CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024-25: Check New Exam Pattern

Roumik Roy
Roumik Roy

Updated on - Nov 12, 2024

The CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2024-25 has been revised by the Central Board of Secondary Education, as per the National Education Policy. The majority of the questions will be application and conceptual-based. 

The CBSE board has increased the competency-based questions from 40% to 50% in the CBSE 12 board exam 2025, scheduled to be conducted from February 15 to April 3, 2025. As per the revised CBSE class 12 2024-25 exam pattern, the number of constructed response questions and MCQs has decreased from 40% to 30%. Furthermore, the CBSE governing body has excluded the open-book CBSE exam for the 2024-25 academic year.

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024-25: Highlights

CBSE released a new exam pattern for class 12 CBSE and an assessment policy for the 2025 academic year. Students must have an idea of the CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 before appearing for the exam. The important highlights regarding the CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2024-25 are provided below.

CBSE 12 Exam Pattern 2024-25 Highlights 
Particulars Details
Name of the exam  Central Board of Secondary Education
Mode of exam  Offline 
Exam dates February 15 to April 3, 2025
Exam duration  3 hours 
Core subjects Mathematics, Science and Social Science
Question pattern 50% Competency-focused questions (case-based or source based)
20% Select response-type questions (MCQs)
30% Constructed response questions (Short answer/long answer questions)
Total marks 100 (Theory+Practical)
Passing marks 33 per cent in each subject
Official website cbse.gov.in

Also Read: CBSE Additional Practise Paper

Changes in the CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern 2024-25

The board has modified the CBSE pattern 2024 class 12 for students for the academic year 2024-25. Competency-focused questions in the form of MCQs/ case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, or any other type will carry 50% weightage, select response type questions (MCQ) will have 20% weightage, and short/answer type questions will carry 30% weightage.

Refer to the table below to understand the changes in the paper pattern for class 12 2024-25 and the past academic year.

CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern Details
Particulars Academic Year 2023-24 Academic Year 2024-25
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%

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024-25 PDF

The CBSE board has published the subject-wise exam patterns on the official website - cbse.gov.in. Students can access the CBSE class 12 2024-25 exam pattern PDF from the direct link provided in the table below.

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2024-25 PDF 
Particulars PDF Link
CBSE Exam Pattern 2024-25 Class 12 Download Now

Class 12 CBSE Exam Pattern 2024-25

The CBSE board will follow the revised CBSE class 12th 2024-25 exam pattern for various subjects. The paper will be conducted for 100 marks, of which 80 marks will be given for theory and 20 marks for practical assessment. Tabulated below is the updated marking scheme for class 12 CBSE 2024-25 per subject, which students can refer to.  

CBSE Class 12th 2024-25 Exam Pattern For Language Subjects

Some of the language subjects are English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and other local languages. The table below contains the class 12 CBSE exam pattern 2024-25 for English subjects. Most language-based subject contains similar exam pattern.

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern - English
Topic
Marks
Reading Skills 
20
Creative Writing Skills 
20
Literature Textbooks & Supplementary Reading Texts 
40
Assessment of Listening & Speaking Skills 
10
Internal assessment 
20

Read More: CBSE Class 12th English Syllabus 2024-25

Class 12 CBSE 2024-25 Exam Pattern For Science Subjects

CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2024-25 is available for subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry. Check the class 12 CBSE exam pattern 2024-25 of the science-based subjects below.

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Maths 2024-25

For CBSE 12 Mathematics, the theory part has a total weightage of 80 marks, and the internal assessment is for 30 marks. CBSE 12th 2024-25 exam pattern and the marking scheme for Mathematics are tabulated below. 

CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern - 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

Also Read: CBSE 12 Maths Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Physics 2024-25

Elucidated below is the updated CBSE exam pattern for Physics 2024. The marking scheme class 12 2024 for class 12 CBSE 2024-25 Physics displays that the theory part has a total weight of 70 marks; the remaining 30 marks belong to the practicals.

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern - Physics
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

Also Read: CBSE 12 Physics Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2024-25

The theory part has a total weight of 70 marks, and the remaining 30 marks are assigned to the practicals. Refer to the table mentioned below to learn more about the updated CBSE class 12th exam pattern 2024-25 for the Chemistry subject. 

CBSE 12 2024-25 Exam Pattern - Chemistry
Topic Marks
Solutions 7
Electrochemistry 9
Haloalkenes and Haloaroenes
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

Also Read: CBSE 12 Chemistry Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Biology 2024-25

Biology paper carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical. Tabulated below is the updated CBSE 12th exam pattern 2024-25 for Biology. 

