Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Physics Board Exam can feel overwhelming. Physics requires both conceptual clarity and problem-solving practice, and one of the smartest ways to prepare is by solving official CBSE sample papers.
On this page, I have provided the latest CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers (with solutions/marking scheme) in PDF format — completely free to download.
Overview of CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Physics (Code No. 042) |
| Class | 12 (2025–26) |
| Time Allowed | 3 Hours |
| Maximum Marks | 70 |
| Includes | Sample Paper PDF + Marking Scheme PDF |
| Exam Pattern | MCQs, Assertion-Reason, Short Answer, Case Study, Long Answer |
| Best Practice Tips | Quality > Quantity, Start Early, Focus on Official Papers |
| Download Links | Available below (Free PDF) |
Why Solve CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers?
- Get familiar with the latest exam pattern & marking scheme.
- Learn time management by attempting full-length papers.
- Identify strong and weak areas in Physics.
- Boost confidence before the actual exam.
Smart Tips for Using Sample Papers Effectively
Many students make mistakes while practicing sample papers. Here are some important tips you must follow:
1. Quality Matters More than Quantity
It is better to solve 4–5 sample papers properly with detailed analysis than to attempt 15–20 papers without reviewing mistakes.
After solving, check solutions and understand why you made errors.
2. Don’t Wait for Syllabus Completion
Start solving sample papers chapter by chapter. If you’ve completed Electrostatics, pick questions from that topic in sample papers. This way, revision and practice go hand in hand.
3. Avoid Downloading Too Many Papers
With so many free resources online, students often waste time searching and comparing papers.
Remember: Official CBSE Sample Papers are always the most reliable because they reflect the actual exam format. Stick to them.
I haven’t completed my Physics syllabus yet. Should I still start solving sample papers?
Yes! Don’t wait for the syllabus to finish. Start with chapters you’ve already studied. For example, if you’ve done Electrostatics and Current Electricity, attempt those parts in the sample paper. This way, revision and practice happen together.
How many Physics sample papers should I solve before the board exam?
Quality matters more than quantity. Solving 4–5 papers properly (with analysis of mistakes) is far better than attempting 15–20 papers in a hurry. Each paper you solve carefully can improve your score by a big margin.
I get very low marks while solving sample papers at home. Should I feel discouraged?
Absolutely not! Low marks in practice papers are a blessing in disguise — they show you your weak areas before the real exam. Learn from every mistake, revise the concept again, and attempt a similar question once more. Improvement will come step by step.
How do I analyse a sample paper after solving it?
Don’t just check right or wrong answers. Do this instead:
Compare with the marking scheme and see where you lost marks.
Write your mistakes in a separate notebook (silly mistakes, missed steps, wrong formula, etc.).
Revise those weak topics again.
I feel stressed seeing so many free sample papers online. Which ones should I actually use?
Don’t waste time collecting dozens of PDFs. Stick to:
Official CBSE sample papers + marking scheme
1–2 trusted books for extra practice
That’s all you need. Remember — less clutter = more clarity.
CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper Pattern (2025–26)
Subject: Physics (Code No. 042)
Class: XII
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 70
General Instructions
- There are 33 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
- The question paper has five sections: A, B, C, D, and E.
- All sections are compulsory.
- Question distribution:
- Section A → 16 questions (12 MCQs + 4 Assertion-Reason based), 1 mark each.
- Section B → 5 questions, 2 marks each.
- Section C → 7 questions, 3 marks each.
- Section D → 2 Case-study-based questions, 4 marks each.
- Section E → 3 Long Answer questions, 5 marks each.
- There is no overall choice, but internal choices are provided in:
- 2 questions in Section B
- 1 question in Section C
- All 3 questions in Section E
(Attempt only one of the choices in such questions.)
- Use of calculators is not allowed.
- Values of physical constants you may use (wherever necessary):
| Constant | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed of light (c) | 3×108m/s |
| Mass of electron (me) | 9.1×10−31kg |
| Mass of proton (mp) | 1.7×10−27kg |
| Charge of electron (e) | 1.6×10−19C |
| Permeability of free space (μ0) | 4π×10−7T⋅m⋅A−1 |
| Planck’s constant (h) | 6.63×10−34J⋅s |
| Permittivity of free space (ε0) | 8.854×10−12C2⋅N−1⋅m−2 |
| Avogadro’s number | 6.023×1023mol−1 |
CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Paper PDF (With Solutions)
Here you can download the official CBSE sample papers and marking scheme for Class 12 Physics:
| 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 Physics Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
I feel stressed seeing so many free sample papers online. Which ones should I actually use?
Don’t waste time collecting dozens of PDFs. Stick to:
Official CBSE sample papers + marking scheme
1–2 trusted books for extra practice
That’s all you need. Remember — less clutter = more clarity.
How many sample papers should an “average” student finish?
Quality over quantity. Aim for 4–7 full official papers done properly: timed, checked with the marking scheme, mistakes logged and reworked. Between those papers, practise chapter-wise questions so you strengthen weak spots.
How should I allocate the 180 minutes during the exam?
Here’s a practical time-plan (works well for most students):
Section A (16 marks): 16 minutes — quick wins, secure them.
Section B (10 marks): 20 minutes — short answers, don’t overthink.
Section C (21 marks): 50 minutes — medium answers; work steadily.
Section D (8 marks): 22 minutes — case studies: read carefully.
Section E (15 marks): 72 minutes — long answers: plan, write, check.
Total = 180 minutes.
(If one section goes quick, reallocate time to long answers — be flexible.)
What is the best order to attempt sections in the paper?
Try this flow: Section A → Section B → Section E → Section C → Section D → Final check.
Why? Securing quick marks first relaxes you; long answers (E) need fresh brainpower and time for planning; finish medium-length and case studies after. Adjust based on your strengths.
How do I approach Assertion–Reason (AR) questions?
Read the Assertion (A) first — decide true/false.
Read Reason (R) — decide true/false.
If both true, ask: Does R logically explain A?
Tip: Look for causal words (because, due to, therefore). If A is a specific conclusion and R is a general law that directly produces A, it’s often “both true, R explains A”.
I lose marks from “silly mistakes”. Any fix for that?
Yes — train to catch them:
Write units for every final answer; units often expose errors.
Use a two-minute check after each question to read your steps.
Keep a silly-mistake tracker: list type (sign error, algebra, wrong constant) and correct it with a mini-exercise.
Best Books for CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Papers (2025–26)
Along with official CBSE sample papers, you can also practice from some of the most trusted reference books. These books provide additional sample papers, previous year questions, and detailed solutions.
Here are my top recommendations:
Related posts:
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Sample Papers 2025–26 with Solutions – Free Download
CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Sample Papers with Solutions – Official PDFs
CBSE Class 12 Economics Sample Papers with Solutions PDF Download
CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers with Solutions – Free PDF Download
CBSE Class 12 Geography Sample Papers with Solutions – Free PDF Download
CBSE Class 12 History Sample Papers with Solutions (Free PDF Download)
CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Papers with Solutions PDF Download (Free)
CBSE Class 12 Physical Education Sample Papers with Solutions PDF Download