
Table of Contents
Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26. Most students view this as just another set of practice questions, but the reality is, this paper is filled with hidden insights that can transform your preparation strategy.
This detailed analysis uncovers patterns, difficulty levels, chapter-wise weightage, and more to help you prepare not just harder, but smarter. Let’s dive deep.
Why the Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26 Matters More Than You Think?
Sample papers aren’t just about solving questions, they’re blueprints. They offer clues about:
- Chapter-wise importance
- Objective vs subjective question trends
- Expected difficulty levels
- Strategic revision priorities
By decoding this paper, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for revision and a big advantage over those who only glance through it.
Chapter-Wise Weightage: Key Patterns
Although CBSE officially provides unit-wise weightage, the chapter-level trends from the sample paper give a much more practical view. Here’s how the marks are distributed:
Relations and Functions
- Sample paper weightage: 4 marks
- Usual trend: 5 marks
- Insight: Still a foundational chapter, expect at least one moderate-level question.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions (ITF)
- Sample paper weightage: 4 marks
- Usual trend: 3 marks
- Insight: A slight rise, bringing it in par with the first chapter. Important for both MCQs and theory.
Conclusion: Both chapters are equally important and should be given parallel attention.
Matrices and Determinants
- Combined weightage: 10 marks
- Breakdown in the sample paper:
- Matrices: 3 marks
- Determinants: 7 marks
Pro Tip: Expect either a 5+5 or 4+6 division. This duo is high yield, must-practice.
Calculus: The Scoring Giant (35 Marks Total)
Calculus remains the most important unit. Here’s how it’s reflected:
Chapter | Sample Paper Weightage |
Continuity & Differentiability | 9 marks |
Application of Derivatives | 8 marks |
Integrals | 9 marks |
Area Under Curve (AOC) | 3 marks |
Differential Equations | 6 marks |
Even if the exact numbers shift slightly, Calculus is a non-negotiable unit.
Vectors & 3D Geometry: 14 Marks of Pure Scoring
- Vectors: Typically 6 marks
- 3D Geometry: Around 8 marks
Together, they account for a solid 14 marks and are relatively easier to master with consistent practice.
Probability and Linear Programming
- Probability: 8 marks
- Linear Programming: 5 marks
Both are conceptually manageable and frequently asked, offering high return on preparation time.
The Hidden Power of Objective Questions
One of the most underestimated sections is Section A (20 MCQs). Here’s the surprising insight:
10 out of 20 MCQs come from just 4 chapters:
- Matrices & Determinants
- Vectors & 3D Geometry
- Calculus (multiple chapters)
This means focusing on these 4 chapters can help you score 50% of the MCQ section effortlessly.
MCQ Breakdown by Chapter (Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26):
Chapter | No. of MCQs |
Inverse Trigonometric Functions | 2 |
Matrices & Determinants | 5 |
Calculus (C&D, AOD, Integrals, DE) | 6 |
Vectors & 3D Geometry | 4–5 |
Linear Programming | 2 |
Probability | 1 |
These patterns highlight how targeted preparation can boost your MCQ score dramatically.
Case-Based Questions: Beyond the “Important Four”
Case-based questions test comprehension + conceptual clarity. The sample paper includes case-based problems from:
- Relations and Functions
- Application of Derivatives
- Probability
Tip: Don’t rely on just 4 chapters. Ensure your question bank or PYQ book covers case-based questions across all chapters. The board may surprise you.
5-Mark Questions: What’s Usually Fixed?
Almost Guaranteed:
- Determinants: Frequently tested via Cramer’s Rule problems
- 3D Geometry: Often features line and plane questions
These two chapters together offer 10 reliable marks.
Mix-and-Match (Varies Year to Year):
- Integrals
- Applications of Integrals
- Differential Equations
- Continuity & Differentiability
Strategy: Prioritize Determinants & 3D, but don’t ignore the others. Practice 5-markers from all potential chapters.
Why Difficulty Levels Matter of Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26
Merely completing the syllabus isn’t enough. Knowing what kind of questions to expect at each level (easy, moderate, tough) can help:
- Build real exam stamina
- Reduce surprises on exam day
- Prioritize revision more effectively
2024–25 vs 2025–26 Sample Paper Difficulty:
Section | 2024–25 | 2025–26 |
Section A (MCQs) | 4/5 (moderate to hard) | 3/5 (easy to moderate) |
Section B (2 markers) | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Section C (application-based) | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Section D (typical 5 markers) | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Section E (case-based) | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
Don’t assume this year’s paper will be “easy.” Prepare for 120% difficulty so that both last year and this year’s paper feel easy in comparison.
Expert Tips on How to Prepare Smart for Class 12 Maths 2025-26?
When it comes to Class 12 CBSE Maths preparation, working hard isn’t enough; you need to work smart. Smart preparation starts with one simple shift: don’t limit your practice to what’s assigned in school. School homework and standard assignments often only scratch the surface. To build genuine exam readiness, aim to solve the past two years’ CBSE Board Papers (PYQs) in full. These give you a realistic sense of what to expect. But don’t stop there.
Go beyond by targeting at least 1300–1700+ quality questions across chapters. Include a healthy mix of MCQs, case-based problems, and HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) questions. The wider your practice net, the more confident and flexible you’ll become in handling tough or unfamiliar questions on exam day.
Another non-negotiable? Use the right study material. Not all resources are created equal. Stay away from low-effort guides or superficial notes that make preparation look easy but leave you unprepared for actual board-level challenges. Choose books and question banks that contain chapter-wise 2, 3, and 5-mark questions, along with realistic difficulty and thorough solutions. You want materials that simulate the real exam experience, not just repeat recycled theory.
Recommended Books for CBSE Class 12 Maths (2025–26)
- MTG Question Banks (PCM):
A go-to choice for thousands of toppers, this series offers 1500+ questions per subject, blending MCQs, case-based, HOTS, and theory-based formats. These books are regularly updated to reflect the latest CBSE pattern, ensuring alignment with current expectations. - Champions PYQ Book:
This book is highly recommended for its comprehensive past year coverage, including tricky and often-overlooked questions. It includes detailed solutions and explanations, making it perfect for self-study and mistake analysis.
Final Words: Class 12 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26
Class 12 Maths isn’t just about covering chapters; it’s about mastering the blueprint. Focus on power chapters, practice beyond comfort, and use only high-quality resources. Don’t rely on shortcuts or over-simplified guides. Every question you solve adds to your confidence. Aim to be not just syllabus-ready but sample paper smart.
Remember, real success comes from preparing for 120%, not just 100%. Stay consistent, challenge yourself, and don’t settle for average. The more you push now, the calmer and sharper you’ll be on exam day. Your best performance is within reach; go after it with everything you’ve got.