What are the passing marks for CBSE 12th board exams?

Students need to score at least 33 percent in all subjects and a minimum aggregate of 33 percent in CBSE 12th board exams in order to clear the examinations. The Board released the CBSE 12th syllabus and marking scheme for all subjects. Students must ensure to complete their syllabus and know the exam pattern well. They must nalso download and solve the CBSE 12th sample papers and previous years' question papers to perform well in the exams. Once done with the syllabus and practice, students will be able to clear the 12th board examinations will good percentage.

What is CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2026?

Section A: Reading Skills 1. One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and vocabulary. The passage may be factual, descriptive, or literary. 2. One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc.to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and evaluation. Note: The combined word limit for both passages will be 600-750. Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions will be asked Section B: Writing II Grammar (7 Marks) 4. Questions on Gap filling (Tenses, Clauses) 5. Questions on re-ordering/transformation of sentences (Total seven questions to be done out of the eight given). III Creative Writing Skills (16 Marks) 6. Short writing task – Classified Advertisements, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered (3 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 1 / Expression: 1) 7. Short writing task –Poster up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (3 marks:Format: 1 / Content: 1 / Expression: 1) 8. Long Writing task: Speech in 120-150 words based on verbal/visual cues related to contemporary / age-appropriate topics. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Expression: 2) 9. Long Writing Task: Debate based on visual/verbal inputs in 120-150 words, thematically related to contemporary, topical issues. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Expression: 2) Section C: Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text This section will have a variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and extrapolation beyond the text. 10. One Poetry extract out of two, from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and appreciation. (3x1=3 Marks) 11. One Prose extract out of two, from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation. (3x1=3 Marks) 12. One prose extract out of two, from the book Snapshots, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, and appreciation. (4x1=4 Marks) 13. Two Short answer type questions (one from Prose and one from Poetry, from the book Hornbill), out of four, to be answered in 40-50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. (3x2=6 Marks) 14. One Short answer type question, from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 40- 50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. One out of two questions to be done. (3x1=3 Marks) 15. One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry of Hornbill, to be answered in 120-150 words. Questions can be based on incident/theme/passage/extract/event, as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative response from the student. Anyone out of two questions to be done. (1x6=6 Marks) 16. One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses, using incidents, events, and themes, as reference points. Anyone out of two questions to be done. (1x6=6 Marks) For more details on CBSE 12th English Syllabus 2026 and to download the subject-wise CBSE 12th syllabus PDF 2026, click on CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026 .

Are there important chapters in CBSE 12th which students should prepare to score good marks?

CBSE does not advise students to do selective study for CBSE Class 12 examinations. The Board has prescribed syllabus for every subject. Students are expected to study thoroughly from the entire CBSE 12th syllabus and understand the concepts in order to score good marks in exams.

What is CBSE 12th English Syllabus 2026?

Section A - 26 Marks Reading Skills I Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passages (10+8=18 Marks) 1. One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and vocabulary. The passage may be factual, descriptive or literary. 2. One unseen case-based factual passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc.to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. Note: The combined word limit for both the passages will be 600-750. Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions will be asked. 3. Note Making and Summarization based on a passage of approximately 200-250 words. i. Note Making: 5 Marks ? Title: 1 ? Numbering and indenting: 1 ? Key/glossary: 1 ? Notes: 2 ii. Summary (up to 50 words): 3 Marks ? Content: 2 ? Expression: 1 Section B – 23 Marks Grammar and Creative Writing Skills II Grammar 7 Marks 4. Questions on Gap filling (Tenses, Clauses) 5. Questions on re-ordering/transformation of sentences (Total seven questions to be done out of the eight given) III Creative Writing Skills 16 Marks 6. Short writing task – Classified Advertisements, up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered (3 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 1 / Expression: 1) 7.Short writing task –Poster up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (3 marks: Format: 1 / Content: 1 / Expression: 1) 8. Long Writing task: Speech in 120-150 words based on verbal / visual cues related to contemporary / age-appropriate topic. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Expression: 2) 9. Long Writing Task: Debate based on visual/verbal inputs in 120-150 words, thematically related to contemporary, topical issues. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1 / Content: 2 / Expression: 2) Section C – 31 Marks Literature Text Book and Supplementary Reading Text This section will have variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and extrapolation beyond the text. 10. One Poetry extract out of two, from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. (3x1=3 Marks) 11. One Prose extract out of two, from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation and appreciation. (3x1=3 Marks) 12. One prose extract out of two, from the book Snapshots, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. (4x1=4 Marks) 13. Two Short answer type questions (one from Prose and one from Poetry, from the book Hornbill), outof four, to be answered in 40-50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. (3x2=6 Marks) 14. One Short answer type question, from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 40- 50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. One out of two questions to be done. (3x1=3 Marks) 15. One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry of Hornbill, to be answered in 120- 150 words. Questions can be based on incident / theme / passage / extract / event, as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative response from the student. Any one out of two questions to be done. (1x6=6 Marks) 16. One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses, using incidents, events, themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. (1x6=6 Marks) To download the detailed CBSE Class 12 English Syllabus 2026, Click here.

