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CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2023-24: Subject-Wise Marking Scheme and Sample Papers with Answer Key PDF

According to the suggested National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF), released by the Ministry of Education, an important change for class 12 students is the introduction of the semester system for class 12 exams. CBSE, in accordance with the NEP 2020, will increase the number of competency-based questions in class 12 2024 board exams. 

As per the new changes, students will now get more MCQs in their exams. The major changes include:

  • CBSE will be including about 20% MCQ-based questions for class 12 in the final board exams of 2024.
  • A total of 40% of the questions in the final exams will be competency-based including MCQs, source-based, and case-study-based questions.
  • Short and long answer-type questions will constitute 40% of the total questions. 

CBSE Class 12 board exams have a total of 100 marks per subject. CBSE class 12 result is prepared by calculating both the theory and practical exam marks. Practical exams are conducted internally by schools and have a weightage of 20 marks. Students need to score a minimum of 33% in each subject and in aggregate to pass the exams. 

Check CBSE Class 12 Syllabus

Highlights

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2023: Highlights

CBSE class 12 exam pattern highlights can be checked from the table below:

Particulars Details
Conducting Body  Central Board of Secondary Education 
Question Paper Pattern 
  • MCQs - 20%
  • Competency-based questions in the form of case-based questions, source-based questions, or any other types - 30%
  • Short answer/long answer type questions- 50%
Duration  3 hours 
Medium  English / Hindi Note: Regional languages are an optional language exam for candidates and will not be used as the main form of examination.
Mode  Offline 
Number of subjects  5 or 6 (as elected by the student) 
Maximum Marks  100 (theory + practical)
  • 80 marks theory + 20 marks Project works for Commerce subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies & Economics) 
  • 80 marks theory +30 marks practical for Physics, Chemistry & Biology 
  • 80 marks Maths written exam + 20 marks internal assessment 
Passing marks for each subject  33%
Passing marks for the overall exam  Aggregate 33%

Subject-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

CBSE Class 12 Subject-wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2023 

The updated CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern for different subjects and the marking scheme associated with each subject are explained in below mentioned sections.

Subjects Theory Exam Practical Exam
English 80 20
Sociology 80 20
Political Science 80 20
Physics 70 30
Mathematics 80 20
History 80 20
Geography 70 30
Economics 80 20
Computer Science 70 30
Chemistry 70 30
Business Studies 80 20
Accountancy 80 20
Biology 70 30

Check NCERT Class 12 Books

Mathematics Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

For CBSE class 12 Maths the theory part has a total weightage of 80 marks and the internal assessment is for 30 marks. Chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme for CBSE Class 12 Mathematics are clearly explained below. 

Topic  Marks 
Relations & Functions  08
Calculus  35
Algebra  10
Vectors & 3-Dimensional Geometry  14
Linear Programming  05
Probability  08
Physics Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Physics: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 

For CBSE Class 12 Physics, the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks belong to the practicals. CBSE Class 12 Physics chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme are explained below. 

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
Practicals 
2 experiments 1 from each section  7+7
Practical record  5
1 activity from any section  3
Investigatory project  3
Viva  5
Chemistry Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 

For Chemistry the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are assigned to the practicals. The table below has CBSE Class 12 Economics chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme according to the topics. 

Topics  Marks 
Solutions  7
Electrochemistry  9
Chemical Kinetics  7
d -and f- block elements  7
Coordination Compounds  7
Haloalkaline s & Haloarnes 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
Accountancy Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Accountancy: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The Theory part has a total weightage of 80 marks which are divided into Part A: 60 marks & Part B: 20 marks. The practical part has a total weightage of 20 marks which comes under Part C. Accountancy chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme according to the topics is as follows: 

Topic  Marks 
Part A: Accounting for Partnership Firms & Companies
Unit 1: Accounting for Partnership Firms Unit 2: Accounting for Companies  36 24
Part B: Financial Statement Analysis 
Unit 3: Analysis of Financial Statements Unit 4: Cash Flow Statement  12 08
OR 
Part B: Computerised Accounting  20
Part C: Project work which includes Project file Written test (1 hour) Viva voce 04 12 04
Business Studies Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Business Studies: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The theory section is divided into 2 parts carrying 40 marks each. The remaining 20 marks come under the project work. For Business Studies chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme according to the topics are shown below.

Topic  Marks 
Part A: Principles & Function of Management
  • Nature & Significance of Management 
  • Principles of Management 
  • Business Environment 
16
  • Planning 
  • Organising
  • Staffing 
14
  • Directing 
  • Controlling
20
Part B: Business Finance & Marketing
  • Financial Management 
  • Financial Markets
15
  • Marketing Management 
  • Consumer Protection
15
Project  20 
Economics Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Economics: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 

The theory part has a total weightage of 80 marks which are equally divided into 2 parts. The Practical part has a total weightage of 20 marks. For Class 12 Economics, the chapter-wise exam pattern and the marking scheme according to the topics are as follows:

Topic  Marks 
Part A: Introductory Macroeconomics 
  • National Income & Related Aggregrate 
  • Money & Banking 
  • Determination of Income & Employment 
  • Government Budget & Economy 
  • Balance of Payments
10
06
12
06
06
Part B: Indian Economic Development 
  • Development Experience (1947-90) & Economic Reforms since 1991
  • Current Challenges facing the Indian Economy
  • Development Experience of India- A Comparison with Neighbors
28
50
12
Project  20 
Biology Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 Biology: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

For CBSE Class 12 Biology the theory part has a total weightage of 70 marks and Practicals constitute of the remaining 30 marks. It is explained below in tabular form CBSE Class 12 Biology chapter-wise exam pattern and the 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
Project record + viva voce  5
English Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 12 English (Core): Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The class 12 English paper contains sections for reading skills, creative writing, literature, and assessments. The marks contained by each section are mentioned below:

Topics  Marks 
Reading Skills  20
Creative Writing Skills  20
Literature Textbooks & Supplementary Reading Texts  40
Assessment of Listening & Speaking Skills  10
Internal assessment:
  • Listening 
  • Speaking 
  • Project work 

5
5
10

Check CBSE Class 12 Notes

Subject-Wise Sample Paper with Answer Key

CBSE Class 12 Subject-wise Sample Paper with Answer Key & Marking Scheme PDF

In the table below previous year’s CBSE Class 12 Subject-wise Sample Question Papers with Answer Key pdf & Marking Scheme are provided for students to understand the question paper pattern as per the updated syllabus. Students are advised to download the question papers from the links for better understanding and preparation. 

Subject  Sample Question Paper Link  Marking Scheme 
Accountancy Check Here Check Here
Biology Check Here Check Here
Biotechnology Check Here Check Here
Business Studies Check Here Check Here
Chemistry Check Here Check Here
Computer Science Check Here Check Here
Economics Check Here Check Here
English Core Check Here Check Here
English Elective Check Here Check Here
Hindi Elective Check Here Check Here
Hindi Core Check Here Check Here
Home Science Check Here Check Here
Mathematics Check Here Check Here
Physical Education Check Here Check Here
Physics Check Here Check Here
Psychology Check Here Check Here
Sociology Check Here Check Here
Important Changes in Exam Pattern

Important Changes in CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2023-24

CBSE has introduced certain changes in the exam pattern for class 12 exams. CBSE introduced a new exam pattern according to which there will be more MCQ questions in class 12. The new pattern also included more application-based questions to assess students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

  • English Language and Literature: There will be multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and synonym/antonym questions. 
  • Biology: Assertion and reason-based questions have been introduced by the board in place of the multiple-choice questions that were previously included. There will be five questions for one mark, however, they will be more descriptive in character.
Recommended Books for Class 12

Recommended Books for CBSE Class 12

As per the syllabus provided by the CBSE, it is advised for students to study from NCERT books for all the subjects due to its strict abiding and updated syllabus. 

  • NCERT Chemistry Textbook for Class 12 - Part 1 & 2 (Set of 2 books) 
  • NCERT, CLASS - 12 SET OF 8 BOOKS ( MATHEMATICS PART 1 & 2, CHEMISTRY PART 1 & 2, PHYSICS PART 1 & 2, FLAMINGO, VISTAS
  • NCERT Textbooks in English for class 12 - Flamingo and Vistas
  • NCERT Combo textbooks class 12th physics part 1&2 chemistry part 1&2 & biology (pack of 5 books) present by NCERT MART 
  • NEW NCERT Contemporary World Politics Textbook in Political Science for Class - 12 AND Politics in India since Independence Textbook in Political Science for Class - 12 

Check NCERT Solutions Class 12th:

Preparation Tips

CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips

Here are some tips that can help students prepare effectively for their CBSE class 12 exams:

  • Make a study plan and stick to it. Break down the syllabus into smaller parts and allocate sufficient time to each section.
  • Prioritize your studies based on the weightage of each chapter in the syllabus. 
  • Focus more on the chapters that carry higher marks.
  • Solving previous year's question papers will help students understand the exam pattern, and types of questions asked, and improve their time management skills.
  • Practice Sample Papers 
  • Take regular breaks between study sessions to relax and rejuvenate. This will help improve focus and concentration.
  • Revise regularly to reinforce concepts and information. 
  • Create notes and revise them frequently.
  • Take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. This will help in reducing stress levels and improve concentration.
  • Don't hesitate to seek help from your teachers, mentors, or peers. They can offer valuable guidance and support.

Also Check:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions 

Ques: Do I have to pass theory & practical exams separately? 

Ans: Yes, students are required to pass the theory and practical exams separately.

Ques: How much is the CBSE class 12 syllabus reduced? 

Ans: Approximately there has been a reduction of 30% of the syllabus for CBSE class 12 exams and accordingly the exam pattern has been updated. 

Ques: How can I download free books as per NCERT updates for CBSE Class 12? 

Ans: For all students, the board has made all of the NCERT texts and materials freely accessible online. The same may be downloaded by candidates from the CBSE website.

Ques: Is there any negative marking in CBSE board exams?

Ans: There is no negative marking in the CBSE class 12 board exams.

Ques: Will there be grace marking for CBSE Class 12 board exams?

Ans: CBSE gives grace marks up to a maximum of 3 marks to eligible students. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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