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CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026: Difficulty Level Compared

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026 shows a clear shift in difficulty level and question style. The 2025 paper was moderate to difficult with lengthy numericals and tricky assertion-reason questions. In comparison, the 2026 paper was more balanced, NCERT-aligned, and time-friendly. Both years focused on conceptual clarity and competency-based questions rather than rote learning.
CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026: Difficulty Level Compared

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026 Difficulty Level analysis is important for science students.

Physics has always been considered one of the most challenging subjects in the CBSE board exams. Even small changes in question patterns, numerical weightage, or competency-based questions can significantly impact scores.

In this detailed comparison, we break down the difficulty level, section-wise trends, numerical distribution, conceptual depth, and overall student feedback for CBSE Class 12 Physics Papers 2025 and 2026. This comparison will help you understand trends and prepare strategically.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper Pattern Overview

The exam is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education and follows a structured pattern, including:

  • Theory paper: 70 marks

  • Practical exam: 30 marks

  • Question types: MCQs, case-based questions, short answer, long answer, and numericals

  • Focus on competency-based and application-oriented questions

In recent years, CBSE has been gradually shifting towards conceptual clarity and real-life application-based questions rather than direct theory recall.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025: Difficulty Analysis

The 2025 Physics paper was widely considered moderate to slightly difficult by students and teachers.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 Key Highlights

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 Key Highlights reflect a moderate to difficult paper with lengthy numericals, tricky assertion-reason questions, and strong conceptual focus from core units like Electrostatics and Optics. For detailed section-wise analysis and trends, check below.

  1. Numerical-Based Questions Were Lengthy
    Many students felt numericals from Electrostatics and Current Electricity required multiple steps.

  2. Assertion-Reason Questions Were Tricky
    The conceptual clarity needed was higher than expected.

  3. Case-Study Questions Were Application-Based
    Students had to interpret graphs and experimental setups.

  4. Ray Optics and Magnetism Carried Weight
    Several 3–5 mark questions were concept-heavy.

Section-Wise Trend (2025)

  • Electrostatics & Current Electricity – Moderate numericals

  • Magnetic Effects of Current – Conceptual

  • Optics – Lengthy derivations

  • Modern Physics – Relatively easy

  • Semiconductors – Direct and scoring

Student Feedback (2025)

  • Time management was slightly challenging

  • Conceptual clarity was crucial

  • Direct NCERT questions were limited

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025 is available for students to review and practice. Below, we have provided the complete question paper to help you understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and important topics. 

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025 Set 1

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025 Set 2

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2025 Set 3

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026: Difficulty Analysis

Compared to 2025, the 2026 paper was widely regarded as balanced and student-friendly.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 Key Highlights 

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 Key Highlights indicate a balanced and NCERT-aligned paper with straightforward numericals, clearer assertion-reason questions, and predictable case studies. The overall difficulty level was moderate and student-friendly. For complete section-wise Class 12 Physics analysis and comparison, check below.

  1. Balanced Numerical Distribution
    Numericals were formula-based and less lengthy.

  2. More Direct NCERT-Based Questions
    Several theory questions were picked directly from the NCERT examples.

  3. Reduced Assertion-Reason Complexity
    Less confusing options compared to 2025.

  4. Case Study Questions Were Predictable
    Students who practiced sample papers found them manageable.

Section-Wise Trend (2026)

  • Electrostatics – Straightforward formula application

  • Current Electricity – Moderate numericals

  • Optics – Concept-based but shorter

  • Modern Physics – Very scoring

  • Communication Systems (if included) – Direct theory

Student Feedback (2026)

  • Better time management

  • Less ambiguity in MCQs

  • High NCERT alignment

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 is now available. Below, we have provided the complete question paper for students to download and review. It will help you understand the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level for better preparation and analysis.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 Set 1

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 Set 2

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 Set 3

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CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026: Detailed Comparison

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026 comparison highlights differences in numerical complexity, conceptual depth, NCERT alignment, and overall difficulty level. While 2025 was slightly tougher, 2026 appeared more balanced and scoring. For complete parameter-wise analysis, check below.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026: Detailed Comparison

Parameter

2025 Paper

2026 Paper

Overall Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult

Moderate

Numerical Length

Lengthy

Balanced

Assertion-Reason

Tricky

Easier

Case Study

Analytical

Predictable

NCERT Direct Questions

Limited

High

Time Management

Challenging

Comfortable

Conceptual Depth

High

Moderate

Major Differences Between 2025 and 2026 Papers

The Major Differences Between CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 and 2026 include variation in numerical length, assertion-reason complexity, NCERT weightage, and overall difficulty level. While 2025 was more analytical, 2026 felt balanced and student-friendly. For a detailed breakdown, check below.

1. Conceptual Intensity

The 2025 paper required a deeper understanding and multi-step problem-solving.
The 2026 paper focused more on clarity and basic application.

2. Numerical Complexity

  • 2025 numericals were longer and required more calculation steps.

  • 2026 numericals were formula-driven and less calculation-heavy.

3. NCERT Weightage

The 2026 paper showed stronger alignment with NCERT exercises and examples.

4. Assertion-Reason Pattern

2025 had confusing answer options, whereas 2026 simplified the logic.

Is CBSE Making Physics Paper Easier?

CBSE is not making Physics paper easier - it is making it more concept-based and application-oriented.

The shift includes:

  • Competency-based questions

  • Real-life scenario-based case studies

  • Reduced rote memorization

  • Focus on deriving understanding

The 2026 paper reflects improved balance rather than reduced difficulty.

Note: This comparison is based on the reactions and feedback of teachers and students. It reflects their experiences and viewpoints. However, opinions can differ from person to person. Individual preferences, expectations, and learning styles may influence how each person evaluates or understands the comparison.

 

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 v/s 2026 FAQs

Was CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 easier than 2025?

Yes, the CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 was considered more balanced and NCERT-based compared to 2025. The 2025 paper had lengthier numericals and trickier assertion-reason questions, making it slightly tougher overall.

What was the overall difficulty level of CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025?

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2025 difficulty level was rated moderate to difficult. Students found multi-step numericals and conceptual questions more challenging, especially in Electrostatics and Optics.

Did CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 follow the NCERT syllabus closely?

Yes, the CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper 2026 had strong alignment with NCERT examples and in-text questions. Many theory and short-answer questions were directly based on NCERT concepts.
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