CBSE 12th Science Exam Pattern 2025-26: Get Latest Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme Here

Exam On - 17 Feb '26 - 5 Mar '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

Science, Commerce, Arts Science Commerce Arts

Updated on Sep 4, 2025 13:17 IST

CBSE 12th Science Exam Pattern 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CBSE Class 12 Science Exam Pattern 2026. Students can check the same online on the official website at cbseacademic.nic.in. Apart from the official website, the students can check the CBSE 12th Science Exam Pattern 2026 also on this page. Knowing the exam pattern enables a student to prepare for CBSE 12th Science exams 2026 in a better way by making them aware of important aspects of an exam. Some subjects of CBSE 12th Science 2026 are common for other streams like English, mathematics etc. Subjects that exclusively come under the Science stream are Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.

Q: Does CBSE give marks for wrong answers?

Yes, CBSE uses the concept known as stepwise marking. This means that even if the final answer is incorrect, marks are given for correct steps, logic, or calculations within the solution. The marking scheme is designed to reward effort and understanding, even if the final result is not accurate.

Check more details here:

Stepwise Marking:
Each question is broken down into steps, and each step is assigned a specific weightage. If a student correctly solves a particular step, they receive the corresponding marks, regardless of whether the final answer is correct.
Partial Credit:
Even if the final answer is incorrect, students can still earn partial credit for demonstrating their understanding and correctly applying formulas or concepts.
Large Answers:
For longer answers, the marking scheme may give more points for the correct steps, even if the final answer is wrong.
Specific Examples:
For numerical questions, marks are awarded for writing the correct formula, substituting values, performing calculations, and arriving at the final answer. If a student makes a mistake in the calculation but correctly identifies the formula and substitutes the values, they can still receive marks for the correct steps.

Q: Does CBSE cut marks for exceeding the word limit?

No, CBSE does not deduct marks for exceeding the word limit in the board exams. However, marks may be deducted for spelling mistakes and other errors in language papers.

Q: How can I improve my writing and presentation skills for the CBSE 12th board exams?

Following are some tips to improve the writing and presentation skills for the CBSE 12th board exams.

Students must write the answers neatly. The hand writing should be legible.
Write the answers with proper heading and subheading.
Highlight your important points.
Cross out the errors neatly with single line.
Divide the time for each question to avoid rushing.
Practice writing the previous year question papers.

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1 Nov 2025: CBSE Date Sheet 2026 Class 10, 12 (Final Out ) Live Updates; Download CBSE Exam Date Sheet PDF @cbse.nic.in

Table of content

CBSE 12th Physics Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE 12th Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE 12th Biology Exam Pattern 2026
FAQs on CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 Science

CBSE 12th Physics Exam Pattern 2026

For CBSE Class 12 Physics, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks belong to the practicals. CBSE Class 12 Physics chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme are explained below.

Unit	Topics	Marks
Unit-1 Electrostatics	Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance	16
Unit-2 Current Electricity	Chapter 3: Current Electricity	16
Unit-3 Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism	Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter	17
Unit-4 Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents	Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction Chapter 7: Alternating Current	17
Unit-5 Electromagnetic Waves	Chapter–8: Electromagnetic Waves	18
Unit-6 Optics	Chapter–9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments Chapter–10: Wave Optics	18
Unit-7 Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	Chapter–11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	12
Unit-8 Atoms and Nuclei	Chapter–12: Atoms Chapter–13: Nuclei	12
Unit-9 Electronic Devices	Chapter 7 –14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits	7
Practicals: The record to be submitted by the students at the time of their annual examination has to include: Record of at least 8 Experiments [with 4 from each section], to be performed by the students. Record of at least 6 Activities [with 3 each from section A and section B], to be performed by the students. The Report of the project carried out by the students.
2 experiments 1 from each section		7+7
Practical record		5
1 activity from any section		3
Investigatory project		3
Viva		5
Total		30

Click Here to download the CBSE 12th Physics Marking Scheme 2026

Commonly asked questions

Q: Where can I check and download CBSE Exam Pattern Class 10, 12?

CBSE will release the CBSE 10th, 12th exam pattern 2026 on the official website soon. The exam pattern shares the marking scheme, weightage to every topic, duration of exam and more. Students must know the CBSE exam pattern as this helps them form a strategy and to decide which question to solve first. To know the CBSE exams pattern 2026, students can click on the links below-

CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026

Q: When will CBSE 12th Syllabus release?

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CBSE class 12 syllabus 2025-26 on its official website. Students can find and download the syllabus of Class 12 CBSE 2025-26 below for all subjects. Download and start studying for the board examinations. It is adviced that students finish their CBSE 12th syllabus 2026 for all subjects at least 2 months prior to the exam to score well.

Q: Where can I download the CBSE 12th marking scheme for all subjects?

