In the new CBSE class 12th blueprint 2025-26, competency-based questions have seen a rise from 40% to 50%, and short-answer and long-answer questions are reduced from 40% to 30%. Read this article to know more about the marking scheme, exam pattern, and more.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026. As per the new blueprint, the competency-based questions have increased by 10%, resulting in 50% multiple-choice questions in the final exam. Long-answer type questions are reduced from 40% to 30%. Furthermore, the select response type questions (MCQ) will make 20% of the overall exam structure.
The CBSE 12th exam 2026 is scheduled from February 17 to April 10, 2026. It will be conducted for 100 marks, where the theory portion is of 70 marks, and the practical is of 30 marks. On the other hand, 80 marks are assigned for the theory papers and 20 marks for project work for non-practical subjects.
The CBSE class 12 2026 chapter-wise blueprint mentions the course structure, question format, and topic allocation. You must thoroughly check the Class 12th blueprint CBSE Board for a well-rounded preparation. Check the updated exam pattern below.
About the CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026
Before we take a look at the subject-wise CBSE class 12th blueprint 2025-26, here are some important details that you must know of.
| Particulars | Details |
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Academic Session | 2025-26 |
| Level of the Examination | 12th/Senior Secondary |
| CBSE 12th Exam Dates 2026 | February 17 to April 10, 2026 |
| Exam Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| CBSE 12th Passing Marks | 33% |
| Question Paper Pattern | 30% Short/Long Answer Questions |
| 20% Objective Type Questions (MCQ) | |
| 50% Competency-based MCQ, Case-based Questions, and Similar Form-based Questions | |
| Maximum Marks | Total Marks: 100 Marks |
| Theory: 80 Marks | |
| Practicals: 20 Marks | |
| Total Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Website | cbse.gov.in |
Subject-wise CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 PDF Download
You must review the CBSE class 12th blueprint, which will significantly contribute to their CBSE 12th preparation. Download the subject-wise CBSE Class 12th 2026 blueprint PDF through the direct links tabulated below.
| Subjects | Blueprint |
| Biology | Download Now |
| Mathematics | Download Now |
| Chemistry | Download Now |
| Computer Science | Download Now |
| Economics | Download Now |
| Business Studies | Download Now |
| English (Core) | Download Now |
| English (Elective) | Download Now |
| Physics | Download Now |
| Accountancy | Download Now |
| Psychology | Download Now |
| Sociology | Download Now |
| Geography | Download Now |
| History | Download Now |
| Entrepreneurship | Download Now |
| Physical Education | Download Now |
| Political Science | Download Now |
| Biotechnology | Download Now |
| Applied Mathematics | Download Now |
| Sanskrit | Download Now |
Subject-Wise CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 For Theory Exam
The revised CBSE class 12th 2026 blueprint is now available for all subjects. The blueprint illustrates the marking allocation for different components under the theory exam and practical assessment. You can also review the CBSE 12 syllabus 2026 to know the chapter-wise topics under each subject. The updated CBSE marking scheme for class 12 for each subject is given below for your reference.
CBSE Class 12 English Blueprint 2025-26
English, Hindi, and Sanskrit mainly fall under the language subjects, and follow a similar question paper pattern and marking distribution. Here is the CBSE class 12 English Blue Print 2026 that will also help you understand the marking scheme for other language subjects.
