CBSE Class 12 Sample Question Papers with Solutions: PDF Download

Board exams are just 3 months away, and most students still feel unsure about the question pattern…

If this thought is stressing you — you’re not alone. But here’s what most Class 12 students don’t realize:

CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2025-26 are your real secret weapon to understand the exact board exam pattern.

👉 Before solving sample papers, students should first check the complete CBSE Class 12 Syllabus to understand the weightage and chapter distribution.

CBSE has released 500+ official sample papers covering 80 subjects — and these are not random practice sheets.
These are official blueprints of how your 2026 board exam will look.

Released in September 2025, the latest sample papers show:

• New exam pattern

• Updated question types

• Latest marking scheme

• Realistic difficulty level

Every 95+ scorer uses these papers again and again — because they reveal exactly how CBSE expects you to answer in the final exam.

⭐ Download CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2025-26 (All Subjects)

Get the latest CBSE Sample Paper 2025-26 Class 12 PDFs with official solutions + marking schemes for all streams — Science, Commerce, Arts & Vocational subjects.

👉 Download Subject-wise PDFs (Free)

Why CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers Matter

Most students think sample papers are just "extra practice." This is wrong.

CBSE Class 12 sample papers are the only official roadmap that shows you exactly how the board will test your knowledge. They aren't random practice sheets — they're carefully designed blueprints that reveal the examination structure textbooks cannot teach you.

Here's why every 95+ scorer uses them religiously:

Understand the exam format

The CBSE board creates sample papers to match the actual examination format with surgical precision. Every question style, marking pattern, and section structure in these papers mirrors what you'll face on exam day.

👉 Along with solving sample papers, make sure you study directly from the official NCERT Class 12 Books because most CBSE questions are based strictly on NCERT content.

This isn't accidental. It's official guidance from the board itself.

When you solve a sample paper class 12, you discover:

·        Question distribution across different sections

·        Mark allocation for various question types

·        Time requirements for each section

·        Chapter-wise weightage in the final exam

The CBSE exam pattern changes regularly. New question formats get introduced that can shock unprepared students. Sample papers reveal these changes early, allowing you to adapt your strategy accordingly. Students who practice with these papers develop crystal-clear understanding of question structures, making the actual exam feel routine rather than intimidating.

The Board publishes these resources for all main subjects every year with complete marking schemes. This means you're preparing exactly as the board expects, not guessing based on coaching center materials.

Reduce exam anxiety

Exam anxiety destroys performance regardless of how well you've studied. The solution? Systematic practice with CBSE sample papers class 12.

Creating exam-like conditions while solving these papers trains you to handle time pressure and finish within deadlines. This mental conditioning builds resilience that pays off massively during the real test.

Students who practice thoroughly with sample papers report feeling calmer and more focused during board exams. This isn't just psychological comfort — it translates into actual mark improvement.

The Central Board of Secondary Education officially recommends sample papers to manage exam anxiety. When you become familiar with the exam format through regular practice, fear of the unknown disappears. Your focus shifts from worrying about the paper structure to confidently demonstrating your knowledge.

Successfully tackling sample papers builds genuine confidence in your abilities. This positive mindset becomes crucial for peak performance under pressure.

Build familiarity with question types

The CBSE has shifted toward application-based and competency-driven questions. The board now tests whether students can apply concepts to real situations, not just memorize facts. This makes sample question paper class 12 practice absolutely critical.

Regular exposure to these papers helps you:

1.      Recognize patterns in how questions are framed

2.      Develop strategies for approaching different question types

3.      Master the board's questioning style

These papers prepare you for the analytical and reasoning skills that modern CBSE exams demand. Students who rely only on textbook learning often struggle with these application-oriented questions.

CBSE sample papers class 12 ensure you're never surprised by unexpected question formats. This familiarity lets you develop effective answering strategies based on the marking scheme, maximizing your score potential.

Sample papers bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and exam performance. They convert your textbook understanding into practical exam skills, ensuring you're fully equipped for whatever appears on the actual examination day.

Subject-Wise Sample Paper Class 12 PDF Access

Getting your hands on the right practice papers is half the battle. CBSE provides official sample papers for every stream and subject — but you need to know exactly where to find them and how they're structured.

