In short: The CBSE Class 12 Physics SQP for 2026-27, released September 21, 2026, carries 70 marks (theory) across 33 questions in 5 sections over 3 hours. Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Optics together account for nearly 40% of the paper. This post analyses the section-wise pattern, lists the 25 most expected questions covering numericals, derivations, and theory, identifies must-know derivations and diagrams, and maps JEE-overlap topics so you can prepare for both exams simultaneously.
Official SQP 2026-27 — Paper Structure
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Marks (Theory) | 70 |
| Practical/Internal Assessment | 30 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 33 |
| Sections | 5 (A through E) |
| Internal Choices | Available in some questions |
| Released On | September 21, 2026 |
| Available At | CBSE Academic website (cbseacademic.nic.in) |
Note: Class 12 Physics theory paper is 70 marks (not 80 like Class 10). The remaining 30 marks come from practicals and internal assessment.
Section-Wise Breakdown
Section A — MCQs and Assertion-Reason (16 marks)
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Assertion-Reason | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Section A Total | 16 | — | 16 |
Expected topics for MCQs: Coulomb's law calculations, capacitor combinations, Ohm's law applications, Biot-Savart vs Ampere's law comparison, electromagnetic wave properties, lens/mirror formula, de Broglie wavelength, nuclear binding energy.
Assertion-Reason pattern: These test conceptual understanding. Example — "Assertion: Dielectric constant of a metal is infinity. Reason: Metals are perfect conductors." You need to judge whether both statements are true and whether the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Section B — Very Short Answers (10 marks)
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Short Answer | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Section B Total | 5 | — | 10 |
Typical questions: State a law with mathematical expression, calculate a simple value (electric field at a point, resistance of a wire), draw a simple diagram (electric field lines, circuit), give two differences between two concepts.
Section C — Short Answers (18 marks)
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Answer | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Section C Total | 6 | — | 18 |
Typical questions: Derive a simple expression (potential energy of a dipole, lens maker's equation for a special case), solve a 3-4 step numerical, explain a phenomenon with a diagram (total internal reflection, eddy currents), or write short derivations.
Section D — Long Answers (14 marks)
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Answer | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Long Answer (extended) | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Section D Total | 3 | — | 14 |
Typical questions: Full derivations (electric field due to a dipole, refraction through a prism, Bohr's postulates), multi-step numericals combining concepts, or detailed explanations with diagrams.
Section E — Case-Based Questions (12 marks)
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case-Based / Source-Based | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Section E Total | 3 | — | 12 |
Case study themes: Real-world applications — electromagnetic devices, optical instruments, semiconductor technology, nuclear energy. Each case has a passage with a diagram, followed by 4 sub-questions (1 mark each).
Unit-Wise Marks Distribution
| Unit | Chapters | Expected Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics | Electric Charges and Fields, Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance | 16 | 23% |
| Current Electricity | Current Electricity | 7 | 10% |
| Magnetic Effects | Moving Charges and Magnetism, Magnetism and Matter | 7 | 10% |
| Electromagnetic Induction | EMI, Alternating Current | 7 | 10% |
| Electromagnetic Waves | EM Waves | 3 | 4% |
| Optics | Ray Optics, Wave Optics | 14 | 20% |
| Dual Nature of Radiation | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 4 | 6% |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Atoms, Nuclei | 6 | 9% |
| Electronic Devices | Semiconductor Electronics | 6 | 9% |
| Total | — | 70 | 100% |
High-Weightage Topics (Must Master)
| Topic | Marks | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics | 16 | Highest single-unit weightage — derivations and numericals both |
| Optics (Ray + Wave) | 14 | Second highest — diagram-heavy, predictable questions |
| Current Electricity | 7 | Numericals are straightforward if you know Kirchhoff's laws |
| EMI + AC | 7 | Transformer, generator derivations are frequent |
Together, Electrostatics + Optics + Current Electricity account for 37 out of 70 marks — more than half the paper.