What is CBSE 12th Mathematics Syllabus 2026?

Units Marks Relations and Functions 8 Algebra 10 Calculus 35 Vectors and Three - Dimensional Geometry 14 Linear Programming 5 Probability 8 Total 80 Internal assessment 20 To download the complete CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus 2025, Click Here

What is the exam duration for CBSE Class 12 board exams?

CBSE 12th board exams are conducted for 3 hours for most subjects. The timings are 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. For some skills subjects, the exams are held for 2 hours too, from 10:30 to 12:30 pm. Students can check the detailed CBSE 12th time table 2026 by clicking on - CBSE Class 12 time table 2026 .

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.

What is CBSE Class 12th Sociology Syllabus?

Students can check below the Chapter and units covered in the CBSE Class 12 Sociology syllabus 2026. Unit Chapter/Topics Unit 1: Introducing Indian Society Colonialism, Nationalism, Class and Community (Nonevaluative) Unit 2: The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society Theories and concepts in demography Rural-Urban Linkages and Divisions Population Policy in India Unit 3: Social Institutions: Continuity and Change Caste and the Caste System Tribal Communities Family and Kinship Unit 5: Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion Social Inequality and Social Exclusion Systems justifying and perpetuating Inequality - Caste, Tribe, the Other Backward Classes Adivasi Struggles The Struggle for Women’s Equality and Rights The Struggles of the Differently Abled Unit 6: The Challenges of Cultural Diversity Cultural communities and the nation state Regionalism in the Indian context The Nation state and religion related issues and identities Communalism, secularism and the nation state State and Civil Society Unit 8: Structural Change Understanding Colonialism, Industrialization, Urbanization Unit 9: Cultural Change Social Reform Movements Different Kinds of Social Change: Sanskritisation, Westernization, Modernization, Secularization Unit 11: Change and Development in Rural Society Agrarian Structure : Caste & class in Rural India Land Reforms, Green Revolution and Emerging Agrarian society Green revolution and its social consequences Transformation in Rural Society Circulation of labour Globalization, Liberalization and Rural Society Unit 12: Change and Development in Industrial Society From Planned Industrialization to Liberalization How people find Jobs Work Processes: How work is carried out, working conditions, home based work, Strikes and Unions Unit 15: Social Movements Concept of Social Movements Theories and Classification of Social Movements Environmental Movements Class-Based Movements: Workers, Peasants To know more on CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2026 and to download subject-wise syllabus PDF, click on CBSE 12th syllabus 2026 .

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.

What is CBSE 12th Maths syllabus 2026?

Given below is the chapter-wise weightage of all chapters in the board exams: Sets and Functions- 23 marks Algebra- 25 marks Coordinate Geometry- 12 marks Calculus - 08 marks Statistics and Probability - 12 marks Click on CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus 2026 to download it.

How many CBSE 12th Mathematics question papers should I practice?

Students must ensure to solve atleast one previous year CBSE 12th Mathematics question paper every day to efficiently prepare for the CBSE 12th Mathematics board exam. Make sure to practice the question papers during the last month of the preparation.

What topics from Trigonometry can be asked in the CBSE 12th board exams?

Questions from below topics can be asked in the Class 12 exams 2026 CBSE- Positive and negative angles. Measuring angles in radians and in degrees and conversion from one measure to another. Definition of trigonometric functions with the help of unit circle. Truth of the identity sin2x + cos2x = 1, for all x. Signs of trigonometric functions. Domain and range of trigonometric functions and their graphs. Expressing sin (x±y) and cos (x±y) in terms of sinx, siny, cosx & cosy and their simple applications. Deducing identities etc. You can download the complete CBSE 12th Mathematics syllabus 2026 by clicking here

Is Current Electricity included in my Board syllabus?

