Updated on Jul 16, 2025
Amrita Das
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: As per the CBSE Draft Scheme 2025-26, the CBSE Class 12 Examination 2026 will begin on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026. It is expected that around 20 Lakh students will appear for the CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026. The board exam will be conducted on the full current CBSE 12th Syllabus 2026 and the NCERT textbooks. As per the latest CBSE 12th exam pattern 2026, the question paper will include 20% MCQs, 30% Competency-Based Questions, and 50% descriptive (short/ long type) questions. The CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode from February 17 to April 04, 2026. Each subject will have a total weightage of 100 marks, in which theory will be of 70 marks and practical/project work for 30 marks. Read further to know more about the CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 in detail.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE has made changes to the Class 12 exam pattern for 2026. The board will now focus more on competency-based questions. Constructed response questions will be reduced. The paper will have a mix of MCQs, case-based, and long/short answer type questions. Each paper will be of 100 marks (theory + practical). Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026:
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Total Marks per Subject | 100 (Theory + Practical/Internal) |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Type of Questions | MCQs – 20%
Competency-based – 50%
Constructed Response – 30% |
Minimum Passing Marks | 33% in each subject and overall |
CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern 2026
Maths paper will be of 100 marks where the theory section will have 80 marks and internal assessment will carry 20 marks. The exam will include questions from all major units. Calculus has the highest weightage out of all other topics. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern 2026:
Unit | Marks |
Relations & Functions | 08 |
Algebra | 10 |
Calculus | 35 |
Vectors & 3D Geometry | 14 |
Linear Programming | 05 |
Probability | 08 |
Total (Theory) | 80 |
Internal Assessment | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Science Exam Pattern 2026
Science subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each subject has 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practicals. The paper will focus more on concepts and application of different formulas, theories, etc., in real life situations. Students must prepare from NCERT books. Check out the following table for CBSE 12th Science Exam Pattern 2026:
Subject | Theory Marks | Practical Marks | Total |
Physics | 70 | 30 | 100 |
Chemistry | 70 | 30 | 100 |
Biology | 70 | 30 | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern 2026
The Biology paper will test theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. The theory part is for 70 marks whereas the practicals will carry 30 marks. Major units include Genetics, Reproduction, and Biotechnology. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern 2026:
Unit | Marks |
Reproduction | 16 |
Genetics & Evolution | 20 |
Biology in Human Welfare | 12 |
Biotechnology & Its Applications | 12 |
Ecology & Environment | 10 |
Total (Theory) | 70 |
Practicals | 30 |
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
The Chemistry exam will have 70 marks theory and 30 marks for practicals. The question paper will include MCQs and application-based questions. Topics like Organic Chemistry and Coordination Compounds are important. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern:
Chapter | Marks |
Solutions | 07 |
Electrochemistry | 09 |
Chemical Kinetics | 07 |
d- and f-block Elements | 07 |
Coordination Compounds | 07 |
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 06 |
Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | 06 |
Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 08 |
Amines | 06 |
Biomolecules | 07 |
Total (Theory) | 70 |
Practicals | 30 |
Check CBSE Class 12 Eligibility Criteria 2026
CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2026
The English (Core) exam includes reading, writing, and literature sections. The theory paper is for 80 marks whereas Listening and speaking assessments carry 10 marks. Project work is also included. Check out the following table for CBSE Class 12 English Exam Pattern 2026:
Section | Marks |
Reading Skills | 20 |
Creative Writing Skills | 20 |
Literature | 40 |
Assessment of Listening Skills | 05 |
Assessment of Speaking Skills | 05 |
Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Pattern 2026
The Accountancy paper is divided into three parts. Theory carries 80 marks. Project work includes file preparation, viva, and written test. The Board has removed tables from the answer booklets. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Exam Pattern 2026:
Part | Unit/Details | Marks |
Part A | Partnership & Companies | 60 |
Part B (Option 1) | Financial Statement Analysis | 20 |
Part B (Option 2) | Computerised Accounting | 20 |
Part C | Project (File, Viva, Written Test) | 20 |
Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Economics Exam Pattern 2026
Economics includes two parts: Macroeconomics and Indian Economic Development. Theory consists of 80 marks and the Project work carries 20 marks. Questions will be more concept-based and application-oriented. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 12 Economics Exam Pattern 2026:
Part | Topics | Marks |
Part A: Macroeconomics | National Income, Money, Employment | 40 |
