CBSE Class 12 exams are likely scheduled from 17 February to 4 April 2026 and will be held in a pen-and-paper format. The board is expected to publish the Class 12 datesheet in November 2025, and admit cards are anticipated in February 2026.
Over 16 lakh students are expected to appear for the CBSE Class 12 exams, a slight increase compared with roughly 15.4 lakh candidates in 2025.
For official updates on the datesheet, admit card and results, visit the CBSE website at cbse.gov.in regularly.
See also
Summary at a glance:
This article explains the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 — dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus and preparation strategies.
2.1 CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 — Tentative schedule
3.1 CBSE Class 12 Registration 2026 — Key details
3.2 CBSE Class 12 Registration process
4.1 CBSE Class 12 eligibility criteria
5.1 CBSE Class 12 exam pattern — Question paper design
5.2 CBSE Class 12 mark distribution (by subject type)
7.1 CBSE Class 12 syllabus PDF — Download links
7.2 CBSE Class 12 NCERT solutions
8.1 CBSE Class 12 practical exams — Subject-wise weightage and components
9.1 CBSE Class 12 science stream — Weightage
9.2 CBSE Class 12 commerce stream — Weightage
9.3 CBSE Class 12 arts (humanities) stream — Weightage
10.1 Six‑month preparation plan for the CBSE Class 12 examination
11.1 CBSE Class 12 grading system — Table
12.1 CBSE Class 12 admit card 2026 — Highlights
13.1 CBSE Class 12 result 2026 — Highlights
Watch the video below for a detailed overview of the CBSE Class 12 exams, covering dates, registration, eligibility, exam pattern and syllabus.
Each year the CBSE Class 12 board exams are taken by over 16 lakh candidates across India and overseas, spanning the science, commerce and humanities streams with both theory and practical components.
The CBSE Class 12 board exams for 2026 are expected to take place from 17 February to 4 April in offline mode. The official datesheet should be released in November 2025, while admit cards are likely to be available in February 2026.
Practical exams are expected to be scheduled in November–December 2025 for winter-bound schools and in January–February 2026 for other schools.
Regular candidates will be registered through their schools, while private candidates must register via the CBSE website.
Also read
To be eligible for the CBSE Class 12 board exams, candidates must meet the board’s academic, attendance and registration requirements as specified by CBSE.
These eligibility conditions apply to both regular and private candidates.
The 2026 Class 12 exams will be conducted offline (pen-and-paper) and will include competency-based assessments.
Also read
Solving previous year question papers is an effective way to prepare and familiarise yourself with the exam format.
Also read
The CBSE Class 12 syllabus evaluates theoretical knowledge and practical application across science, commerce and arts. Most theory papers carry around 70–80 marks, while practicals or internal assessment typically account for 20–30 marks depending on the subject.
The syllabus is aligned with NCERT textbooks and emphasises application-based learning, case studies and competency-oriented questions.
Also read
Practical exams assess hands-on skills, experimental work and project-based learning.
Practical marks generally range between 20 and 30, depending on the subject and evaluation criteria.
Also, check:
CBSE follows a defined marking scheme for each subject. Knowing the weightage helps you prioritise high-value chapters — every topic is important, but some carry greater marks.
Note
With a large number of students appearing each year, following a structured preparation plan is essential.
Analysis of past years shows that students who begin focused revision in October 2025 can often improve their scores by 15–20% compared with last‑minute preparation.
Also read
CBSE uses a nine-point grading system to report Class 12 performance, assigning grades according to percentage bands alongside marks.
Also read
The admit card is a mandatory document issued to all registered candidates for the board exams.
Also read
CBSE releases Class 12 results online on its official website. For 2026, results are expected in May 2026, roughly two months after the exams conclude.
Students can access their Class 12 results using their roll number, school number and admit card details.
Also read
Compartment exams are organised for students who did not pass one or more subjects in the main board exams, providing them an opportunity to clear the failed papers.
Compartment exams allow students to improve their scores and retain their academic year.
Also read
Q: Will Class 12 board exams be held in 2026?
A: Yes — CBSE will conduct the Class 12 board exams in 2026 in pen-and-paper mode in India and abroad, as in previous years.
Q: What are the exam dates for 2026?
A: The Class 12 board exams for 2026 are expected to be held between February and April 2026.
CBSE Class 12 — Expected timeline
Q: Has CBSE released the Class 12 syllabus for 2025–26?
A: Yes, the CBSE syllabus for Class 12 (2025–26) is available on the official CBSE website.
Q: Are there any changes in the Class 12 syllabus for 2025–26?
A: Yes, the 2026 syllabus includes some updates and reductions in certain topics.
Changes in the 2026 CBSE Class 12 board exams
Q: What is the updated exam pattern for 2026?