| Unit | Blueprint of English Class 12 CBSE 2025-26 | Marks |
| Reading | ||
| 1 | Comprehension Short Answer(4), Very short (1)) |
9 |
| 2 | Vocabulary Testing (Very short answer) 1 Question |
3 |
| 3 | Study Skills (Comprehending & Note Making) 1 Question |
5 |
| 4 | Summarising Skills (1 Question) | 3 |
| Writing | ||
| 5 | Providing Factual Details, Organisation, Fluency, and Coherence (Short Writing Skill) 1 Question |
5 |
| 6 | Presenting Factual Details, Format, Fluency, and Coherence (Factual Reporting) 1 Question |
10 |
| 7 | Formatting, Organisation, Coherence, Fluency (Long Writing Task) 1 Question |
10 |
| 8 | Organisation, coherence, fluency (Article LWS) 1 Question | 10 |
|
English Core -XII (Text Books)
|
||
| 9 | Poetry Appreciation, Interpretation, Short Answer(1), Very Short Answer (2), 3 Questions | 4 |
| 10 | Comprehension Interpretation Understanding Interpretation (Short Answer) 4 Questions*2 |
8 |
| 11 | Comprehension, Interpretation, and Understanding (Short answer) 5 Questions*2 |
10 |
| 12 | Content Organisation Fluency, Coherence, Understanding (long answers) | 10 |
| 13 | Content Organisation, Fluency, Coherence, Understanding (Long Answers) | 7 |
| 14 | Understanding Interpretation Understanding (Short Answer) 4 Questions* 2 |
8 |
| Total | 100 | |
Class 12th CBSE 2026 Blueprint For Science Subjects
Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry are the core subjects in the Science stream. The Class 12 CBSE blueprint 2026 for the science-based subjects is as follows.
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Mathematics
As per the previous years' CBSE 12 Maths paper analysis, MCQ and case-study-based questions were dominant throughout the question paper. The table below contains the CBSE class 12th blueprint for Mathematics.
| Topic | Marks |
| Relations and Functions | 8 |
| Algebra | 10 |
| Calculus | 35 |
| Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry | 14 |
| Linear Programming | 5 |
| Probability | 8 |
| Total | 80 |
| Internal Assessment | 20 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Physics
You must check the CBSE 12 Physics paper analysis for the past academic year and check the chapter-wise topic allocation with marking assignments for each type of question. The CBSE class 12th blueprint for Physics 2026 is tabulated below.
| Topic | Marks |
| Electrostatics and Current Electricity | 16 |
| Magnetic Effects of Current, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current | 17 |
| Electromagnetic Waves and Optics | 18 |
| Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter, Atoms and Nuclei | 12 |
| Electronic Devices | 7 |
| Total | 70 |
| Practical | 30 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Chemistry
As per the CBSE 12 Chemistry Paper Analysis for the past academic year, the question paper for the Chemistry subject is divided into 5 sections, containing MCQ, long answer, and subjective questions. The CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026 for the Chemistry subject is given below.
| Topic | Marks |
| Solutions | 7 |
| Electrochemistry | 9 |
| Haloalkenes and Haloaroenes | 6 |
| Alcohol, Phenol, and Ether | 6 |
| Biomolecules | 7 |
| Chemical Kinetics | 7 |
| d-block and f-block elements | 7 |
| Co-ordination Compounds | 7 |
| Aldehyde, Ketone, Carboxylic Acids | 8 |
| Amines | 6 |
| Total | 70 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Biology
Reviewing the CBSE 12th Biology paper analysis for the past academic year will help you understand the overall question paper pattern and question types in the five sections. The updated CBSE 12th blueprint 2026 for Biology is given below.
| Topic | Marks |
| Reproduction | 16 |
| Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
| Biology and Human Welfare | 12 |
| Biotechnology and Its Applications | 12 |
| Ecology | 10 |
| Total | 70 |
CBSE Class 12 2026 Blueprint for Commerce Subjects
Subjects such as Business Studies, Economics, and Accountancy mostly make up the commerce stream. The CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026 for the commerce-based subjects is as follows.
