CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26 – Download PDF, Marking Scheme & Preparation Tips

Are you preparing for your CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices (IP) Exam 2025-26? If yes, the sample paper released by CBSE is your best guide to understand the exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme. It helps you practice efficiently, manage time better, and boost your confidence before the board exam.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26 — including its PDF download link, marking scheme, important topics, and expert tips for scoring 90+ marks.

Overview of CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26

The sample paper for CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices (IP) is designed based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern prescribed by CBSE for 2025–26. Students can access it on the official CBSE Academic website — cbseacademic.nic.in.

Purpose of CBSE Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26

The Informatics Practices sample paper helps students to:

• Understand the latest question paper format and difficulty level.
• Identify important chapters and frequently asked topics.
• Improve speed and accuracy through regular practice.
• Learn answer presentation techniques based on the CBSE marking scheme.
• Assess their preparation level before the final board exam.

If you’re aiming for top scores in Informatics Practices, solving the official CBSE sample paper is a must!

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Exam Pattern 2025-26

The question paper of Informatics Practices (Code 065) is structured to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to Python programming, data handling, databases, and data visualization.

🔹 Theory Exam Pattern (70 Marks)

🔹 Practical Exam Pattern (30 Marks)

Total Marks: 100 (70 Theory + 30 Practical)

The CBSE IP exam focuses on hands-on skills such as coding, query writing, and data interpretation — ensuring that students not only memorize concepts but also apply them in real-world problem-solving.

Download CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF

Students can download both the sample paper and marking scheme directly from CBSE’s academic portal.

👉 Download Sample Paper 2025-26 (PDF)
👉 Download Marking Scheme 2025-26 (PDF)

Note: The links will be updated once CBSE officially uploads the 2025-26 sample papers.

Section-Wise Question Breakdown (CBSE Class 12 IP Sample Paper 2025-26)

The Informatics Practices question paper typically consists of five sections — A, B, C, D, and E. Let’s see how they are structured:

This distribution ensures a balanced assessment of concept clarity, logic building, and practical understanding.

Important Topics for CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices 2025-26

Here are the key topics you must focus on while preparing for the board exam:

1. Data Handling using Pandas

• Series and DataFrames in Pandas
• Basic operations: indexing, slicing, filtering
• Functions like head(), tail(), describe()
• Importing and exporting data (CSV files)
• Handling missing values

2. Database Query using SQL

• Basic SQL commands: SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE, INSERT, CREATE TABLE
• Aggregate functions: SUM(), AVG(), COUNT(), MAX(), MIN()
• Grouping and filtering data using GROUP BY and HAVING
• Joins and relationships between tables

3. Data Visualization

• Introduction to data visualization using Python libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn)
• Types of charts: Bar, Line, Histogram, Pie
• Customizing charts: labels, titles, colors
• Plotting multiple graphs

4. Societal Impacts

• Cyber ethics, data privacy, plagiarism
• Digital footprint and data protection
• Open source vs proprietary software
• Health and environmental impact of technology

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Marking Scheme 2025-26

CBSE’s marking scheme is extremely useful for understanding how examiners evaluate your answers.

🔹 Marking Guidelines

• Each question must be answered to the point.
• Use proper syntax and indentation in Python programs.
• In SQL questions, keywords must be written in uppercase.
• For case studies, focus on real-world application and logical flow.
• Attempt all parts of the question — partial credit may be given for correct logic.

🔹 Example – Python Program Evaluation

If a question asks to write a Python code to display average marks:

import pandas as pd
data = {'Name': ['Amit', 'Riya', 'Raj'], 'Marks': [85, 90, 78]}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
print(df['Marks'].mean())

Marks awarded:

• Logic – 1 mark
• Syntax – 1 mark
• Output – 1 mark

How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Exam 2025-26

✅ 1. Focus on the Syllabus

The 2025–26 syllabus has been slightly revised. Ensure you prepare only the topics listed on the official CBSE website. Don’t waste time on removed or outdated chapters.

✅ 2. Practice Python Coding Daily

The theory will only help you to a point — coding practice makes all the difference. Write, debug, and execute programs daily in a Python IDE (like Jupyter Notebook or PyCharm).

✅ 3. Solve Previous Year Papers

Previous year question papers help you:

• Understand recurring patterns.
• Identify commonly asked functions and queries.
• Manage time effectively during the actual exam.

✅ 4. Attempt the Official Sample Paper

The official sample paper is most aligned with CBSE board expectations. Solve it under timed conditions, then check your performance using the marking scheme.

✅ 5. Strengthen SQL Concepts

Practice at least 30–40 SQL queries daily. Focus on:

• Writing correct syntax.
• Avoiding missing semicolons.
• Understanding output patterns.

✅ 6. Revise Data Visualization Techniques

Make sure you can write Python code to generate different types of plots. For example:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
x = ['A', 'B', 'C']
y = [90, 80, 70]
plt.bar(x, y, color='green')
plt.title('Performance Chart')
plt.show()

✅ 7. Prepare Notes on Societal Impacts

Revise important terms like:

• Digital rights
• Data protection laws
• Cyber safety practices

These are small topics but carry 5 easy marks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CBSE IP Exam 2025-26

• ❌ Writing SQL keywords in lowercase (always use uppercase).
• ❌ Missing colons : or indentation in Python programs.
• ❌ Forgetting to close parentheses or quotation marks.
• ❌ Ignoring proper titles and labels in data visualization questions.
• ❌ Not revising small theory portions from “Societal Impacts.”

Tip: Always run your Python and SQL code before finalizing your answers — practice will reduce silly mistakes.

Expert Tips to Score 90+ in Informatics Practices

1. Understand, don’t memorize: Learn the logic behind Python programs.
2. Revise DataFrame functions thoroughly: Focus on functions like etc.
3. Use flowcharts for practice: They help visualize logic in Python questions.
4. Highlight SQL syntax correctly: Capitalize commands and use aliases as smartly.
5. Time management: Divide the 3-hour exam into sections — spend 1 hour on Python, 1 hour on SQL, and 1 hour on revision.

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Project Work Guidelines (2025-26)

Your practical marks (30) depend significantly on your project work, which should include:

Components of the Project

1. Real-life problem statement (e.g., managing student data, library database, sales records).
2. Python program implementation using Pandas and SQL.
3. Visualization using Matplotlib.
4. Documentation of objectives, code, and results.

Example Project Topics:

• Student Result Management System
• COVID-19 Data Analysis
• Employee Attendance Tracker
• Sales Analysis Dashboard

Each project must demonstrate data handling, processing, and visualization skills.

Best Reference Books for CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices

• Together with Informatics Practices – Rachna Sagar
• Sumita Arora’s Informatics Practices with Python (Latest Edition)
• Xam Idea Informatics Practices Class 12
• CBSE Question Bank – Informatics Practices (Oswaal Books)

These books include solved sample papers, MCQs, and case-study-based questions aligned with the latest CBSE pattern.

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Preparation Plan (30 Days)

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Mark Distribution at a Glance

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Sample Paper 2025-26 is the ultimate preparation tool for board aspirants. It gives you a clear understanding of the exam structure, marking pattern, and key topics. Regular practice of the sample paper, combined with strong conceptual understanding and coding practice, will help you achieve excellent marks.

Remember — success in IP isn’t about memorization, but about clarity, consistency, and logic.