A: The board has increased competency-based questions and added more application-based MCQs and case-study questions across papers.
CBSE Class 12 — New exam pattern
Q: What does the 'best of five' rule mean in CBSE calculations?
A: Under the 'best of five' rule, the percentage is calculated using the top five subject scores out of a maximum of six subjects.
Example: Best five subjects — English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education — give a 90% aggregate
Q: How many students failed CBSE Class 12 in 2025?
A: In 2025, about 2.2 lakh students out of approximately 16.2 lakh candidates did not clear the Class 12 board exam.
Pass percentage 2025:
| Quick Summary: This page outlines the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 — dates, eligibility, exam design, syllabus and preparation advice.
|
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Level | National (India & overseas) |
| Streams | Science, Commerce, Humanities (Arts) |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-and-paper (offline) |
| Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Marking Scheme | Theory: 80 marks; Internal/Practical: 20 marks |
| Total Students (2025) | Approx. 16+ lakh candidates |
| Expected Exam Dates (2026) | February – April 2026 |
| Passing Marks | 33% in each subject (theory and practical evaluated separately) |
| Result Declaration | May–June 2026 (tentative) |
| Event | Tentative Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Exams | 17 February – 4 April 2026 | Held in pen-and-paper mode |
| Date Sheet Release | November 2025 | Available on cbse.gov.in |
| Admit Card Release | February 2026 | Schools/private candidates can download online |
| Practical Exams (Winter Schools) | November – December 2025 | For winter-bound institutions |
| Practical Exams (Other Schools) | January – February 2026 | For remaining schools |
| Result Declaration | May 20, 2026 (tentative) | To be checked online |
| Supplementary Exams | July 2026 | For candidates placed in the compartment category |
| Category | Timeline (Tentative) | Mode of Registration | Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Students | August – October 2025 | Through respective schools | Included in school fees (exam fee remitted by school to CBSE) |
| Private Candidates | September – October 2025 | Online at cbse.gov.in (CBSE portal) | ₹1,500 for 5 subjects (India); higher for additional or overseas subjects |
| Late Registration | October – November 2025 | Online with late fee | Exam fee + late fine |
| International Students | August – October 2025 | Online (through schools or private registration) | Approx. ₹10,000 for 5 subjects |
| Process (Regular Students) | Process (Private Candidates) |
|---|---|
| Schools collect student details (name, subjects, etc.) | Visit cbse.gov.in and click on the Private Candidate link |
| Schools upload data on the CBSE Pariksha Sangam Portal | Fill the online registration form with personal, school and subject details |
| Students verify details with the school before final submission | Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, ID proof) |
| The school pays the consolidated exam fee to CBSE | Pay exam fees online (debit/credit card, net banking, UPI) |
| CBSE confirms registration and issues roll numbers | Download the confirmation page for records |
| Admit cards are issued by CBSE via schools in February 2026 | Admit cards will be downloadable from the portal (Feb 2026) |
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Candidates should have passed Class 11 and be enrolled in Class 12 at a CBSE-affiliated school |
| Subjects Requirement | Students must study a minimum of five subjects, typically two languages and three electives |
| Attendance | A minimum of 75% attendance in Class 12 is generally required to be eligible |
| Registration | Regular candidates are registered by their school; private candidates register on the CBSE website |
| Private Candidates | Allowed if they have passed Class 11 from a recognised board and complete registration by the deadline |
| Reappear/Compartment Students | Students who failed or were placed in compartment can register again as private candidates |
| Migration Cases | Students transferred from other boards should submit a CBSE approval/migration certificate |
| Question Type | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|
| MCQs (Objective type) | 20% |
| Competency-Based Questions | 40% |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | 40% |
| Subject Type | Theory Marks | Practical/Internal Marks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.) | 70 | 30 | 100 |
| Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, etc. | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| English & Other Languages | 80 | 20 (ASL/Project work) | 100 |
| Computer Science / Informatics Practices | 70 | 30 | 100 |
| Year | Question Paper |
|---|---|
| CBSE Class 12th Question Paper 2025 | View question paper |
| CBSE Class 12th Question Paper 2024 | View question paper |
| CBSE Class 12th Question Paper 2023 | View question paper |
| CBSE Class 12th Question Paper 2022 | View question paper |
| CBSE Class 12th Question Paper 2021 | View question paper |
| Class 12 Subject | Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 English Elective Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Economics Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Geography Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Physical Education Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Political Science Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Hindi Syllabus | Download |
| CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus | Download |
| Subject Name | Class 12 NCERT Solutions |
|---|---|
| Physics | Class 12 Physics — NCERT solutions |
| Chemistry | Class 12 Chemistry — NCERT solutions |
| Biology | Class 12 Biology — NCERT solutions |
| English | Class 12 English — NCERT solutions |
| Maths | Class 12 Maths — NCERT solutions |
| Stream/Subject | Practical Marks | Key Components in Practical Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 30 Marks | Experiments, activities, practical file and viva voce |
| Chemistry | 30 Marks | Volumetric analysis, salt analysis, project file and viva |
| Biology | 30 Marks | Experiments (slide preparation, spotting), practical file and viva |
| Computer Science / Informatics Practices | 30 Marks | Lab work, project and viva |
| Accountancy (Commerce) | 20 Marks | Project work (file) and viva |
| Business Studies / Economics | 20 Marks | Project work and viva assessment |
| Psychology | 30 Marks | Practical file, case study/experiments and viva |
| Fine Arts | 30 Marks | Portfolio evaluation and viva |
| CBSE Class 12 Physics Practical |
| CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Practical |
| CBSE Class 12 Biology Practical |
| Subject | Major Units / Sections | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Electrostatics, current electricity, optics, electromagnetic waves, atomic & nuclear physics, communication and modern physics | 70 |
| Chemistry | Solid state, solutions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, p-block, d-block, f-block, biomolecules and polymers | 70 |
| Biology | Reproduction, genetics and evolution, human welfare, biotechnology and ecology | 70 |
| Mathematics | Relations & functions, algebra, calculus, vectors & 3D geometry, probability | 80 |
| Subject | Major Units / Sections | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | Partnership firms, company accounts, financial analysis, cash flow statements | 70 |
| Business Studies | Nature and principles of management, planning, staffing, directing, marketing and finance | 80 |
| Economics | Macroeconomics (national income, employment, banking, budget, BOP) and Indian economic development | 80 |
| Mathematics (Optional) | Same as science mathematics | 80 |
| Subject | Major Units / Sections | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| History | Themes in Indian history (ancient, medieval and modern) | 80 |
| Political Science | Contemporary world politics and politics in India since independence | 80 |
| Geography | Fundamentals of human geography, India — people & economy, and practical work | 70 |
| Sociology | Indian society, social change and development | 80 |
| Psychology | Variations in psychological attributes, self and personality, mental disorders, development and applied fields | 70 |
| Month | Focus Area | Study Hours/Day | Key Tasks | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Syllabus completion | 6–7 hrs | Finish NCERTs, make concise notes, highlight formulas | Solid foundation and full syllabus coverage |
| 3 | Revision — Round 1 | 6 hrs | Revise all subjects, solve 5 years of PYQs, note weak areas | Weak topics identified |
| 4 | Mock tests and practice | 7–8 hrs | Take 2–3 mocks per week, work on time management and accuracy | Exam temperament improved |
| 5 | Revision — Round 2 | 6–7 hrs | Focus on high-weightage chapters, prepare formula sheets | Better retention and speed |
| 6 | Final preparation | 5–6 hrs | Solve sample papers, review last-minute notes, quick diagrams | Exam-ready state |
| Marks Range (%) | Grade | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| 91 – 100 | A1 | 10 |
| 81 – 90 | A2 | 9 |
| 71 – 80 | B1 | 8 |
| 61 – 70 | B2 | 7 |
| 51 – 60 | C1 | 6 |
| 41 – 50 | C2 | 5 |
| 33 – 40 | D | 4 |
| 21 – 32 | E1 | No grade point |
| 00 – 20 | E2 | No grade point |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Release Date | Expected in February 2026 (a few weeks before exams) |
| Mode of Availability | Online (school login for regular students; CBSE website for private candidates) |
| Credentials Required | Application number, roll number and date of birth |
| Mandatory To Carry | Yes — entry to the exam hall is not allowed without the admit card |
| Details Mentioned | Student name, roll number, subject codes, exam dates, exam centre and instructions |
| Discrepancy Resolution | Report errors immediately to school authorities or the CBSE regional office for correction |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Expected Result Date | May 2026 |
| Mode of Declaration | Online at cbseresults.nic.in |
| Credentials Required | Roll number, school number and admit card ID |
| Result Format | Subject-wise marks, total marks, grade and pass/fail status |
| Re-evaluation/Re-checking | Available on request after result declaration |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 33% in each subject (theory and practical) |
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Date Sheet Release | December 2025 |
| Theory Exams Start | February 2026 |
| Practical Exams | January 2026 |
| Results Declaration | May 2026 |
| Subject | Change in 2026 Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Physics | Slight reduction in wave optics topics |
| Chemistry | Some organic chemistry topics trimmed |
| Mathematics | Rationalisation in probability topics |
| Business Studies | Updated and refreshed case studies |
| Example | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 92 |
| Physics | 85 |
| Chemistry | 90 |
| Mathematics | 80 |
| Biology | 88 |
| Physical Education | 95 |
