CBSE 12th Physics Answer Key 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the class 12th Physics Exam today, February 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The exam consisted of a 70-mark theory paper. The 3-hour examination consisted of a mix of 33 questions, divided into five distinct sections.
Students had to answer 16 multiple-choice questions including Assertion-Reason types in Section A, followed by short and long-answer questions, and two dedicated case-study-based questions. Those who appeared for the exam can check the set-wise CBSE 12th Physics Answer Key 2026 to analyse their performance and calculate the estimated scores.Â
CBSE 12th Physics Answer Key 2026 LIVE
The CBSE Class 12th Physics Unofficial Answer Key 2026 will be updated here soon:
SET CODE: 55/4/1
| Questions | Answers |
| Question 1: Two wires of same length and same area... | (A) 1/2 (P1 + P2) |
| Question 2: Two particles of masses m1 and m2 having charges q1 and q2 ... | (c) m1 / m2 < q1 / q2 |
| Question 3: An electron moves around the nucleus in a circular orbit of radius r... | (B) ne |
| Question 4: The dimensions of the rate of change of magnetic flux is:Â | (B) |
| Question 5: Two dimensional conductor 1 and 2 are placed on two frictionless.. | (B) |
| Question 6: An AC volatage is given as V= 14 sin (314tV)... | (C) 0 and 10 |
| Question 7: The ratio of amplitude of electric field to the amplitude of the magnetic field associated with an electromagnetic wave propagating in glass (n=15) is: | (B) 2 x 108 ms-1 |
| Question 8: While studying photoelectric emission from a give surface.. | (B) Cut-off potential will increase |
| Question 9: Radiation of wavelength 331 nm irradiates the following metals: | (B) Only Mo will not show photoelectric emission |
| Question 10: The kinetic energy of a charged particle is increased to 4 times its initial value... | (D) Decrease by 50% of its initial value. |
SET CODE: 55/5/2
|
Questions |
Answers |
|
SECTION - A Multiple Choice Questions Question 1: The energy of an electron in an orbit in hydrogen atom is - 3•4 eV. Its angular momentum in the orbit will be : |
C - Â Â Â h/Ï€ |
|
Question 2:Â The momentum of a photon associated with a microwave of wavelength 4-00 cm is : |
A - 1.6 x 10-32 kg ms-1 |
|
Question 3: The radius of neucleus of mass number 125 is |
A - 6.0 fm |
|
Question 4:Â The rms and the average value of an ac voltage V = Vo sin ot volt over a cycle respectively will |
C - V0/√2 , 0 |
|
Question 5: A good diode checked by a multimeter should indicate: |
A. High resistance in reverse bias and low resistance in forward bias |
|
Question 6: Two point charges - Q and Q are located at points (d, 0) and (0, d) respectively, in x-y plane. The electric field E→ at the origin will |
C |
|
Question 7. A electron is moving with the velocity V0 Î. If a uniform electric field E→ J is set uip in the region, the electron will be: |
C - describe a parabolic path |
|
Question 8:Â A charged particle of mass m having kinetic energy K passes undeflected through a region with electric field E and magnetic field B acting perpendicular to each other. The mass m of the particle will |
B - 2KB2/E2Â |
|
Question 9:Â A rectangular loop of size 5 cm x 8 cm is lying in x-y plane in a uniform magnetic field B = (2-0 T) K. The total magnetic flux linked with the loop |
C - 8 X 10-2 WB |
|
Question 10: Which of the following statement is not true for electric energy in ac form compared to that in dc form. |
D - AC is less dangeous |
|
Question 11: The magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic wave travelling in glass (n=1.5) is given by: By = (2 x 10-7T) sin (ax=1.5x 1011t) Â where x is in metres and t is in seconds, the value of a is? |
C - 7.5 x 102 m-1 |
|
Question 12:Â The energy of an electron revolving in the nth orbit in Bohr model of hydrogen atom is proportional |
D - 1/n2 |
|
Question 13: Assertion:Â Energy is released when heavy nuclei undergo fission or light nuclei undergo fusion. Reason: For heavy nuclei, binding energy per nucleon increases with increasing Z while for light nuclei, it decreases with increasing Z. |
 C - Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false |
|
