CBSE 12 Maths Exam
27 Jan 2026, 06:52 pm
The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Exam is one of the most important assessments for students in India, determining their board scores and laying the foundation for higher education in science, engineering, and commerce. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, and preparation strategies is essential to perform well in 2026.
Overview of CBSE 12th Mathematics Exam 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Maths exam evaluates students’ knowledge of key mathematical concepts, problem-solving skills, and analytical reasoning. The exam is conducted for 100 marks over a duration of 3 hours, with questions designed to test both conceptual clarity and application skills.
For 2026, there are some minor changes in focus areas, reflecting CBSE’s emphasis on modern teaching methodologies and competency-based assessment. Comparing with previous years, the inclusion of Competency-Based Questions (CBQs) has increased, requiring students to apply concepts rather than memorize formulas.
The exam is crucial not only for board results but also for competitive exams like JEE, BSc Mathematics, and other professional courses.
CBSE 12th Maths Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern outlines the structure of the question paper, helping students strategize their preparation effectively.
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 3 hours
Sections:
Section A: 1-mark questions (6–10 questions)
Section B: 3-mark questions (6–8 questions)
Section C: 4-mark questions (10–12 questions)
Competency-Based Questions (CBQs): 5–6 questions
Internal Assessment: 20 marks (practical/project work)
Comparison with previous years: The weightage of calculus and algebra remains high, while probability and statistics receive moderate emphasis. Students should focus on concept clarity and problem-solving speed to maximize marks.
CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 – Subject-Wise Dates
As per the tentative CBSE Class 12 date sheet released on 24 September 2025, the Class 12 board examinations will be conducted between February and March 2026. The subject-wise exam dates mentioned below are provisional and may be revised when CBSE releases the final date sheet
The Physics examination is scheduled to be held on 20 February 2026. This paper will assess conceptual understanding, numerical problem-solving, and application-based questions.
The Chemistry examination is scheduled for 28 February 2026. Students will be tested on physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry concepts as per the prescribed syllabus.
The Mathematics / Applied Mathematics examination is scheduled on 9 March 2026. The CBSE 12 Maths exam will be conducted as a 3-hour theory paper, focusing on calculus, algebra, vectors, probability, and competency-based questions.
The English Core / English Elective examination is scheduled on 12 March 2026, following the Mathematics paper. This provides students a short gap after Maths for focused language preparation.
The Biology examination is scheduled towards the end of the examination cycle on 27 March 2026, giving science students adequate revision time after Maths and Chemistry.
CBSE 12th Maths Syllabus 2026
The syllabus covers six major units. Understanding it thoroughly helps in prioritizing topics for preparation.
Relations and Functions – Types of relations, inverse functions, and composition.
Algebra – Matrices, determinants, and quadratic equations.
Calculus – Limits, derivatives, integration, differential equations, and applications.
Vectors and 3D Geometry – Vector operations, equations of lines and planes.
Probability and Statistics – Probability distributions, mean, variance, and standard deviation.
Linear Programming – Formulation and graphical solutions.
Deleted or reduced topics for 2026: Students should refer to the official CBSE syllabus to identify removed topics. Prioritizing high-weightage chapters like calculus, matrices, and vectors is recommended.
Official syllabus PDF: CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus
Section-Wise Difficulty Analysis
Understanding the difficulty level of each section helps in effective preparation.
Section A (1-mark): Easy; focuses on quick recall and fundamental concepts.
Section B (3-mark): Moderate; requires step-wise solutions and application of formulas.
Section C (4-mark): Tough; tests analytical reasoning, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving speed.
Competency-Based Questions (CBQs): Moderate to tough; designed to assess understanding of real-life applications of mathematical concepts.
Strategy: Begin with easy questions to secure marks, then focus on moderate and difficult problems. Frequent practice of CBQs improves confidence in tackling unfamiliar scenarios.
CBSE 12th Maths Sample Papers and Previous Year Question Papers
Sample papers and previous year question papers are essential for practice. They help students:
Understand the question pattern and difficulty level
Improve time management during the exam
Identify important topics based on previous trends
How to use them effectively: Solve papers under timed conditions, analyze mistakes, and focus on weak chapters. Reviewing solutions and marking schemes enhances conceptual clarity.
Download Links:
CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2026
Previous year question papers (2025, 2024) are available on CBSE’s official site.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths
The NCERT textbook is the primary reference for CBSE exams. Using NCERT solutions helps in step-wise problem solving and thorough practice.
Features of NCERT Solutions:
Chapter-wise explanations
Solved examples for conceptual clarity
Step-by-step solutions for all exercises
Focus on important problems frequently appearing in exams
Practice Tip: Complete all exercises and revise key examples. For additional guidance, students can explore NCERT Solutions PDF downloads online.
Marking Scheme & Answer Script Presentation
A clear answer presentation is crucial for securing maximum marks.
Write all steps in logical order
Use proper notation and diagrams wherever necessary
Highlight final answers for clarity
Avoid skipping intermediate steps, especially in calculus and algebra
Marking Scheme Highlights:
Accuracy, method, and presentation each contribute to final marks
Partial credit is awarded for correct methods even if the final answer is incorrect
Tip: Practicing writing solutions neatly improves both speed and scoring potential.
Preparation Tips for CBSE 12 Maths Exam
Plan preparation based on syllabus and weightage – focus on high-scoring chapters first.
Daily practice: Solve 3–5 previous year questions per day.
Concept clarity: Do not memorize; understand derivations and applications.
Time management: Allocate specific time slots for easy, moderate, and difficult questions.
Revision: Use notes, formula sheets, and NCERT solutions for quick revision before the exam.
Exam day strategy: Attempt easy questions first, mark tough ones to revisit later.
FindMyGuru Guidance for CBSE 12 Maths Preparation
Finding the right guidance can significantly improve board exam performance. FindMyGuru connects students with verified CBSE tutors online for personalized coaching.
Benefits of using FindMyGuru for CBSE 12 Maths:
One-on-one guidance to clear doubts instantly
Expert strategies for solving competency-based questions
Personalized practice plans based on strengths and weak areas
Structured preparation with access to sample papers and NCERT solutions
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FAQs:
Q1. How many questions are competency-based?
A: Around 5–6 questions in Section C are CBQs.
Q2. Are calculators allowed?
A: No, calculators are not permitted. Students should rely on manual calculations.
Q3. How to score full marks in calculus problems?
A: Focus on step-wise solution, proper notation, and practice derivations thoroughly.
Q4. Recommended books besides NCERT?
A: RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal, and previous year solved papers can supplement NCERT.
Conclusion
The CBSE 12 Maths Exam 2026 requires a structured and strategic approach. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, and high-weightage topics, combined with consistent practice and expert guidance, significantly increases the chances of scoring high marks. Leveraging platforms like FindMyGuru can provide the additional support needed to strengthen weak areas and build confidence for the board exam.