Class 12 CBSE Exam Pattern - Biology
Topic Marks
Reproduction 16
Genetics and Evolution  20
Biology and Human Welfare 12 
Biotechnology and its Applications 12
Ecology 10
Total 70

Also Read: CBSE 12 Biology Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology 2024-25

Tabulated below is the updated CBSE marking scheme 2024-25 class 12 of Biotechnology which students must refer to. 

Class 12th CBSE Exam Pattern - Biotechnology
Topic Marks
Protein and Gene Manipulation 40
Cell Culture and Genetic Manipulation  30
Practicals 30
Total 70

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Engineering Graphics 2024-25

Refer to the table below to learn more about the updated chapter-wise CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for Engineering Graphics. 

CBSE 12 2024-25 Exam Pattern - Engineering Graphics
Topic Marks
Isometric Projection of Solids 25
Machine Drawing 45
Practicals 30
Total 70

CBSE Class 12 2024 Exam Pattern for Commerce Subjects

The chapter-wise CBSE marking scheme 2024-25 class 12 is available for the subjects under the commerce stream. Check the class 12 CBSE exam pattern 2024-25 for Business Studies and Accountancy subjects.

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Business Studies 2024-25

The CBSE class 12 business studies contain a section for Principles and Functions of Management and Business Finance and Marketing. Tabulated below is the updated CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for Business Studies. 

Class 12 CBSE 2024-25 Exam Pattern - Business Studies
Topic Marks
Principles and Functions of Management
Nature and Significance of Management Principles of Management Business Environment  16 
PlanningOrganising 16
StaffingDirecting Controlling 20
Business Finance and Marketing
Financial Management Financial Markets  15
Marketing ManagementConsumer Protection  15
Internal Assessment/Project 20

Read More: CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Deleted Syllabus 2024-25

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Accountancy 2024-25

The class 12 theory part has a total weight of 80 marks, divided into Part A: 60 marks and Part B: 20 marks. Mentioned below is the detailed CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for Accountancy.  

12 CBSE 2024-25 Exam Pattern - Accountancy
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

Also Read: CBSE 12 Accountancy Paper Analysis 2024

CBSE 12th 2024-25 Exam Pattern For Arts Subjects

The arts stream contains popular subjects such as Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Legal Studies, and economics. The marking scheme for class 12 CBSE 2024-25 of the art-based subject is briefly given below. 

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Political Science 2024-25

Below is the updated CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for the academic year 2024-25, which students must refer to for the Political Science paper. 

CBSE 12 2024-25 Exam Pattern - Political Science
Topic Marks
Part A: Contemporary World Politics
The End of Bipolarity  8
New Centres of PowerContemporary South Asia  12
United Nations and its OrganizationsSecurity in the Contemporary World  10
Environment and Natural ResourcesGlobalization 10
Part B: Politics in India Since Independence
Challenges of Nation-BuildingIndia's Foreign Policy 10 
India’s Foreign Policy
Parties and Party System in IndiaDemocratic Resurgence 12 
Regional AspirationsIndian Politics: Recent Trends and Development 12
Total 80

Also Read: CBSE 12 Political Science Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Legal Studies 2024-25

The total CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for Legal Studies is 100. The detailed topic-wise marks distribution is tabulated below for the student's reference. 

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern - Legal Studies
Topic Marks
Judiciary  10
Topics of Law 20
Arbitration, Tribunal Adjudication and Alternative Dispute Resolution  10
Human Rights in India  10
Legal Profession in India  10
Legal Services  10
International Context  10
Project (Based on Syllabus) 20 
Total 100

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Economics 2024-25

The CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 theory part for Economics has a total weight of 80 marks, and the practical part has a total weight of 20 marks. Refer to the table below to learn more about the marks distribution for Economics. 

12th CBSE Exam Pattern - Economics
Topic Marks
Part 1: Introductory Macroeconomics
National Income and Related Aggregates 10
Money and Banking
Determination of Income and Employment 12 
Government Budget and the Economy  6
Balance of Payments  6
Part B: Indian Economic Development
Development Experience (1947-90) and Economic Reforms since 1991  12
Current Challenges Facing the Indian Economy  20
Development Experience of India – A Comparison with Neighbours  8
Total 80

Also Read: CBSE 12 Economics Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Sociology 2024-25

The Sociology paper for the CBSE class 12 consists of 100 marks. Below is the CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for the Sociology subject.  

