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NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Marks, Duration & Syllabus

• Updated on Jul 22, 2025 by Shreya Panagria

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 provides a detailed structure of marks distribution, time duration, and question types across all subjects, aligning with the Syllabus. For theory subjects like Commerce, Accountancy, Sociology, and English, each exam carries 100 marks with a duration of 3 hours, whereas Chemistry, Geography, History, and Mass Communication are evaluated for 80 marks. The Painting exam is scheduled for 30 marks with a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes. In Physics, topics such as Motion, Force and Energy, and Electricity and Magnetism hold 14 marks each, while optional modules like Astrophysics and Electronics are worth 10 marks. Mathematics covers key chapters including Calculus (34 marks combined) along with optional modules like Statistics & Probability (10 marks). Chemistry assigns 12 marks each to Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding, as well as Organic Compounds, with optional modules such as Environmental Chemistry carrying 15 marks. Biology includes 11 marks each for plant and animal life processes, with optional modules like Biotechnology and Health Science set at 10 marks each. Business Studies allots 16 marks for chapters like Introduction to Business and Trade and Service Activities, along with optional practical modules carrying 20 marks. English consists of 20 marks for prescribed texts, 25 marks for functional writing, and 20 marks for comprehension. The marking scheme includes multiple choice, short answer & long answer questions, along with 20 marks for practical exams in science subjects, ensuring thorough coverage of the NIOS Class 12 Exam 2026 Syllabus.

 

Table of Contents
  1. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026
  2. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Physics
  3. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Mathematics
  4. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Chemistry
  5. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Biology
  6. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Business Studies
  7. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: English
  8. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
  9. NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026

The NIOS Class 12 Exam 2026 Pattern outlines the subjects, marks distribution, and time duration for each exam. Understanding this pattern helps students manage their preparation and time effectively across various theory and practical subjects.

Subjects

Marks

Time duration

Commerce (Business studies)

100

3 hours

Home Science

100

3 hours

Accountancy

100

3 hours

Sociology

100

3 hours

Chemistry

80

3 hours

Geography

80

3 hours

English

100

3 hours

History

80

3 hours

Mass Communication

80

3 hours

Painting

30

1 hour and 30 minutes

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Physics

The Physics exam covers core concepts such as motion, electricity, optics, and atomic structure, along with optional modules like astrophysics and medical physics. It tests both theoretical understanding and practical applications to prepare students for advanced studies.

S No.

Topics

Marks

Core Module

1

Motion, Force, and Energy

14

2

Electricity and Magnetism

14

3

Properties of Matter

8

4

Optics and Optical Instruments

8

5

Atoms and Nuclei

7

6

Semiconductors and Their Applications

7

7

Heat and Thermodynamics

6

Optional Module

8

Astrophysics

10

9

Electronics

10

10

Photography and Audio-Videography

10

11

Physics in Medical Sciences

10

Also Check: NIOS Class 12 Exam Preparation Tips 2026

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Mathematics

The Mathematics exam includes fundamental topics like complex numbers, calculus, and coordinate geometry, alongside optional modules such as statistics & linear programming. It evaluates problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning essential for higher education and competitive exams.

S.No

Chapters

Marks

1

Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations

10

2

Determinants & Matrices

10

3

Permutations & Combinations

8

4

Sequences & Series

8

5

Trigonometry

10

6

Coordinate Geometry

10

7

Differential Calculus

17

8

Integral Calculus

17

Optional Modules

1

Statistics & Probability (or)

10

2

Vectors & Analytical Solid Geometry (or)

10

3

Linear Programming

10

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Chemistry

Chemistry exams focus on atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, and organic chemistry. Optional modules cover environmental chemistry and industrial applications, providing students a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry.

S.No

Chapters

Marks

1

Atom, Molecule, and Chemical Arithmetics

7

2

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding

12

3

States of Matter

12

4

Chemical Energetics

8

5

Chemical Dynamics

8

6

Chemistry of Elements

10

7

Chemistry of Organic Compounds

12

Optional Modules

1

Environmental Chemistry (or)

15

2

Chemistry and Industry

15

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Biology

The Biology exam assesses knowledge of life diversity, cell biology, plant and animal processes, genetics, and environmental biology. Optional topics include biotechnology & health science, offering a broad perspective on biological concepts & emerging fields.