Question 14: Assertion: Photoelectric effect is a spontaneous phenomenon. Reason (R): According to the wave picture of radiation, an electron would take hours/days to absorb sufficient energy to overcome the work function and come out from a metal surface |
B -Â Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A) |
|
Question 15:Â Assertion:Â Induced emf produced in a coil will be more when the magnetic flux linked with the coil is more. Reason (R): Induced emf produced is directly proportional to the magnetic flux. |
D - Â Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false |
|
Question 16: Assertion: In Young's double-slit experiment, the fringe width for dark and bright fringes is the same. Reason: Fringe width is given by ß = λd/D, where symbls have their usual meanings |
D - Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false. |
SET 55/4/3
| Questions | Answers |
|
SECTION A : Multiple Choice Questions Question 1: Radiation of wavelength 331m irradiates the following metals: |
(c) All of the given metals show photoelectric emmission |
| Question 2: The ratio of amplitude of electric field to the amplitude of the magnetic field associated with an electromagnetic wave propagating in glass | (A) 3 x 108 ms-1 |
| Question 3: An ac voltage is given as v = 14 sin (314t) V. The average and the effective value of the voltage (in V) over a cycle are respectively | (C) 0 and 10 |
| Question 4: In a reversed-biased p-n junction diode, the applied volatge mostly drops across: | (C) depletion region |
| Question 5: Two particles of masses m1 and m2 having charges q1 and q2 ... | (c) m1 / m2 < q1 / q2 |
| Question 6: Paschen series in spectrum of hydrogen atom lies in:Â | (A) infrared region |
| Question 7: The kinetic energy of a charged particle is increased to four times of its initial value. The de Broglie wavelength associated with the particle | (D) Decreases by 50% of its initial value |
| Question 8: The resistivity p of a metal increases with a rise in temperature because: | (C) 't' decreases with temperature but 'n' doesn't change appreciably |
| Question 9: Two coils are placed closed to each other. The mutual inductance of the pair of coils depends upon the: Â | (B) relative position and orientation of the coils |
| Question 10: Which of the following statements is true about mobility of charge carriers in a metal: | (B) Mobility decreases with increase in temperature |
| Question 11: A galvanometer of resistance G is converted into a voltmeter of range (0 - V) by connecting a resistor of 250 Ω with it. If resistor of 250 Ω is replaced by another resistor of 900 Ω, its range becomes (0 - 3 V). The resistance G of the galvanometer | (D) 75Ω |
| Question 12: Photons of frequency v are incident on the surfaces of two metals A and B of threshold frequencies v/2 and v/3. The ratio of maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from metal A to that from metal B is | (B) 3/4 |
|
Question 13:Â Assertion (A): When a convex lens made of glass is immersed in water, its converging power increases. Reason (R) : The focal length of a lens depends only on the radii of curvature of its two faces. |
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false |
|
Question 14:Â Assertion (A) :Â The conductivity of an n-type semiconductor is higher than that of a p-type semiconductor at given temperature. Reason (R) : The electrons being in the conduction band in n-type semiconductor are more mobile than the holes in the valence band in p-type semiconductor. |
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion |
|
Question 15: Assertion:Â The work done, in taking a unit charge around a closed loop of an electric circuit involving cells and resistors in the loop, is zero. Reason: The potential at a point depends on the location of the point in the loop. After completing one round, the charge comes back to the point of start. |
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false |
|
Question 16:Â Assertion: When a ferromagnetic substance is heated to high temperature it becomes paramagnetic in nature. Reason: The disappearance of magnetisation of a ferromagnet is abrupt and not gradual. |
(C) Assertion is true and Reason is false |
|
Question 17: The hole concentration in an intrinsic semiconductor.. |
6.25 x 104 m3 |
|
Question 18: An electric dipole consists of two charges |
2 x 10Â -5 j |
