8 October 20267 min read
CBSE Class 12 Sample Paper 2026-27: Subject-wise Guide
Marks, sections and question types in the official 2026-27 sample papers for nine Class 12 subjects, and how to practise with them.
This guide explains what is inside CBSE's official Class 12 Sample Question Papers for 2026-27: total marks, time, sections, question types and how internal choice works. It covers nine subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, English Core and Computer Science) and ends with a calm way to practise with each paper.
Sample paper and marking scheme: what they are
For every subject, CBSE releases two documents. The Sample Question Paper (SQP) shows the design of the board paper: how many questions, what kind, and how many marks each carries. The Marking Scheme (MS) shows the expected answers and how marks are given within each answer. Both are published on CBSE's academic website. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology papers are also available in Hindi.
What changed this year
CBSE's notification of 21 September 2026 says there is no change in the question paper design and assessment pattern for the 2026-27 session. It also says the passing criteria will remain the same as those applicable during the 2025-26 session.
Every paper covered below is 3 hours long.
Science stream
Physics: 70 marks, 33 questions
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 16 (12 MCQ, 4 assertion-reason) | 1 | 16 |
| B | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| C | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| D | 2 case study-based | 4 | 8 |
| E | 3 long answer | 5 | 15 |
There is no overall choice. Internal choice is given in two questions of Section B, one of Section C and all three of Section E. Calculators are not allowed, and the paper lists the physical constants you may use.
Chemistry and Biology: 70 marks, 33 questions
Both papers follow the same five-section shape.
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 16 (Q1–12 MCQ, Q13–16 assertion-reason) | 1 | 16 |
| B | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| C | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| D | 2 case-based | 4 | 8 |
| E | 3 long answer | 5 | 15 |
All questions are compulsory. In the Chemistry sample, OR options appear in Sections B, C, D and E, and log tables and calculators are not allowed. In the Biology sample, OR options appear in Sections B, D and E, and neat, labelled diagrams are expected wherever needed. Both papers include alternative questions for visually impaired candidates.
For Chemistry revision, our chapter guides on Electrochemistry and Haloalkanes and Haloarenes are a good place to start.
Mathematics: 80 marks, 38 questions
| Section | Question type | Marks each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 18 MCQ + 2 assertion-reason | 1 | 20 |
| B | 5 very short answer | 2 | 10 |
| C | 6 short answer | 3 | 18 |
| D | 4 long answer | 5 | 20 |
| E | 3 case study-based | 4 | 12 |
Internal choice is given in two questions of Section B, three of Section C, two of Section D, and one sub-part each in two questions of Section E. Calculators are not allowed.
Commerce stream
Accountancy: 80 marks, 34 questions
Part A (Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies, Q1–26) is compulsory. Part B (Q27–34) has two options, Analysis of Financial Statements or Computerised Accounting, and you attempt only one.
| Marks each | Questions | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q1–16 and Q27–30 | 20 |
| 3 | Q17–20, Q31, Q32 | 18 |
| 4 | Q21, Q22, Q33 | 12 |
| 6 | Q23–26, Q34 | 30 |
Internal choice is given in two 3-mark, two 4-mark and two 6-mark questions.
Business Studies: 80 marks, 34 questions
| Marks each | Questions | Suggested length | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q1–20 | – | 20 |
| 3 | Q21–24 | 50–75 words | 12 |
| 4 | Q25–30 | about 150 words | 24 |
| 6 | Q31–34 | about 200 words | 24 |
The sample has OR options in some 3, 4 and 6-mark questions. The paper also asks you to attempt all parts of a question together.
Economics: 80 marks, 34 questions
The paper has two sections: Section A, Macroeconomics (Q1–17), and Section B, Indian Economic Development (Q18–34).
| Question type | Number | Marks each | Word limit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 20 | 1 | – | 20 |
| Short answer | 4 | 3 | 60–80 | 12 |
| Short answer | 6 | 4 | 80–100 | 24 |
| Long answer | 4 | 6 | 100–150 | 24 |
Several questions in the sample offer an OR option.
English Core and Computer Science
English Core: 80 marks, 13 questions
| Section | What it has | Total |
|---|---|---|
| A: Reading Skills | 2 passages (12 and 10 marks) | 22 |
| B: Creative Writing Skills | 4 questions, each with a choice of two: two of about 50 words (4 marks each) and two of 120–150 words (5 marks each) | 18 |
| C: Literature | 3 extract questions (6, 4 and 6 marks, choose one of two extracts); any 5 of 6 short answers and any 2 of 3 short answers (2 marks each, 40–50 words); 2 long answers of 120–150 words (5 marks each, one of two) | 40 |
All questions are compulsory, and the paper asks you to keep to the word limits. If you are revising the Flamingo prose, start with The Last Lesson and Deep Water.
Computer Science: 70 marks, 37 questions
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| B | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| C | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| D | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| E | 2 | 5 | 10 |
Some questions have internal choice. All programming answers must be in Python, and for MCQs you write the text of the correct answer as well as the option.
How to use a sample paper
A sample paper is most useful as a practice run, not as reading material.
- Do one timed attempt. Sit for 3 hours in one go, with your notes closed and your phone in another room.
- Check it with the marking scheme. Mark yourself honestly, step by step. Notice how marks are split inside an answer, not just the final result.
- List your weak chapters. Write down every question where you lost marks and the chapter it came from.
- Revise those chapters. Go back to the textbook, ask Joy to explain anything unclear, and do topic-wise questions on Learnijoy Practice.
- Re-attempt after a few days. First redo only the questions you got wrong, then try the full paper again later.
Keep it calm and steady. One full paper in a day is plenty. Take short breaks between revision blocks, eat on time, and sleep well before a timed attempt; a rested mind shows what you know. If a score feels low, treat it as a list of chapters to fix, not as a prediction. Parents may find our post on pre-board marks vs board marks useful for reading these practice scores. To space out papers and revision across the months ahead, create a free account and use the study planner.
Your next step: open the Learnijoy library and study with Joy, pick the subject from this guide you feel least sure about, and start with its weakest chapter today.
Last updated: 9 October 2026. Source: CBSE Class XII Sample Question Papers 2026-27 and CBSE notification, 21 September 2026.