CBSE Class 12 chemistry exam analysis: Students find paper moderate & scoring; check question paper pattern

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2026 Review

• CBSE Class 12 Chemistry exam held on 28 February 2026
• Paper was balanced; Physical Chemistry numericals were tough
• Students must score 33% in theory and practical to pass

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Students across India sat the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 Chemistry examination on 28 February 2026, as the board detailed the exam structure, student reactions and evaluation criteria.

The Chemistry paper was held on Saturday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at about 7,574 centres nationwide. The test forms part of the CBSE Class 12 board examinations, which began on 17 February 2026 and will continue until 10 April 2026.

Officials required candidates to reach centres before 10:00 AM, after which gates were closed. Students were given 15 minutes to read the question paper before writing their answers. The theory examination carried 70 marks, while 30 marks were allotted for internal assessment. The paper assessed conceptual clarity, application of knowledge and numerical problem-solving skills.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2026: Student Feedback

Many students described the paper as balanced in difficulty, while teachers’ preliminary feedback indicated that it was moderately easy overall. Several students found the Organic Chemistry section relatively straightforward, particularly those who practised NCERT-based questions. However, some candidates reported difficulty with numerical problems in Physical Chemistry, which required careful calculations and strong conceptual clarity.

Teachers also noted that a few questions were competency-based, demanding deeper conceptual understanding and practical application rather than rote learning. Assertion-reasoning and case-based questions further tested analytical ability and application skills. A few students added that the paper felt slightly lengthy, making time management crucial.

Bhavesh, a Class 12 student who appeared for Set 1, called the CBSE Chemistry 2026 paper easy and familiar, saying MCQs were NCERT-based, with reactions and conversions ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.

Another student, Nitish said the Chemistry paper had no surprises, was fully NCERT-based, with short subjective questions and easy MCQs, making it comfortable for students who prepared thoroughly from the prescribed syllabus.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2026: Teachers’ Analysis

Teachers and subject experts said the paper followed the prescribed CBSE syllabus and structure. They noted that the inclusion of case-based and assertion-reasoning questions encouraged understanding rather than memorisation. Experts observed that students who studied NCERT textbooks and practised previous years’ papers were better prepared.

While some candidates found Physical Chemistry numericals challenging, others felt certain Organic Chemistry questions were intricate. Overall, the difficulty level was described as moderate. The paper offered a balanced mix of memory-based, understanding and application-oriented questions. Most students were able to complete the exam within the allotted time and are expecting satisfactory marks.

Principal Dr. Alka Kapur of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said the Class 12 Chemistry exam was easy to moderate and NCERT-based. She noted it required in-depth study and practice, with a balanced mix of direct, competency-based and concept-oriented questions.

Mansi Jain, PGT Chemistry at St. Angel’s School, Rohini, said the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry 2026 paper was easy to moderate, NCERT-aligned and balanced. Numericals were conceptual yet manageable, Organic and Inorganic were familiar, and MCQs direct, making it scoring for well-prepared students.

Jyoti Samant, Educator, Senior Years, Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, said the Grade 12 Chemistry exam was NCERT-aligned and balanced. While many found it easy, full marks required deep conceptual clarity, especially in numerical and conversion questions testing application and accuracy.

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Paper 2026: Exam Pattern and Passing Criteria

The examination followed the prescribed CBSE pattern and was divided into five sections:

• Section A: 16 MCQs of 1 mark each (16 marks)
• Section B: 5 very short answer questions of 2 marks each (10 marks)
• Section C: 7 short answer questions of 3 marks each (21 marks)
• Section D: 2 case-based questions of 4 marks each (8 marks)
• Section E: 3 long answer questions of 5 marks each (15 marks)

To pass the examination, students must secure at least 33% marks separately in theory and practical components. The overall aggregate passing requirement is also 33%, as per CBSE norms.

(This is a developing story. More updates from students and teachers are awaited. Stay tuned for the latest details.)