CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Date, Syllabus, Paper Analysis & Result
Everything a Class 12 Science student needs to know — all in one place.
What Happened on February 20, 2026?
If you are a Class 12 Science student, February 20 was probably the most nerve-wracking morning of your year. Physics — the subject that somehow manages to be fascinating and terrifying at the same time — was on the schedule.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully conducted the Class 12 Physics board exam 2026 on February 20, 2026, at exam centres across India and in 26 countries abroad. The exam ran for three hours, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students also got an extra 15 minutes from 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM just to read the question paper before picking up a pen.
According to subject experts and initial student reactions, the paper was moderate in difficulty — not a nightmare, but not a cakewalk either. It was largely NCERT-based and followed the expected application-oriented pattern introduced by CBSE in recent sessions.
CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026 — Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (3 hours) |
| Reading Time | 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM (15 minutes) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Total Marks (Theory) | 70 Marks |
| Total Marks (Practical) | 30 Marks |
| Passing Marks | 33% in each subject |
| Evaluation Mode | On-Screen Marking (OSM) — new in 2026 |
| Result Expected | May 2026 |
CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2025–26: Unit-Wise Breakdown
The CBSE Class 12 Physics syllabus for 2025–26 covers nine units. Understanding the unit-wise marks distribution helps students prioritise their preparation time wisely.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Electrostatics | 16 Marks |
| Unit 2 | Current Electricity | (Combined with Unit 1) |
| Unit 3 | Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | 17 Marks |
| Unit 4 | Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents | (Combined with Unit 3) |
| Unit 5 | Electromagnetic Waves | 18 Marks |
| Unit 6 | Optics | (Combined with Unit 5) |
| Unit 7 | Dual Nature of Radiation & Matter | 12 Marks |
| Unit 8 | Atoms & Nuclei | (Combined with Unit 7) |
| Unit 9 | Electronic Devices | 7 Marks |
| Total Theory Marks | 70 Marks | |
Unit-Wise Marks Weightage — Visual Overview
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 — What Changed?
CBSE has aligned the 2026 exam pattern with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The shift is clear: less rote learning, more thinking. Here is how the marks break down in terms of question type.
| Question Type | Weightage | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Competency-Based Questions | 50% | MCQ, Case-Based, Source-Based |
| Select Response Questions | 20% | Standard MCQs |
| Constructed Response Questions | 30% | Short & Long Answers |
One more significant change in 2026: CBSE introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer sheets. This means evaluators assess scanned copies of answer sheets digitally, not physically. The goal? More transparency, faster evaluation, and reduced human error. Class 10 answer sheets continue to be assessed manually.
CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 — Paper Analysis
Based on initial expert reviews shared after the exam on February 20, 2026, here is a clear picture of how the paper looked.
| Section | Difficulty Level | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs | Moderate | Mix of direct and application-based questions |
| Assertion-Reason | Moderate | Tested conceptual clarity |
| 2-Mark Questions | Easy to Moderate | Semiconductor Electronics and Nuclei chapters featured |
| Numerical Problems | Moderate | Tested problem-solving and conceptual understanding |
| Overall Paper | Moderate | Largely NCERT-based; no out-of-syllabus surprises |
CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 — Full Schedule Overview
The CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026 started on February 17, 2026 and will continue until April 9, 2026. All exams run in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
| Subject | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology / Entrepreneurship (Opening Day) | February 17, 2026 |
| Physics | February 20, 2026 |
| Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, English, Accounts | February 20 onwards |
| Last Exam (Sanskrit & Others) | April 9, 2026 |
| Private Candidate Practicals | February 23 – March 17, 2026 |
How Many Students Appeared for CBSE 2026?
This is a big number — quite literally. More than 46 lakh students registered for CBSE board exams 2026, appearing from India and 26 countries abroad. That means nearly half the population of New Zealand sat for these exams. The scale of CBSE as an institution is genuinely staggering.
Smart Preparation Tips for CBSE Class 12 Physics
Since the exam is over for 2026, these tips are gold for students who appear next year — or for those now preparing for JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams where Physics remains central.
1. NCERT Is Non-Negotiable
Virtually every direct question in the CBSE Physics board exam traces back to NCERT. Read every example, every in-chapter question, and every exercise. Do not skip even a single diagram explanation.
2. Practice Numericals Every Day
Physics is not a subject you can read your way through. Numericals from chapters like Current Electricity, Optics, and EMI need daily practice. Maintain a formula notebook and revise it every week.
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
CBSE repeats patterns. Solving the last 5 years of board papers gives you a clear sense of which chapters CBSE favours and how numerical values are typically framed. It is one of the most efficient strategies available.
4. Focus on High-Weightage Units
Optics and Electromagnetic Waves together carry 18 marks. Electrostatics and Current Electricity hold 16 marks. These two clusters alone account for almost half your theory score. Prioritise them heavily in revision.
5. Do Not Ignore Practicals
Practicals contribute 30 out of 100 marks. Experiments like determining resistance using a metre bridge are directly evaluated. Perform them sincerely — these marks are entirely within your control.
CBSE Class 12 Results 2026 — When to Expect?
CBSE has indicated that Class 12 results will be declared in May 2026. The board introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) partly to speed up the evaluation process. Students should keep an eye on the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in.
The minimum passing criterion remains 33% in each subject individually. Students who do not clear one subject will have a compartment exam opportunity.
Official & Trusted Resources
Always rely on verified sources for your CBSE-related information. Here are the most reliable ones:
🌐 CBSE Official Website
📄 CBSE 12th Physics Answer Key 2026 — Careers360
📚 CBSE Previous Year Question Papers
📋 CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026 — Aakash
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) — Official Website
2. Careers360 — CBSE Class 12 Physics Answer Key & Paper Analysis 2026
3. Careers360 News — CBSE Board 2026 Live Updates
4. Aakash Educational Services — CBSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus 2026
5. Shiksha.com — CBSE 12th Class Exams 2026 Live Updates
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