CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Analysis 2026 | Check Difficulty Levels

Class 12 CBSE Physics exam was conducted on February 20, 2026 (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM). This was a big one for science stream folks eyeing engineering, medicine, or pure sciences. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the difficulty levels, section-wise breakdown, student feedback, expert insights, and more-keeping it real and conversational, like chatting with a friend who’s been through the grind.

We’ll cover the overall feel of the paper, tricky spots, and draw from real student reactions plus expert reviews right after the exam. If you’re searching for “CBSE Class 12 Physics paper analysis 2026” or “difficulty level of CBSE Physics exam 2026,” stick around. Let’s break it down!

CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Analysis Overview

The paper balances theory (derivations, explanations) and numerical/applications. Many questions test conceptual understanding (e.g., assertions, case studies). Theory parts are directly from NCERT chapters, with emphasis on key formulas, diagrams, and definitions.

• Total Questions: 33
• Question Types: MCQs (1-12, parts of 29-30), Assertion-Reason (13-16), Short Answer (17-21: 2 marks each), Medium Answer (22-28: 3 marks each), Case Study (29-30: 4 marks each with 4 subparts), Long Answer (31-33: 5 marks each).
• Some questions have OR options, allowing choice between two sub-questions from different subtopics.
• Topic Distribution:
  • Electrostatics (Unit 1: Ch1-2): 5 questions (including parts)
  • Current Electricity (Unit 2: Ch3): 6 questions
  • Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism (Unit 3: Ch4-5): 5 questions
  • Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents (Unit 4: Ch6-7): 6 questions
  • Electromagnetic Waves (Unit 5: Ch8): 2 questions
  • Optics (Unit 6: Ch9-10): 7 questions
  • Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter (Unit 7: Ch11): 5 questions
  • Atoms and Nuclei (Unit 8: Ch12-13): 4 questions
  • Electronic Devices (Unit 9: Ch14): 4 questions

Overall Difficulty Level of CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026

The consensus from students, teachers, and experts (across sites like Shiksha, Indian Express, Aakash, Physics Wallah, Jagran Josh, Times of India, and more) is that the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper 2026 was moderate overall, with many calling it “moderate to difficult” due to its length and calculation intensity.

• It stayed strictly within the NCERT syllabus-no major surprises or out-of-syllabus twists.
• The paper emphasized conceptual understanding, application-based questions, derivations, and numericals rather than pure rote learning.
• On a scale of 1-10 (1 = super easy, 10 = nightmare tough), most rate it 6-7.5 – balanced but lengthy, especially for time management.
• Compared to 2025: Similar or slightly easier/more balanced in many views, with fewer extreme tough numericals but more focus on competency-based and real-world applications.
• Key highlights:
  • Easy parts: Direct formula-based questions from Modern Physics, some Optics, and straightforward MCQs.
  • Moderate parts: Derivations, electrostatics, current electricity, and magnetism numericals.
  • Tougher parts: Lengthy calculations, time-consuming numericals (especially in Sections C & D), and some case studies needing deep conceptual linking. Non-Maths background students found the math-heavy parts challenging.

This aligns with CBSE’s push toward competency-based education. If you prepped with NCERT + sample papers + timed mocks, it was manageable.

Section-Wise Breakdown and Difficulty Analysis of CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam

The paper followed the standard format: 33 compulsory questions, 70 marks theory, five sections (A-E). Here’s the breakdown based on initial reviews:

Section A

• MCQs (18 marks, 18 questions)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
• Mostly direct from NCERT (electrostatics, current electricity, EMI).
• About 80% straightforward, but a couple of assertion-reason or tricky conceptual ones (e.g., wave optics) needed deeper thinking. Quick and confidence-building for most.

Section B 

• Very Short Answer (12 marks, 7 questions x 2 marks)
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Focused on quick explanations, simple calculations, diagrams, and basic derivations (e.g., AC generator, capacitance).
• Manageable if you revised NCERT precisely; some found wording tricky.

Section C 

• Short Answer/Numericals (15 marks, 5 questions x 3 marks)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Tough.
• This heated up-lengthy numericals on magnetic fields, ray optics, Wheatstone bridge variations, etc.
• High weightage on electrostatics/capacitance.
• Required careful steps; time-eater for many.

Section D

• Long Answer/Derivations (15 marks, 3 questions x 5 marks)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Tough.
• In-depth derivations (e.g., semiconductors, communication systems) and detailed explanations.
• Case-study-like links across concepts made it time-consuming.
• Pro tip: Show all workings for partial marks!

Section E

• Case-Based/Source-Based (10 marks, 2 questions x 4-5 marks each)
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Concept-based from familiar NCERT examples (e.g., EM waves in tech, Optics interference).
• Doable with good understanding, though some Optics cases felt relatively tougher.
• High-weightage units dominated: Electrostatics (~16 marks), Optics (~14-18 marks), Magnetic Effects + EMI (~12-17 marks), Modern Physics (~12 marks, easier formula-based).

Topic-Wise Analysis of CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam

Here is the topic-wise analysis of CBSE class 12 Physics exam which was conducted on February 20, 2026.

Question No.	Marks	Topic (Unit/Chapter)	Subtopic (Theory Part)	Brief Description/Notes
1	1	Electrostatics (Unit 1, Ch2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance)	Potential energy of a system of point charges (NCERT Section 2.3: Electric Potential Energy)	MCQ on calculating potential energy for three charges (+q, -2q, +q) on x-axis. Direct formula application: U = (1/4πε₀) Σ (q_i q_j / r_ij).
2	1	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter (Unit 7, Ch11)	Photoelectric effect – stopping potential and wavelength relation (NCERT Section 11.3: Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation)	MCQ comparing stopping potentials V1, V2, V3 for UV and visible wavelengths (λ1 > λ2 in UV, λ3 visible). Tests v = hν – φ/e relation.
3	1	Atoms (Unit 8, Ch12: Atoms)	Bohr model – potential energy in orbits (NCERT Section 12.4: Bohr’s Model)	MCQ on variation of potential energy with n (∝ 1/n²). From Bohr’s quantization: PE = – (13.6 Z² / n²) eV.
4	1	Electrostatics (Unit 1, Ch2)	Potential of conducting spheres after contact (NCERT Section 2.5: Capacitors and Capacitance, conductors in contact)	MCQ identifying incorrect statement about charge conservation and common potential V = (q1 + q2)/(4πε₀ (r1 + r2)) [option C correct, D incorrect].
5	1	Atoms (Unit 8, Ch12)	Bohr model – frequency of emitted photon in transitions (NCERT Section 12.4: Energy Levels)	MCQ on frequency ratio for transitions n=4 to 1 vs. n=4 to 2. Uses ΔE = hν, with energy levels E_n = -13.6/n² eV.
6	1	Electromagnetic Induction (Unit 4, Ch6: Electromagnetic Induction)	Lenz’s law and induced emf in open loop (NCERT Section 6.5: Lenz’s Law, motional emf)	MCQ on magnet falling through loop with cut (no closed circuit, so no induced current/opposition; acceleration uniform).
7	1	Electromagnetic Waves (Unit 5, Ch8)	Properties of EM waves in free space (NCERT Section 8.3: Electromagnetic Waves, ω/k = c)	MCQ identifying wave with B field satisfying c = 3×10⁸ m/s (check k and ω in given expressions).
8	1	Magnetism and Matter (Unit 3, Ch5: Magnetism and Matter)	Magnetic permeability (μ_r >>1 for ferromagnetics) (NCERT Section 5.2: Magnetic Properties of Materials)	MCQ on substance with μ_r >>1 (Nickel, ferromagnetic).
9	1	Moving Charges and Magnetism (Unit 3, Ch4)	Biot-Savart law for B field due to finite wire (NCERT Section 4.3: Biot-Savart Law)	MCQ on direction of B at point due to 1 cm conductor segment (uses right-hand rule, along -z axis).
10	1	Current Electricity (Unit 2, Ch3)	Conversion of galvanometer to ammeter (shunt) (NCERT Section 3.14: Meter Bridge and Potentiometer)	MCQ on full-scale deflection current (Ig = I * S/(G+S), ~1 mA).
11	1	Electromagnetic Induction (Unit 4, Ch6)	Magnetic flux and induced emf units (NCERT Section 6.2: Magnetic Flux)	MCQ on SI units of A and B in φ = 5At² + Bt – 2C (A: Wb/s², B: Wb/s).
12	1	Alternating Current (Unit 4, Ch7: Alternating Current)	Capacitive reactance X_C = 1/(ωC) (NCERT Section 7.6: AC Circuit with Capacitor)	MCQ on C1/C2 from X_C vs 1/ω graph (slope ratio, C1/C2 = 1/2).
13	1	Wave Optics (Unit 6, Ch10: Wave Optics)	Interference of light (destructive) (NCERT Section 10.3: Interference)	Assertion-Reason: Light + light = darkness due to coherent destructive interference.
14	1	Current Electricity (Unit 2, Ch3)	Power in resistors (P = V²/R for DC) (NCERT Section 3.7: Electric Power)	Assertion-Reason: Series heaters power < single, but R explains inversely (power ∝ 1/R).
15	1	Dual Nature (Unit 7, Ch11)	Photoelectric effect – intensity vs current, frequency vs V0 (NCERT Section 11.3)	Assertion-Reason: Intensity increases photocurrent; V0 increases with frequency.
