CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025

Students gearing up for the CBSE class 12 board exams must thoroughly understand the exam pattern, as it plays a crucial role in their preparation. The recent Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) updates for the academic year 2024-25 have introduced significant changes to the class 12th exam pattern. These changes include an increased emphasis on competency-based questions and a reduction in constructed response questions.

CBSE has published the marking scheme for class 12 subjects on its official website to help with preparation. Students should use the marking scheme to understand the weightage given to each subject and the distribution of marks across chapters.

It is important to stay updated with any potential changes in the exam pattern. Therefore, this article provides comprehensive information on the CBSE exam pattern 2025 class 12, the marking scheme, and subject-wise weightage.

1.0CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025

The CBSE class 12th exam pattern is a valuable guide for students preparing for the exams. According to the latest updates, the new exam pattern introduces more competency-based questions and reduces the number of constructed response questions by 10% compared to the previous year. 

While different subjects may have varying marking schemes, the English (Core) and Mathematics papers typically follow unique exam patterns compared to other subjects. It is important to stay updated with any changes or updates from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the marking schemes for CBSE Class 12th board exam subjects, as these can impact exam preparation.

Highlights of CBSE Exam Pattern 2025 Class 12

The following table offers a comprehensive overview of the CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern for 2025. It covers details such as the conducting authority, question pattern, distribution of marks, passing marks, duration, mode of examination, and the official website for reference.

2.0Latest Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme for Class 12

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has updated the exam guidelines for Classes 11 and 12, effective from the 2024-25 session. The weightage for competency-based questions has increased. These include MCQs, case-based, and source-based questions, focusing on practical knowledge and concept application. Constructed response questions, like short and long answers, now have a reduced weightage. 

These changes aim to balance question types and improve the assessment process, encouraging students to understand subjects deeply and adjust their study strategies accordingly. In the given table, we have provided the percent of changes that took place from last year's 12th CBSE Exam Pattern:

Note: Students may note that the composition of question papers for year-end examination/ board exams (theory) for classes 9 and 10 has remained the same for the new academic session (2024-25).

3.0Subject-wise Marking Scheme for Class 12 CBSE 2025

The CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for science subjects in the academic year 2024-25 has undergone significant changes, particularly in the weightage distribution for different question types.

According to the new guidelines, the weightage for competency-based questions, including MCQs, case-based, and source-based questions, has increased from 40% to 50%. Conversely, the weightage for constructed response questions, such as short and long-answer type questions, has been reduced from 40% to 30%.

For a more detailed Subject-Wise Marking Scheme for class 12 CBSE 2025 and weightage distribution, please refer to the table below, which contains downloadable PDF links.

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025 PDF Download

4.0CBSE Class 12 Preparation Tips

Knowing specific tips and tricks to perform well in exams is important to help you manage your preparation effectively. These include time management, practicing questions and illustrations, timely revisions, and focusing on topics with higher weightage. Therefore, to ensure smooth preparation for your Class 12th Board Exam, you should follow these CBSE Class 12 tips that are based on the latest exam pattern:

• NCERT Textbooks: Solidify your foundation by thoroughly understanding NCERT concepts.
• Focus on Clarity: Aim for deep understanding to solve problems effectively, not just memorization.
• Create a Schedule: Allocate study time effectively, prioritizing subjects based on complexity and your strengths.
• Set Realistic Goals: Segment your syllabus into manageable parts and set daily or weekly goals.
• Practice Time Management: Use mock tests under timed conditions to hone your exam time management.
• Sample Papers: Use these and past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam's format and types of questions. Find the Class 12 previous year sample papers here.
• Reference Books: Enhance NCERT content with detailed books or online resources for deeper insights and more practice.
• Educational Websites and Apps: Leverage interactive online tools for further learning
• Clear Your Doubts: Seek help from teachers or online forums whenever you're stuck.
• Focus on Application: Apply concepts to real-world scenarios and practice application-based questions.
• Form Study Groups: Discuss and share knowledge with peers to strengthen understanding.
• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you're well-rested to enhance learning and memory.
• Manage Stress: Avoid stress by using meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
• Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle: Stay healthy with regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
• Consider Coaching Classes: They offer structured learning and expert guidance.
• Seek a Mentor: A mentor provides personalized advice, motivation, and emotional support.