Let's break down exactly what's available for each subject group.

Science Stream: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths

The 2025-26 Science stream papers are designed to test conceptual application, not just memorization. CBSE has released complete sample question papers for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in PDF format with detailed marking schemes.

Here's what you get in each subject:

·        Physics: Mix of theoretical concepts and numerical problems across mechanics, optics, and modern physics

·        Chemistry: Balanced questions from physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry with practical applications

·        Biology: Heavy focus on diagram-based questions and case studies from botany, zoology, and human physiology

·        Mathematics: Problem-solving across calculus, algebra, coordinate geometry, and statistics

Important detail: These CBSE class 12 sample papers are bilingual — available in both English and Hindi (प्रतिदर्श प्रश्न पत्र). The marking schemes (अंकन योजना) show you exactly how to structure your answers for maximum marks.

Commerce Stream: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics

Commerce papers focus heavily on application-based scenarios rather than theoretical cramming. You'll find structured sample papers for all three core subjects on the official CBSE academic portal.

Accountancy papers cover:

·        Partnership accounts and company accounts

·        Financial statement analysis and practical problems

·        Part A (compulsory) + Part B (choice between Analysis of Financial Statements or Computerized Accounting)

Business Studies tests case-based scenarios that require conceptual clarity, while Economics splits into Macro Economics and Indian Economic Development sections.

The marking schemes for Commerce subjects are gold — they show exactly how to structure answers for high scores.

Arts Stream: History, Political Science, Sociology

Arts students get five-section papers (A through E) with internal choice questions. Download these from the CBSE academic website.

History emphasizes source-based analytical questions, Political Science includes contemporary case studies, and Sociology has 38 compulsory questions with answers ranging from 30 to 200 words.

These sample question papers class 12 specifically help humanities students develop the writing skills and critical thinking needed for subjective exams.

Language Subjects: English, Hindi, Sanskrit

Language papers are crucial across all streams. CBSE provides sample papers for English Core, Hindi Elective, and Sanskrit Core with complete marking schemes.

English papers have three sections: Reading, Grammar and Writing, and Literature and Fiction. Hindi and Sanskrit follow similar patterns with emphasis on literary comprehension and expression.

Vocational and Optional Subjects

CBSE covers an impressive range here — over 60 vocational subjects including Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Physical Education, Home Science, Fashion Studies, Legal Studies, and Mass Media Studies.

Technical students get papers for Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Web Applications, and Electronics. Performing arts students can access Hindustani Music, Kathak Dance, and Fine Arts papers.

Bottom line: Every CBSE student gets quality practice material tailored to their subject combination. The key is accessing the right papers and using them strategically.

How to Use Sample Question Paper Class 12 Effectively

Just having 500+ sample papers won't get you 95+ marks. Most students download these papers, solve them casually, and wonder why their scores don't improve.

The difference between average and excellent board exam performance lies in how you practice , not just what you practice. Here's the exact method used by top scorers to turn sample paper practice into actual exam success.

Simulate real exam conditions

Your practice environment decides your exam performance.

Most students solve sample papers while sitting on their bed, with music playing, and phone nearby. Then they panic during the actual exam because the environment feels completely different.

Start by setting up your study space exactly like an exam hall:

·        Clear desk with only allowed materials

·        Proper chair and seating posture

·        Complete silence — no music, no phone notifications

·        Good lighting that won't strain your eyes

·        Official answer sheet format if possible

Before you start solving: Read the entire sample paper class 12 for 5 minutes. This gives you a complete picture of question types, difficulty levels, and how to plan your approach. Many students jump straight into Question 1 without this overview, leading to poor time management later.

Treat every practice session as the real exam. Follow all instructions exactly, use only permitted materials, and don't pause for snacks or bathroom breaks unless absolutely necessary.

This might seem extreme, but students who practice in authentic exam conditions report feeling completely comfortable during the actual examination. Your brain gets trained to perform under pressure.

Time yourself while solving

Time management separates 70% scorers from 95+ scorers.

Students often ignore timing during practice, then run out of time during the real exam. Don't make this mistake.

