CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025: New Paper Pattern for Arts, Science & Commerce

The CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2025 are witnessing a new paper pattern designed to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With a stronger focus on competency-based learning, real-world application, and analytical skills, students across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams will see a significant shift in exam design.

This blog gives a subject-wise breakdown of the new paper pattern, categorized into Arts, Science, and Commerce streams, along with preparation tips.

You may also check out our Class 10 CBSE New Paper Pattern Guide for comparison.

 Key Features of Class 12 New Exam Pattern 2025

• Competency-Based Questions (50%): Case studies, data-based, and application-driven questions.
• MCQs & Objective-Type (30%): More weightage to quick-response questions.
• Descriptive Questions (20%): Limited but analytical.
• Internal Choice: More options to reduce exam stress.
• Practical/Project Weightage: Maintained across subjects.

 Science Stream – CBSE Class 12 New Pattern

Students in the Science stream usually take Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, and Computer Science. Let’s look at the subject-wise breakdown.

1. Physics

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • 1 Mark Questions – 5
  • 2 Mark Questions – 7
  • 3 Mark Questions – 7
  • 5 Mark Questions – 3
  • Case-Based (4 Marks each) – 2
• Competency/Case Questions: 40%

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2. Chemistry

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • MCQs – 10 Marks
  • Short Answer – 20 Marks
  • Long Answer – 15 Marks
  • Case/Competency Based – 25 Marks

3. Biology

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • 1 Mark Questions – 5
  • 2 Mark Questions – 7
  • 3 Mark Questions – 12
  • 5 Mark Questions – 3
  • Case Studies – 8 Marks

4. Mathematics

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal)
• Format:
  • 1 Mark Questions – 6
  • 2 Mark Questions – 6
  • 4 Mark Questions – 6
  • 6 Mark Questions – 4
  • Competency Questions – 14 Marks

5. Computer Science / Informatics Practices

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • Section A: Programming & Theory – 30 Marks
  • Section B: Database/SQL – 20 Marks
  • Section C: Case Study – 20 Marks

 Commerce Stream – CBSE Class 12 New Pattern

Commerce students generally opt for Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and Applied Mathematics.

1. Accountancy

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
• Format:
  • Objective – 16 Marks
  • Short Answer – 20 Marks
  • Long Answer – 28 Marks
  • Case Studies – 16 Marks

2. Business Studies

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
• Format:
  • MCQs/Objective – 20 Marks
  • Short Answer – 18 Marks
  • Long Answer – 30 Marks
  • Case Studies – 12 Marks

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3. Economics

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
• Format:
  • Section A: Macroeconomics – 40 Marks
  • Section B: Indian Economic Development – 40 Marks
  • Questions: MCQs, Case Studies, Data-Based Questions

4. Applied Mathematics (Optional)

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal)
• Format: Similar to core Mathematics with extra focus on Statistics, Probability, and Business Applications.

Arts/Humanities Stream – CBSE Class 12 New Pattern

Arts stream includes English, History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and Psychology.

1. English Core

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (ASL & Internal)
• Sections:
  • Reading Comprehension – 20 Marks
  • Writing Skills & Grammar – 20 Marks
  • Literature/Textual – 40 Marks

2. History

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
• Format:
  • Source-Based Questions – 10 Marks
  • Short Answer – 20 Marks
  • Long Answer – 30 Marks
  • Map Questions – 6 Marks
  • Case Studies – 14 Marks

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3. Political Science

• Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
• Format:
  • Part A: Contemporary World Politics – 40 Marks
  • Part B: Politics in India Since Independence – 40 Marks
  • Competency-Based – 50%

4. Geography

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • MCQs – 10 Marks
  • Short Answer – 20 Marks
  • Long Answer – 20 Marks
  • Map/Diagram – 10 Marks
  • Case Studies – 10 Marks

5. Psychology / Sociology

• Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
• Format:
  • Very Short Answer – 10 Marks
  • Short Answer – 20 Marks
  • Long Answer – 25 Marks
  • Case/Competency Based – 15 Marks

Quick Comparison of Science, Commerce & Arts

 Preparation Strategy

1. Science Students – Solve NCERT examples + case-based numericals.
2. Commerce Students – Focus on case studies & real-life applications of theories.
3. Arts Students – Strengthen writing practice & map/source-based questions.
4. Attempt CBSE sample papers to adapt to the new question types.
5. Balance speed + accuracy by practicing MCQs and competency-based sets.

The CBSE Class 12 New Paper Pattern 2025 reflects a student-friendly and application-oriented approach across Arts, Science, and Commerce. By shifting focus from rote learning to competency-based questions, CBSE ensures that students are better prepared for higher education and competitive exams.

If you also want to see how this compares with Class 10 Paper Pattern, check our detailed guide here.