1. Accounting for Partnership Firms | 36 |
Unit 2. Accounting for Companies | 24 |
Subtotal | 60 |
Part B: Financial Statement Analysis | - |
Unit 3. Analysis of Financial Statements | 12 |
Unit 4. Cash Flow Statement | 8 |
Subtotal | 20 |
Part C: Project Work | 20 |
Project work will include: | - |
- Project File | 12 |
- Viva Voce | 8 |
Or | - |
Part B: Computerized Accounting | - |
Unit 4. Computerized Accounting | 20 |
Part C: Practical Work | 20 |
Practical work will include: | - |
- Practical File | 12 |
- Viva Voce | 8 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Business Studies
The theory paper in Business Studies will be conducted for 80 marks and 20 marks will be allotted for the practical exam. Check the information about the exam pattern here:
Units | Periods | Marks |
---|---|---|
Part A: Principles and Functions of Management | - | - |
1. Nature and Significance of Management | 12 | 16 |
2. Principles of Management | 14 | |
3. Business Environment | 12 | |
4. Planning | 14 | 14 |
5. Organising | 15 | |
6. Staffing | 16 | 20 |
7. Directing | 15 | |
8. Controlling | 12 | |
Total | 110 | 50 |
Part B: Business Finance and Marketing | - | - |
9. Financial Management | 20 | 15 |
10. Financial Markets | 18 | |
11. Marketing Management | 30 | 15 |
12. Consumer Protection | 12 | |
Total | 80 | 30 |
Part C: Project Work (One) | 30 | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 220 | 100 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Economics
The theory paper in Economics will be conducted for 80 marks and 20 marks will be allotted for the practical exam. Check the information about the exam pattern here:
Units | Marks | Periods |
---|---|---|
Part A: Introductory Macroeconomics | ||
National Income and Related Aggregates | 10 | 30 |
Money and Banking | 06 | 15 |
Determination of Income and Employment | 12 | 30 |
Government Budget and the Economy | 06 | 17 |
Balance of Payments | 06 | 18 |
Total | 40 | 110 |
Part B: Indian Economic Development | ||
Development Experience (1947-90) and Economic Reforms since 1991 | 12 | 28 |
Current Challenges Facing Indian Economy | 20 | 50 |
Development Experience of India – A Comparison with Neighbours | 08 | 12 |
Total | 40 | 90 |
Theory Paper (40+40 = 80 Marks) | 80 | 200 |
Part C: Project Work | 20 | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 | 220 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Economics Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Computer Science
70 marks are allotted for the theory portion in Computer Science and 30 marks will be allotted for the practical session. Check the detailed CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Exam Pattern 2025-26 from the table given below:
Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks | Periods (Theory) | Periods (Practical) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Computational Thinking and Programming – 2 | 40 | 70 | 50 |
2 | Computer Networks | 10 | 15 | … |
3 | Database Management | 20 | 25 | 20 |
Total | 70 | 110 | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Biology
The theory paper for Biology will be conducted for 70 marks and the practical exam will be conducted for 30 marks. Check the detailed CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern 2025-26 here:
Unit | Title | Marks |
---|---|---|
VI | Reproduction | 16 |
VII | Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
VIII | Biology and Human Welfare | 12 |
IX | Biotechnology and its Applications | 12 |
X | Ecology and Environment | 10 |
Total | - | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Chemistry
The theory paper for Chemistry will be conducted for 70 marks and the practical exam will be conducted for 30 marks. Check the detailed CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern 2025-26 here:
S.No. | Title | No. of Periods | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Solutions | 10 | 7 |
2 | Electrochemistry | 12 | 9 |
3 | Chemical Kinetics | 10 | 7 |
4 | d- and f-Block Elements | 12 | 7 |
5 | Coordination Compounds | 12 | 7 |
6 | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 10 | 6 |
7 | Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | 10 | 6 |
8 | Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | 10 | 8 |
9 | Amines | 10 | 6 |
10 | Biomolecules | 12 | 7 |
Total | - | 108 | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Physics