CBSE 12th Physics Exam Analysis
The CBSE Board Class 12th Physics Exam is a major exam for Science stream students. Here’s the detailed exam analysis, which includes the overall and section-wise difficulty level of the paper based on the student's initial reaction and the subject expert’s review.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Overall Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Section A (MCQs & Assertion-Reason) Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Section B (Very Short Answer) Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Section C (Short Answer) Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Section D (Case Study-Based) Difficulty Level |
Modrate to tough (lengthy) |
|
Section E (Long Answer) Difficulty Level |
Moderate (lengthy) |
Students must note that these CBSE 12th Physics Answer Keys 2026 are only for reference purposes for students to calculate their probable scores.Â
Those who appeared for the Class 12th Physical Eduction Exam 2026 and want to analyse their performance can go through the CBSE 12th Physical Education Answer Key 2026 Live Updates: Check all sets questions and answers
Live Updates
- Optics
- Magnetic Effects and Magnetism
- Modern Physics
- Electrostatics & Current Electricity
- Electromagnetic Induction & AC
Yes. Students reported that the numerical MCQs in Section A took longer than expected, leaving less time for Section C.
Modern Physics (Atoms, Nuclei, Dual Nature) was scoring.
The assertion and reason questions were not very tricky this year.
The numerical questions were highly conceptual, requiring students to manipulate formulas before dealing in numbers.
Yes. There were internal choices, typically provided in two questions of Section B, one question of Section C, and all three questions of Section E.
Yes. Similar to the 2025 trend, the 2026 paper is being described as lengthy. While most students could finish the paper, many reported having almost no time left for a final revision.
- Mixed reaction from students
- Many students are pointing to Section A (MCQs) as the challenging part because of the Assertion-Reasoning questions.
- Students found the direct questions fromDual Nature and Atoms/Nuclei chapter as saviour.
Initial feedback from subject experts suggests the paper was Balanced but Analytical. There are mixed reactions from the students. Ananya Sethi from Madhya Pradesh says, “the physics paper was lengthy and the numerical questions were tricky and calculator-intensive according to me.”
To pass, candidates must score at least 33% in theory (23 out of 70) and 33% in practicals (9 out of 30) separately, in addition to an overall 33% aggregate.
Students have started to come out of the examination hall. The initial reactions and question paper review will be updated soon.
The exam officially concluded at 1:30 PM today. Students will exit the centres after successfully submitting their answer sheet.
The CBSE 12th Board Physics Exam 2026 will be over in 30 minutes at 1:30 PM. Students must be writing the final sections and revising their answers.
In 2025 the Physics question paper difficulty level was between Moderate and tough. Students found the MCQs tricky and Section E (Long Answers) quite confusing. The 2024 Physics paper was widely considered one of the toughest Physics papers in years.
Based on the 2026 sample papers and the new shift toward 50% competency-based questions, the expected difficulty level is Moderate.
CBSE Class 12 Physics exam in 2026, the assessment is structured into two main components: a 70-mark theory paper and a 30-mark practical exam, totaling 100 marks. Here’s how the theory question paper will be distributed.
|
Section |
Question Type |
No.of Question |
Marks Per Question |
Total Marks |
|
Section A |
MCQs & Assertion-Reason |
16 |
1 |
16 |
|
Section B |
Very Short Answer (VSA) |
15 |
2 |
10 |
|
Section C |
Short Answer (SA) |
7 |
3 |
21 |
|
Section D |
Case Study-Based |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
Section E |
Long Answer |
3 |
5 |
15 |
|
Total |
33 |
- |
70 |
|
As per the rule, the students were given 15 minutes extra to only read the CBSE Class 12th Physics Question Paper 2026.
The CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 Exam begins now at 10:30 AM.