16	1	Electronic Devices (Unit 9, Ch14: Semiconductor Electronics)	p-n junction biasing (forward reduces barrier) (NCERT Section 14.5: p-n Junction Diode)	Assertion-Reason: Forward bias decreases barrier (A false); applied V opposes built-in.
17	2	Ray Optics (Unit 6, Ch9: Ray Optics) OR Wave Optics (Ch10)	Mirror formula/image magnification (Ch9 Section 9.3) OR YDSE fringe coincidence (Ch10 Section 10.3)	Calculate pencil image length in mirror OR least distance for bright fringes of two λ in YDSE.
18	2	Current Electricity (Unit 2, Ch3)	Temperature coefficient of resistance (α) (NCERT Section 3.3: Resistivity and Temperature)	Calculate T for 20% resistance increase (R_t = R0 (1 + αΔT)).
19	2	Ray Optics (Unit 6, Ch9)	Prism – TIR and angle of incidence (NCERT Section 9.5: Refraction through Prism)	Find i for just TIR in 60° prism with μ=√2 (uses sin C = 1/μ).
20	2	Electronic Devices (Unit 9, Ch14)	Intrinsic vs extrinsic semiconductors (NCERT Section 14.2: Classification)	Two differences (e.g., purity, doping, conductivity).
21	2	Dual Nature (Unit 7, Ch11)	de Broglie wavelength λ = h/√(2mK) or h/√(2mqV) (NCERT Section 11.5: Wave Nature)	Ratio λ_α/λ_p for same K and same V (considers m_α=4m_p, q_α=2q_p).
22	3	Electromagnetic Induction (Unit 4, Ch6) OR Moving Charges and Magnetism (Ch4)	Mutual inductance M = φ/I (Ch6 Section 6.4) OR Force between parallel currents (Ch4 Section 4.5)	Define M, unit; calculate for solenoid-loop OR derive F = (μ₀ I_a I_b L)/(2πd), Newton’s third.
23	3	Dual Nature (Unit 7, Ch11) / Atoms (Ch12 overlap)	de Broglie λ in Bohr orbits (Ch11 Section 11.5 + Ch12 Section 12.5: de Broglie Hypothesis)	Calculate λ for electron in n=3 (second excited) using λ = h/p, p from mv²/r = force.
24	3	Electromagnetic Waves (Unit 5, Ch8)	EM spectrum applications and ranges (NCERT Section 8.5: Electromagnetic Spectrum)	Waves: (i) X-rays (diagnostic, 0.01-10 nm), (ii) IR (remote, 700 nm-1 mm), (iii) UV (purifiers, 10-400 nm).
25	3	Electrostatics (Unit 1, Ch2)	Field lines, equipotentials; E ⊥ to surface (NCERT Section 2.4: Equipotential Surfaces)	Draw for dipole; explain no work along equipotential, so E tangent=0.
26	3	Nuclei (Unit 8, Ch13: Nuclei)	Isotopes/isotones; nuclear size R = R0 A^{1/3}, density constant (NCERT Section 13.2: Atomic Masses, 13.3: Size)	Group nuclides; prove density ρ = m/A * (3/(4π R0³)) independent of A.
27	3	Moving Charges and Magnetism (Unit 3, Ch4)	B on axis of coil (NCERT Section 4.4: Magnetic Field due to Circular Loop)	Derive B = (μ₀ N I r²)/(2 (r² + x²)^{3/2}).
28	3	Current Electricity (Unit 2, Ch3)	Current as scalar (flow rate); Kirchhoff’s laws (NCERT Section 3.1: Electric Current, 3.5: Kirchhoff’s Rules)	Explain current direction convention; apply rules to find I in 3Ω (loop analysis).
29 (i-iv)	4	Ray Optics (Unit 6, Ch9)	Lens maker’s formula, two positions for conjugate foci (NCERT Section 9.4: Thin Lens Formula)	Case study MCQs: d = √(D(D-4f)); image sizes; calculate f; possible D; OR combination power.
30 (i-iv)	4	Electronic Devices (Unit 9, Ch14)	p-n junction, doping, currents, threshold V (NCERT Section 14.4: Semiconductors, 14.5: Junction)	Case study MCQs: Doping for p-type (Boron); hole conc. (n_i² = n_e n_h); forward current; threshold ~0.7V OR donor ionization ~0.01 eV.
31	5	Alternating Current (Unit 4, Ch7) OR Electromagnetic Induction (Ch6)	LCR impedance Z, phase (Ch7 Section 7.7) OR AC generator (Ch6 Section 6.7: AC Generator)	Derive Z, φ; conditions resonance, wattless OR diagram/working/emf ε = NBAω sin(ωt); max at t=T/4, 3T/4.
32	5	Wave Optics (Unit 6, Ch10) OR Ray Optics (Ch9)	Coherent sources, interference pattern I = 4I0 cos²(δ/2) (Ch10 Section 10.2) OR Telescope (Ch9 Section 9.7)	Define coherent, graph; I at δ=λ/4, λ/3 OR diagram, m = f_o/f_e; large objective for light/resolution; advantages of reflecting (no aberration, larger).
33	5	Electrostatics (Unit 1, Ch2) OR Current Electricity (Ch3)	Parallel plate C = ε₀A/d; dielectrics (Ch2 Section 2.6) OR Drift velocity v_d = I/(n e A), instant current (Ch3 Section 3.2)	Derive C; effect of K on q (constant), U (decreases) OR explain v_d, relation I = n e A v_d; instant due to field propagation; ratio v_d ∝ 1/A (9:4).

