CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27 PDF + Marking Scheme
Table of Contents
- CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27: Subject-Wise PDF Download with Marking Scheme
- CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2025-26 (Archive)
- What Is a CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper and Why Does It Matter?
- CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme: How Examiners Award Marks
- How to Use a CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper for Maximum Score Gain
- Common Mistakes Students Make With the CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper
- CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper vs Previous Year Question Paper: Which Should You Prioritise?
eSaral › Class 12 › CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27 PDF + Marking Scheme
The CBSE Class 12 sample paper for 2026-27 is out, and every subject comes with an official marking scheme. CBSE released the sample question papers on 21 September 2026, and this page lists each PDF so you can practise the way the 2027 board exam will be set and checked.
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released by | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Release date | 21 September 2026 |
| Official source | cbseacademic.nic.in |
| Session | 2026-27 (for the 2027 board exams) |
| Theory marks | 70 for Physics, Chemistry, Biology; 80 for Maths, English Core, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics |
| Practical / Internal Assessment | 30 marks for Physics, Chemistry, Biology; 20 marks for Maths and most other subjects |
| Question mix | About 50% competency-based, 20% MCQs, 30% short and long answers |
| Board exam attempts | One (the two-exam system applies only to Class 10) |
| Pass mark | 33% in each subject |
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27: Subject-Wise PDF Download with Marking Scheme
You can download every CBSE Class 12 sample paper and its marking scheme from the table below, grouped by stream.
| Stream | Subject | Code | Sample Question Paper (PDF) | Marking Scheme (PDF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science | Physics | 042 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Science | Chemistry | 043 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Science | Biology | 044 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Science / Commerce | Mathematics | 041 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Science / Commerce | Computer Science | 083 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Commerce | Accountancy | 055 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Commerce | Business Studies | 054 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Commerce | Economics | 030 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Humanities | History | 027 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Humanities | Political Science | 028 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Humanities | Geography | 029 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Humanities | Sociology | 039 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Humanities | Psychology | 037 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | English Core | 301 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | English Elective | — | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | Hindi Core | 302 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | Hindi Elective | 002 | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | Sanskrit Core | — | Download SQP | Download MS |
| Languages | Sanskrit Elective | — | Download SQP | Download MS |
Every Class 12 sample paper PDF in this table opens as the official CBSE file, so keep the matching marking scheme open while you check your answers.
Class 12 Physics Sample Paper, Class 12 Maths Sample Paper and Other Subject PDFs
The Class 12 Physics sample paper, Class 12 Chemistry sample paper, Class 12 Biology sample paper, and Class 12 Maths sample paper are listed under Science. The Class 12 English sample paper sits under Languages, and the Class 12 Accountancy sample paper sits under Commerce. Start with your own subject rows, then work through the rest, and keep the CBSE Class 12 syllabus and the Class 12 exam pattern open alongside each paper.
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2025-26 (Archive)
The 2025-26 papers are older, so use the Class 12 sample paper PDFs below only as extra practice after you finish the 2026-27 set.
| SUBJECT | Sample Question Paper | Marking Scheme |
| English (Core) | SQP | MS |
| Mathematics | SQP | MS |
| Chemistry | SQP | MS |
| Physics | SQP | MS |
| Biology | SQP | MS |
| Computer Application | SQP | MS |
What Is a CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper and Why Does It Matter?
A CBSE class 12 sample paper is the official model question paper the board publishes each session to show the exact question types, section-wise marks and marking scheme of the coming board exam. It matters because it is the most reliable guide to how your paper will be built, and no textbook shows that.
It Shows You the Exact Exam Format
Each paper lays out the sections, mark values and question styles you will meet in the exam, so you know how many questions to expect and how to split your time. Pair it with the official NCERT Class 12 books, since most board questions build directly on NCERT.
It Reduces Exam Anxiety
Repeated timed practice replaces fear of the unknown with familiarity. Once you have solved a class 12 sample paper under exam conditions a few times, the real paper feels like another practice run.
It Trains You for Competency-Based Questions
About half of each theory paper tests application, analysis and case-based reasoning rather than recall. Regular CBSE class 12 sample paper practice teaches you to read a scenario, choose the right concept and answer the way the marking scheme rewards.
What Is New in the CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27?
Nothing structural has changed. The 2026-27 papers keep the previous question paper design, so the pattern you already know still holds. What matters this session is the release date and the fact that Class 12 still has one board exam.
| Aspect | Class 12 (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Sample papers released | 21 September 2026 |
| Question paper design | Unchanged, as stated on the official papers |
| Competency-based share | About 50%, continuing |
| Board exam attempts | One annual exam; two attempts apply only to Class 10 |
| Practical exams | Held by schools before the theory exams |
| Datesheet | Check the official CBSE date sheet for exact dates |
Has the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme Changed for 2026-27?
No. The CBSE class 12 marking scheme and the question paper design for 2026-27 are unchanged from the previous session. Each official paper carries a note confirming that there is no change in the question paper design and assessment pattern.
