CBSE Board 2026 Exam LIVE: Class 12 physics 'moderate' in difficulty; set-wise answer key updates

The CBSE Class 12 Physics board paper was well-balanced and moderate in difficulty, as per analysis

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026 today, February 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at various examination centres across the country.

The Physics CBSE Class 12 set 2 answer key by Careers360 subject experts is shown below. 

According to subject experts, the Class 12th physics paper had several questions that reflected the pattern of the CBSE sample papers. Most questions were direct and simple to attempt. The MCQs and case-based questions were also manageable, contributing to an overall smooth exam experience.

The CBSE Class 12 physics paper 2026 answer key for set 1, section A is as follows.

According to the analysis report, the CBSE Class 12 Physics question paper included 3-mark questions that were moderate and manageable. Additionally, 6 to 7 marks were allocated to numerical problems, giving students sufficient scope to apply their concepts clearly.

CBSE Class 12 Physics paper well-balanced, moderate in difficulty; MCQ lengthy, calculation-based

As per CBSE Class 12th physics analysis by several subject experts, the paper was easy for the students who had the skills to solve derivations, numerical ability questions, and higher-order thinking to answer questions based on conceptual clarity.

Another student said that the CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam had "easy" numericals, but the number of derivations asked was more. 

Alka Kapur, the principal of Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, said: "While the numericals were not excessively difficult, they were time-consuming and demanded careful calculation, which posed a challenge in time management." 

According to another subject expert, average students may have found it somewhat difficult to finish within the given time limit. However, because of the length and "calculation-intensive" questions, the exam was "time-consuming". 

According to a student's reaction, the semiconductor case study was easy, while the ray optics was more complicated.

The CBSE 12th Physics paper difficulty level for each section, as per question type, is shown below.

• 2 Mark questions: Mostly direct questions
• 3 Mark questions: Moderate
• 5 Mark questions: Moderate
  
  

CBSE Physics Analysis | The 3-mark questions were "manageable", with 6–7 marks allotted to numerical, allowing students to apply concepts with clarity, a subject expert said.

According to subject experts, the 2 mark questions were mostly "direct" from topics such as semiconductor electronics and nuclei, while other topics evaluated students’ "conceptual understanding" and problem-solving abilities.

According to subject experts at Modern English School, Kahilipara, Guwahati, Assam. The CBSE Class 12 Physics exam was "well-balanced" and largely "moderate" in difficulty. The Physics paper was aligned with an application-based pattern. 

The analysis for Physics paper, Class 12 CBSE board exams 2026, will be available soon by Careers360 subject experts and on YouTube. Students must secure atleast 33% marks in both theory and practicals to pass the exams.

CBSE conducted the CBSE board exams 2026 for 10th data science and 12th physics paper today. Students will have access to Class 12 Physics Board Paper 2026 answer key set 1 and 2 soon. 

Students will have access to the Class 12 Physics Board Paper 2026 answer key set 1 and 2 soon.

CBSE Class 10th Maths paper overall difficulty level across subjects is shown in the table below. 

CBSE board 12th physics paper will end at 1:30 pm. Students will be able to evaluate their responses using the unofficial answer keys along with analysis shared by subject experts to calculate their probable scores. 

As per the subject experts, CBSE Class 10th maths paper was 'moderate' in difficulty level. 

CBSE 10th Maths Question Paper 2026: ‘Lengthy, concept-based’ MCQs; overall ‘moderate’ in difficulty 

The CBSE Board Exam dates 2026 for the upcoming papers are shown in the table below. 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ruled that it is “per se illegal” for a school in Delhi to withhold CBSE Board Examination 2026 admit cards due to a fee dispute. The decision came after complaints that three students of Apeejay School, Saket, New Delhi, were allegedly threatened with the denial of their hall tickets unless an increased fee amount was paid.

The CBSE board 12th physics paper 2026 will get over at 1:30 pm. Students will have access to the CBSE Class 12 physics question paper 2026 once the exam is over. 

Read More: CBSE Board Exams 2026: NHRC says withholding admit cards over fee dispute ‘illegal’, violates RTE Act

CBSE board has directed that the CBSE Board Class 12 practical exams 2026 for private candidates will be conducted from February 23 to March 17. CBSE-affiliated schools have also been instructed to ensure that internal examiners are available. If subject teachers are not present at the examination centre, schools should appoint qualified teachers from nearby CBSE-affiliated institutions.

CBSE has announced that Class 12 board exam answer sheets will be evaluated through an on-screen marking system. In contrast, Class 10 answer scripts will continue to be assessed manually in physical mode. Before the actual evaluation process starts, the first day will be set aside to review the marking scheme, carry out mock assessments to ensure uniformity in evaluation, and train examiners in using the digital platform. 

CBSE explains how two Class 10 board exams 2026, on-screen marking for Class 12 will work

The CBSE 12th physics pattern, including total marks for each type of question, is shown below. 