Key Observations

• Most Covered Topics: Optics (7 questions, mix of ray and wave), EMI/AC (6), Current Electricity (6), Dual Nature (5). These have more numericals/derivations.
• Least Covered: EM Waves (2), focuses on applications/spectrum.
• Theory Sources: All from NCERT Class 12 textbook. No out-of-syllabus. Emphasis on derivations (e.g., B field, impedance), diagrams (e.g., field lines, telescope), and applications (e.g., photoelectric, semiconductors). Numericals use standard formulas (e.g., Bohr energy, de Broglie).
• Difficulty: Balanced – easy MCQs (conceptual), medium (calculations like λ, image length), hard (derivations like mutual inductance, LCR phasor).
• Suggestions: Focus on NCERT examples for photo effect, Bohr model, optics experiments. Practice assertions for conceptual clarity.

Student Reactions and Feedback on CBSE Physics Paper 2026

Right after the exam ended at 1:30 PM IST, reactions flooded social media, Reddit, Quora, forums, and exam centers, as expected!

• As per most Reddit comments, students gave positive vibes. They mostly said “Balanced and NCERT-based-nothing out of syllabus!” Many said MCQs were a breeze, numericals matched sample papers, and well-prepared students felt rewarded. Some called it “much easier than 2025” or “fair with good scoring chances.”
• As per a few Quora conversations, a few students faced challenges in Set 2. They said, “Slightly lengthy-I rushed the end!” Common complaints: Time management issues with calculation-heavy numericals, “too much maths,” and case studies needing extra thinking. Rural/non-coaching students found derivations trickier.
• Score expectations: Well-prepared students eyeing 55-65+ out of 70; toppers predict 65+ if time was managed well.

Expert Opinions and Teacher Insights

Experts largely call it moderate, NCERT-centric (70-80% direct), with a good balance of theory, numericals, and applications. Teachers noted: “Well-structured, no surprises-rewards conceptual clarity.” Some said slightly above moderate due to length and composure needed under pressure. Compared to past years: Similar to 2025 (moderate), easier than tougher ones like 2024 in spots.

Tips for Future CBSE Class 12 Physics Aspirants

Physics is all about understanding concepts and applying them through regular practice, not rote learning. Focus on building strong fundamentals in topics like mechanics, electricity, and modern physics from the beginning. Consistent revision, solving numericals daily, and practicing previous year questions will boost your confidence and exam performance.

1. Stick to NCERT: Master examples, exercises, and derivations.
2. Practice numericals: Time yourself for Sections C/D.
3. Revise diagrams & derivations: Use mnemonics for complex ones (e.g., lens maker’s formula).
4. Mock tests: Simulate full 3-hour exams to beat lengthiness.
5. Focus on high-weightage: Electrostatics, Optics, Magnetism-practice applications.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam 2026 was a moderate challenge-rewarding for consistent prep with NCERT and practice, but testing time management and concepts. If you nailed the basics, pat yourself on the back! For those who found it tough, it’s just one paper-plenty more ahead.

What did you think? Easy, moderate, or lengthy nightmare? Drop your set/reactions in the comments! Share this CBSE Class 12 Physics exam review 2026 with friends. Stay tuned for Chemistry, Math, etc. analyses.rop your thoughts in the comments below! If this CBSE Class 12 Physics exam review 2026 helped, share it with your squad. Stay tuned for more analyses on other subjects like Chemistry and Math.

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