Here's the exact timing strategy used by board exam toppers:

For a 3-hour exam:

·        Reading time: 5 minutes

·        Easy questions (MCQs, short answers): 90 minutes

·        Medium difficulty questions: 60 minutes

·        Challenging long answers: 30 minutes

·        Final review: 15 minutes

Set multiple timers for each section. When your timer rings, move to the next section even if you haven't finished. This trains you to work under realistic time pressure.

Pro tip: Start with questions you find easy to build momentum and confidence early. Mark difficult questions and return to them later rather than getting stuck.

CBSE class 12 sample papers help you develop an intuitive sense of time allocation for different question types — MCQs should take 1-2 minutes, case studies need 8-10 minutes, and lengthy problems require 12-15 minutes.

Track your timing for each practice session. Most students improve their speed by 30-40% within two weeks of timed practice.

Review answers with marking scheme

This is where actual learning happens — but most students skip this crucial step.

After completing each sample question paper class 12, spend equal time analyzing your performance against the official marking scheme. The marking scheme shows you exactly what examiners look for in high-scoring answers.

Your analysis should cover:

·        Which questions you answered correctly vs incorrectly

·        Where you lost marks despite knowing the concept

·        Recurring patterns in your mistakes

·        Time spent on each question type

Pay special attention to partial marking. For example, in Physics numericals, you might get 2 marks for the correct formula even if your final answer is wrong. In History essays, proper structure and keywords can earn you marks even with incomplete content.

Keep a dedicated "Mistake Analysis" notebook. After every practice session, write down:

·        Topics where you're consistently making errors

·        Time management issues (which sections took too long)

·        Silly mistakes that cost you marks

·        Answer presentation problems

This systematic approach helps you focus your remaining preparation on actual weak areas rather than randomly revising everything.

The marking scheme serves as your exam success roadmap. When you align your answering style with examiner expectations, your scores improve dramatically — often by 15-20 marks within a few practice sessions.

Why Solving CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Actually Works 🔥

Most students download CBSE class 12 sample papers and then... do nothing with them. But the students who score 90+ use these papers like a secret weapon. Here's exactly what happens when you solve these papers consistently.

Spot Your Weak Areas Before It's Too Late

Think about this: Would you rather discover your weak topics during your actual board exam or 2 months before?

Sample papers work like a mirror for your preparation. Each sample paper class 12 you solve reveals exactly where you're strong and where you're fooling yourself. Unlike your textbook exercises that focus on one chapter, these papers test your complete knowledge in real exam conditions.

After solving each paper, spend 30 minutes analyzing your mistakes. You'll start noticing patterns:

·        "I always mess up integration by parts"

·        "I never get organic chemistry mechanisms right"

·        "My history answers lack proper structure"

This self-diagnosis helps you create a targeted revision plan instead of randomly studying everything. Students who do this targeted approach report 15-20% improvement in just 4-6 weeks.

The key insight: These papers highlight conceptual gaps that stay hidden during normal chapter-wise study. Fix these gaps now, or they'll cost you marks later.

Build Speed + Accuracy Together

Here's something interesting: Students who only focus on "understanding concepts" often perform poorly in actual exams. Why? Because understanding ≠ exam performance.

Regular practice with cbse class 12 sample paper resources trains two crucial skills simultaneously:

Speed improvements:

·        Faster calculation techniques in Math and Physics

·        Quick recall of formulas and concepts

·        Better question selection strategies

·        Efficient time allocation across sections

Accuracy improvements:

·        Reduced silly mistakes through pattern recognition

·        Better answer structuring techniques

·        Improved handwriting and presentation

·        Enhanced problem-solving shortcuts

Students who solve sample question paper class 12 consistently develop an internal timer. They know instinctively: "This 3-mark question should take me 4 minutes max."

This dual skill development is exactly what separates 70% scorers from 90+ scorers.

Kill Exam Anxiety Before It Kills Your Performance

Exam anxiety doesn't come from lack of preparation. It comes from fear of the unknown.

When you've solved 15-20 sample papers under timed conditions, the actual exam feels like "just another practice session." Your brain recognizes the format, question types, and time pressure. This familiarity reduces stress dramatically.

But here's the bigger benefit: Confidence from competence.

Each successfully completed paper builds genuine self-assurance. You stop thinking "I hope I can do well" and start thinking "I know I can handle whatever comes."

