Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Maths board exam can feel challenging, but with the right resources and the right strategy, you can score high with confidence. One of the most effective tools for preparation is the CBSE Official Class 12 Maths Sample Papers.
Here, we are providing year-wise CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Papers with Solutions in PDF format for free download. These are the official sample papers released by CBSE—which makes them the most reliable practice material for board exam preparation.
Overview of This Post
Section | Details |
---|---|
Post Title | CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Papers with Solutions PDF Download |
Exam Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
Subject Code | 041 |
Class | 12 (Senior Secondary) |
Academic Session | 2025–26 |
Maximum Marks | 80 |
Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
What’s Included in This Post? | ✅ Free PDF Download of CBSE Official Class 12 Maths Sample Papers (Year-wise) ✅ Marking Scheme / Solutions ✅ Paper Pattern & General Instructions ✅ Best Way to Practice Sample Papers ✅ Benefits & Preparation Tips |
Why CBSE Sample Papers are Important for Class 12 Maths?
Students often hear from teachers, parents, seniors, and even classmates that “practicing sample papers is crucial.” But very few people tell you how to actually use them.
Many students keep sample papers for the last moment—thinking they’ll solve them only after finishing the full syllabus. The problem? By then, there’s very little time left to practice and analyze mistakes.
A better approach is:
- Use sample papers chapter-wise – Once you finish a chapter, practice related questions from the sample paper.
- Revisit the same papers later – After completing the syllabus, attempt the full papers again for a real exam-like experience.
- Focus on quality, not quantity – Even solving 3–4 sample papers properly (with analysis) is more beneficial than solving 15–20 papers without review.
This strategy not only boosts your concept clarity but also builds exam confidence step by step.
Are CBSE Class 12 Maths sample papers really helpful for average students like me?
Absolutely! Sample papers are designed by CBSE to show the exact exam pattern, marking scheme, and difficulty level. Even if you are average, solving them regularly will boost your confidence and reduce exam fear.
I feel Maths is too tough. Should I first complete the NCERT or start with sample papers?
Start with NCERT first—that’s your foundation. Once you finish a chapter, immediately practice similar questions from the official sample paper. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed at the end.
How many CBSE sample papers should I solve for Class 12 Maths?
Quality matters more than quantity. Solving 3–4 sample papers properly with analysis is enough to score well. Don’t just solve 15–20 papers blindly without checking mistakes.
I usually get stuck in long 5-mark questions. How can sample papers help me here?
Long-answer questions test your stepwise presentation. By practicing sample papers with the marking scheme, you’ll learn how to write steps and get partial marks, even if you don’t reach the final answer.
When should I start practicing Class 12 Maths sample papers—before or after completing the syllabus?
Don’t wait till the end. Use a dual approach:
While studying chapters → solve related questions from the sample papers.
After completing syllabus → attempt full papers in 3-hour timed conditions.
CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Question Paper Pattern (2025-26)
Before attempting the sample papers, students must understand the exam pattern. The Class 12 Mathematics board exam follows the structure given below:
Subject Code: 041
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: 3 hours
General Instructions
- All questions are compulsory.
- The question paper contains 38 questions divided into five sections (A to E).
- Internal choice is provided in selected questions, but there is no overall choice.
- Use of calculator is not allowed.
Section-wise Breakup of the Question Paper
Section | Question Numbers | Question Type | Marks per Question | Total Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | Q1 – Q18 | MCQs (1 mark each) | 1 | 18 | 18 |
Q19 – Q20 | Assertion-Reason (1 mark each) | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
B | Q21 – Q25 | Very Short Answer (VSA) | 2 | 5 | 10 |
C | Q26 – Q31 | Short Answer (SA) | 3 | 6 | 18 |
D | Q32 – Q35 | Long Answer (LA) | 5 | 4 | 20 |
E | Q36 – Q38 | Case Study Based | 4 | 3 | 12 |
Total | – | – | – | 38 | 80 |
Important Points
- Internal choices are provided in:
- 2 questions in Section B
- 3 questions in Section C
- 2 questions in Section D
- One sub-part each in 2 questions of Section E
- Students should carefully attempt questions as per marks allotted and maintain stepwise presentation for full marks.
CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Papers with Solutions PDF (Year-wise)
Here you can download the official CBSE Class 12 Maths sample papers with solutions (marking scheme) released by CBSE.
Year | Sample Paper | Marking Scheme |
---|---|---|
2025-26 | Download | Download |
2024-25 | Download | Download |
2023-24 | Download | Download |
2022-23 | Download | Download |
2021-22 Term 1 | Download | Download |
2021-22 Term 2 | Download | Download |
2020-21 | Download | Download |
2019-20 | Download | Download |
2018-19 | Download | Download |
2017-18 | Download | Download |
2016-17 | Download | Download |
Also See: CBSE Class 12 Maths Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
I feel nervous while attempting sample papers. What should I do?
Treat them as practice matches before the final game. Even if you score low at first, don’t panic—analyze mistakes, revise concepts, and reattempt. Remember, mistakes in practice save you in the real exam.
Everyone says “solve sample papers,” but how do I use them smartly?
Use the 2-pass method:
Pass 1 (90–100 mins): MCQs + all sure-shot 2/3-markers.
Pass 2 (rest of time): 5-markers + case studies + questions you parked.
Check with marking scheme, tag errors (Concept / Calculation / Presentation / Time), and fix.
I feel anxious just looking at a sample paper. Where do I even start?
Start small: attempt Section A (MCQs + Assertion-Reason) first to warm up, then a 3-mark question, then pause and breathe. Momentum beats perfection.
How do I manage time in a 3-hour paper?
A workable split: A (20 mins) → B (25 mins) → C (55 mins) → D (60 mins) → E (30 mins) → Buffer (10 mins). Adjust to your strengths.
What order should I attempt the paper in?
Try: A → B → C → D → E. If case studies are your strength, do one early for confidence. Keep a 10-minute final check.
Best Books for Class 12 Maths Sample Papers
Along with the official CBSE sample papers, it is highly recommended that students practice from additional sample paper books. These books provide more practice sets, model question papers, and detailed solutions to strengthen preparation.
Here are some of the best books for CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Papers: