CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme 2026-27
The CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme is one of the most critical documents a board exam student can study. It is the official CBSE document released alongside sample papers and post-examination answer keys that defines exactly how marks are to be awarded for every question in the board exam. Understanding the marking scheme is the difference between a student who writes correct content and one who scores full marks.
What Is the CBSE Class 12 Marking Scheme?
The CBSE marking scheme is an official document released by CBSE that contains:
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Model answers for each question in the sample or board paper
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Step-by-step marks breakup for long and numerical questions
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Value points that must be present in an answer to receive credit
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Acceptable alternatives and equivalent representations
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Instructions to examiners on how to handle partial answers and alternate methods
CBSE also releases a general instructions sheet with the marking scheme that tells examiners how to treat illegible handwriting, unlabelled diagrams, or unit errors in numericals.
CBSE Class 12 Marks Distribution 2026-27 — Subject-Wise
Theory vs Internal Assessment Marks Split
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
Internal Assessment / Practical |
Total |
|
Physics |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Chemistry |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Mathematics |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Biology |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Accountancy |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Business Studies |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Economics |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
English Core |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
History |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Political Science |
80 |
20 (Internal Assessment) |
100 |
|
Geography |
70 |
30 (Practical/Map Work) |
100 |
|
Computer Science |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
|
Physical Education |
70 |
30 (Practical) |
100 |
How Marks Are Awarded — Question Type Wise
|
Question Type |
Marks |
How Marking Works |
|
MCQ |
1 |
Full mark for correct option; no negative marking |
|
Assertion-Reason |
1 |
Full mark for correct analysis of both A and R |
|
Very Short Answer |
2 |
Usually 1+1 or awarded fully for complete correct answer |
|
Short Answer (SA-I) |
2–3 |
Key points basis; partial credit given for partial answers |
|
Short Answer (SA-II) |
3 |
Step-based; marks split across steps |
|
Case-Based Questions |
4 |
Sub-questions: usually 1+1+2 or 2+2 split |
|
Long Answer |
5 |
Marks split across introduction, body points, diagram/conclusion |
CBSE Internal Assessment Marking Scheme 2026-27
For subjects with 20 marks of Internal Assessment (non-practical subjects):
|
Component |
Marks |
|
Periodic Tests (best 2 of 3) |
10 |
|
Student Enrichment Activities |
5 |
|
Portfolio / Homework |
5 |
|
Total |
20 |
For Science subjects with 30 marks Practical:
|
Component |
Marks |
|
Practical File / Record Book |
5 |
|
Investigatory Project (where applicable) |
3 |
|
Practical Exam (experiments performed) |
17 |
|
Viva Voce |
5 |
|
Total |
30 |
CBSE Grading System for Class 12 (2026-27)
CBSE uses a marks-based system for Class 12, and grades are mentioned on the mark sheet alongside absolute marks. The grading scale is:
|
Marks Range (out of 100) |
Grade |
Grade Point |
|
91–100 |
A1 |
10.0 |
|
81–90 |
A2 |
9.0 |
|
71–80 |
B1 |
8.0 |
|
61–70 |
B2 |
7.0 |
|
51–60 |
C1 |
6.0 |
|
41–50 |
C2 |
5.0 |
|
33–40 |
D |
4.0 |
|
21–32 |
E1 |
— (Compartment) |
|
00–20 |
E2 |
— (Failed) |
Important Notes:
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The passing mark for CBSE Class 12 is 33% in theory and 33% in practicals separately.
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Grades are indicative on the mark sheet; universities primarily use absolute marks for admissions.
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CGPA is not used for Class 12; it applies to Class 10.
How CBSE Marking Scheme Works for Numericals
For Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, the marking scheme follows a step-marking approach:
|
Step |
What Is Credited |
|
Formula / Principle |
1 mark for writing the correct formula |
|
Substitution |
1 mark for substituting values correctly |
|
Calculation |
1 mark for performing the right operation |
|
Result with Units |
Final answer with correct SI units |
Even if the final answer is wrong due to a calculation error, students can earn marks for the correct formula and approach. This is why showing all steps is mandatory.