What Changed and What Stayed the Same in the Class 12 Marking Scheme
| Aspect | Status for 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Theory marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 70, unchanged |
| Theory marks (Maths, English Core, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics) | 80, unchanged |
| Practical / Internal Assessment marks | 30 or 20 depending on subject, unchanged |
| Question paper design and section structure | Unchanged |
| Competency-based share of the theory paper | About 50%, unchanged |
| Step-wise credit in the marking scheme | Continues as before |
| Passing criteria | 33% in each subject, unchanged |
What This Means for Your Preparation
Your answer-writing habits from earlier sessions still apply: show every step, state the formula first, label diagrams, and use the exact terms the marking scheme expects. Use the Class 12 marking scheme PDF released with each CBSE Class 12 sample paper to check question-wise value points, which are specific to that paper.
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper Pattern: Section-Wise Marks Breakdown
Every subject follows a fixed section structure, so learn yours before you attempt any CBSE Class 12 sample paper.
Class 12 Physics Sample Paper Pattern (Same for Chemistry and Biology)
The Class 12 Physics sample paper has 33 compulsory questions in five sections for 70 marks. The Class 12 Chemistry sample paper and the Class 12 Biology sample paper follow the same design.
| Section | Question Type | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1-mark questions (MCQs and Assertion-Reason) | 16 | 16 |
| B | Very Short Answer (2 marks) | 5 | 10 |
| C | Short Answer (3 marks) | 7 | 21 |
| D | Case-Based (4 marks) | 2 | 8 |
| E | Long Answer (5 marks) | 3 | 15 |
| Total (Theory) | 33 | 70 |
The remaining 30 marks come from the practical exam, which your school conducts with an external examiner.
Class 12 Maths Sample Paper Pattern and Unit-Wise Marks
The Class 12 Maths sample paper has 38 questions for 80 marks, and Calculus alone carries 35 of them.
| Section | Question Type | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | MCQs (18) + Assertion-Reason (2) | 20 | 20 |
| B | Very Short Answer (2 marks) | 5 | 10 |
| C | Short Answer (3 marks) | 6 | 18 |
| D | Long Answer (5 marks) | 4 | 20 |
| E | Case-Based (4 marks) | 3 | 12 |
| Total (Theory) | 38 | 80 |
| Unit | Marks |
|---|---|
| Relations and Functions | 8 |
| Algebra | 10 |
| Calculus | 35 |
| Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| Linear Programming | 5 |
| Probability | 8 |
| Total | 80 |
Insight: Calculus plus Vectors and 3D Geometry carry 49 of the 80 marks, so they deserve the biggest share of your practice. Internal assessment adds 20 marks on top.
Class 12 English Sample Paper and Class 12 Accountancy Sample Paper Pattern
The Class 12 English sample paper has 13 compulsory questions in three sections for 80 marks, and the Class 12 Accountancy sample paper splits its 80 marks into Part A and Part B.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Structure | Practical / IA |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Core | 80 | Reading 22, Creative Writing 18, Literature 40 | 20 (Listening 5, Speaking 5, Project 10) |
| Accountancy | 80 | Part A 60, Part B 20 (Analysis of Financial Statements or Computerised Accounting) | 20 |
| Economics | 80 | Introductory Macroeconomics 40, Indian Economic Development 40 | 20 (Project Work) |
CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme: How Examiners Award Marks
The CBSE Class 12 marking scheme awards marks step by step, not only for the final answer. A student who uses the correct method but slips at the end can still collect most of the marks, and examiners accept other correct methods.
Class 12 Maths Marking Scheme
The Class 12 maths marking scheme credits the correct method first, then each accurate step, then the final result. In 5-mark questions, a clearly written approach is worth more than a rushed answer that jumps to the result.
Class 12 Physics Marking Scheme and Class 12 Chemistry Marking Scheme
The Class 12 Physics marking scheme and the Class 12 Chemistry marking scheme credit the formula, substitution, calculation, and unit as separate steps. Diagrams, structures and mechanisms usually carry their own marks, so draw and label them neatly.
Subject-Wise Marking Priorities
| Subject | What the Marking Scheme Rewards | Where Students Lose Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Correct method and each intermediate step | Skipping steps in 3- and 5-mark answers |
| Physics | Formula, substitution, calculation, unit, labelled diagram | Missing units and unlabelled diagrams |
| Chemistry | Balanced equations, mechanisms and named reagents | Unbalanced equations, incomplete mechanisms |
| Biology | Accurate terms and labelled diagrams | Vague terms, unlabelled diagrams |
| Commerce | Format, working notes and correct terminology | Ledger and statement format errors |
| English and Humanities | Content, structure and keywords within the word limit | Ignoring word limits and format |
How to Use a CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper for Maximum Score Gain
Solve each paper in one uninterrupted 3-hour sitting, grade it against the official marking scheme, and log every lost mark. That loop improves your score, not the number of papers you download.
Step 1: Recreate Exam Conditions
Sit at a clear desk with no phone, music or notes, and use an answer sheet. Read the whole paper first to plan your order of attempt, then start with the questions you find easiest to build momentum.