- Step Marking in Numericals: Even if the final answer is wrong, you can earn partial marks by:
- Writing the formula first.
- Listing given values with their SI units.
- Showing clear substitution and calculation steps.
- Boxing the final answer with its correct unit (e.g., Tesla, Ohm, Farad).
- Diagrams and Graphs: Always use a sharpened pencil and a ruler. For 5-mark derivations, draw the diagram first to earn instant credit. Ensure ray diagrams have arrows indicating the direction of light.
- Point-Wise Writing: Present descriptive answers in a point-by-point format. This makes it easier for examiners to award marks for specific concepts.
To answer the CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 paper strategically, you must align your preparation with the board's shift toward competency-based questions (50% of the paper) and prioritize units with the highest weightage, such as Optics (18 marks) and Magnetic Effects (17 marks).
The CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026 will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
To ace your CBSE Class 12 Physics exam, focus on presentation, step-wise marking, and strategic time management. Physics papers are often considered challenging due to the mix of theoretical derivations and complex numericals, so a structured approach is essential.
For the CBSE Class 12 Physics exam (scheduled for February 20, 2026), your last-day strategy should shift from learning new content to consolidating high-weightage topics and perfecting your answer presentation.
- Prioritise High-Weightage Units
- Strategic Answer Writing
- Scan formulas and NCERT "Blue Boxes" for case studies.
- Focus on derivation steps and well-labeled diagrams.
- Prioritize numericals from Optics and Current Electricity.
- Review NCERT exemplar problems for conceptual clarity.
- Photoelectric Effect: State Einstein’s photoelectric equation and explain the laws of photoelectric emission.
- Bohr’s Model: Derive the expression for the radius of the orbit or the energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom.
- Nuclear Physics: Mass defect, binding energy per nucleon curve, and nuclear fission/fusion.
- Semiconductors: Explain the working of a p-n junction diode as a full-wave or half-wave rectifier.
- Lens Maker’s Formula: Derive the formula for a convex lens.
- Compound Microscope/Telescope: Draw ray diagrams and write expressions for magnifying power.
- Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE): Derive the expression for fringe width and explain the conditions for constructive/destructive interference.
- Diffraction: Explain diffraction at a single slit and draw the intensity distribution curve.
- LCR Series Circuit: Find the expression for impedance and the condition for resonance.
- Transformers: Explain the principle, working, and various energy losses in a transformer with a neat diagram.
- EM Spectrum: Identify EM waves based on their frequency/wavelength and state one application for each (e.g., Microwaves for RADAR, X-rays for medical diagnosis).
- Biot-Savart & Ampere’s Law: Derive the magnetic field at the centre of a circular current-carrying loop and inside a solenoid.
- Moving Coil Galvanometer: Explain its principle, working, and how to convert it into an ammeter/voltmeter.
- Electromagnetic Induction: State Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws. Derive the expression for motional EMF.
- Self & Mutual Induction: Define the coefficients of induction and derive expressions for a long solenoid.
- Drift Velocity: Define drift velocity and derive the relation between current and drift velocity.
- Kirchhoff’s Laws: State the laws and use them to solve bridge circuits.
- Potentiometer (if in syllabus): Principle of a potentiometer and its use in comparing EMFs of two cells.
- Gauss’s Law: State Gauss’s law and use it to derive expressions for the electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire or a thin infinite plane sheet.
- Electric Dipoles: Derive the expression for the electric field on the axial and equatorial line of a dipole.
- Capacitance: Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor (with and without a dielectric slab).
- Equipotential Surfaces: Draw equipotential surfaces for a point charge and an electric dipole, and state their properties.
Bohr’s Atomic Model and the Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter.
Lens Maker's Formula, Mirror Formula, and Mirror/Lens combinations.
Kirchhoff’s Laws and Wheatstone Bridge problems.
Gauss’s Law and its applications, properties of Equipotential surfaces.