The theory paper for Physics will be conducted for 70 marks and the practical exam will be conducted for 30 marks. Check the detailed exam pattern here:
Unit/Chapter | Marks |
---|---|
Unit–I Electrostatics | 16 |
- Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields | |
- Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance | |
Unit-II Current Electricity | |
- Chapter 3: Current Electricity | |
Unit-III Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | 17 |
- Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism | |
- Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter | |
Unit-IV Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | |
- Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction | |
- Chapter 7: Alternating Current | |
Unit–V Electromagnetic Waves | 18 |
- Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves | |
Unit–VI Optics | |
- Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments | |
- Chapter 10: Wave Optics | |
Unit–VII Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 12 |
- Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | |
Unit–VIII Atoms and Nuclei | |
- Chapter 12: Atoms | |
- Chapter 13: Nuclei | |
Unit–IX Electronic Devices | 7 |
- Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits | |
Total | 70 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Math
The theory paper in Mathematics will be conducted for 80 marks which will be followed by a 20 mark practical. Students can refer to the detailed information about the exam pattern from the table given below:
No. | Units | No. of Periods | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
I. | Relations and Functions | 30 | 08 |
II. | Algebra | 50 | 10 |
III. | Calculus | 80 | 35 |
IV. | Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry | 30 | 14 |
V. | Linear Programming | 20 | 05 |
VI. | Probability | 30 | 08 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Home Science
The theory paper for Home Science will be conducted for 70 marks and the practical exam will be conducted for 30 marks. Check the detailed exam pattern here:
No. | Units | Marks | No. of Periods |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Work, Livelihood, and Career | 05 | 10 |
2 | Nutrition, Food Science and Technology | 23 | 33 |
3 | Human Development and Family Studies | 10 | 24 |
4 | Fabric and Apparel | 17 | 28 |
5 | Resource Management | 10 | 24 |
6 | Communication and Extension | 05 | 07 |
THEORY | - | 70 | 126 |
PRACTICAL | - | 30 | 28 |
GRAND TOTAL | - | 100 | 154 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Geography
The Geography syllabus is divided into two parts. The theory paper will be conducted for 70 marks. Students can refer to the detailed exam pattern here:
Book: Fundamentals of Human Geography
Chapter No. | Chapter Name | No. of Periods | Weightage |
---|---|---|---|
Unit I | |||
1 | Human Geography | 7 | 3 |
Unit II | |||
2 | The World Population Density Distribution and Growth | 9 | 8 |
3 | Human Development | 7 | |
Unit III | |||
4 | Primary Activities | 12 | 19 |
5 | Secondary Activities | 10 | |
6 | Tertiary and Quaternary Activities | 10 | |
7 | Transport, Communication and Trade | 15 | |
8 | International Trade | 10 | |
Map Work | (Based on identification of features on World Political Map) | 10 | 5 |
Total | 90 | 35 |
Book: India - People and Economy
Chapter No. | Chapter Name | No. of Periods | Weightage |
---|---|---|---|
Unit I | |||
1 | Population Distribution Density Growth and Composition | 10 | 5 |
Unit II | |||
2 | Human Settlements | 8 | 3 |
Unit III | |||
3 | Land Resources and Agriculture | 9 | 10 |
4 | Water Resources | 9 | |
5 | Mineral And Energy Resources | 9 | |
6 | Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context | 7 | |
Unit IV | |||
7 | Transport and Communication | 11 | 7 |
8 | International Trade | 9 | |
Unit V | |||
9 | Geographical Perspective on selected issues and problems | 8 | 5 |
Map Work | (Based on Marking and labeling on a political Map of India) | 10 | 5 |
Total | 90 | 35 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Geography Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For History
The History theory paper will be conducted for 80 marks and 20 marks will be allotted for the internal assessment. Check out the CBSE class 12 blueprint for History from the table given below:
S. No | Part | Periods | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Themes in Indian History Part-I | 60 | 25 |
2 | Themes in Indian History Part-II | 60 | 25 |
3 | Themes in Indian History Part-III | 60 | 25 |
4 | Map | 15 | 5 |
Total | 195 | 80 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 History Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Political Science
The Political Science theory paper will be conducted for 80 marks and 20 marks will be allotted for the internal assessment. Students can refer to the exam pattern from the table given below:
Chapter No. | Chapter Name | No. of Periods | Marks Allotted |
---|---|---|---|
PART A - CONTEMPORARY WORLD POLITICS | |||
1 | The End of Bipolarity | 15 | 6 |
2 | Contemporary Centres of Power | 18 | 6 |
3 | Contemporary South Asia | 18 | 6 |
4 | International Organizations | 10 | 6 |
5 | Security in the Contemporary World | 10 | 6 |
6 | Environment and Natural Resources | 12 | 6 |
7 | Globalisation | 12 | 4 |
Total | 95 | 40 | |
PART B - POLITICS IN INDIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE | |||
1 | Challenges of Nation-Building | 16 | 6 |
2 | Era of One-Party Dominance | 8 | 4 |
3 | Politics of Planned Development | 12 | 2 |
4 | India’s External Relations | 20 | 6 |
5 | Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System | 12 | 4 |
6 | The Crisis of Democratic Order | 15 | 4 |
7 | Regional Aspirations | 15 | 6 |
8 | Recent Developments in Indian Politics | 20 | 8 |
Total | - | 118 | 40 |
GRAND TOTAL | - | 213 | 80 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Political Science Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE Class 12 Legal Studies Exam Pattern 2025-26
Refer to the CBSE Class 12 Legal Studies Exam Pattern 2026 from the table given below:
S. No. | Units | Chapters / Subtopics | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Judiciary | — | 08 |
2 | Alternative Dispute Resolution in India (ADR) | — | 08 |
3 | Topics in Law – I (Business Laws) | Chapter 3(A) – Law of Contract Chapter 3(B) – Law of Torts Chapter 3(C) – Law of Property Chapter 3(D) – Intellectual Property Law | 20 |
4 | Topics in Law – II (General Laws) | Chapter 4(A) – Law and Sustainable Development Chapter 4(B) – Forms of Legal Entities Chapter 4(C) – Criminal Laws in India | 10 |
5 | Concept of Human Rights | Chapter 5(A) – Human Rights in India Chapter 5(B) – Human Rights Violations & Complaint Mechanism (Quasi-Judicial Bodies) | 10 |
6 | International Law | — | 08 |
7 | Legal Profession in India | — | 08 |
8 | Legal Services | — | 08 |
— | Project | — | 20 |
— | Total | — | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Physical Education Exam Pattern 2025-26
The theory paper in Physical Education will be conducted for 70 marks. Check the CBSE Class 12 Physical Education Exam Pattern 2026 here:
Unit No. | Unit Name | Weightage (Marks Allotted) |
---|---|---|
1 | Management of Sporting Events | 05 + 04 (b*) |
2 | Children and Women in Sports | 07 |
3 | Yoga as a Preventive Measure for Lifestyle Diseases | 06 + 01 (b*) |
4 | Physical Education & Sports for CWSN (Children With Special Needs) | 04 + 04 (b*) |
5 | Sports & Nutrition | 07 |
6 | Test and Measurement in Sports | 08 |
7 | Physiology & Injuries in Sport | 04 + 04 (b*) |
8 | Biomechanics and Sports | 10 |
9 | Psychology and Sports | 07 |
10 | Training in Sports | 09 |
— | Practical (Lab) – Including 3 Practicals | 30 |
— | Total (Theory + Practical) | Theory: 70 + Practical: 30 = 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Psychology Exam Pattern 2025-26
Check out the detailed CBSE Class 12 Psychology Exam Pattern 2026 here:
Unit No. | Topics | Marks |
---|---|---|
I | Variations in Psychological Attributes | 13 |
II | Self and Personality | 13 |
III | Meeting Life Challenges | 9 |
IV | Psychological Disorders | 12 |
V | Therapeutic Approaches | 9 |
VI | Attitude and Social Cognition | 8 |
VII | Social Influence and Group Processes | 6 |
— | Total | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Exam Pattern 2025-26
The theory paper in sociology will be conducted for 80 marks. Check out the information regarding the CBSE Class 12 Sociology Exam Pattern 2026 from the table given below:
Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
---|---|---|
A – Indian Society | ||
1 | Introducing Indian Society | Non-evaluative |
2 | The Demographic Structure of Indian Society | 10 |
