CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper Analysis: Moderate Difficulty and Section-Wise Breakdown

Advertisment

The CBSE 2026 Board Examinations reached a fever pitch today as lakhs of Class 12 students completed their Physics theory paper. This was a critical milestone for engineering and science aspirants. Simultaneously, Class 10 students balanced a heavy schedule with six vocational and skill-based papers, including Data Science and Marketing.

With the transition of the board towards the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, the current exams have shown a major shift towards competency-based assessment and long-term academic tracking through the APAAR ID system.

Balanced Physics Paper Favors Conceptual Clarity Over Rote Learning

The Class 12 Physics paper took place on 20 February 2026. Most teachers and students said the paper was moderate and fair. However, in the past, some years had very difficult or surprising questions. This year, the questions came mostly from NCERT textbooks.

Advertisment

The exam rewarded students who practiced math problems and scientific formulas. Section A had 16 multiple-choice questions that required students to think quickly and use logic. Section D had case study questions about light and optics to test how students apply science to real situations.

According to Pawan Choudhary, HOD Physics at Lancers Army Schools, "A significant portion of the paper focused on direct theory and standard derivations. It allowed students who prepared sincerely and worked consistently through the syllabus to secure stable marks. However, a few of the questions needed to be read carefully," as mentioned at EdexLive.

Most teachers agreed that the paper was quite long. However, the wording of the questions was simple. This helped students finish all 33 questions within the three-hour time limit.

Advertisment

Beyond the Score: How the 2026 Grading System Impacts Future Admissions

Class 10 students now have a ‘Best of Two’ policy, which means they can take a second exam in May 2026 if they are unhappy with their marks. They can try to improve their scores in up to three subjects. For Class 12 students, these marks are even more important. Colleges use these results to decide who gets admission when many students have the same entrance exam scores.

Also, every student now has an APAAR ID, a digital ID that keeps a permanent record of their grades. This means the marks from today will stay in a digital file for life. Universities and future employers will be able to see these records easily.

Advertisment

The 2026 exam season shows that CBSE is changing for the better. The board is moving away from high-pressure testing. It is now focusing on teaching students useful skills. As a result, students have more support than ever before. There is a 24-hour phone line (1800-11-8004) for students who feel stressed. In addition, class 10 students also have a second chance to pass. This helps students stay healthy and happy.