How CBSE Marking Scheme Works for Diagrams
Diagrams carry dedicated marks in Biology, Physics, and Geography:
|
Subject |
Diagram Examples |
Marks Typically Awarded |
|
Biology |
Menstrual cycle, mitosis, DNA structure |
1–2 marks for diagram |
|
Physics |
Ray diagrams, circuit diagrams |
1 mark for labelled diagram |
|
Geography |
Map marking |
As specified per question |
CBSE examiners are instructed to credit correctly labelled diagrams even if the written explanation is incomplete.
CBSE Marking Scheme — Common Misconceptions Cleared
|
Misconception |
Reality |
|
"Wrong final answer means zero" |
Step marking gives partial credit for correct method |
|
"Diagrams are optional" |
Diagrams carry specific marks and should never be skipped |
|
"More writing = more marks" |
Value points matter; irrelevant content does not earn marks |
|
"Neat handwriting gets extra marks" |
CBSE does not give marks for presentation; content is evaluated |
|
"Alternate methods won't get full marks" |
CBSE accepts correct alternative methods for full marks |
Tips to Score Full Marks Using the CBSE Marking Scheme
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Study the marking scheme of CBSE sample papers before the board exam. It teaches you the exact format of answers expected.
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Write in points for long answers. Examiners look for value points, not lengthy prose.
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Label all diagrams clearly. An unlabelled diagram typically gets 0 marks for the diagram component.
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Use correct units in numericals. Missing or wrong units can cost you 1 mark per question.
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Attempt all questions. There is no negative marking in CBSE board exams.
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Write the question number clearly before each answer to avoid any confusion.
Understanding the marking scheme is something students often overlook, but those who treat it as a study resource — almost like a textbook of "how to write board answers" — tend to score significantly higher. Resources like Oswaal Books include CBSE marking scheme hints and examiner-style answer formatting within their solved papers, which helps students calibrate their writing style.
CBSE Class 12 Pass Criteria 2026-27
|
Condition |
Requirement |
|
Minimum marks in theory |
33 out of total theory marks |
|
Minimum marks in practical/IA |
33% of practical/IA marks separately |
|
Overall aggregate |
No minimum overall percentage; subject-wise pass is required |
|
Compartment |
If failing in 1–2 subjects; can appear in compartment exam |
|
Fail |
Failing in 3 or more subjects requires repeating the year |
Other Recommended Books | Study Materials (All Subjects)
|
CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 | For 2026 Board Exams |
|
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CBSE Question Banks Class 12 | For 2027 Board Exams |
|
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CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 | For 2027 Board Exams |
|
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NCERT Exemplar Class 12 | For Latest Board Exams |
|
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CBSE One for All Class 12 | For 2027 Board Exams |
|
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CBSE Syllabus Class 12 | For 2027 Board Exams |
|
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CBSE Class 12 Notes | For 2027 Board Exams |
|
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NCERT Books Class 12 | For 2027 Board Exams |
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Free CBSE ICSE Specimen Sample Books for Teachers |
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 CBSE Online Courses for Class 12 Board Exams 2027
Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2027
Are You a Teacher? Apply for FREE CBSE Class 12 Specimen Sample Books for Teachers from our end.
Frequently Asked Questions
The marking scheme is released on CBSE's academic website (cbseacademic.nic.in) alongside sample papers, and after board exams, the answer key is also made available.
CBSE releases one marking scheme that covers all sets, with slight variations noted. The core evaluation criteria remain the same.
Yes. The minimum passing criterion is 33% in both theory and practical components of each subject separately.
CBSE has a grace marks policy that can be applied in specific conditions (e.g., to help a student pass a subject with very few marks missing). The policy is at CBSE's discretion.
