The CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme is the guide for marking criteria so that students can plan their study strategy and maximize scores for the 2026 board exams. Since the Central Board of Secondary Education released the tentative Class 12 schedule showing exams from February 2026, students must now start their revision, aligning with the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme and the updated question formats.
Why the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme matters right now
The CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme defines question types, marks per section, and internal assessment weightage, through which students can prioritise high-yield topics, practice the right question formats, and also manage time efficiently during the three-hour papers. Moreover, this scheme reflects NEP 2020 priorities and therefore emphasizes application and competency over rote recall.
Quick snapshot: Question typology & overall weightage
Here is the presentation of the details of the types of questions from the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme, so you get a one-glance view before diving into subject-wise plans.
| Question Type | Percentage of Total Marks | Description |
| Competency-Based Questions | 20% | Includes MCQs, case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions designed to test conceptual application. |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30% | Standard objective questions. |
| Constructed Response (Short & Long Answer) | 50% (Reduced from 40%) | Descriptive questions that test depth of understanding. |
Moreover, the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme shows stream-specific shifts, as the science stream increases competency-based weight to 50% while reducing constructed-response to about 30% in some papers, so check the subject table below for exact splits.
Subject-wise marks distribution (Max 100)—summary
Science and mathematics streams will follow combined theory and practical/internal assessment totals as specified in the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme.
| Stream/Subject Group | Theory Exam Marks | Practical/Internal Assessment | Total Marks |
| Science Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Comp. Science) | 70 marks | 30 marks (Practical) | 100 |
| Mathematics | 80 marks | 20 marks (Internal Assessment) | 100 |
As the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme sets these totals, students must allocate revision time to both theory and lab/project practice accordingly.
General examination criteria (per the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme)
First, understand the board-wide rules that the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme enforces:
- The maximum marks per subject is 100 (theory + practical/project).
- To pass the examination, students are required to secure at least 33% overall and 33% in each subject as required by the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme.
- Moreover, there is also an underlying principle that aligns assessment with NEP 2020 by prioritizing analysis, application, and real-life context, according to the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme.
CBSE Class 12 English (Core)—pattern & marking per the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme
English plays a central role in overall grade planning, so students are advised to follow the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme breakdown below.
| Component | Marks | Included Question Types |
| Section A: Reading | 22 | Comprehension based on unseen passages—narrative, descriptive, and factual formats, including case-based passages with visual/verbal cues. |
| Section B: Writing & Grammar | 18 | Writing formats such as notices, invitations (formal/informal) with replies, letters (applications, editorial), reports or articles, and grammar-based sentence transformation. |
| Section C: Literature | 40 | Questions from prose, poetry, and plays in the prescribed textbooks and supplements focused on comprehension, interpretation, analysis, and inference |
Marking Scheme:
| Components | Marks |
| Reading Comprehension | 20 |
| Creative Expression (Writing Tasks) | 20 |
| Literary Section (Main & Supplementary Texts) | 40 |
| Internal Assessment Breakdown | |
| Listening Test | 5 |
| Speaking Test | 5 |
| Project-Based Assessment | 10 |
CBSE Class 12 Science (General 3-hour theory + practical) per the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme
The science stream changes emphasize competency, so students are advised to study with that emphasis using the Marking Scheme structure below.
Theory paper (70 marks) is typically divided into:
| Part | Question Format | Marks Allotted |
| Part A | 16 Questions (mix of MCQs, very short and short responses) | 16 Marks |
| Part B | 5 Questions – Short Answer (2 marks each) | 10 Marks |
| Part C | 7 Questions – Short Answer (3 marks each) | 21 Marks |
| Part D | 2 Questions – Case-Based (4 marks each) | 8 Marks |
| Part E | 3 Questions – Long Answer (5 marks each) | 15 Marks |
| Theory Total | — | 70 Marks |
| Practical Exam | Activities, experiments, viva, and record work | 30 Marks |
| Grand Total | Combined score of theory and practical | 100 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 Physics—topic-wise marks (according to Class 12 Marking Scheme)
The topics that are focused on should be revised repeatedly, which yields high returns, so use this topic map from the Class 12 Marking Scheme.
| Category | Information |
| Marks Distribution | Theory: 70 marksPractical/Project Work: 30 marks |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (38%)Application-Based Questions (32%)Descriptive – Short & Long Answers (30%) |
| Exam Duration | The total duration of the written paper is 3 hours. |
Marking Scheme:
| Topics | Marks |
| Unit 1: Electrostatics Unit 2: Current Electricity | 16 |
| Unit 3: Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism Unit 4: Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents | 17 |
| Unit 5: Electromagnetic Waves Unit 6: Optics | 18 |
| Unit 7: Dual Nature of Radiation & Matter Unit 8: Atoms & Nuclei | 12 |
| Unit 9: Electronic Devices | 7 |
| Practical | |
| Two experiments (one from each section) | 7+7 |
| Practical file (with activities and experiments recorded) | 5 |
| One hands-on activity from any section | 3 |
| Project work (investigatory type) | 3 |
| Viva, based on experiments and a project | 5 |
Students aiming for full marks should also review the detailed subject-wise Physics marking breakdown to understand step-wise evaluation and answer presentation expectations.
