2025-2026 CBSE Class 12 Sample Exam Papers by Subject: Acquire PDFs of Exam Papers and Evaluation Criteria for Each Subject
Preparing for the upcoming CBSE Class 12 board exams in 2026? The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made available sample papers and solutions for the academic year 2025-2026, providing a valuable resource for students as they gear up for their exams.
Benefits of Practicing with Sample Papers
Sample papers are an essential tool for students to practice before examinations. They offer crucial insights into the upcoming examination, including the exam format, types of questions, and marking scheme. By regularly practicing with these sample papers, students can reduce exam anxiety, boost confidence, and learn to manage their time effectively during the actual exam.
Exam Pattern and Question Types
The updated CBSE Class 12 board exam pattern for 2026 consists of a 3-hour offline (pen and paper) exam divided into three types of questions: 20% Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 30% competency-based questions (including case/source-based), and 50% descriptive questions (short and long answer types).
For science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, the theory paper of 70 marks is divided into five sections:
- Section A: 16 questions (MCQs and assertion-reasoning) – 16 marks
- Section B: 5 very short answer questions – 10 marks
- Section C: 7 short answer questions – 21 marks
- Section D: 2 case study-based questions – 8 marks
- Section E: 3 long answer questions – 15 marks
Practical exams carry 30 marks, making a grand total of 100 marks combining theory and practicals.
Competency-Based Questions
Competency-Based Questions consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Case-based questions, and Source-based integrated questions. These questions are designed to test students' ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Constructed Response Type Questions
Constructed Response Type Questions make up 30% of the weightage and include traditional answer type questions such as short and long answer type questions.
Practicing with Sample Papers
Solving sample papers allows students to test their knowledge and identify their strengths and weaknesses. They can also help students understand the paper, manage time, know what's important, and feel more confident.
How to Download CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2025-26
To download CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2025-26, visit the official CBSE Academic Website at cbseacademic.nic.in. Click on "sample question paper 2025-26" and then select "class XII". The provided PDFs will then be displayed on your screen for review and can be printed for future use.
Identifying Important Topics
By practicing with sample papers, students can identify important topics and prioritize their study efforts accordingly. They can also reflect on their achievements and understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the areas for improvement.
In summary, the 2026 pattern is structured to test factual recall, application and analysis, and extended articulation with clearly defined marking weights across question types conducted offline over 3 hours. The sample papers serve as a practice run for the actual board exam, helping students prepare effectively for their upcoming exams. Good luck!
Engaging in education-and-self-development by practicing with sample papers and learning from them can help students achieve success in their upcoming CBSE Class 12 board exams. Understanding the learning materials and identifying crucial topics by solving sample papers is essential for balanced preparation and exam performance.