- Reading Time: Use the first 15 minutes to categorise questions, starting with the easiest to build confidence.
- Reverse Approach: Begin with 5-mark questions (Section E) to secure marks early.
- OSM Preparedness: Use a ruler/pencil for diagrams. Make only single, neat strikes for corrections to ensure clarity for digital scanners.
- Step Marking: Always write the formula first to secure partial marks.
- Pack a geometry box for diagrams.
- Ensure your admit card and ID are ready.
- Get at least 6 hours of sleep to avoid errors.
|
Section |
Type of Questions |
Number of Questions |
Marks Allotted |
|
A |
MCQs and assertion reasoning |
16 |
16 x 1 = 16 |
|
B |
Very short |
5 |
5 x 2 = 10 |
|
C |
Short |
7 |
7 x 3 = 21 |
|
D |
Case-based |
2 |
2 x 4 = 8 |
|
E |
Long |
3 |
3 x 5 = 15 |
|
Total |
|
33 questions |
70 marks |
You can use the CBSE 12th Physics Exam Pattern to improve your results, and here are the exact ways for your guidance –
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Once you analyze the CBSE 12th Physics Exam Pattern, you can pay more attention to the high-weightage units first.
-
For sure, understanding the exam pattern can improve your marks.
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You can decide the most important sections from the exam point of view.
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Right amount of time can be allocated to each unit. It will improve your speed as well as accuracy.
-
Knowing the CBSE 12th Physics Exam Pattern will help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
-
If you have an idea about the exam pattern, then you will get immense confidence. It will also lead to better practice and revision.
|
Sections (chapter-wise) |
Type of Questions |
Number of Questions (approximately) |
Marks Allotted |
|
Unit I – Electrostatics Chapter 1 – Electric Charges and Fields (5 marks) Chapter 2 – Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance (5 marks)
Unit II – Current Electricity Chapter 3 – Current Electricity (6 marks) |
MCQs, long, and short type |
7 |
16 |
|
Unit III – Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism Chapter 4 – Moving Charges and Magnetism (6 marks) Chapter 5 – Magnetism and Matter (5 marks)
Unit IV – Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents Chapter 6 – Electromagnetic Induction (4 marks) Chapter 7 – Alternating Current (2 marks) |
Assertion-based, MCQs, very short, short, and long type |
8 |
17 |
|
Unit V – Electromagnetic Waves Chapter 8 – Electromagnetic Waves (4 marks)
Unit VI – Optics Chapter 9 – Ray Optics and Optical Instruments (10 marks) Chapter 10 – Wave Optics (4 marks) |
Very short, short, and long type |
8 |
18 |
|
Unit VII – Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Chapter 11 – Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter (4 marks)
Unit VIII – Atoms and Nuclei Chapter 12 – Atoms (4 marks) Chapter 13 – Nuclei (4 marks) |
MCQs and short type |
6 |
12 |
|
Unit IX – Electronic Devices Chapter 14 – Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices, and Simple Circuits (7 marks) |
MCQs and short type |
4 |
7 |
|
Practical Assessment |
|
|
30 |
|
Total |
|
33 |
100 marks |
The important highlights regarding the CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2025-26 are provided below.
| Conducting Board | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Name of the Exam | CBSE class 12th |
| Mode of exam | Offline (pen and paper) |
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
| Question paper pattern |
|
| Marking Scheme | 100 (Theory+Practical)
|
| Passing marks | 33% in each subject (minimum) |
CBSE Board uploaded the class 12th sample paper 2025-26 to its official website. Find the step-by-step procedure to download the CBSE 12 sample paper 2025-26 below:
- Step 1: Visit the CBSE official website - cbse.nic.in.
- Step 2: Select the "Academic Website" option.
- Step 3: Click on the "Sample Question Paper" section. Click on "SQP 2024-2025" and choose the "Class XII" option.
- Step 4: Click on the "SQP" link to download the sample question paper PDF subject-wise.