Step 2: Time Each Section
Set a timer per section and move on when it rings. A workable split for a 70-mark science paper is below; adjust it to your own speed after your first two papers.
| Section | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| A (1-mark questions) | 16 | 30 minutes |
| B (2-mark questions) | 10 | 20 minutes |
| C (3-mark questions) | 21 | 45 minutes |
| D (case-based) | 8 | 25 minutes |
| E (long answer) | 15 | 40 minutes |
| Final review | — | 20 minutes |
Step 3: Grade With the Official Marking Scheme
Check every answer against the marking scheme PDF, not against your own judgement. Circle the keywords and steps that earned marks, and award partial marks only where the scheme allows.
Step 4: Keep a Mistake Log
Note each lost mark as a formula gap, a concept gap, or a time-pressure slip, because each needs a different fix.
| Question No. | Section | Marks Lost | Error Type | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Q22 | C | 2 | Concept gap | Revise the chapter and re-solve 3 similar questions |
Suggested Practice Plan for the CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper
| Period | Papers per Subject | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov 2026 | 1 | Learn the format and marking scheme |
| December 2026 | 2 | Timed attempts, section-wise time control |
| January 2027 | 2 + previous year papers | Full 3-hour papers, mistake-log revision |
| Before the theory exams | Revise your mistake log | Formulas, diagrams and case-based practice |
Rotate subjects instead of solving three papers of one subject back to back. Solve one paper in the morning, review it in the afternoon and do a light revision of another subject in the evening.
Common Mistakes Students Make With the CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper
- Downloading many papers and reviewing none of them.
- Checking answers by feel instead of against the marking scheme.
- Solving an older session's paper as if it were the current pattern.
- Skipping the case-based section, which carries 8 to 12 marks depending on the subject.
- Practising with untidy handwriting and unlabelled diagrams, then losing marks for the same in the exam.
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper vs Previous Year Question Paper: Which Should You Prioritise?
Start with the CBSE class 12 sample paper for the current session, then use previous year papers for extra volume. The sample paper shows how this year's paper is built, while previous year papers show what has actually been asked.
| Aspect | Sample Paper | Previous Year Question Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Released by CBSE for the current session | Actual paper from a past board exam |
| Best used for | Learning this year's format and marking scheme | Spotting repeated topics and question types |
| Reflects the latest pattern | Yes, always current | Only if the year matches the current pattern |
| Ideal stage | Early to mid preparation | Late revision and timed practice |
Practise real board papers from CBSE Class 12 previous year question papers, and strengthen weak chapters with NCERT Solutions for Class 12. More practice sets are on eSaral's sample paper 12 page.
Preparing for JEE Main or NEET Alongside Boards?
Board papers build your NCERT base, but competitive exams need extra practice at a different level. Add eSaral's JEE Test Series or NEET Test Series once your board practice is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions.
Is the CBSE class 12 sample paper for 2026-27 out?
Yes. CBSE released the sample question papers and marking schemes for 2026-27 on 21 September 2026 on cbseacademic.nic.in. You can download the CBSE class 12 sample paper PDFs for every subject from the table on this page.
Where can I download the class 12 sample paper pdf with marking scheme?
Use the subject-wise download table above for every CBSE class 12 sample paper and its marking scheme. The same official files are available on CBSE's academic website.
Has the CBSE class 12 marking scheme changed for 2026-27?
No. CBSE has kept the question paper design and assessment pattern the same, and each official paper carries a note confirming this. Use the marking scheme released with each paper to check question-wise value points.
How many marks is a CBSE class 12 sample paper?
Physics, Chemistry and Biology carry 70 theory marks, while Maths, English Core, Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics carry 80. Practicals or internal assessment add 30 or 20 marks to make 100.
How many CBSE class 12 sample paper sets should I solve before boards?
Solve at least 5 to 6 different sets per main subject, plus previous year papers, to cover the current format and historically repeated questions.
What is the pattern of the class 12 physics sample paper 2026-27?
The class 12 physics sample paper has 33 compulsory questions in five sections for 70 marks. That is 16 one-mark, 5 two-mark, 7 three-mark, 2 case-based four-mark and 3 five-mark questions.
What do the class 12 physics marking scheme and class 12 chemistry marking scheme reward?
Both reward the formula, substitution, calculation and unit as separate steps, plus labelled diagrams, structures and mechanisms. Missing units and unlabelled diagrams are the most common ways to lose marks.
What is the structure of the class 12 english sample paper?
The class 12 english sample paper has 13 compulsory questions for 80 marks: Reading 22, Creative Writing 18 and Literature 40. Internal assessment adds 20 marks.
Do the class 12 chemistry sample paper and class 12 biology sample paper follow the same pattern?
Yes. The class 12 chemistry sample paper and the class 12 biology sample paper both have 33 questions in five sections for 70 marks, the same as physics.
What is the pattern of the class 12 maths sample paper 2026-27?
The class 12 maths sample paper has 38 questions for 80 marks: 20 one-mark questions, 5 two-mark, 6 three-mark, 4 five-mark and 3 case-based four-mark questions.