Tamilnadu 12th Exam Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Tamil Nadu Board 12th 2026 ( Tamilnadu 12th )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 2 Mar '26 - 26 Mar '26

Salviya Antony
Updated on Jan 6, 2026 11:52 IST

By Salviya Antony, Senior Executive - Content

Tamil Nadu 12th Exam Pattern 2026: The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), will release the TN 12th exam pattern 2026 for Tamilnadu 12th exams 2026. Students preparing for the TN Plus two exam 2026 are advised to know the TN 12th exam pattern 2026. The total marks for each subject is 100 marks out of which 70 is for theory, 10 for internal and 20 for practical exam. TN 12th 2026 exam pattern helps to know the mark distribution of the TN 12th board exam. 

The Tamil Nadu 12th board exam 2026 will be held from March 2 to 26, 2026.  in pen and paper mode. The board released the TN 12th time table 2026 in Nov 2025.

Table of contents
  • Tamil Nadu 12th Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
  • TN 12th Exam Pattern 2026
  • TN Plus Two exam Pattern 2026: Mathematics
  • Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026: History
  • FAQs on Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026
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Tamil Nadu 12th Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

Students can check some important information about the Tamil Nadu HSC exam pattern below:

Particulars Details
Exam State Board School Examinations and Board of Higher Secondary Examinations, Tamil Nadu
Conducting Body Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu 
Frequency of Conduct Annually
Exam Level Senior and Higher Secondary
Languages English, Tamil
Mode of Exam Offline
Exam Duration 3 Hours
Maximum marks for Theory 70 
Maximum marks for Practical 20
Internal  10

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A student need to score a minimum of 35 marks in every subject in order to clear the exams. 

Read:

TN 12th exam date

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the subjects of TN 12th Board exam?
A: 

Part 1 includes language. Part 2 includes English. Part 3 consists of Mathematics, Physics, Economics, computer technology, Chemistry, ZOOLOGY, COMMERCE, MICRO BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY, BOTANY, HISTORY, ACCOUNTANCY, GEOGRAPHY etc. 

Q:   What is the duration of Tamil Nadu 12th Board exams?
A: 

The TN Plus two exam is held for 3 hours. First 10 minutes is given for reading the question paper. Then 5 minutes is given for verification of particulars by the candidate. Then 3 hours is allotted for writing.

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TN 12th Exam Pattern 2026

The duration of each paper will be 3 hours. The TN 12th exam papers comprises objective, short, and long questions. Tamil Nadu 12th new exam pattern 2026 is divided into three sections:

The exam will be conducted in three parts :

Part-1 is Language Paper (Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, Sanskrit, Arabic, French, and German).

Part-2 is the English Language, and Part-3 for Subjects of the Course.

Each exam is conducted for 100 Marks (Theory 70, Practical 20, Internal 10 Marks). Each Subject and Language Exam has 3 Hours of Time duration.

The TN 12th paper is divided into four sections.
They are multiple choice questions., 2-mark questions, three-mark questions.
The students have to answer 5 questions under section 4. Each question carries 5 marks.

TN 12th Pattern 2026: Passing Criteria

Minimum mark for a pass in each subject is 35 out of 100 marks subjected to the following conditions.

  • For languages and for the subjects which do not have practical, student must have secured a minimum of 25 out of 90 marks.
  • For the subjects consisting of theory and practical, student must have secured a minimum of 15 out of 70 marks in theory and must have appeared for practical.
  • For vocational subjects consisting of practical only, student must have secured a minimum of 20 out of 75 marks in practical. 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the marking scheme of the Tamil Nadu HSC exam?
A: 

Tamil Nadu 12th exam marking scheme is given here. Each subject carries 100 marks in total. Subjects with practicals are marked as 70 marks for theory, 20 marks for practical and 10 marks for internal assessment. The TN 12th paper is divided into four sections. The first section consists of 15 marks. It has multiple choice questions. The second section consists of 2-mark questions. The maximum marks a student can get are 12. The third section has three-mark questions and the maximum marks a student can get is 18. The students should answer 5 questions under section 4, with each question containing 5 marks.

Q:   Will the pre board examinations marks be considered in the Class 12 board examinations?
A: 

No, the pre board exam marks will not be considered in the Class 12 Board examination marks. Pre-Board or model exams are conducted to make students familiar with the board exam. This will help students to understand the pattern of exam, time management etc. It also help them to know how well they are prepared for the Class 12 Board examination.