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Business Studies
As per the CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Deleted Syllabus 2026, Functions and Types of Financial Markets, Instruments of Money Market, and Methods of Floatation in the Primary Market, among others have been deleted from the main curriculum. Tabulated below is the updated CBSE blueprint for class 12 2026 for Business Studies.
| Topic | Marks |
| Principles and Functions of Management | |
| Nature and Significance of Management, Principles of Management, Business Environment | 16 |
| Planning, Organising | 16 |
| Staffing, Directing, Controlling | 20 |
| Business Finance and Marketing | |
| Financial Management, Financial Markets | 15 |
| Marketing Management, Consumer Protection | 15 |
| Internal Assessment/Project | 20 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Accountancy
The past year's CBSE 12 Accountancy paper analysis shows that the question paper of the board exam mostly consists of MCQs, numerical, and descriptive-type questions, divided into Part A: 60 marks and Part B: 20 marks. The CBSE blueprint 2026 class 12 for Accountancy is given below.
| Topic | Marks |
| Part A: Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies | |
| Accounting for Partnership Firms | 36 |
| Accounting for Companies | 24 |
| Part B: Financial Statement Analysis | |
| Analysis of Financial Statements | 12 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 8 |
| Or | |
| Part B: Computerised Accounting | 20 |
| Part C: Project file, Written test (1 hour), Viva voce | 20 |
CBSE 12th 2026 Blueprint For Arts Subjects
The arts stream consists of subjects such as Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, History, Geography, etc. The CBSE class 12th blueprint of the art-based subjects is given below.
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Political Science
CBSE blueprint 2026 class 12 for Political Science is listed below. You can review the past year's CBSE 12 Political Science Paper Analysis for additional knowledge regarding the question paper format, question types, and evaluation pattern.
| Topic | Marks |
| Part A: Contemporary World Politics | |
| The End of Bipolarity | 8 |
| New Centres of Contemporary South Asia | 12 |
| United Nations and its Organisations: Security in the Contemporary World | 10 |
| Environment and Natural Resources, Globalisation | 10 |
| Part B: Politics in India Since Independence | |
| Challenges of a Nation-Building's Foreign Policy | 10 |
| India's Foreign Policy | 8 |
| Parties and Party System in India: Democratic Resurgence | 12 |
| Regional Aspirations: Indian Politics: Recent Trends and Development | 12 |
| Total | 80 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for History
The detailed topic-wise marks distribution for the history subject is given below for the your reference.
| Topic | Marks |
| Bricks, Beads, and Bones | 25 |
| Kings, Farmers, and Towns | |
| Kinship, Caste, and Class | |
| Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings | |
| Bhakti -Sufi Traditions | 25 |
| An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara | |
| Kings and Chronicles | |
| Colonialism and The Countryside | 25 |
| Rebels and the Raj | |
| Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement | |
| Framing the Constitution | |
| Grand Total | 80 |
| Project Work | 20 |
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Geography
Refer to the table below to learn more about the marks distribution for Geography as per the updated blueprint.
| Topic | Marks |
| Human Geography | 30 |
| People | |
| Human Activities | |
| Human settlements | |
| Map Work | 05 |
| People | 30 |
| Human Settlements | |
| Resources and Development | |
| Geographical Perspective on selected issues and problems | |
| Map Work | 05 |
| Grand Total | 70 |
| Project Work | 30 |
Read More: CBSE Class 12th Deleted Syllabus 2026
CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 for Practical Exam
As per the updated CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026, the internal assessment/practical exam marks are 30% of the total 100 marks allotted. Some of those subjects are physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, engineering graphics, etc, and some commerce and arts-based subjects contain 30% of the total marks.
