CBSE Class 12 Physics exam for the 2026 academic session was held on February 20, 2026. Lakhs of students who appeared for the exam across India are now wondering, ‘Was the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper tough or easy today?’
As soon as the exam ended, discussions started outside exam centres. While some students described the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper as moderate and balanced, others felt certain numerical and case-based questions were slightly tricky.
Overall, the difficulty level seems to have been moderate, rewarding students who had strong conceptual clarity and consistent practice.
CBSE Class 12 Board Physics 2026 Exam: Easy, Moderate, or Tough?
CBSE Class 12 Physics paper was generally described as easy to moderate in difficulty. According to early exam analyses, the paper stayed within the scope of the prescribed CBSE syllabus, and most questions were based on topics covered in the CBSE Class 12 syllabus.
However, student reactions varied widely. While some students felt confident and said the questions were straightforward, others found certain parts more challenging due to time constraints or conceptual depth.
Key Takeaways:
-
The 2026 CBSE Class 12 Board Physics paper was moderate and slightly lengthy.
-
Many questions were NCERT-based.
-
A few questions tested higher-order thinking and application.
-
Mixed responses from students show that difficulty perception depends on preparation level and time management skills.
-
A few questions involved deeper thinking and derivations, which could appear tricky.
Overall, the CBSE Class 12 Board Physics 2026 paper was balanced and well-structured, with a mix of direct and application-based questions.
| Download CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 PDF Here! | |
| Question Paper Set | PDF Download Link |
| Set 1 | Download CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 PDF |
| Set 2 | Download CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 PDF |
| Set 3 | Download CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026 PDF |
Section-Wise Breakdown: What Students Should Know?
Understanding how the paper was structured gives better insight into its difficulty. Class 12 Physics papers are divided into five sections: A, B, C, D, and E, covering multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answers, case-based questions, and long answers.
Section A – Objective and MCQs
The first section consisted of MCQs. These questions were mostly straightforward, but a few required deeper thinking.
Sections B & C – Short and Long Answers
These sections tested understanding through numerical problems and short answers and required conceptual clarity. Here, time management played a crucial role.
Sections D & E – Higher Order Thinking
Those focused on conceptual understanding and previous board patterns found these scoring. Proper stepwise presentation and diagram practice helped students secure full marks in section E.
Preparation Lessons for Future Boards
Whether you felt the paper was easy or tough, every board exam is a learning experience. Here are some important lessons you can take from today’s CBSE Class 12 Physics paper:
1. Focus on Concepts
Physics is fundamentally a conceptual subject. Rote memorization won’t help much if you face application-based or case questions.
2. Practice NCERT First
As many answers and questions are directly from NCERT textbooks, mastering them is crucial. Revision should cover all chapters well before exams.
3. Use Previous Year Papers
Solving past board question papers helps you understand:
-
Question structure
-
Time management
-
Types of questions frequently asked
4. Practice Sample Papers
CBSE sample papers and marking schemes help you gauge question patterns and difficulty level each year.