Yes, Current Electricity is part of CBSE Physics syllabus. It includes topics like Electric current, flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity, mobility and their relation with electric current; Ohm's law, V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear), electrical energy and power, electrical resistivity and conductivity, temperature dependence of resistance, Internal resistance of a cell, potential difference and emf of a cell, combination of cells in series and in parallel, Kirchhoff's rules, Wheatstone bridge. The weightage of the unit in the final board exams is provided below: Chapter Marks Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields 16 Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Chapter–3: Current Electricity ( Click here for complete CBSE 12th Science syllabus )

Is Electrostatics included in my Board syllabus?

Yes. Electrostatistics includes two chapters namely Electric Charges & Fields and Electrostatic Potentials & Capacitance. The unit covers topics such as Conservation of charge, Coulomb's law-force between two- point charges, forces between multiple charges; superposition principle and continuous charge distribution, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole and system of charges; equipotential surfaces, etc. Check the table below to know the weightage of the unit in the board exams: Chapters marks Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields 16 Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Chapter–3: Current Electricity (Click for complete CBSE 12th Syllabus 2024)

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.

Does CBSE do fair marking?

Marking done by CBSE is fair and lenient. After the evaluators are done with the checking, the answer sheet goes for another round of random checking by the supervisor, to ensure it's fairness. Thus, students must not worry about the strict/lenient checking by the evaluators and focus on completing their syllabus and ensuring that their preparataion strategy is on point so that they do not have to worry about the checking.

Can I be promoted without scoring passing marks in CBSE 12th?

Many students wish to clear their board exams without studying, however, please note that you will not be able to pass the 12th class without securing the minimum passing marks of 33 in all subjects and also 33 percent in aggregate. In case you are unable to score the passing marks in one or two subjects, you will be allowed to sit for the supplementary exams. You are advised to go through the CBSE 12th syllabus, and know the exam pattern so that you are able to build a strategy to score well in exams. Make notes of important points as you study. Stay confident and focus your energy on studies and you'll be able to pass with flying colours.

Can I cheat in CBSE 12th board exam?

CBSE board is strictly against the practice of using any unfair means during the examinations. The board is actively working to prevent and discourage any malpractice during board examinations every year. So, you are advised to go through the CBSE 12th syllabus and solve as many previous years' question papers and sample papers to avoid cheating during the CBSE 12th board exams.

Can you give some tips to score above 90% in class 12th?

Hi Abhishek, The Secret of scoring above 90 % (or even 95%) is - to study NCERT's fully and solve past year question papers. NCERT's play an important role, as if you have read the NCERT properly, then most of the questions in the papers would be known to you. Just read the NCERT's again and again instead of going into guide books. Secondly, solve previous years question papers seriously as in CBSE questions do repeat. Lastly, Study efficiently, cover all the topics and just believe in yourself. This above mentioned technique was adopted by me also, and I have myself scored 95.2 % in CBSE 2017. Hope it helps you.

What is the weightage of MCQs in Class 12 CBSE?

The latest CBSE exam pattern 2026 for class 12 comprises competency-based questions (MCQs, case-based, source-based questions, etc.) which will carry 40% weightage. The Multiple choice questions (MCQs) will carry 20% weightage and short/answer type questions will carry 40% weightage. Students must go through the complete CBSE 12th syllabus and must finish it by December 2025. They will then get enough time to plan their revision and score well in boards exams

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.

Is CBSE 12th sample paper easier than board paper?

You can treat the CBSE sample paper as a mock test and time yourself while answering it. This will make you familiar with the exam pattern and marking scheme, after which you will eventually find the CBSE board paper easy. You can download the CBSE 12th sample papers and question papers by clicking on the link below: CBSE 12th sample paper and previous year question papers

Is Kinematics covered in CBSE 12th Physics syllabus?

Kinematics is covered in CBSE Class 11. However, a student is expected to know the topic well in order to understand Physics better in Class 12. You can click on CBSE 11th Physics Syllabus 2026 to check the complete Physics syllabus and know the solutions to the NCERT questions of all chapters of Class 11. Click on NCERT 12th Physics Solutions 2026 to know the questions with solutions to all Class 12 Physics questions.

What things are not allowed in CBSE board exam?

Students must go through the points below to avoid the CBSE 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 admit card on all exam days Students without the admit crad will not be allowed to write their CBSE board exams

What score can be considered a good score in CBSE 12th?

There is no concept of good or bad marks in class 12 CBSE board. You must focus on your studies and work hard towards schieveing good score in the board exams. The concept of good/bad marks can be benchmarked by you depending on the stream/career you have chosen for yourself. If you wish to enter IIT and become an engineer, you must aim for 90+ percentage, so on and so forth. Thus, set an aim for yourself and build a way to reach the goal and THAT shall be good enough for you. All the best!