The CBSE 12th marking scheme 2026 for practical exams of a few science-based subjects is as follows.
| Subjects | Components | Marks |
| Physics | 2 experiments, 1 from each section | 14 |
| Practical record | 5 | |
| 1 activity from any section | 3 | |
| Investigatory project | 3 | |
| Viva | 5 | |
| Total | 30 | |
| Chemistry | Volumetric Analysis | 8 |
| Salt Analysis | 8 | |
| Content-Based Experiment | 6 | |
| Project | 4 | |
| Class record & viva | 4 | |
| Total | 30 | |
| Biology | 1 major experiment | 5 |
| 1 minor experiment | 4 | |
| Slide preparation | 5 | |
| Spotting | 7 | |
| Practical record + viva voce | 4 | |
| Project record + viva voce | 5 | |
| Total | 30 |
CBSE Class 12 Question Pattern 2026
As per the new CBSE blueprint 2026 class 12, the question papers in the upcoming board exam will mostly focus on competency-based questions in the form of MCQs/ case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, etc. The table below can help you understand the changes introduced in the question paper pattern for class 12.
| Particulars | Academic Year 2023-24 | Academic Year 2026 |
| Competency-focused questions in the form of MCQs/ Case-based questions, Source-based integrated questions, or any other type | 40% | 50% |
| Select response-type questions (MCQ) | 20% | 20% |
| Constructed response questions (short answer/long answer type questions) | 40% | 30% |
The marking scheme and difficulty level as mentioned in the CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026 are tabulated below
| Question Types | Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ-Based Questions | 16 | Easy to Moderate |
| Short and Long Answer Questions | 24 | Easy to Moderate |
| Paragraph-Based Question, Case Study, Image-Based Question, Assertion-Reason, Statement-Based Question | 40 | Easy to Moderate |
CBSE 12th Marking Scheme 2026
The CBSE Board has published the subject-wise marking scheme on the official website. You can review the CBSE class 12 sample papers, uploaded by the board to get a clear idea of the question-wise evaluation procedure.
The table below contains a subject-wise marking scheme in PDF format, as mentioned in the CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026.
| Subject Name | Marking Scheme PDF Link |
| Biology | Download Now |
| Chemistry | Download Now |
| Engg. Graphic | Download Now |
| English Core | Download Now |
| English Elective | Download Now |
| Hindi Elective | Download Now |
| Hindi Core | Download Now |
| Legal Studies | Download Now |
| Applied Mathematics | Download Now |
| Mathematics | Download Now |
| Physics | Download Now |
| Psychology | Download Now |
| Sociology | Download Now |
CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern 2026
You need to review the exam pattern for CBSE class 12 and shape their preparation efficiently and effectively. They can also check the CBSE Grading System to learn about the evaluation criteria in depth. The table given below shows the exam pattern in detail.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Authority | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) |
| Question Paper Pattern | 50% short/long answer questions |
| 30% Competency-based questions in the form of multiple choice, case-based, or other similar form-based questions | |
| 20 MCQs | |
| Total Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | Total: 100 marks (Theory + Practicals) |
| 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for practicals |
Also Check: CBSE class 12th Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE Class 12th Passing Marks 2026
The passing mark in the CBSE Class 12 exam is 33 for all subjects. You must secure aggregate marks, which is 33% of the total. The passing marks for each subject are listed below, along with the total marks for theory and practical exams.
| Subjects | Theory Exam Total Marks | Practical Exam Total Marks | Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Sociology | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Physics | 70 | 30 | 33 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| History | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Geography | 70 | 30 | 33 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 | 33 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 | 33 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 | 33 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 | 33 |
Benefits of Reviewing CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026
The CBSE class 12th blueprint 2026 will help you work your efficiency and perform well in the exams. The top benefits of reviewing the blueprint of the CBSE class 10 exam are as follows.
- You can understand the marking scheme in detail for each chapter under all subjects.
- You can review the blueprint and study the CBSE 12th Books accordingly while preparing for the exam.
- The class 10 blueprint prepared by the CBSE board will help you know the changes in the question pattern and types.
- You can get an understanding of the important chapters in the CBSE Class 10 syllabus.
- The blueprint will help you evaluate the marking criteria for each question that will appear in the board exam.
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New blueprint for 2025-26 session released. -
Competency-based questions increased to 50%. -
Long-answer questions reduced to 30%. -
Exams scheduled from Feb 17 to April 10, 2026.
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