CBSE Class 12 New Pattern Sample Papers 2025–26

CBSE Class 12 New Pattern Sample Papers

The CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 are expected to begin from 17 February 2026 and continue till early April. This year, CBSE has made some important updates to the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern to make it more application-based and skill-oriented. According to the new format, around 20% of the paper will have Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 30% will include competency-based questions such as case-based or source-based types, and the remaining 50% will have short and long answer questions. These changes aim to test students’ understanding rather than rote learning.

Keeping the latest updates in mind, PW has introduced the CBSE Class 12 New Pattern Sample Papers 2025–26 to help students prepare effectively for the upcoming board exams. These CBSE Class 12 sample papers are designed as per the CBSE Class 12 new pattern and follow the latest marking scheme. After completing the syllabus, students are advised to practise these Class 12 CBSE sample papers regularly to improve their accuracy and time management. Solving these CBSE sample papers Class 12 will give students a clear idea of the exam format and help them perform confidently in the 2026 board exams.

Check Out: CBSE Class 12 Books

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern

The CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for the academic year 2025–26 has been revised to make exams more skill-based and conceptual. The new structure focuses on testing students’ understanding, analytical thinking, and application of concepts. As per the CBSE Class 12 new pattern, the question paper will include a mix of objective, competency-based, and descriptive questions. Below is a quick overview of the CBSE Class 12 pattern for 2026:

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 2025-26 with Solutions

To help students prepare confidently for the upcoming board exams, PW has introduced CBSE Class 12 sample papers 2025 for all three streams, Science, Commerce, and Humanities. These CBSE sample papers for Class 12 are designed as per the latest exam pattern and include numerous questions similar to those asked in the actual board exams.

Each paper provides chapter-wise weightage and trend analysis, helping students identify the most important topics and prepare accordingly. Whether you’re looking for the CBSE Class 12 Commerce sample paper or papers for Science and Humanities, these resources will make your revision more focused and exam-ready.

CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 and Marking Scheme for Exam 2025-26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the Class 12 marking scheme and sample papers for the 2025–26 board exams, along with the updated exam pattern. This marking scheme will give students a clear idea of how marks will be distributed across different types of questions and sections. Click the link and get more sample papers and the marking scheme.

How to Score 95 %+ in Class 12?

Scoring above 95% in Class 12 is possible with the right strategy, discipline, and a smart study plan. Whether you are from the Science, Commerce, or Humanities stream, the key is to plan your preparation in a way that strengthens your base. Here are some tips for class 12 preparation:-

1. Check the CBSE Class 12 New Pattern

Before starting preparation, it’s important to understand the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern. CBSE has introduced a balanced mix of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and case-based or source-based questions. This pattern ensures students not only memorise but also understand and apply what they learn.

• Students are advised to carefully go through the CBSE Class 12 pattern available on the official site or in school circulars to understand the marks distribution and question types.

• Focus on competency-based questions, as around 50% of the paper now tests conceptual clarity and analytical ability.

• After understanding the new pattern, plan your study routine accordingly so that you can balance theory, numerical, and application-based learning.

2. Focus on Important Topics

Every chapter holds value, but there are always some topics that carry slightly higher weightage in exams. Knowing which chapters are frequently asked will help you study smartly and prioritise your time.

• In Science, students are advised to focus more on topics such as Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology, Electrostatics, and Ray Optics, as questions from these chapters often appear in the board exams.

• For Commerce, chapters like Partnership Accounts, Financial Statements, Macroeconomics, and Business Environment are particularly important because they are frequently asked and carry significant marks.

• In Humanities, students should pay special attention to Political Ideologies, Indian History (especially Modern India), and Social Change, as these topics usually have higher weightage in the exam papers.

3. Make Proper Notes and Diagrams

Clear, well-organised notes help you revise faster and remember more. Students who prepare short notes will find it easier to revise during the last few days before the exam. Diagrams and flowcharts make concepts more visual and help in quick recall during the paper.

• Write important definitions, formulas, and examples in your own words while going through each chapter. This makes revision much easier later.

• Use colour codes, arrows, and small drawings wherever applicable, especially in subjects like Biology, Geography, or Business Studies.

• For lengthy theoretical topics, make summary notes at the end of every chapter to quickly go through the key points before exams.

4. Practise from CBSE Sample Papers

Once the syllabus is completed, regular practice from CBSE sample papers class 12 is very important. Solving these papers helps you become familiar with the exam structure and improve speed and accuracy.

• Try solving class 12 CBSE sample papers within the official exam time limit to get used to managing time effectively.

• Use the latest CBSE Class 12 sample paper for each subject, as they follow the same question pattern that the board is currently using.

• Students from the Commerce stream can also practise from the CBSE Class 12 Commerce sample paper and other commerce class 12 sample paper sets to strengthen calculation-based questions.

5. Revise Smartly and Consistently

Revision is not about going through everything again, but about brushing up on what you’ve already learned. Regular revision helps you remember concepts and formulas for longer, reducing confusion during the final exams.

• Divide your revision plan into small portions and revise one or two chapters every day instead of doing everything at once.

• Highlight tricky areas or concepts that you often forget and revisit them frequently to strengthen your memory.

• During the final week, focus only on reading your short notes, important diagrams, and practising objective-type questions to boost confidence.

6. Attempt Papers Effectively

Knowing the right way to attempt the paper is as important as knowing the answers. Proper presentation and time division can make a big difference to your final score.

• Start with questions you are most confident about. It helps you gain momentum and saves time for tougher ones later.

• Maintain neat handwriting and highlight important terms, formulas, and headings. This creates a positive impression and makes your answers easy to evaluate.

• Use maps, labelled diagrams, and flowcharts wherever necessary, especially in Geography, Biology, and History. Visual representation often earns extra marks and helps you explain your points better.

Read More: CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 and Marking Scheme for Exam 2025-26

CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet

The CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 has been officially announced. The board exams are scheduled to begin on 17 February 2026. As in previous years, all exams will start at 10:30 AM, and the majority of papers will have a duration of 3 hours. Students can refer to the official schedule or the table here to check the dates and details for each subject.

CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers FAQs

1. Did CBSE release sample papers for Class 12?

Yes, CBSE has released CBSE Class 12 sample papers for all streams. These papers follow the CBSE Class 12 new pattern and help students understand the types of questions expected in the exams.

2. Is the sample paper released for 2025/26 Class 12?

Yes, the CBSE sample papers for Class 12 2025–26 are available for Science, Commerce, and Humanities. They are updated as per the latest exam pattern.

3. When will the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 start?

The exams are expected to begin on 17 February 2026 and continue till early April.

4. What are the key changes in the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for 2026?

The new pattern focuses on skill and application. Around 20% of the paper will have MCQs, 30% competency-based questions, and 50% short and long answer questions.

5. Do the sample papers follow the latest marking scheme?

Yes, they are prepared according to the CBSE Class 12 pattern and latest marking scheme.