Which books does CBSE follow?

The CBSE primarily follows the NCERT textbooks for all classes. While schools can use supplementary materials and reference books, NCERT books are the core of CBSE syllabus to ensure a uniform standard across all affiliated schools.

Can we attempt questions in any sequence in CBSE board class 12 question paper?

Yes, you can attempt questions in any sequence in CBSE board class 12. Just ensure that while attempting your CBSE board exam that you have attempted all the question with a question number written in such a way that examiner can see it properly. And in order to get good marks, it is important to make an impression which can be made by attempting those questions first that you know well. Thus, if you know question no. 12, then instead of 1, 2, attempt those question that you remember properly.

What is the syllabus of class 12th (CBSE) board?

You can check the subject-wise CBSE 12th syllabus 2026 by clicking on the link provided. The syllabus mentions all the chapters and topics from where the questions are asked in the CBSE 12th exam 2026. Students must go through the entire syllabus thoroughly to prepare well for their board examination. Shiksha.com has also provides chapter-wise NCERT solutions Class 11, 12 for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics on this page.

Is it necessary to practice from CBSE 12th sample papers? I'm done with my syllabus.

It is advised to solve and practice CBSE Class 12 sample papers or previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and marking scheme for the exams. This will help you identify the important questions and manage time.

Will class 12th syllabus be harder than 11th in CBSE board?

Hi Rajdeep, There is no specific answer to this, but you won't find it too difficult as most of the subjects are enhancements of what you studied in class 11th.Comparatively, class 11th is tougher than class 10th, as the entire outlook is changed. The level of difficulty also depends from student to student.

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.

Is Hydrocarbons included in CBSE Board syllabus?

Yes, Hydrocarbons is included in the CBSE 12th board syllabus. The topics that are in syllabus are: Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: Alkanes - Nomenclature, isomerism, conformation (ethane only), physical properties, chemical reactions including free radical mechanism of halogenation, combustion and pyrolysis. Alkenes - Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene), geometrical isomerism, physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides (Markovnikov's addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition. Alkynes - Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne), physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes, addition reaction of - hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and water. Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature, benzene: resonance, aromaticity, chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution. Nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel Craft's alkylation and acylation, directive influence of functional group in monosubstituted benzene. Carcinogenicity and toxicity. To download the complete CBSE 12th sChemistry syllabus 2026, Click Here

What is CBSE 12th Chemistry Syllabus 2026?

Students can check and download the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026 by clicking on the link provided. The distribution of marks is as follows: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry - 7 marks Structure of Atom - 9 marks Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties - 6 marks Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure - 7 marks Chemical Thermodynamics -9 marks Equilibrium - 7 marks Redox Reactions- 4 marks Organic Chemistry: Some basic Principles and Techniques - 11 marks Hydrocarbons - 10 marks Click on CBSE 12th Chemistry syllabus 2026 to download the complete syllabus.

CBSE 12th Syllabus 2025-26 (Released): Download CBSE Class 12 Syllabus PDF for All Subjects

40.3K Students Q&A

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

Science, Commerce, Arts Science Commerce Arts

Updated on Sep 11, 2025 14:52 IST

By Jasleen Taneja

CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CBSE 12th Syllabus 2025-26 on March 29, 2025, on its official website at cbseacademic.nic.in. Students preparing for the CBSE Exam Class 12 2026 can check the updated CBSE Class 12 syllabus 2026 on this page. The CBSE Class 12 exams are conducted covering the entire CBSE Class XII Syllabus 2026. The CBSE Class 12 exam 2026 will be conducted from February 17, 2026. The subject-wise CBSE Class XII syllabus 2026 download links are provided below. Students must download them to check the topics and units that are coming in their final board exams.

Latest: CBSE 12th Syllabus 2025-26 OUT: Know Major Changes

The board has also introduced new skill electives for CBSE Class 12 students to diversify their learning experience. These include:

Land Transportation Associate
Electronics and Hardware
Physical Activity Trainer
Design Thinking and Innovation

Important Changes in the Class 12 Syllabus:

9-Point Grading Scale: Similar to Class 10, the Class 12 syllabus will also be assessed using the 9-point grading system.
Elective Choices: Students can choose one subject from Informatics Practices, Computer Science, or Information Technology (only one of the three).

Are you preparing for JEE Main 2026; Check these specially curated notes by Shiksha Experts

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