CBSE Class 12 Physics sample paper 2026-27 released: download to understand new exam pattern

In short

CBSE released the Class 12 Physics Sample Question Paper 2026-27 with solutions on its academic website.
The sample paper aligns with the latest syllabus, updated exam pattern, and revised marking scheme, emphasizing concept application and logical reasoning.
The Physics paper (subject code 042) has a 3-hour duration and a maximum of 70 marks, with 30 marks allocated for practicals.
The paper structure includes 20% MCQs, 30% competency-based questions, and 50% short and long answer questions.
Students are advised to practice with sample papers to understand question formats, section-wise weightage, and expected difficulty levels.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made available the Class 12 Physics Sample Question Paper with Solution for the 2026-27 academic session. This release, accessible on the CBSE Academic website, follows the release of Class 10 Sample Question Papers on 21 September 2026.

Official notification screenshot — Screenshot of the official page at cbseacademic.nic.in

The sample paper is designed to provide students with an overview of the actual board exam pattern and to assist in their preparation for the upcoming examinations. It is structured according to the latest syllabus, updated exam pattern, and revised marking scheme issued by CBSE, aiming to strengthen conceptual clarity and help identify weak areas.

Structure and Assessment Scheme for Physics Paper

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Question Paper for 2026-27, with subject code 042, is set for a duration of 3 hours and carries a maximum of 70 marks. The assessment scheme for the Academic Session 2024-25 will continue into the 2025-26 session, maintaining consistency in evaluation.

The Physics sample paper is divided into five sections: Section A comprises 12 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 4 Assertion-Reason questions, each carrying 1 mark. Section B includes 5 Very Short Answer questions, each meaningful 2 marks. Section C features 7 Short Answer questions, each valued at 3 marks. Section D contains 2 Case Study Based questions, each carrying 4 marks. Finally, Section E consists of 3 Long Answer questions, each worth 5 marks. Internal choices are provided in selected questions across Sections B, C, and E.

Emphasis on Competency and Application

The sample papers underscore the importance of concept application, calculation, interpretation, and logical reasoning. Questions frequently involve ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, graphs, wavefronts, magnetic field patterns, and experimental setups. Numericals are drawn from key areas such as electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, semiconductors, and alternating current.

The CBSE Class 12 sample paper for 2026-27 incorporates a specific question paper pattern, as detailed below, which includes a mix of question types to assess diverse skills.

Component	Weightage	Description
MCQs	20%	Objective-type questions including single correct answers
Competency-Based Questions	30%	Case-based, source-based, assertion-reason, and application-based questions
Short & Long Answer Questions	50%	Descriptive type questions testing conceptual clarity and explanation

Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

For Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, the theory component accounts for 70 marks, with an additional 30 marks allocated for practicals, bringing the total to 100 marks. This distribution ensures a complete evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Other streams also follow a structured marks distribution, incorporating internal assessments or projects. The table below outlines the maximum marks for different subject types.

Stream / Subject Type	Theory Marks	Practical / Internal	Total Marks
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)	70	30 Practical	100
Commerce (Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics)	80	20 Project	100
Humanities & Languages	80	20 Internal Assessment	100

Preparation Resources and Recommendations

Beyond the official CBSE sample paper, FutureTopper.in offers 20 full-length Physics sample papers for the Class 12 CBSE Board exam. These papers adhere to the 33-question, 70-mark, 3-hour format and are organized across three difficulty levels: Easy (Papers 1–7), Medium (Papers 8–15), and Hard (Papers 16–20). Each paper includes complete step-wise solutions following the standard marking scheme, and physical constants are provided.

Students are advised to complete each paper within the 3-hour time limit and to read the paper once before deciding on the answering sequence. Clear presentation of formulas, units, diagrams, and calculations is recommended. Identifying reasons for lost marks, whether due to conceptual gaps, calculation errors, or presentation issues, is crucial for improvement. Strengthening weak chapters through regular revision and reattempting incorrectly answered questions are key strategies. Solving at least 5 to 7 full-length sample papers per subject is recommended for effective revision and building exam confidence.