CBSE released the CBSE 12th marking scheme 2026 for all subjects on the official website- cbseacademic.nic.in. The subject-wise CBSE Class 12 marking scheme can be downloaded by cliking on CBSE 12th exam pattern 2026. Students will get familiar with the exam pattern, duration of exam and the type of questions asked in exam from the marking scheme.

CBSE 12th Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026

For Chemistry, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are assigned to the practicals. The table below contains CBSE class 12 exam pattern for Class 12 Chemistry Chapters and the marking scheme.

Topics	Marks
Theory
Solutions	7
Electrochemistry	9
Chemical Kinetics	7
d -and f- block elements	7
Coordination Compounds	7
Haloalkaline s & Haloarnes	6
Alcohol, Phenols & Ethers	6
Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids	8
Amines	6
Biomolecules	7
Total	70
Practicals
Volumetric Analysis	8
Salt Analysis	8
Content-Based Experiment	6
Project	4
Class record & viva	4
Total	30

Click Here to download the CBSE 12th Chemistry Marking Scheme 2026

Commonly asked questions

Q: Are questions from previous year asked in CBSE 12th boards?

Not exactly the same, but, CBSE can ask questions similar to what were asked in the previous years of CBSE 12th exams. Thus, you are advised to download and practice the previous years' question papers thoroughly for better preparation.

Q: What will be the mode of CBSE Class 12 Exam 2025-26?

The CBSE Board exams Class 12 2026 will be conducted in the offline mode or in pen and paper format. The board will release the marking scheme and CBSE 12th sample question papers for all subjects. Students can download them by clicking on the links provided. These will help them get familiar with the weightage of chapters in the final exams, the duration of the exam, the difficulty level, and more.

Class 12 board exams 2026 will Likely be conducted between February 16 and April 4, 2026.

Q: Does CBSE provide grace marks in the class 12 exam?

Yes, CBSE gives grace marks to those students who are unable to clear the exam by a maximum of 3 marks in the exam.

CBSE 12th Biology Exam Pattern 2026

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

Click Here to download the CBSE 12th Biology Marking Scheme 2026

Students preparing for competitive examinations like JEE Mains, NEET etc, can check the NEET exam pattern and JEE Mains exam pattern for more information.

Commonly asked questions

Q: How will my Class 12 board exam marks affect my college admissions?

The Class 12 grade plays an important role in college admissions. Many universities or colleges have a minimum percentage requirement to apply for different courses. For engineering, 50% marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) are generally required for admission to many colleges. For some degree courses, admissions are based completely on your 12th marks. For entrance exam-based admissions (like JEE, NEET), the 12th percentage will also be considered as a criteria. Hence, your 12th grade marks are important for your higher education admission.

Q: Will the CBSE 12th Board exams 2026 be based on 100% syllabus?

Yes, CBSE 12th exams 2026 will be based on 100% syllabus. Students can check the CBSE 12th syllabus 2026 by clicking on the link provided. Students must finish with their syllabus and know the exam pattern well at least a month prior to the exam. This way they'll be better prepared for the exams.

From 2020 to 2022, the Board had reduced the CBSE syllabus in the wake of Covid pandemic.

Q: Can I use a scientific calculator in the CBSE 12th board exams?

NO. No type of calculators, mobile phones, or any technological gadget is allowed during CBSE exams. Any student caught carrying these will be barred from writing their exam.

FAQs on CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2026 Science

FAQs related to CBSE 12th Science Exam Pattern 2026 are provided below:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is it necessary to collect the original marksheet from the school after the release of the CBSE 12th result?

Yes, you must collect your marksheet from school, since the result released online is provisional. This is an important document. It will be required while applying for higher education and job.

Q: What happens if you take leave in CBSE 12th board exam?

In case you are unable to attend a CBSE 12th board exam, you will be awarded zero marks in the subject. Eventually, you will be asked to appear for the supplementary exam. Thus, it is better to focus and study hard and not skip or leave your exam to pass with flying colours.

Q: Will we get sufficient time to prepare for our CBSE 12th examinations once they begin?

Yes, the board provides sufficient preparation leaves for you to prepare for the exams. Students are advised to finish their syllabus and practice the sample papers well ahead in time so as to avoid any panic situation once exams begin.

Q: What things are not allowed in CBSE 12th board exams?

Students must go through the points below to avoid the CBSE 12th board exam day hassles.

All communication devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, headphones, pagers, fitness bands, cameras, etc., are barred from carrying to the examination hall.
Accessories like wallets, goggles, handbags, and purses are not to be carried.
Students must not forget to carry all the stationary items that are required to appear for the CBSE 12th board exams as sharing of stationary is not allowed
However, do not forget to carry your CBSE 12th admit card on all exam days
Students without the hall ticket will not be allowed to write their CBSE Class 12 board exams