3 | Social Institutions: Continuity and Change | 10 |
5 | Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion | 10 |
6 | The Challenges of Cultural Diversity | 10 |
7 | Suggestions for Project Work | Non-evaluative |
Subtotal (Part A) | 40 | |
B – Social Change and Development in India | ||
8 | Structural Change | 5 |
9 | Cultural Change | 5 |
11 | Change and Development in Rural Society | 10 |
12 | Change and Development in Industrial Society | 10 |
15 | Social Movements | 10 |
Subtotal (Part B) | 40 | |
Grand Total | 80 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 For Internal Assessment
For the CBSE Class 12 Internal Assessment, grades for Unit Tests, Exploratory Activities, Practical Exams, and Projects will be included.
Sections | Internal Assessment Marks Distribution |
---|---|
Periodic Test | 5 Marks |
Multiple Assessment | 5 Marks |
Portfolio | 5 Marks |
Subject Enrichment Activities | 5 Marks |
Total | 20 Marks |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2025-26
Detailed information about the CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 is now uploaded on the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education to be downloaded by the students according to the different subjects included in the curriculum. Students must download the latest syllabus to kick-start their preparations for the board exams accordingly. Make sure to also take into account the changes made by CBSE in the exam pattern.Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?
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FAQs
Students have to appear for a total of 5 subjects in the CBSE Class 12 exam where each subject will have a total of 100 marks. CBSE Class 12 Results will be based on both the theory and practical exam marks. Practical exams will be conducted internally by schools that will carry a weightage of 20 marks.
As per the new CBSE 12th exam pattern 2026, the weightage of competency-based questions which include MCQs has increased from 40% to 50%.
As per the new CBSE 12th exam pattern 2026, the question papers will include more weightage in the Competency-Based Questions and the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The new exam pattern will focus less on the traditional answer-type questions.
Yes, CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26 is now released on the official website to be downloaded by the students. Students can download the curriculum according to the subjects that they have chosen and start the preparations for the board exams.
CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26 for Business Studies includes 50 marks allotted for part A and 30 marks allotted for part B. 20 marks will be allotted for the project. Business studies paper will be conducted for a total of 100 marks including practicals.
CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26 for Economics includes 40 marks allotted for introductory macroeconomics and 40 marks provided for Indian economic development. 20 marks will be provided for the project. The economics paper will be conducted for 100 marks in total.
CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26 for English includes 20 marks for reading skills, 20 marks for creative writing skills, 40 marks for literature section, 10 marks for assessment of learning and speaking skills, and the rest of the marks will be provided for internal assessment.
Yes, the CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26 might be a little different than last year. According to the latest circular released by the Central Board of Secondary Education, it is announced that now 50% of the questions in the question paper will be Competency Questions in the form of MCQs/ Case Based Questions.
As per the CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26, there will be 50% Competency Based Questions in the form of MCQs/ Case Based Questions, Source-based Integrated Questions, or any other type, 20% MCQs and Constructed response questions (Short Answer Questions/Long Answer type Questions, as per existing pattern) will be 30%.
To download the CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2025-26, go to the official website of CBSE. Click on the option called curriculum and select your year. You can now download the pattern according to your subject.
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