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry—topic-wise marks (per the Class 12 Marking Scheme)
Chemistry demands strategic practice, so students must follow this distribution from the Class 12 Marking Scheme.
| Category | Information |
| Marks Distribution | Theory: 70 marks Practical/Project Work: 30 marks |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (40%)Competency-based (30%)Descriptive – Short & Long Answers (30%) |
| Exam Duration | The total duration of the written paper is 3 hours. |
Marking Scheme.
| Topics | Marks |
| Solutions | 7 |
| Electrochemistry | 9 |
| Chemical Kinetics | 7 |
| d -and f- block elements | 7 |
| Coordination Compounds | 7 |
| Haloalkanes & Haloarenes | 6 |
| Alcohol, Phenols & Ethers | 6 |
| Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 8 |
| Amines | 6 |
| Biomolecules | 7 |
| Practicals | |
| Volumetric Analysis | 8 |
| Salt Analysis | 8 |
| Content-Based Experiment | 6 |
| Project | 4 |
| Class record & viva | 4 |
Along with understanding marks distribution, regular practice using updated Chemistry sample papers helps students apply the marking scheme effectively in real exam conditions.
CBSE Class 12 Biology—topic-wise marks (following the Class 12 Marking Scheme)
Biology contains many modules, so try to allocate time according to the Class 12 Marking Scheme.
| Category | Information |
| Marks Distribution | Theory: 70 marksPractical/Project Work: 30 marks |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (50%)Competency-based (30%)Descriptive – Short & Long Answers (20%) |
| Exam Duration | The total duration of the written paper is 3 hours. |
Marking Scheme
| Topics | Marks |
| Reproduction | 16 |
| Genetics & Evolution | 20 |
| Biology & Human Welfare | 12 |
| Biotechnology & Its Applications | 12 |
| Ecology & Environment | 10 |
| Practical | |
| 1 Major experiment | 5 |
| 1 Minor experiment | 4 |
| Slide preparation | 5 |
| Spotting | 7 |
| Practical record + viva voce | 4 |
| Investigatory Project and Project record + viva voce | 5 |
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics—structure & topic weights (as listed in the Class 12 Marking Scheme)
Mathematics carries 80 marks of theory, so students are advised to follow the written/internal split and topic weightage from the Class 12 Marking Scheme.
| Exam Component | Information |
| Total Score | 100 Marks (divided into 80 for the written exam and 20 for the internal assessment) |
| Written Paper Structure | 55% Objective Type (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false, or very short answer type)25% Application-Based (Case/Source-based)20% Descriptive (Short & Long Answers) |
| Internal Evaluation | periodic tests (best 2 out of 3 will be counted) and subject-based activities in Mathematics, each carrying 10 marks. |
| Time Duration | 3 Hours for the theory exam |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum 33% required per subject and overall total |
Marking Scheme
| Topic | Marks |
| Relations & Functions | 08 |
| Calculus | 35 |
| Algebra | 10 |
| Vectors & 3-Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| Linear Programming | 05 |
| Probability | 08 |
How to interpret and use the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme for study planning
First, try to map high-weight units from the Class 12 Marking Scheme to your revision calendar. Next, practice more and more competency-based questions and MCQs under timed conditions because as Class 12 Marking Scheme increases its weight. Furthermore, allocate 30–40% of weekly study time to practicals, projects, and internal assessment tasks as required by the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme.
Step-by-step: How to download the official CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme
First, follow these exact steps to obtain the official copy of the Class 12 Marking Scheme from the board website:
Step-by-Step Process
- First, visit the official CBSE website:
Then go to the official CBSE portal, cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the “Main Website” tab, and you will see the homepage displays several options. Select the Main Website to proceed.
- Then, select the “Board Examinations,” where CBSE uploads the Sample Papers, Question Bank, and marking schemes.
- Look for “Marking Scheme 2025”:
Scroll through the list and find the Class 12 Marking Scheme 2025 for all subjects. - Click on the subject-wise PDF link: Choose the subject you need, such as Math, Biology, Physics, or Chemistry.
- Lastly, download and save the PDF. After clicking, the PDF will open, so click the download button to save it on your device.
Final note
As this guide is to understand the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme, so students are advised to act immediately after reading this. Draft a weekly plan that reflects topic weights, practice competency-based and objective items under timed conditions, and complete internal assessment tasks with solid documentation. Consequently, you will enter the February 2026 exams confident and focused, armed with a study plan that mirrors the Class 12 Marking Scheme exactly.
For consistent updates, subject-wise marking insights, and board-focused preparation resources, students should rely on a dedicated academic guidance platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I find the Class 12 Marking Scheme for each subject?
You can find the Class 12 Marking Scheme on the official CBSE website under the Examinations / Academic section, where subject-wise PDFs and official circulars are available for download.
Q2: Does the Class 12 Marking Scheme change yearly?
CBSE updates the Class 12 Marking Scheme and sample papers periodically. Since NEP 2020 influences current changes, students should always check the latest CBSE board circulars for the most accurate marking scheme.
Q3: How much weight does internal assessment carry according to the Class 12 Marking Scheme?
Internal assessment usually carries 20–30 marks, depending on the subject. Refer to the subject-specific Class 12 Marking Scheme PDF for exact internal weightage.
Q4: How should I prioritise topics using the Class 12 Marking Scheme?
Prioritise high-weightage units, practise competency-based questions extensively, and complete practicals or projects early to secure maximum internal assessment marks.
Q5: Can I challenge marking or seek re-evaluation as per the Class 12 Marking Scheme?
Yes, CBSE provides re-evaluation and photocopy options. Students should consult the latest CBSE board notification linked with the Class 12 Marking Scheme for timelines and applicable fees.