Students who regularly practice with cbse class 12 sample papers report feeling calm and focused during the actual exam. This mental state alone can boost your performance by 10-15 marks.

Master the Art of Answer Writing

This is the hidden benefit most students miss. Sample papers teach you not just what to write, but how to write for maximum marks.

The marking schemes reveal:

·        Which keywords examiners look for

·        How to structure answers for different question types

·        What level of detail is expected for each mark value

·        Common mistakes that cost easy marks

For example, in Physics numerical problems, you might know the concept perfectly but lose 2 marks because you didn't show the formula first. The marking scheme teaches you these scoring secrets.

After studying enough marking schemes, you develop "examiner thinking." You start writing answers that directly match what examiners want to see.

Result? Even with the same level of knowledge, your scores improve because you're communicating more effectively.

The bottom line: CBSE class 12 sample papers aren't just practice material. They're a complete training system that prepares you mentally, technically, and strategically for board exam success.

Students who use them properly don't just hope for good results. They expect them.

CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper with Solutions and Marking Scheme

Here's the truth that most students miss: solving sample papers is only 50% of the game. The real magic happens when you master the solutions and marking schemes.

👉 You can also download CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Question Papers to practice real exam patterns from the last 5–10 years.

The CBSE board doesn't just give you questions — they hand you the exact roadmap to score maximum marks. But most students ignore this goldmine and wonder why their scores don't improve even after solving 20+ papers.

Why Solutions Are Your Secret Scoring Weapon

Sample paper class 12 solutions aren't just "answer keys." They're detailed blueprints showing you exactly how toppers approach each question type.

When you analyze these solutions properly, you discover:

·        Topics you completely missed during your preparation

·        Exact answer formats that examiners expect

·        Keywords and concepts that must appear in your answers

·        Step-by-step problem-solving methods for complex questions

Most students solve a paper, check if their answers are "right" or "wrong," and move on. This is why they stay stuck at average scores.

Smart students spend 2-3 hours analyzing solutions for every 1 hour of solving. This is where the real learning happens.

The Marking Scheme Mastery Method

Think of the marking scheme as your scoring GPS — it shows you exactly where every mark comes from.

Here's your step-by-step analysis process:

Step 1: Answer Matching Check your responses against official solutions. Mark each as correct, partially correct, or wrong.

Step 2: Mark Breakdown Study See exactly how marks are split. For example:

·        Method/Formula = 1 mark

·        Calculation = 2 marks

·        Final answer = 1 mark

·        Diagram/Graph = 1 mark

Step 3: Keyword Identification Circle the exact words and phrases that scoring happens. Use these same terms in your exam answers.

Step 4: Time-to-Mark Ratio Calculate how much time you should spend per mark. If a 5-mark question has 4 sub-parts, don't spend 15 minutes on just one part.

This systematic approach helps you write answers exactly like examiners want to see them.

Fatal Mistakes That Kill Your Scores

These mistakes are rank killers — avoid them at all costs:

Mistake 1: Paper Hopping Solving 5 different papers without properly analyzing even one. Result: No improvement, same mistakes repeated.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Marking Schemes Thinking "my answer is correct" without checking the official format. Result: Losing 2-3 marks per question due to presentation issues.

Mistake 3: Skipping Difficult Solutions Avoiding solutions of questions you got wrong because "they're too hard." Result: Missing out on learning high-scoring techniques.

Mistake 4: Word Limit Violations Writing 150 words for a 30-word answer or just 2 lines for a 5-mark question. Result: Automatic mark deduction.

Mistake 5: Sloppy Handwriting During Practice Thinking "handwriting doesn't matter in practice." Result: Examiner can't read your answers during the real exam.

Fix these mistakes now, and watch your scores jump by 15-20 marks immediately.

Tips to Maximize Your Practice Sessions

Smart practice beats random practice every single time. Most students solve sample papers without a clear strategy, wondering why their marks don't improve despite hours of effort.

Here's how to practice like the toppers do:

Start with Latest Sample Papers

**Your first priority = 2025-26 cbse class 12 sample papers

The CBSE board updates question formats every year. Questions that appeared in 2023 papers might not match the current pattern. Always begin with the most recent sample paper class 12 to understand what examiners are actually testing this year.

