CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025: ‘The map should be labelled with a pencil, not a pen.’

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has scheduled the Class XII exams for 2025 to be conducted from February 15, 2025, to April 4, 2025, in the traditional pen-and-paper format. The exams will open with the subject of Entrepreneurship and conclude with Psychology. The Board has also released the 2025 syllabus, outlining the critical chapters and topics that students must focus on.

The Class XII Board exams have started, and students need to be consistent with their studies and give equal time to the remaining exams. According to Ms Amarjot Kaur, TGT History, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, students need to use sticky notes to pen down important facts and dates. “They come to their rescue at the time of revision,” the educator said and shared the format of the question paper and a few study tips.

Format of the question paper

The total time allowed is three hours, and the question paper is worth 80 marks. The question paper comprises five sections – A, B, C, D, and E.  There are 34 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory. 

Section A: Questions 1 to 21 are MCQs of 1 mark each.

Section B: Questions 22 to 27 are short answer type questions, carrying three marks each. The answer to each question should not exceed 60-80 words.

Section C: Questions 28 to 30 are long answer-type questions, carrying eight marks each. The answer to each question should not exceed 300-350 words.

Section D: Questions 31 to 33 are source-based questions with three sub-questions. Each question carries four marks.

Section E: Question 34 is map-based, carrying five marks. This includes the identification and location of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book in the middle and secure it properly

·         Make flowcharts and mind maps to summarise a chapter. They assist in quick learning and can be referred to at the eleventh hour (last-minute revision).

·         Record your voice while preparing different topics. This helps in verbal and auditory learning. Your voice notes can be referred to anytime at your convenience and can help with revision.

·         Practise answer writing to improve the content and presentation of your answers.

·         Set short-term and long-term targets to finish up your syllabus. Focus on meeting those targets so that different topics and chapters are covered well in time.

·         Attempt as many practice and mock tests as possible to ace your exam. Attempting tests trains the mind to manage time and comprehend questions better. It also improves answer-writing skills significantly.

·         Revise what you prepare multiple times so that the learnt content is solidified.

·         Underline the keywords in the answer.

1.       Not reading a question carefully is the most common mistake that should be avoided.

2.       Not attaching your map with the answer sheet is a silly mistake that should never be done.

3.       The map should be labelled with a pencil, not a pen.

4.       Answers should be numbered properly per the question numbers given in the paper.

5.       Time management is extremely important, and students should not forget to keep a tab on time.