CBSE Class 11 Marking Scheme 2026-27
Understanding the CBSE Class 11 marking scheme is just as important as studying the syllabus. Knowing how marks are distributed across question types, units, and components helps you prioritize your preparation, allocate time during the exam, and write answers that fetch full marks.
Overview: CBSE Class 11 Marks Distribution
CBSE Class 11 exams are school-conducted (not Board-conducted), but they follow the CBSE-prescribed assessment structure. The marks distribution is divided into two main components for most subjects:
|
Component |
Marks |
Conducted By |
|
Theory / Annual Examination |
70–80 marks |
School |
|
Internal Assessment (IA) / Practical |
20–30 marks |
School |
|
Total |
100 marks |
The weightage between theory and internal assessment varies by subject and stream.
Subject-Wise Marks Distribution
Science Stream
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
Practical / IA Marks |
Total |
|
Physics |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Mathematics |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Biology |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Computer Science |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
Commerce Stream
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
IA / Project Marks |
Total |
|
Accountancy |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Business Studies |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Economics |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Mathematics |
80 |
20 (IA) |
100 |
Humanities/Arts Stream
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
IA / Project Marks |
Total |
|
History |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Political Science |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Geography |
70 |
30 (Practical/Project) |
100 |
|
Psychology |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Sociology |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
|
Economics |
80 |
20 (Project) |
100 |
Languages (All Streams)
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
Internal Assessment |
Total |
|
English Core |
80 |
20 |
100 |
|
Hindi Core |
80 |
20 |
100 |
|
Hindi Elective |
90 |
10 |
100 |
Internal Assessment Breakdown
For subjects with a 20-mark Internal Assessment component, the breakdown is typically:
|
Activity |
Marks |
|
Periodic Tests (Best of 2 out of 3) |
10 |
|
Student Enrichment Activity / Assignment |
05 |
|
Notebook Submission (regularity & quality) |
05 |
|
Total IA |
20 |
For Practical subjects (30-mark component), the breakdown is:
|
Activity |
Marks |
|
Practical Record / Journal |
05 |
|
Viva Voce |
05 |
|
Practical Experiments (performed during exam) |
20 |
|
Total Practical |
30 |
Theory Paper Marks Distribution – Question Type Wise
CBSE prescribes the following question-type distribution across the theory paper for most subjects:
|
Question Type |
Marks Per Q |
Typical Count |
Total Marks |
|
MCQ (including Assertion-Reason) |
1 |
16–20 |
16–20 |
|
Very Short Answer (VSA) |
2 |
5–7 |
10–14 |
|
Short Answer (SA) |
3 |
5–7 |
15–21 |
|
Case-Based Questions |
4–5 |
2–3 |
8–12 |
|
Long Answer (LA) |
5 |
3–4 |
15–20 |
Note: The exact distribution varies by subject. Always refer to the subject-specific marking scheme.
Unit-Wise Marks Weightage – Key Subjects
Physics (Total: 70 marks)
|
Unit |
Topics |
Marks |
|
I–II |
Physical World, Kinematics |
23 |
|
III–VI |
Laws of Motion, Energy, Gravitation |
17 |
|
VII–IX |
Properties of Matter, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory |
20 |
|
X |
Oscillations and Waves |
10 |
Chemistry (Total: 70 marks)
|
Unit |
Topics |
Marks |
|
I–II |
Basic Concepts, Atomic Structure |
11 |
|
III |
Periodicity |
04 |
|
IV–VI |
Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium |
21 |
|
VII–IX |
Redox, Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons |
16 |
|
(Inorganic Chemistry included above) |
18 |
Mathematics (Total: 80 marks)
|
Unit |
Topics |
Marks |
|
I |
Sets and Functions |
23 |
|
II |
Algebra |
25 |
|
III |
Coordinate Geometry |
12 |
|
IV |
Calculus |
08 |
|
V |
Statistics and Probability |
12 |
Economics (Total: 80 marks)
|
Part |
Topics |
Marks |
|
Part A |
Statistics for Economics |
40 |
|
Part B |
Introductory Microeconomics |
40 |
How Marks Are Awarded in Written Exams
For scoring full marks, students must understand how CBSE evaluates answers:
For Numericals (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics):
|
Step |
Marks |
|
Correct formula / concept stated |
1 mark |
|
Substitution of values |
1 mark |
|
Correct calculation |
1 mark |
|
Final answer with unit |
1 mark |
Even if the final answer is wrong due to a calculation error, step marks are awarded if the method is correct. Always show your working clearly.
For Descriptive Questions (Biology, Accountancy, History, etc.): Marks are given for key points or value points. A 5-mark answer typically requires 4–5 distinct points with adequate explanation. Diagrams, where applicable, carry separate marks.
For MCQs: There is no negative marking in CBSE Class 11 exams. Attempt every MCQ.
Tips for Maximizing Marks Using the Marking Scheme
Know the weightage before your exam: High-weightage units deserve proportionally more revision time. For example, in Maths, Algebra (25 marks) should get more attention than Calculus (8 marks) in terms of practice time.
Practice step-wise writing for numericals: Marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths are often step-wise. A correct formula with a wrong answer still earns partial credit.
Understand what markers look for: Solve questions using Oswaal Books' marking scheme solutions to understand exactly which points are expected in answers — this kind of answer-writing practice translates directly to better scores.
Attempt all questions: There is no negative marking. Leave no question unattempted.
Use diagrams wherever applicable: In Biology, Geography, and Physics, neat labeled diagrams can earn you 1–2 marks per question independently of the written explanation.
A clear understanding of the CBSE Class 11 marking scheme helps you write better answers, prioritize the right topics, and approach every exam with a strategic mindset — bringing you one step closer to an outstanding performance in the 2027 Board Exams.
Other Recommended Books | Study Materials
|
CBSE Class 11 Books | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
CBSE Sample Question Papers Class 11 | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
CBSE Question Banks Class 11 | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
CBSE Class 11 Syllabus | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
NCERT Books Class 11 | For 2027 Exams |
|
|
Free CBSE Class 11 Specimen Sample Books for Teachers |
Frequently Asked Questions
CBSE releases official marking schemes for Class 10 and 12 Board Exams. For Class 11, schools follow the CBSE-prescribed marks distribution and may create their own detailed marking keys.
Yes. Your final Class 11 result is the sum of theory + internal assessment / practical marks.
To a limited extent. Internal assessment is 20–30% of the total. A good IA score helps, but you still need a reasonable theory performance to pass.
Students must score at least 33% in theory and 33% overall (theory + IA) in each subject to pass Class 11.