Before touching any paper, read through the complete syllabus once. This prevents confusion when you encounter unfamiliar topics during practice.

Track Your Performance Like a Pro

After every cbse sample papers class 12 session, spend 15 minutes analyzing your performance:

·        Mark wrong answers and identify why you got them wrong

·        Note which topics repeatedly trip you up

·        Track your speed improvement over time

·        Record your weak areas for focused revision

Create a simple tracking sheet:

·        Date of practice

·        Subject and marks scored

·        Time taken

·        Major mistakes

·        Topics to revise

This systematic approach helps you see exactly where you're improving and where you're stuck.

Subject Rotation Strategy

Don't solve three Physics papers back-to-back. Your brain gets tired, and you stop learning effectively.

Smart rotation plan:

·        Morning: Solve one sample question paper class 12 (any subject)

·        Afternoon: Review and analyze the morning paper

·        Evening: Light revision of a different subject

This keeps your mind fresh and prevents the mental fatigue that comes from focusing on one subject too long.

Previous Year Papers for Revision Phase

Once you've practiced current sample paper class 12 extensively, previous years' papers become gold for revision. They help you spot question patterns that repeat across years and give you extra practice material when you've exhausted current resources.

Use old papers to identify frequently tested concepts. If a topic appeared in 2022, 2023, and 2024 papers, it's likely to appear again.

Your Board Exam Success Starts Now

CBSE Class 12 sample papers are your direct route to board exam mastery. You now have everything you need: the official question patterns, marking schemes, and proven strategies used by 95+ scorers.

But here's what separates toppers from average students:

Toppers don't just solve sample papers randomly. They practice with purpose, analyze every mistake, and use marking schemes like a roadmap to perfect scores.

Your next 90 days can change everything.

Stop second-guessing yourself. Stop worrying about "what if I'm not ready?" You have the tools. You have the strategy. What you need now is execution.

Here's your action plan:

·        Download subject-specific CBSE class 12 sample papers from the official portal or eSaral

·        Create a practice schedule and stick to it religiously

·        Solve papers in exam conditions — no phone, no distractions

·        Analyze every single answer against the marking scheme

·        Track your improvement weekly

Remember this: Board exams don't test how much you know. They test how well you can demonstrate what you know under pressure. Sample question paper class 12 practice builds exactly that skill.

You've spent months studying theory. You've attended classes, made notes, highlighted textbooks. Now it's time to convert all that knowledge into actual marks.

From today, every sample paper you solve makes you stronger. Every mistake you analyze makes you smarter. Every marking scheme you study brings you closer to your target score.

Your board exam result is not determined by luck or chance. It's determined by how seriously you practice with these official papers in the coming weeks.

All the best, beta. Go show these board exams what you're made of. 🔥

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26 for Class 12?

CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26 are model question papers released to help Class 12 students understand the latest exam pattern, marking scheme, and important question types for the board exams.

2. Where can I download Class 12 Sample Papers 2025-26 in PDF?

You can download Class 12 CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26 for all subjects along with solutions in easy, chapter-wise PDFs from our website.

3. Are these sample papers based on the latest CBSE exam pattern?

Yes, all sample papers are fully aligned with the 2025-26 CBSE Board Exam pattern, including competency-based questions and the updated marking scheme.

4. Do these PDFs include solutions?

Yes, each sample paper comes with step-by-step solutions and marking scheme analysis so students can understand how to write high-scoring answers.

5. Are Class 12 CBSE sample papers enough for board exam preparation?

Sample papers are extremely helpful but should be used along with NCERT textbooks, PYQs, and revision notes for complete preparation.

6. Do these sample papers cover competency-based and case study questions?

Yes, all papers include case-based, competency-based, MCQs, and long-answer questions as per the revised pattern.

7. How many times should I solve CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers?

Ideally, students should solve at least 4–6 sample papers per subject to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

8. Are these sample papers helpful for weak students?

Absolutely! The solutions are designed to help weak students understand concepts, improve writing style, and score better in exams.

9. Can I use these papers for self-study?

Yes, these sample papers are perfect for self-study. You can time yourself, solve papers like a real exam, and compare your answers with provided solutions.

10. Do you provide sample papers for all Class 12 streams?

Yes, we provide Science, Commerce, and Arts sample papers including Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, English and more.