To pass the CBSE Class 12 examinations, students must score a minimum of 33% marks separately in both theory and practical components. If a student misses this requirement by just one mark, the board may grant grace marks to help them qualify. However, if the shortfall exceeds one mark, the student will not be eligible for grace marks as per CBSE regulations.

The CBSE Class 12 passing marks for physics student is shown below

CBSE board exam 2026 passing marks for PCMB subjects are shown in the table below.

CBSE 10th data science and othe vocational subject exam will get over at 12:30, while 12th physics exam will end at 1:30 pm.

Students can check the CBSE Board 10th time table for both phase 1 and 2 exams shown below. 

CBSE 10th Class 2026 Final Date Sheet

CBSE Date Sheet 2026 Class 10: Phase 2

CBSE Board Exams 2026 | 11 students missed the CBSE Class 10th Maths exam after the Educrest International School, located in Sector 9B, allegedly failed to provide the admit card amid an affiliation dispute. Students have alleged that they were "duped" by the school, whose CBSE affiliation was valid only up to Class 8.

CBSE has tightened its rules on the use of “unfair means” in the ongoing CBSE board exams 2026, making it harder for students who are caught doing it to pass. 

If a student was found cheating on a particular paper, only the result of that subject was cancelled. However, the board observed that many such students would compensate for the cancelled score by using marks from a sixth or seventh subject — additional papers taken beyond the mandatory requirement — to fulfil the CBSE passing criteria. This policy has been revised now.

In a significant change to its evaluation system, CBSE has announced the implementation of on-screen marking (OSM) for the assessment of Class 12 board examinations starting from the 2026 academic session. Under this new system, Class 12 answer scripts will be evaluated digitally. However, the board has clarified that Class 10 answer sheets will continue to be assessed in the physical mode. The introduction of on-screen marking is intended to enhance efficiency, ensure greater transparency, and speed up the overall evaluation process.

CBSE Class 12 answer scripts to be checked via on-screen marking from 2026: Board

The exam day guidelines for CBSE Board exams 2026 for both 10th and 12th are as follows.

• Students must reach the examination centre at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time mentioned in the CBSE Date Sheet 2026 for Classes 10 and 12. 
• Students will not be allowed enter the examination hall after the specified reporting time.
• Candidates are required to bring their admit cards issued by CBSE. Without a valid admit card, students will not be allowed to appear for the examination.
• Answer booklets and question papers will be given 15 minutes before the paper starts. During this time, students should fill in the required details and read the question paper thoroughly.

CBSE will develop competency-based assessments for its skill subjects in alignment with Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) standards.

In addition, the board will introduce semiconductor technology as a skill subject for students in Classes 8 to 12. The artificial intelligence curriculum, beginning from Class 3, is set to be implemented in the 2026–27 academic year.

 Also Read: CBSE Plans: Compulsory computing, AI in Classes 9, 10 syllabus; more skill subjects; 25% EWS quota review

As per the board's guidelines, students must score atleast 33% marks in each subject to pass the exam. CBSE Class 12 exam pattern is shown below.

CBSE Board will conduct Class 12th physics exam today from 10:30 am onwards across several exam centres across the country. 

The CBSE has clarified that those students who will not be wearing their school dress, will not be allowed to enter the exam premises

No student will be allowed to enter the CBSE Class 10, 12 exam centres after 10 am. 

The CBSE will conduct the CBSE Class 10 board exam 2026 for several papers such as beauty and wellness, marketing and sales, multi-media, multi skill foundation course, physical activity trainer and date science. The exam will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 noon.

The CBSE is conducting the Class 12 board exams 2026 for a total of 120 subjects.

The CBSE is conducting the Class 10 board exams 2026 for a total of 83 subjects.

A total of 18,59,551 students will appear for the CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026. Of which there are 10,27,552 male and 8,31,999 female students.

A total of 25,08,319 students will appear for the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026. Of which there are 14,08,546 male and 10,99,771 female students.

CBSE Board will conduct Class 12 exams from 10:30 am to 12:30 or 1:30 for some papers. For Class 10, the paper will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Students will have to reach the exam centre 30-45 minutes before the exam time, as no one will be allowed inside after that. They should carry their CBSE Class 10 or 12 admit card. Answer sheets and question papers will be provided 15 minutes before the exam so that they can fill in the details and read the question paper carefully.

For the CBSE Class 12 Physics exam, students will have to carry their original admit card. Regular students should also bring their school ID, while private students need a government-issued photo ID.

For Class 12, the CBSE will conduct the Physics exam from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

According to the CBSE Board Exam Date Sheet 2026, Class 10 vocational exams for Beauty & Wellness, Marketing & Sales, Multi-Skill Foundation Course, Physical Activity Trainer, and Data Science will be conducted.