When is the CBSE Class 12 Maths 2026 exam scheduled? Check the exam format, marking scheme, and sample question papers
CBSE Class 12 Maths 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the Class 12 Mathematics examination will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The same schedule applies to both 041 Mathematics and 241 Applied Mathematics papers.For thousands of students, the date marks one of the most anticipated papers of the board season. While the syllabus may already be familiar, the real challenge lies in time management and accuracy. This is where solving official sample papers and studying the marking scheme becomes essential. These resources not only help students gauge the latest pattern but also reveal how each step in a solution earns marks — a small yet decisive detail during evaluation.Exam structure and question patternAs per CBSE guidelines for the 2025–26 academic session, the Mathematics (Code No. 041) paper carries 80 marks and runs for three hours. The question paper contains 38 questions, divided into five sections – A, B, C, D and E.Students must attempt every question. Section A includes 18 multiple choice questions followed by two assertion–reason questions. Section B features very short answer questions worth two marks each, while Section C includes short answer questions carrying three marks each. Section D presents long answer questions of five marks, and Section E rounds off the paper with case study–based problems of four marks each. Internal choices are available in select questions, though there is no overall choice. Calculators are not permitted, and all workings must be shown clearly.Mark distribution overview
How to download CBSE Class 12 Maths sample paper and marking schemeStep 1: Visit the official website https://cbseacademic.nic.in/.Step 2: Click on “SQP & MS for Classes X & XII (2025–26)” on the homepage.Step 3: Choose Class XII from the list.Step 4: Select Mathematics (041) or Applied Mathematics (241).Step 5: Download the Sample Question Paper (SQP) and Marking Scheme (MS) PDFs for practice.Direct link to check and download the CBSE Class 12 Mathmatics Sample Paper 2025-26Click here to check the CBSE Class 12 Mathmatics Marking SchemeWhy practising sample papers makes a differenceEach year, CBSE releases sample papers designed to mirror the exact exam format. Solving them under timed conditions helps students identify question trends, learn concise presentation, and balance their time across sections. Reviewing the marking scheme further clarifies how examiners allot marks, offering insight into the value of each step.With the March 9 paper fast approaching, practising these official resources can turn preparation into precision — and confidence into a strong performance.