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TN Plus Two exam Pattern 2026: Mathematics

Sections No. of Questions No. of Questions to Attempt Total Marks
A - Objective 40 40 40
B - Very Short 16 10 60
C - Long 16 10 100
Total 72 60 200

Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026: English

Check the pattern of TN 12th exam pattern 2026 English.

Sections Objectives Marks
A Supplementary Reader 25
B Learning Competency 15
C Occupational Competency 15
D Strategic Competency 5
E Creative Competency 10
F Extensive Reading 10
Total   100

Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026: Physics

Sections No. of Questions No. of Questions to Attempt Marks for Each Question Total Marks
A - Objective 30 30 1 30
B - Very Short 20 15 3 45
C - Short 12 7 5 35
D - Long 8 4 10 40
Total 70 56 - 150
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to prepare for the Tamil Nadu 12th exam in one month?
A: 

Students should make use of the last one month properly before the exam. It is better if you start studying for the TN 12th board exams 2025 as soon as possible. However, to prepare for the exams in a month, you must go through the important points marked by the teachers. Students should solve as many previous years' question papers as possible. Try and understand the concept and then you can score well by writing answers in your own words. Clear your doubts with your teachers or friends. Make a proper time table and follow it. Learn 5-6 hours daily. 

Q:   When should I start solving TN plus two sample papers and previous year question papers?
A: 

Once you finish learning according to Tamil Nadu 12th syllabus, you can start solving the TN Plus two sample papers and previous year question papers. You can solve the question papers and understand your weaknesses. Thus you can concentrate more on the topics on which you are weak.

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Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026: History

Sections No. of Questions No. of Questions to Attempt Marks Allotted for Each Question Total Marks
A - Objective 45 45 1 45
B - Very Short 20 15 3 45
C - Short 12 10 5 60
D - Long 7 5 10 50
Questions on Map 1 1 - -
Total 85 76 - 200
 

Tamil Nadu 12th Preparation Tips 2026

Students should prepare well for the TN plus two exam 2026. They can read the TN 12th preparation tips given here. They should understand the TN 12th syllabus and learn accordingly. Revise regularly so that they will not forget what they have learnt. Practice old TN 12th question papers. They should learn the TN 12th text books thoroughly. Make short notes of every chapter. Find out weaker areas and concentrate more on them.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the important documents to carry on TN 12th exam days?
A: 

You must not forget to carry your Tamil Nadu 12th admit card 2026 on all exam days. In case you forget, you will not be allowed to write the exam. Along with the TN 12th admit card 2026, students must also carry their pens, pencils, ruler, geometry box etc.

Q:   Can I cheat in Tamil Nadu 12th board exam?
A: 

Tamil Nadu board is strictly against the practise 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 TN 12th syllabus and solve as many previous years question papers and sample papers to avoid cheating during the TN 12th board exams.

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FAQs on Tamil Nadu +2 Exam pattern 2026

Check FAQs below.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the pass percentage of students in the Tamil Nadu 12th exam 2025?
A: 

The pass rate for the Tamil Nadu 12th board exam 2025 stands at 95.03%. Girls' pass percentage is 96.70%.  Boys' pass percentage is 93.16%. In 2024, TN 12th result pass percentage was 94.56%. The pass percentage was 94.03% in 2023. 

Q:   How can I improve my writing and presentation skills for the Tamil Nadu 12th board exams?
A: 
  • Students should write  answers neatly. Hand writing should be readable.
  • Write answers with proper heading..
  • Highlight important points.
  • Cross out errors neatly with single line.
  • Divide time for each question.  
  • Practice writing old question papers.
Q:   How can I handle the pressure of waiting for the Tamil Nadu 12th results?
A: 

Students can read these ways to reduce your stress during TN 12th result.

Involve in games or any fun activities. 

Take enough breaks during study.

Do meditation or yoga.

Stay positive.

Share with parents or teachers, if you are tensed.

Get medical help if needed.

