CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26
Mathematics is one of the most scoring yet challenging subjects in CBSE Class 12. Whether you're preparing for board exams or competitive exams like JEE Main, BITSAT, or CUET, mastering the Class 12 Maths syllabus is essential. The CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26 helps students understand the latest exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26 — from structure and benefits to solving strategies and preparation tips. You'll also find download links, important topics, and FAQs to help you score 90+ marks.
🧮 Overview of CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases official sample papers every year to guide students about exam pattern and question types. For the 2025–26 academic session CBSE has introduced minor changes in internal choice and question format to make the paper more application-oriented.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Session | 2025–26 |
| Total Marks | 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | cbseacademic.nic.in |
📘 Exam Pattern (2025-26)
The question paper follows the Competency-Based Education (CBE) model focusing on conceptual clarity, analytical skills, and real-life application.
Question Paper Design
- Total Marks: 80
- Duration: 3 hours
- No. of Questions: 34–36 (varies slightly by paper)
- Internal Choice: Available in most sections
Question Type Breakdown
| Section | Question Type | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Very Short Answer (MCQs) | 1 | 18 |
| Section B | Short Answer Type | 2 | 12 |
| Section C | Long Answer Type I | 3 | 18 |
| Section D | Long Answer Type II | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 80 | ||
🧩 Syllabus (Unit-wise Weightage)
Align your preparation with the sample paper topics. Below is an overview of unit-wise marks distribution.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Relations and Functions | 8 |
| II | Algebra | 10 |
| III | Calculus | 35 |
| IV | Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| V | Linear Programming | 5 |
| VI | Probability | 8 |
| Total | 80 | |
🔹 Pro Tip: Focus on Calculus, Algebra, and 3D Geometry — together they carry over 50% weightage.
📥 Download — Sample Paper & Marking Scheme (Official)
CBSE has released the Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26 and the Marking Scheme PDF on its academic website. Use these official files to practice and to evaluate answers exactly like examiners.
💡 Why Solve the Sample Paper?
Practicing the sample paper helps you understand exam pattern, manage time, identify weak areas, build confidence, and perform realistic self-assessment using the marking scheme.
Key Benefits
- Familiarity with exam pattern and mark distribution
- Time management practice
- Identify and work on weak topics
- Realistic self-assessment using official marking scheme
📊 Question Paper Structure (Section-wise)
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice (MCQs) | 18 | 18 | Functions, Inverse Trig, Probability |
| B | Short Answer | 6 | 12 | Matrices, Determinants, Derivatives |
| C | Long Answer Type I | 6 | 18 | Integrals, Applications of Derivatives |
| D | Long Answer Type II | 4 | 20 | Differential Equations, 3D Geometry |
🧠 Preparation Tips to Score 90+
Maths needs conceptual clarity and consistent practice. Follow these tips:
- Understand concepts, don't memorize: Learn derivations and apply formulas rather than rote-learning them.
- Create a formula notebook: Keep formulas, theorems, and key results in one place for quick revision.
- Practice previous year papers: Solve last 5 years' papers plus the official sample paper.
- Work on weak chapters: Identify difficult topics (e.g., 3D Geometry, Probability) and revise them repeatedly.
- Attempt mock tests: Simulate exam conditions weekly to build speed and accuracy.
- Analyze mistakes: After each test, review errors and revisit the underlying concepts.
- Use NCERT thoroughly: Most CBSE problems are based on NCERT examples and exercise questions.
🧾 How to Attempt the Paper — Expert Strategy
- Start with Section A (MCQs) — quick wins; don't spend more than 20 minutes.
- Move to Section C or D while your mind is fresh to tackle 3- and 5-mark questions.
- Leave very tough problems for last — mark them and revisit if time permits.
- Show all intermediate steps clearly — CBSE awards step/partial marks.
- Reserve 10–15 minutes at the end for revision and calculation checks.
💬 Expert Tip: "Always underline the final answer and mention units where applicable. Neat presentation helps."
🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping NCERT examples and in-text problems
- Not writing steps (loses step-marking)
- Mixing up formulas, especially in Integration & 3D Geometry
- Ignoring internal choices
- Spending too much time on a single question
🧾 Marking Scheme — Explained
CBSE awarding often follows step-wise marking for short and long answer questions. Below is a simplified view:
| Type of Question | Marks per Step | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs | 1 | No step marking |
| Short Answer (2 Marks) | Step-wise | 0.5–1 mark per correct step |
| Long Answer I (3 Marks) | Step-wise | Marks for correct steps and method |
| Long Answer II (5 Marks) | Step-wise | Clear reasoning and method fetch full credit |
🧮 Note: If the method is correct but the final answer is wrong, CBSE often awards partial marks for working steps.
🧾 Sample Question Snippets (Pattern-based examples)
Below are pattern-based examples for practice (not actual paper questions).
-
Matrix inverse: Find the inverse of the matrix
[ 2 1 3 2 ]
-
Integral: Evaluate the integral
∫ (3x^2 + 2x + 1) dx
-
Angle between vectors: Find the angle between
a = 2i + 3j + k, b = i − j + 4k -
Probability: A die is rolled twice. Find the probability of getting an even number on both rolls.
Practicing such problems will prepare you for the difficulty level expected in the exam.
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26 is an essential resource. It gives clarity on the latest exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme — helping you strategize effectively. Follow these key actions:
- Practice the sample paper multiple times
- Review answers using the official marking scheme
- Focus on understanding, not memorization
- Use NCERT as your base and supplement with reference books for practice
With consistent practice and proper time management, scoring 90+ in Maths is absolutely achievable.
