CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2026 | Free PDF Download

CBSE has now officially released the Class 12 Maths sample papers for the 2025–26 academic session on 30th July 2025

With the introduction of the dual-board exam format including both November and March attempts, these sample papers are set to play a crucial role in your exam preparation.The updated structure emphasizes time-bound practice and precision in solving mathematical problems, making the sample papers an essential resource for students aiming to maximize their performance in both attempts. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Class 12 Maths sample papers for 2025–26!

Also, make sure to refer to the updated CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Syllabus 2025–26 to align your preparation correctly.
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a) Class 12 Maths Year-wise Sample Papers with Solutions

We have also provided all the links to year-wise Mathematics Sample Papers with their Marking Scheme Solutions.

b) How to Access the Latest Class 12 Maths Sample Papers 2025-26?

Follow these simple steps to get the latest Maths sample papers:

Visit the  CBSE Academic Website → Sample Question Papers → Class XII → Mathematics

c) CBSE Class 12 Maths Additional Practice Papers

Including these Class 12 additional math sample papers released by CBSE, it can help in understanding the question paper structure, mark distribution, and the type of questions. Attempt the questions and boost your board exam preparation.

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 Mathematics Set 1 SQP  + Marking Scheme

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 Mathematics Set 2  SQP + Marking Scheme

2023-24 Edudel Class 12 Practice Papers 

The Edudel Maths practice papers are released by DOE mainly for Delhi Govt. School. Students, after practicing using the downloaded paper PDFs, can also evaluate and modify their exam preparation strategy.

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 Mathematics Practice Paper Set 1 

<red> ➜  <red> Class 12 Mathematics Practice Paper Set 2 

Understanding the Class 12 Mathematics Exam Paper

The Class 12 Maths Sample Paper is aligned with the latest exam pattern of the CBSE; this will help you understand the exam format and types of questions you may receive in the exam.

a) Key Pattern Changes in CBSE Maths Paper (2025–26)

CBSE is moving toward more skill-oriented and reasoning-based questions. Based on recent updates, these changes are made:

• More internal choices in long questions
• Assertion-reasoning type MCQs integrated into conceptual topics like Probability, Vectors, and Calculus
• Real-life case-based problems across Algebra, Linear Programming, and Application of Derivatives
• Increased focus on stepwise marking with proper working and reasoning

Here’s what the updated structure looks like:

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Note: Internal choice is likely to be available in most sections.

b) Exam Pattern of Class 12 Mathematics 2025 -26 Section-wise

Understanding the exam pattern is important for better preparation. The Class 12 Math Question Paper typically follows this structure:

• Section A: Multiple Choice Questions: MCQs in the Sample Paper Class 12 Math are made to test basic knowledge, they cover all the major topics. 20 Multiple Choice Questions are present each carrying 1 mark. 
• Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs): Very Short Answer Questions test the conceptual clarity and ability to apply knowledge concisely. These questions require students to write concise answers, there are five Very Short Answer questions each carrying 2 marks.
• Section C: Short Answer Questions (SAQs): These questions test the deep understanding and the ability to explain, there are a total of six short answer type questions carrying 3 marks each. 
• Section D: Long Answer type questions: Long answer type questions often involve multiple steps, there are a total of four Questions carrying 5 marks each. 
• Section E: Case-based questions: These are mostly case-based or source-based questions and often involve complex problem-solving, There are three questions containing 4 marks each.

The total time allotted to solve the paper is three hours and the exam is of 80 Marks. 

Why Solve Sample Papers Before Both Board Exams 2025-26?

With two chances to appear for the board exam (Nov and March), the smartest strategy is to use sample papers to track and improve performance between the two.

• Before Nov Exam: Use sample papers to simulate the real exam, identify weak chapters (e.g., 3D Geometry, Application of Integrals), and practise writing complete stepwise solutions.
• Between Exams: Focus revision on low-performing areas based on sample paper feedback.
• Before March Exam: Solve a fresh set of sample papers to measure progress and enhance exam readiness.

This cycle makes your preparation more data-driven and targeted—reducing careless errors and boosting speed.

How to Use Maths Sample Papers 2025-26 Effectively

Here’s a practical method to extract the most value from your sample paper practice:

• Solve one full paper in exam conditions (three hours, no breaks)
• Check answers against the official marking scheme—note down where you lose marks
• Maintain a mistake log: types of errors (formula, concept, calculation)
• Practice visual presentation of answers especially for graphs, matrices, and integration
• Time yourself for long-answer questions to build speed under pressure
• Re-solve difficult questions weekly to strengthen retention

Tips for Solving Class 12 Maths Question Paper 

To score well in the Class 12 Mathematics board exam, students can adopt the following study tips for better preparation: 

• Read questions carefully. Take time to understand what is being asked before attempting to answer.
• Start with easy questions; answer the questions you are confident about first to secure those marks. 
• Step-wise answering is advised. Even if you get the final answer wrong, partial marks can be awarded for the correct steps.
• Keep an eye on the clock and ensure you have enough time for all sections to manage time. 
• After completing the paper, always review your answers to correct any mistakes.

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Sample Papers for 2025–26 are more than just practice tools, they're blueprints for smart preparation. They help you understand the paper format, master time management, and improve the clarity of your written responses.

By using sample papers consistently especially between both board exam attempts, you can target weak areas, adapt to new question patterns, and reduce exam anxiety.

For further preparation, don’t miss:

• CBSE Class 12 Applied Mathematics Sample Papers 2025–26
• CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers 2025–26

Stay tuned for latest update and all the best for your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are Class 12 Maths sample papers 2025-26 aligned with the latest competency-based format?

Yes. The latest sample papers, especially from CBSE and Educart, include competency-based, case-study, and application-oriented questions, reflecting the current exam structure under the dual-exam system.

Q2. How much weightage is given to each unit in the Mathematics exam 2025-26?

The paper typically follows CBSE’s official blueprint, with major chapters like Calculus, Vectors, and Probability carrying higher weightage. Practising sample papers helps understand this distribution more clearly.

Q3. What is the best strategy to manage time during the Maths exam 2025-26?

Use sample papers to practise full-length papers in 3-hour sittings. Focus on solving high-weightage sections first and avoid spending too much time on any one question. Sample papers help build this speed and accuracy.

Q4. Do Maths sample papers 2025-26 help with proof-based or derivation questions?

Absolutely. Many sample papers include step-by-step solutions to important theorems, derivations, and standard proofs that are commonly asked in board exams.

Q5. Are there different sample papers for Basic and Standard Maths?

For Class 12, only one standard Mathematics paper is conducted (unlike Class 10). So all sample papers are designed as per the standard curriculum, covering topics prescribed in the Class 12 syllabus.

Q6. Is Calculus an Important Chapter in the CBSE Math Class 12 Syllabus?

Calculus is a very important chapter in the CBSE Class 12 Math Syllabus, it contains 35 marks on the question paper, which is almost half of the total marks of the exam.