Explore subject-wise topics asked in Tamilnadu 12th

Select your preferred subject

Complement of a SetEqual SetsUniversal SetFinite and Infinite SetEmpty SetSets and their RepresentationsRelations and FunctionsCartesian Products of SetsFunctionsRelationsBinomial TheoremBinomial Theorem for Positive Integral IndexComposition of Functions and Invertible FunctionTypes of FunctionsTypes of RelationsProperties of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsInverse Trigonometric FunctionsBasic Concepts of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsTypes of MatrixTranspose of a MatrixSymmetric and Skew Symmetric MatricesInvertible MatricesOperations on MatricesDeterminantsDeterminantsIntegration as Inverse Process of DifferentiationDifferentiationStandard DeviationAssumed Mean MethodCorrelation and RegressionZ Score TableCube and CuboidComplement of a SetEqual SetsUniversal SetFinite and Infinite SetEmpty SetSets and their RepresentationsRelations and FunctionsCartesian Products of SetsFunctionsRelationsBinomial TheoremBinomial Theorem for Positive Integral IndexComposition of Functions and Invertible FunctionTypes of FunctionsTypes of RelationsProperties of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsInverse Trigonometric FunctionsBasic Concepts of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsTypes of MatrixTranspose of a MatrixSymmetric and Skew Symmetric MatricesInvertible MatricesOperations on MatricesDeterminantsDeterminantsIntegration as Inverse Process of DifferentiationDifferentiationStandard DeviationAssumed Mean MethodCorrelation and RegressionZ Score TableCube and CuboidOverviewDIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIESDIMENSIONAL FORMULAESignificant FiguresDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONSINTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITSOverviewChange of StateIdeal Gas Equation and Absolute TemperatureThermal ExpansionHeat TransferSpecific HeatCalorimetryTemperature and HeatMeasurement of TemperatureThermodynamic ProcessCarnot EngineReversible and Irreversible ProcessThermal EquilibriumThermodynamic State Variables Equation of StateOverviewFirst Law of ThermodynamicsSecond Law of ThermodynamicsBehaviour of GasesKinetic Theory of Ideal GasOverviewPeriodic and Oscillatory MotionSimple PendulumSimple Harmonic MotionOverviewSpeed of a Travelling WaveDisplacement Relation in a Progressive WaveSuperposition PrincipleBeatsReflection of WavesKinematic Equation Uniformly of Accelerated MotionInstantaneous Velocity and SpeedOverviewAccelerationResolution of VectorsVector Addition by Analytical MethodScalars and VectorsMultiplication of Vectors by Real NumbersAddition and Subtraction of VectorsOverviewProjectile MotionMotion in a PlaneConservation of MomentumEquilibrium of a ParticleCircular MotionCommon Forces in MechanicsSolving Problems in MechanicsConservation of Mechanical EnergyPotential Energy of SpringPowerKinetic EnergyCollisionWorkConcept of Potential EnergyMoment of InertiaOverviewCentre of MassVector Product of Two VectorsTorque and Angular MomentumMotion of Centre of MassEquilibrium of a Rigid BodyOverviewAngular Velocity and Relation with Linear VelocityDynamics of Rotational Motion About a Fixed AxisKinematics of Rotational Motion About a Fixed AxisAngular Momentum of Rotation About a Fixed AxisKeplers LawOverviewEscape SpeedEarth SatellitesEnergy of an Orbiting SatelliteStress Strain CurveElastic ModuliApplications of Elastic Behaviour of MaterialsSurface TensionBernoulli PrinciplePressure in FluidsViscosityStreamline FlowForces between Multiple ChargesConductors and InsulatorsBasic Properties of Electric ChargeElectric ChargeElectric Charge and FieldElectric FluxElectric Charge and FieldElectric Field LinesContinuous Charge DistributionInterference Light Waves Youngs ExperimentRefraction Reflection Plane Wave Huygens PrincipleRefraction Reflection Plane Wave Huygens PrincipleEinstein Photoelectric TheoryPhotoelectric Effect Wave Theory LightPhotoelectric EffectElectron EmissionOverviewBohr Model of Hydrogen AtomRadioactivityPhysics Nuclei OverviewSize of NucleusBinding EnergyNuclear EnergySemiconductor Devices OverviewSemiconductor Devices OverviewSemiconductor DiodeDiode as RectifierIntrinsic SemiconductorExtrinsic SemiconductorOverviewPotential Due to Point ChargeCombination of CapacitorsElectrostatic PotentialEnergy Stored in a CapacitorCapacitors and CapacitanceEffect of Dielectric on CapacitanceElectrostatics of ConductorsPotential Energy of a System of ChargesPotential due to a System of ChargesElectric CurrentOverviewElectrical