S.No

Chapters

Marks

1

Diversity and Evolution of Life

6

2

Cell, Cell Functions, and Tissues

10

3

Functional Morphology and Life Processes in Plants

11

4

Functional Morphology and Life Processes in Animals

11

5

Reproduction and Development

10

6

Heredity and Genetics

10

7

Population Explosion and Family Planning

4

8

Environmental Biology

8

Optional Modules

1

Tools and Techniques in Biology (or)

10

2

Economic Biology (or)

10

3

Health Science (or)

10

4

Emerging Areas in Biology: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Immunobiology

10

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Business Studies

Business Studies tests key areas such as business introduction, management, finance, marketing, and trade. Optional modules allow students to explore practical skills in office procedures, banking, and factory setup, preparing them for real-world business environments.

S.No

Chapters

Marks

1

Introduction to Business

16

2

Business as a Career

8

3

Trade and Service Activities

16

4

Management of Business

16

5

Financing of Business

12

6

Marketing

12

Optional Modules

 

Office Procedures and Practices (or)

20

Practical Banking (or)

20

Introduction to Factory Set-up (or)

20

Agency Services

20

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: English

The English exam evaluates comprehension, grammar, functional writing, and prescribed texts. An optional module further enhances language skills, aiming to develop effective communication & critical reading abilities vital for academic and professional success.

Sections

Marks

Prescribed Texts

20

Functional Grammar

15

Functional Writing Skills

25

Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

20

Optional Module

20

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for NIOS Class 12 exams includes multiple-choice questions, short and long answer questions, and a practical exam for science subjects. This structure ensures a balanced assessment of knowledge, understanding, and application skills.

Section

Type of Question

Marks

A

Multiple Choice Questions

1 mark each

B

Short Answer Type Questions

2-3 marks each

C

Long Answer Type Questions

5-6 marks each

D

Practical Exam (for science)

20 marks

 

NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

What is the total duration of the NIOS Class 12 Commerce exam in 2026?

The NIOS Class 12 Commerce exam in 2026 is scheduled for 3 hours.

How many marks is the NIOS Class 12 Physics core module "Motion, Force and Energy" allotted in 2026?

The "Motion, Force and Energy" topic in NIOS Class 12 Physics core module for 2026 is allotted 14 marks.

What are the optional modules available in the NIOS Class 12 Mathematics exam pattern for 2026?

The optional modules for NIOS Class 12 Mathematics 2026 include Statistics & Probability, Vectors & Analytical Solid Geometry, and Linear Programming, each worth 10 marks.

How many marks are allocated for the NIOS Class 12 Chemistry chapter "Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding" in 2026?

The chapter "Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding" in NIOS Class 12 Chemistry 2026 carries 12 marks.

What is the maximum time duration for the NIOS Class 12 Painting exam in 2026?

The maximum duration for the NIOS Class 12 Painting exam in 2026 is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Which sections are included in the NIOS Class 12 English exam pattern 2026?

The NIOS Class 12 English exam 2026 includes Prescribed Texts, Functional Grammar, Functional Writing Skills, Comprehension (Unseen Passages), and an Optional Module.

How many marks are allotted for the practical exam in NIOS Class 12 Science subjects in 2026?

The practical exam in NIOS Class 12 Science subjects for 2026 carries 20 marks.

What topics are covered under the NIOS Class 12 Biology exam pattern for 2026?

NIOS Class 12 Biology 2026 covers topics like Diversity and Evolution of Life, Cell Functions, Plant and Animal Life Processes, Reproduction, Genetics, Environmental Biology, and optional modules such as Biotechnology and Health Science.

How many marks are assigned to the "Introduction to Business" chapter in the NIOS Class 12 Business Studies exam 2026?

The "Introduction to Business" chapter in NIOS Class 12 Business Studies 2026 is assigned 16 marks.

What types of questions are included in the NIOS Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 marking scheme?

The marking scheme for NIOS Class 12 Exam 2026 includes Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each), Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each), Long Answer Questions (5-6 marks each), and Practical Exams for science subjects (20 marks).