The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially launched the sample paper and marking scheme for Class 12 Geography for the upcoming 2025–26 academic session. This crucial release provides a definitive blueprint for students aiming to excel in their board examinations, offering a clear window into the updated assessment structure.
Exam Date and Key Objectives
The board has officially scheduled the CBSE Class 12 Geography examination for February 26, 2026. This date falls within the broader timeline for the annual board exams, which are set to begin on February 17, 2026. The primary aim of the Geography paper is to evaluate students' analytical capabilities, depth of conceptual understanding, and proficiency in map-based knowledge.
Detailed Breakdown of the Question Paper Structure
According to the newly released sample paper, identified by the subject code 029, the Geography exam will be a 3-hour test worth 70 marks. The paper is meticulously organized into five distinct sections, containing a total of 30 compulsory questions.
The sectional distribution is as follows:
- Section A: Comprises multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark.
- Section B: Features source-based questions, with each question worth 3 marks.
- Section C: Contains short answer-type questions requiring responses of 80–100 words, each valued at 3 marks.
- Section D: Includes long answer-type questions that demand detailed answers in 120–150 words, carrying 5 marks each.
- Section E: Focuses on map-based questions, each with a weightage of 5 marks.
In a considerate move, the board has provided alternate questions for visually impaired candidates, replacing those that require visual interpretation. While the entire question paper is compulsory, internal choices are available in a few questions across Sections B, C, D, and E.
Why Practicing with CBSE Sample Papers is Essential
CBSE has made these official sample papers available to help students acclimate to the exact format, marking distribution, and variety of questions they will encounter. Regular practice with these papers is instrumental in honing time management skills and improving answer accuracy. Education experts strongly advise students to attempt at least two full-length mock tests every week during their revision phase to build speed and bolster confidence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Resources
Students and educators can easily access the sample paper and marking scheme by following these straightforward steps on the official CBSE academic website:
- Visit the CBSE academic website at https://cbseacademic.nic.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the 'Sample Question Papers' link found within the 'Curriculum' section.
- From the list of classes, select 'Class XII'.
- Choose your subject, 'Geography (Code 029)', from the available options.
- Click on the respective links to download both the sample question paper and the marking scheme in PDF format for offline use.
Direct link to download the CBSE Class 12 Geography 2025 sample paper and Marking Scheme is available on the portal.
Official Preparation Strategy for Success
As per the official guidelines, CBSE recommends that students solve multiple sample papers before the final exams. This practice is critical for identifying personal strengths and pinpointing areas that need more focus. Continuous engagement with these papers ensures better command over the allocated time, enhances the clarity and presentation of answers, and guarantees a thorough grasp of the entire syllabus structure before the decisive examination day.