Energy and PowerTemperature Dependence of ResistivityWheatstone BridgeOverviewOhms LawKirchhoffs LawDrift of Electrons and the Origin of ResistivityTorque on Current Loop Magnetic DipoleMotion in Magnetic FieldSolenoidMagnetic Field due to a Current ElementMagnetic Field on Axis of Circular Current LoopAmpere Circuital LawMagnetic ForceOverviewMoving Coil GalvanometerMagnetism and MatterMagnetic Properties of MaterialsMagnetisation and Magnetic IntensityBar MagnetElectromagnetismMotional Electromotive ForceExperiments of Faraday and HenryAlternating Current OverviewTransformerAC Voltage Applied to a ResistorAC Voltage Applied to an InductorAC Voltage applied to a CapacitorAC Voltage applied to a Series LCR circuitRepresentation of AC Current and Voltage by VectorElectromagnetic SpectrumElectromagnetic WavesDisplacement CurrentTotal Internal ReflectionRefraction through a PrismOptical InstrumentsDerivation of Lens FormulaReflection of Light by Spherical MirrorsRefraction at Spherical Surface and by LensesDerive Equation of Motion by Calculus methodAlternating Current OverviewMole Concept and Molar MassSTOICHIOMETRY AND STOICHIOMETRIC CALCULATIONSPercentage CompositionLaws of Chemical CombinationAtomic and Molecular MassesProperties of Matter and their MeasurementImportance of ChemistryOverviewOverviewAtomic ModelsDiscovery of Sub Atomic ParticlesTowards Quantum Mechanical Model of AtomQuantum Mechanical Model of AtomElectronic Configuration Types of ElementsPeriodic Table Electronic Configuration of ElementPeriodic Trends in Properties of ElementsGenesis of Periodic ClassificationNomenclature of Elements with Atomic NumbersPresent Form of Periodic TableChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureHybridizationValence Bond TheoryMolecular Orbital TheoryHydrogen BondingIonic or Electrovalent BondKossel-Lewis Approach to Chemical BondingBond ParametersBonding in Homonuclear Diatomic MoleculesVSEPR TheoryApplications of Chemical BondingEquilibrium ProcessesHomogeneous EquilibriaFactors Affecting EquilibriaApplications of Equilibrium ConstantIonization of Acids and BasesIonic Equilibrium in SolutionEquilibrium in Chemical ProcessesSolubility Equilibria of Sparingly Soluble SaltsHeter Heterogeneous EquilibriaOxidation NumberClassification of Organic CompoundsIsomerismNomenclature of Organic CompoundsQuantitative AnalysisQualitative Analysis of Organic CompoundsOverviewStructural Representations of Organic CompoundsFundamental Concepts in Organic Reaction MechanismTetravalence of Carbon Shapes of Organic CompoundsMethods of Purification of Organic CompoundsClassificationAlkanesAlkenesAlkynesAromatic HydrocarbonCarcinogenicity and ToxicityAbnormal Molar MassColligative Properties and Molar MassSolubilityProteinsVitaminsCarbohydratesEnzymesHormonesNucleic AcidsElectrolytic Cells and ElectrolysisCorrosionGalvanic CellFuel CellsNernst EquationElectrochemical CellsBatteriesRate of ReactionIntegrated Rate EquationsCollision Theory of Chemical ReactionsTemperature Dependence of the Rate of a ReactionFactors Influencing Rate of a ReactionBonding in Metal CarbonylsDifference between Glucose and Fructose

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Tamilnadu 12th Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

Students have to score minimum 35 marks per subject. Those who get less than 35 marks are failed. They will have to appear for the supplementary exam.

S

Salviya Antony

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) Tamil Nadu distributes the books for the TN 12th board exam. Students are advised to learn as per the books given by TN board only. The Tamil Nadu Plus two exam 2026 will be based on the books provided by the board.

S

Salviya Antony

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) Tamil Nadu conducts the TN 12th board exam. It is held in the month of March. The Tamil Nadu Plus two exam 2026 will be held from March 2 to 26, 2026. 

S

Salviya Antony

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

TN 12th board exam is held only once in the year. Usually the board conduct the TN 12th board exam in March. TN 12th result will be released in May. The board conducts the TN 12th supplementary exam in June.

S

Salviya Antony

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

TN 12th preparation at home needs proper scheduled learning.
Students need to be thorough with the TN 12th syllabus. They need to practice the past question papers. Regular revision is also important.

S

Salviya Antony

Contributor-Level 10

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