Part B: Indian Economy | Reforms, Challenges, Comparison | 40 |
Project | Based on economic analysis | 20 |
Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 Marking Scheme
CBSE follows a fixed marking scheme across all subjects to evaluate candidates’ total marks as per their answers. Theory and practical components differ per stream of education in CBSE Class 12 2026. Students must pass in both theory & practical securing at least 33% in total to pass the Class 12 Board Exams 2026. Check out the following table for CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme 2026:
Stream | Theory Marks | Practical/Internal | Total | Passing Marks |
Science | 70/80 | 20/30 | 100 | 33% |
Commerce | 80 | 20 | 100 | 33% |
Humanities | 80 | 20 | 100 | 33% |
English | 80 | 20 | 100 | 33% |
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026 Overview
CBSE has released a reduced and updated syllabus for CBSE 12th Syllabus 2026. It includes real-life and application-based topics, focusing more on competency and skill development topics & questions. Students should prepare as per the official curriculum released by the CBSE. Check out the following table for CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026 in brief:
Stream | Subjects | Key Topics Included |
Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math | Calculus, Genetics, Organic Chemistry |
Commerce | Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics | Financial Statements, Marketing, Economy |
Humanities | History, Political Science, Sociology | Indian Constitution, Society, Reforms |
Languages | English, Hindi, Sanskrit | Reading, Writing, Literature |
Vocational | IT, Retail, Healthcare, etc. | Skill-based practical training |
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the new CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026?
The CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 includes 20% MCQs, 50% competency-based questions, and 30% long and short answer-type questions. This change follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The revised CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 aims to improve concept-based learning.
How many marks are required to pass CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026?
Students must score at least 33% in each subject and overall to pass the CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026. This includes both theory and practical/internal assessment marks. The CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 emphasizes equal importance to both sections.
What is the total duration of CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026?
The total duration of each subject paper in CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 is 3 hours. Students must complete the written exam within this time limit. The CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 remains the same for all theory papers.
Is CBSE conducting Class 12 exams twice a year from 2026?
As per the latest updates, CBSE may implement the Class 12 board exams twice a year in the future. This proposal aligns with the National Curriculum Framework under NEP 2020. However, it is yet to be officially confirmed for CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026.
Are practical exams included in CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026?
Yes, practical exams are part of the CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 for science and commerce subjects. Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, and Business Studies include practical/project work. These carry 20 to 30 marks depending on the subject.
What type of questions will be asked in CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026?
CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026 will include multiple-choice, case-based, source-based, and descriptive questions. The CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to test application, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Competency-based questions will form the major portion.
Which subjects are covered under CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026?
The CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 covers Science, Commerce, Humanities, Language, and Vocational subjects. Major subjects include Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, Economics, and English. The CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 varies slightly by subject.
How many marks is each CBSE Class 12 exam for in 2026?
Each CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 is for 100 marks, combining theory and practical/internal assessment. For example, subjects like Maths have 80 marks theory and 20 marks internal. The CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 maintains this structure across subjects.
What is the weightage of MCQs in CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026?
In CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) have a 20% weightage. These test basic understanding and quick application. They are included in all subjects under the new CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026.
Has the CBSE changed the Accountancy exam format in 2026?
Yes, the CBSE has removed pre-printed tables from the Accountancy answer sheets in CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026. The format still includes theoretical and project components. The CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 for Accountancy focuses more on analytical skills.
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