CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26: Download PDF, Marking Scheme, Question Pattern

Psychology is one of the most interesting subjects in the CBSE Class 12 curriculum a blend of science and human behavior. To score well, students must not only understand the concepts but also know how to answer according to the CBSE marking scheme. The CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26 helps students do exactly that.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the latest sample paper, exam pattern, marking scheme, important topics, and expert tips to help you score high in your board exams.

Overview of CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) releases sample papers every year to help students understand the updated question pattern, difficulty level, and weightage of topics.

The Psychology Class 12 Sample Paper 2025-26 is designed as per the latest CBSE syllabus and Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

🧾 Key Highlights

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF Download

You can download the official CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26 and Marking Scheme PDF directly from the CBSE Academic website.

👉 Direct Download Links:

• CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF
• CBSE Class 12 Psychology Marking Scheme 2025-26 PDF

These documents help students understand how marks are distributed, what types of questions are asked, and the right way to present answers.

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Exam Pattern 2025-26

Before solving the sample paper, it’s important to understand the exam structure and marks distribution.

Theory Paper – 70 Marks

Practical Exam – 30 Marks

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus 2025-26 (Unit-Wise Weightage)

The Class 12 Psychology syllabus is divided into six units, focusing on mental processes, human behavior, and psychological disorders.

Why Practice the CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26?

Solving the sample paper isn’t just about practice — it’s about smart preparation.

Here’s why every Class 12 Psychology student must solve it:

✅ 1. Understand the Real Exam Format

You’ll get a preview of the question distribution, difficulty level, and types of questions (MCQs, case-based, application-based).

✅ 2. Strengthen Conceptual Clarity

It ensures that your understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and experiments is strong.

✅ 3. Improve Answer Presentation

CBSE expects point-wise, structured answers — sample papers guide you on how to write them.

✅ 4. Practice Time Management

Simulate exam-like conditions and complete the paper in 3 hours to boost efficiency.

✅ 5. Identify Weak Areas

By checking your answers using the official marking scheme, you can find and fix your weak topics.

Also Visit -> CBSE Class 12 Home Science Sample Paper 2025-26

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Question Paper Design 2025-26

CBSE has restructured the Psychology paper to include more competency-based and application-oriented questions.

This ensures that students focus on critical thinking, not just rote learning.

Sample Questions from CBSE Class 12 Psychology Paper 2025-26

Here are a few model questions based on the latest sample paper for better understanding:

Section A – Very Short Answer (2 Marks Each)

1. Define intelligence as per Gardner’s theory.

2. What do you mean by self-efficacy?

3. Mention one characteristic of a psychologically healthy person.

Section B – Short Answer (3 Marks Each)

1. Explain the role of defense mechanisms in managing anxiety.

2. Discuss the components of attitude.

3. Describe any three factors that influence personality development.

Section C – Case-Based / Application (6 Marks Each)

Rohan is facing exam stress due to peer pressure and high parental expectations. He has trouble sleeping and often experiences anxiety attacks.

Answer the following:

1. Identify the stressors in Rohan’s case.

2. Suggest any two coping strategies for stress.

3. What psychological theory explains his reaction?

Section D – Long Answer (6 Marks Each)

1. Explain Freud’s psychodynamic theory of personality in detail.

2. Discuss the classification of psychological disorders as per ICD-11.

3. Describe the various therapeutic approaches used in clinical settings.

Important Topics for Class 12 Psychology 2025-26

To make your preparation easier, here are the most important topics from each unit:

Topic-Wise Preparation Strategy

Let’s look at how to prepare each unit effectively:

1️⃣ Variations in Psychological Attributes

• Understand IQ vs EQ concepts.

• Learn different theories of intelligence (Gardner, Spearman).

• Revise assessment methods (standardization, reliability, validity).

2️⃣ Self and Personality

• Study Freud’s and Rogers’ theories thoroughly.

• Focus on the Big Five Personality Traits.

• Use examples while explaining personality factors.

3️⃣ Meeting Life Challenges

• Prepare definitions and types of stress.

• Learn Lazarus’s Transactional Model of Stress.

• Practice writing coping strategies.

4️⃣ Psychological Disorders

• Create a chart for types of disorders.

• Remember symptoms, causes, and treatments.

• Revise ICD-11 classification briefly.

5️⃣ Therapeutic Approaches

• Compare Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, and Cognitive therapies.

• Learn about family and group therapies.

• Understand the ethical issues in therapy.

6️⃣ Attitude and Social Cognition

• Know the structure and formation of attitudes.

• Study conformity, obedience, and social influence experiments.

• Practice case-based questions.

Expert Tips to Score 90+ in CBSE Class 12 Psychology

Here are some proven strategies from toppers and teachers:

1. Stick to NCERT: All questions are directly or indirectly based on the NCERT textbook.

2. Use Case Studies: Support your answers with real or hypothetical cases.

3. Highlight Keywords: Always underline key terms and definitions.

4. Write in Points: Avoid long paragraphs; structure your answers clearly.

5. Revise Definitions: Learn exact wording for key definitions — CBSE checks accuracy.

6. Draw Flowcharts: Use visual representation for processes (e.g., stress coping cycle).

7. Solve PYQs & Sample Papers: Practice at least 5–6 question papers before the exam.

8. Manage Time: Divide your 3-hour paper wisely — don’t spend more than 5 minutes per short answer.

9. Revise Diagrams: Some chapters have diagrams that can fetch extra marks.

10. Practice Viva & Practical: For the 30-mark practical, revise experiments and case studies thoroughly.

7-Day Revision Plan for Psychology Board Exam 2025

Time Management Tips During the Exam

Pro Tip: Start with the section you’re most comfortable with — it sets the tone for the entire paper.

CBSE Class 12 Psychology Marking Scheme 2025-26

The official CBSE marking scheme provides insights into what examiners look for in top-scoring answers.

It includes:

• Expected word limits for each question type

• Key points and psychological terms required for full marks

• Proper case-based reasoning and examples

You can download it from the CBSE Academic portal for Class XII → Psychology → Marking Scheme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. ❌ Writing vague answers — use precise psychological terminology.

2. ❌ Ignoring word limits — short answers must be crisp.

3. ❌ Skipping case-based questions — they carry high marks.

4. ❌ Not revising practical file — it affects your internal marks.

5. ❌ Neglecting diagrams — they add clarity to your responses.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 12 Psychology Sample Paper 2025-26 is your ultimate preparation tool to understand the paper format, question trends, and marking criteria.

By practicing regularly, analyzing your mistakes, and focusing on concept clarity, you can easily score 90+ marks in Psychology. Remember — CBSE values accuracy, structure, and understanding over memorization.

So, download the official sample paper today, follow this guide, and ace your Psychology board exam with confidence!