CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025: ‘Read the instructions in the paper carefully’

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.

Math can be daunting and many students end up making silly mistakes. However, according to Mr Neeraj Kumar, TGT Math, Apeejay School, Pitampura, focusing on certain aspects and practising the NCERT thoroughly can work wonders. The educator shared the format of the question paper and mistakes to avoid, among other things.

·         Format of the question paper: Maximum Marks: 80; Duration: 3 hours

·         The Question paper contains 38 questions.

·         All questions are compulsory. This question paper is divided into five Sections – A, B, C, D and E.

Section A: Questions No 1 to 18 are MCQs and questions No 19 and 20 are Assertion-reason based questions of 1 mark each.

Section B: Questions No 21 to 25 are very short answer (VSA)-type questions, carrying 2 marks each.

Section C: Questions No 26 to 31 are short answer (SA)-type questions, carrying 3 marks each.

Section D: Questions No 32 to 35 are long answer (LA)-type questions, carrying 5 marks each.

Section E: Questions No 36 to 38 are case study-based questions, carrying 4 marks each.

·         There is no overall choice. However, an internal choice has been provided in 2 questions in Section B; 3 questions in Section C; 2 questions in Section D and one sub-part each in 2 questions of Section E.

Prep tips

·         Focus on the weightage of topics like Calculus, Algebra, and Vectors, as they carry significant marks.

·         Solve all examples, exercises, and miscellaneous problems from the NCERT textbook.

·         Create a separate sheet for formulas, important results, and standard derivatives/integrals.

·         Understand the “why” behind formulas and theorems, not just the “how.”

·         Practice the past five–10 years’ question papers to understand patterns and frequently asked questions.

·         Solve sample papers within three hours to develop speed and accuracy.

·         Identify and focus on the chapters you find difficult.

·         Use the CBSE-released sample papers for the latest exam format.

·         Dedicate the last month for revision and practice, avoiding new topics. Don’t hesitate to clarify doubts from your teacher or peers.

5 mistakes to avoid

1.       Read the question paper instructions carefully before starting.

2.       Ensure you attempt the easiest question where and whenever options are provided.

3.       Avoid spending too much time on one question. Reserve the last 10-15 minutes for revision.

4.       Write all steps clearly, as step marking is provided even if the final answer is incorrect.

5.       Attempt all questions, even if partially, to get some marks.