CBSE 12th Paper Pattern - Sociology
Topic Marks
The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society  10
Social Institutions: Continuity and Change 10 
Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion  10
The Challenges of Cultural Diversity  10
Structural Change
Cultural Change
Change and Development in Rural Society 10 
Change and Development in Industrial Society 10 
Social Movements  10
Project  20
Total 100

Read More: CBSE Class 12 Sociology Deleted Syllabus 2024-25

Marks Distribution & Exam Pattern of CBSE Class 12 Psychology 2024-25

The Psychology paper consists of 100 marks. Below is the detailed topic-wise CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for the Psychology subject. 

CBSE Class 12 Paper Pattern - Psychology
Topic Marks
Therapeutic Approaches  9
Variations in Psychological Attributes 13
Psychological Disorders 12
Self and Personality 13
Meeting Life Challenges 9
Attitude and Social Cognition  8
Social Influence and Group Processes  6
Practical  30
Total 100

Read More: CBSE Class 12 Psychology Deleted Syllabus 2024-25

CBSE Marking Scheme 2024 Class 12: Assessment Policy

The CBSE class 12 theory exam 2024-25 will be conducted for 70 to 80 marks and the rest of the 20 to 30 marks are assigned for practicals, projects and internal assessments. Refer to the image below for the detailed CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 based on the revised exam pattern. 

CBSE Class 12 2024-25 Marking Scheme & Sample Paper

The CBSE marking scheme 2024-25 class 12 are provided below for various subjects. Access the direct link to download the sample paper for various subjects for class 12 below:

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2024-25 - Marking Scheme & Sample Paper
Subject Name Sample Paper PDF Link Marking Scheme PDF Link
Biology Download Now Download Now
Chemistry Download Now Download Now
Engg. Graphic Download Now Download Now
English Core Download Now Download Now
English Elective Download Now Download Now
Hindi Elective Download Now Download Now
Hindi Core Download Now Download Now
Legal Studies Download Now Download Now
Applied Mathematics Download Now Download Now
Mathematics Download Now Download Now
 Physics Download Now Download Now
 Psychology Download Now Download Now
 Sociology Download Now Download Now

Read More: CBSE Class 12th Previous Year Question Papers

CBSE 12th 2024-25 Marking Scheme for Theory Exam

Tabulated below is the marks breakdown for the theory and practical exams for various subjects as per the CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2024-25. Students must refer to this to start their preparation accordingly. 

CBSE Class 12 Paper Pattern 2024-25 - Assessment Policy
Subjects Theory Exam Practical Exam
English 80 20
Sociology 80 20
Political Science 80 20
Physics 70 30
Mathematics 80 20
History 80 20
Geography 70 30
Economics 80 20
Computer Science 70 30
Chemistry 70 30
Business Studies 80 20
Accountancy 80 20
Biology 70 30

Also Read: CBSE 12th Biology Marks Distribution 2024-25 

CBSE Class 12 2024-25 Marking Scheme for Practical Exam

The CBSE class 12 exam for subjects under streams such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering graphics, etc and some commerce and arts-based subjects contain 30% marks for practical or internal evaluation out of a total mark of 100.

The table below shows the CBSE class 12th marking scheme 2024-25 for practical exams.

CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam Pattern 2024-25
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

Also Read: Download CBSE Class 12 Revised Marking Scheme 2024-25

CBSE Class 12 Question Pattern 2024-25

The final examination will cover the recent syllabus per the CBSE curriculum 2024-25. For the CBSE class 12 board exams 2025, question papers would comprise 20% MCQs or objective questions. 50% would be competency-based questions. The remaining 30% would be subjective or short/long answer questions.

The table below shows the typical question pattern for 70 to 80 marks in the CBSE class 12 question papers for the theory exam.

CBSE Class 12 Question Pattern 2024-25
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

Read More: CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern 2024-25: Passing Criteria

To fulfil the passing criteria for CBSE class 12, students have to score 33% marks separately in theory and practical papers. Check the Important points regarding the passing criteria of the board exam as per the CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2024-25.

  • The aggregate marks scored also have to be 33% of the total.
  • If a student obtains 33% marks in aggregate but does not score 33% in one of the subjects, they will have to sit for the compartment exam.
  • The total consists of marks obtained in both theory and practical papers.
  • Grace marks are awarded on a scale of two to five.

Also Read: Passing Marks in CBSE Class 12 

FAQs on CBSE 12th Exam Pattern

Q: What is the CBSE 12th exam pattern for 2024-25?

Q: What is the CBSE marking scheme 2024 class 12 for internal assessments/projects?

Q: What is the total duration for the CBSE 12th exam paper?

Q: According to the CBSE 12th class exam pattern 2024-25, how much weightage is given to MCQs, long/short questions, and Competency-focused questions?

Q: What are the passing criteria as per the latest 12th CBSE 12th exam pattern for 2024-25?

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