CBSE 2026 Class 12 LIVE: 12th Biology paper 'balanced, moderate' in difficulty; 2-3 tricky questions

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Class 12 Biology exam from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at various centres across the country today. According to subject experts, the CBSE 12th paper was "moderate" in difficulty and had questions from the NCERT syllabus, covering all the major topics such as reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, and ecology, etc.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Paper Analysis

According to subject experts, questions were "easy and direct." Most of them were concept-based and followed standard processes from textbooks. Assertion–reasoning questions were relatively easy, while case-based study questions were grounded in practical, real-life applications.

However, one or two questions were "tricky." Those questions needed careful reading, and some students found them slightly confusing. The social or application-based questions were also quite straightforward.

"They didn’t require too much deep thinking or analysis, but rather a clear understanding of concepts," a subject expert from JAIN International Residential School, Bengaluru said.

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CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam 2026: Passing marks

The Biology paper carried a total of 100 marks, with 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical assessment. To qualify for the CBSE Board Exams 2026, students must obtain a minimum of 33% marks in each subject, including theory and internal assessment components.

For subjects involving practicals, candidates are required to pass both theory and practical exams separately and secure at least a Grade D.

A 15-minute reading period was given from 10:15 am to 10:30 am to go through the question paper before writing time began. Entry into the exam hall was not permitted after 10 am, as per board guidelines. Students were advised to arrive at their allotted exam centres by 9:30 am and carry their admit cards for verification purposes.