- Step 5: Save the CBSE 12th sample paper PDFs for further reference.
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus for Physics contains 8 units divided into 11 chapters. The unit-wise chapters are listed below.
| Unit | Chapter Name | Marks |
| Electrostatics | Electric Charges and Fields | 16 |
| Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance | ||
| Current Electricity | Current Electricity | |
| Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Moving Charges and Magnetism | 17 |
| Magnetism and Matter | ||
| Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | Electromagnetic Induction | |
| Alternating Current | ||
| Electromagnetic WavesOptics | Electromagnetic Waves | 18 |
| Ray Optics and Optical Instruments | ||
| Wave Optics | ||
| Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 12 |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Atoms | 7 |
| Nuclei | ||
| Electronic Devices | Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices, and Simple Circuits |
- Unit Conversion First: Always convert values to SI units before plugging them into a formula.
- State the Formula: Even if you get the math wrong, writing the correct formula usually earns you 1/2 to 1 mark.
- Final Answer with Units: A numerical answer without a unit often results in a 1/2 mark deduction.
- Electrostatics & Current Electricity
- Equivalence & Energy: Calculating the equivalent capacitance or resistance in complex bridge circuits (like Wheatstone Bridge variations).
- Drift Velocity: Calculations involving the relation between current density, drift velocity, and relaxation time.
- Kirchhoff’s Laws: Solving for currents in multi-loop circuits (usually involving 2-3 loops).
- Magnetism & AC
- LCR Circuits: Calculating Impedance, Resonant Frequency, and Phase Angle. This is a staple for 3-mark questions.
- Moving Coil Galvanometer: Converting a galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter by calculating the required Shunt or Series resistance.
- Magnetic Field Strength: Calculating the field at the center or on the axis of a circular current loop.
- Optics
- Lens Maker’s Formula: Solving for focal length when a lens is immersed in a liquid of a different refractive index.
- YDSE (Young's Double Slit Experiment): Finding fringe width or the position of the bright/dark fringe when the setup is modified.
- Compound Microscope/Telescope: Calculating total magnification and the length of the tube for normal adjustment.
- Modern Physics
- Photoelectric Equation: to find the stopping potential or threshold frequency.
- Binding Energy: Calculating the Mass Defect and Binding Energy per nucleon for specific nuclei.
- Energy Levels: Finding the wavelength of radiation emitted during an electron transition in a Hydrogen atom (Rydberg formula).
- No Calculators: The use of calculators was strictly prohibited; all numerical calculations had to be done manually.
- Internal Choices: Internal choices were provided in Sections B, C, and E to help students manage difficult topics.
- Step Marking: Marks were awarded for each logical step and correct use of scientific units, even if the final answer was incorrect.
| Units | Important Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | Lens Maker's Formula, YDSE, Prism Refraction | 18 Marks |
| Magnetic Effects | Ampere's Law, Moving Coil Galvanometer, AC | 17 Marks |
| Electrostatics | Gauss's Law, Capacitance, Electric Potential | 16 Marks |
| Current Electricity | Kirchhoff’s Laws, Drift Velocity, Potentiometer | 16 Marks |
| Modern Physics | Photoelectric Effect, Bohr Model, Nuclei | 12 Marks |
| Electronic Devices | p-n Junction Diode, Rectifiers, Energy Bands | 7 Marks |
CBSE implemented on-screen marking for the 2026 exams, where scanned answer sheets were evaluated digitally to ensure faster and more accurate results.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, 50% of the questions will be competency-focused, including case-based and data-interpretation problems.
The exam followed a 70-mark theory and 30-mark practical distribution.
- Section A: 16 MCQs, including Assertion-Reason questions (1 mark each).
- Section B: 5 Very Short Answer questions (2 marks each).
- Section C: 7 Short Answer questions (3 marks each).
- Section D: 2 Case Study-based questions (4 marks each).
- Section E: 3 Long Answer questions (5 marks each).
The CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 Examination will be held on February 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.