CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Analysis 2026; Students say moderate difficulty level; Reviews here

Students exiting exam centers called the paper manageable for those practicing previous years' questions, though some ran out of time on tricky problems.

The Central Board of Secondary Education, on March 9 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, drew mixed reactions from students across India. Students and teachers both described the overall paper as moderate. Students also described the paper as lengthy, emphasising strong time management needs.

Student Reactions to Class 12 CBSE Mathematics Paper

Students exiting exam centres called the paper manageable for those practising previous years’ questions, though some ran out of time on tricky problems. Feedback highlighted syllabus-aligned questions, with a few requiring careful thinking. Time management also remained a key factor in successfully completion of the paper.

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CBSE Class 12 Maths Exam Analysis 2026

Reviews from students and teachers unanimously found the paper to be moderately difficult but lengthy. Section D proved most challenging due to lengthy calculations, especially in calculus and integration.

According to Shyam Singh, PGT-Maths, DAV School, Delhi, “the CBSE Class 12 Maths exam paper was well balanced and aligned wth the syllabus. The paper focused on critical thinking, comprehension and application-based.”

Section	Questions	Marks	Key Topics Covered	Difficulty Level	Student Feedback
A (MCQs)	20	20 (1 each)	Matrices, Determinants, Continuity/Differentiability, Probability, Relations/Functions	Easy-Moderate	Straightforward; some tricky options in probability; quick to solve newsx
B (Very Short)	5	10 (2 each)	Vector Algebra, 3D Geometry, Inverse Trig Functions	Moderate	Concise steps needed; vectors easy for most newsx
C (Short Answer)	6	18 (3 each)	Calculus (Applications of Derivatives/Integrals), Linear Programming	Moderate	Application-based; time-friendly but error-prone
D (Long Answer)	4	20 (5 each)	Definite Integrals, Differential Equations, Vectors/3D Applications	Moderate-Difficult	Lengthy calculations; integration toughest; many rushed newsx
E (Case Study)	3 (4 sub-q each)	12 (4 each)	Real-life calculus/algebra scenarios (e.g., optimization, probability models)	Easy-Moderate	Conceptual; relatable; score booster newsx

The MCQs were from matrix, determinants, differentiations, derivates application, integration, vectors, etc., touching almost all the major topics.

Section B had 2 mark questions, it featured questions from trigonometry, relations and functions, vector 3D, differentiation, involving parametric form. Sections C & D carried questions from probability, integrationa and, differentiation, properties of definite integration, and linear programming.

The 3 case-based questions were from application of integration, maxima and minima, and the probability question was based on Bayes ‘ theorem.

Written by Abhijeet Chatterjee

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