CBSE Class 12 Board Exam
Pattern and Marks
The Class 12 result is used for college admission and for exam eligibility. This guide explains the paper and what you need to pass.
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How the Class 12 Board Exam Works
The CBSE Class 12 board exam is held once a year, early in the year. Each subject carries 100 marks. In science subjects, part of that is a practical exam held in school.
In recent years CBSE has asked more questions that test how you apply an idea. These are called competency-based questions. Learning answers by heart is not enough for them.
We last checked this page in October 2026. Exam rules can change. Read the official notice on cbse.gov.in before you apply.
Exam pattern
CBSE Class 12 at a glance
| How it works | |
|---|---|
| Marks per subject | 100 |
| Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 70 marks for theory and 30 for practical |
| Maths and English | 80 marks for the paper and 20 from school |
| Question types | Multiple choice, short and long answers. About half the marks test how you apply an idea |
| Pass mark | 33% in theory and 33% in practical, each on its own |
| If you miss one subject | You can usually sit a supplementary exam in that subject the same year |
| Official website | cbse.gov.in |
In the 2025–26 CBSE scheme, about half the marks were for competency-based questions. About one fifth of the paper was multiple choice. The CBSE sample papers on cbseacademic.nic.in show the pattern for your year.
How to prepare
Four Habits for the Board Year
Most students also prepare for JEE, NEET or CUET in this year. The plan must leave room for both.
Finish the syllabus early
Aim to close the syllabus well before the exam. Keep the last months for sample papers and past papers.
Use the CBSE sample papers
CBSE prints sample papers and marking schemes each year. They show what the examiner wants in each answer.
Write answers by hand
Board marks are given for steps, diagrams and correct terms. Practise writing them, with a clock.
Do not ignore the practical
Thirty marks in each science subject come from the practical. Keep your file and your viva ready.
CBSE Class 12 questions
Questions Students Ask About CBSE Class 12
What is the pass mark in CBSE Class 12?
A student needs 33% in each subject. In subjects with a practical, you must get 33% in the theory paper and 33% in the practical, each on its own.
Does CBSE hold the Class 12 board exam twice a year?
No, as far as we could find in October 2026. The two-exam rule was in force only for Class 10. The government has spoken of doing the same for Class 12, but we found no CBSE notice for it. Class 12 had one main exam and a supplementary exam. Check cbse.gov.in for the current rule.
What are competency-based questions?
They are questions that give you a new case and ask you to use an idea. A case study or a data table is common. You cannot answer them from memory alone.
How are marks split in Class 12 Physics, Chemistry and Biology?
Each has 70 marks for the theory paper and 30 marks for the practical. Maths and English have an 80-mark paper and 20 marks from school.
Do Class 12 marks matter for JEE and NEET?
Yes. NEET needs a minimum mark in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. For IITs and NITs, a minimum Class 12 mark has also been needed in recent years. Check the bulletin of each exam for the exact figure.
Admissions Open 2026–27
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In Class 12 with a board exam and an entrance exam ahead? See our CBSE Class 11 and 12 coaching, or call for a free demo class.