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25 Most Expected Questions for 2027
Electrostatics (Questions 1-6)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derive the expression for electric field intensity at a point on the axial line of an electric dipole. | Derivation | 5 | D |
| 2 | Derive the expression for electric field intensity at a point on the equatorial line of an electric dipole. | Derivation | 3-5 | C/D |
| 3 | A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has capacitance C. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is introduced. Find the new capacitance. If the battery remains connected, find the change in charge and energy. | Numerical | 3-5 | C/D |
| 4 | State Gauss's theorem. Use it to find the electric field due to a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet. | Derivation | 5 | D |
| 5 | Three point charges are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Find the electric potential and electric field at the centroid. | Numerical | 3 | C |
| 6 | Derive the expression for energy stored in a capacitor. Show that energy density = ½ε₀E². | Derivation | 3 | C |
Current Electricity (Questions 7-9)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Derive the condition for balance in a Wheatstone bridge. A Wheatstone bridge has P=100Ω, Q=150Ω, R=75Ω. Find S for balance. | Derivation + Numerical | 3-5 | C/D |
| 8 | Using Kirchhoff's laws, find the current in each branch of a given circuit with two cells and three resistors. | Numerical | 5 | D |
| 9 | Explain the principle of a potentiometer. How is it used to compare the EMFs of two cells? Why is a potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter? | Theory + Diagram | 3 | C |
Magnetic Effects (Questions 10-12)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Derive the expression for force between two parallel current-carrying conductors. Define 1 ampere. | Derivation | 3-5 | C/D |
| 11 | A circular coil of radius R has N turns carrying current I. Find the magnetic field at its centre using Biot-Savart law. | Derivation | 3 | C |
| 12 | Explain the working of a moving coil galvanometer with a labelled diagram. How can it be converted into (a) an ammeter, (b) a voltmeter? | Theory + Diagram | 5 | D |
EMI and AC (Questions 13-15)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Derive the expression for EMF induced in a coil rotating in a uniform magnetic field (AC generator principle). | Derivation | 3-5 | C/D |
| 14 | Derive the expression for self-inductance of a solenoid. A solenoid of length 50 cm has 500 turns and area 4 cm². Find L. | Derivation + Numerical | 3 | C |
| 15 | Explain the working of a transformer with a labelled diagram. Derive the voltage transformation ratio. Why is the core laminated? | Theory + Diagram | 5 | D |
Optics (Questions 16-20)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Derive Snell's law of refraction using Huygens' wave theory. | Derivation | 5 | D |
| 17 | Derive the expression for refraction at a single spherical surface (n₂/v - n₁/u = (n₂-n₁)/R). | Derivation | 3-5 | C/D |
| 18 | Explain Young's double-slit experiment. Derive the expression for fringe width. What happens to the fringe pattern when (a) slit separation is halved, (b) wavelength is doubled? | Derivation + Theory | 5 | D |
| 19 | A compound microscope has objective focal length 1 cm and eyepiece focal length 5 cm, separated by 15 cm. Find the magnifying power when the final image is at the near point. | Numerical | 3 | C |
| 20 | Draw a labelled ray diagram for total internal reflection. Explain two applications (optical fibre, mirage). | Diagram + Theory | 3 | C |
Modern Physics (Questions 21-25)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | State the postulates of Bohr's model of hydrogen atom. Derive the expression for energy of the nth orbit (Eₙ = -13.6/n² eV). | Derivation | 5 | D |
| 22 | What is the photoelectric effect? State the laws of photoelectric emission. How does Einstein's equation explain features that wave theory cannot? | Theory | 3-5 | C/D |
| 23 | Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 100 V. | Numerical | 2-3 | B/C |
| 24 | Distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductors. Draw the circuit diagram of a full-wave rectifier and explain its working with input/output waveforms. | Theory + Diagram | 5 | D |
| 25 | Explain nuclear fission and fusion with examples. Calculate the energy released when one uranium-235 nucleus undergoes fission (given mass defect). | Theory + Numerical | 3-5 | C/D |
Must-Know Derivations List
These derivations appear with high frequency in CBSE board exams:
| # | Derivation | Chapter | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric field due to a dipole (axial and equatorial) | Electrostatics | Almost every year |
| 2 | Gauss's theorem — electric field due to infinite plane sheet | Electrostatics | Very frequent |
| 3 | Energy stored in a capacitor (½CV²) | Electrostatics | Frequent |
| 4 | Wheatstone bridge balance condition | Current Electricity | Frequent |
| 5 | Force between two parallel current-carrying conductors | Magnetic Effects | Very frequent |
| 6 | Magnetic field at the centre of a circular coil (Biot-Savart) | Magnetic Effects | Frequent |
| 7 | EMF induced in a rotating coil (AC generator) | EMI | Very frequent |
| 8 | Self-inductance of a solenoid | EMI | Frequent |
| 9 | Transformer voltage ratio | AC | Frequent |
| 10 | Snell's law using Huygens' principle | Wave Optics | Almost every year |
| 11 | Young's double-slit fringe width | Wave Optics | Very frequent |
| 12 | Refraction at a spherical surface | Ray Optics | Frequent |
| 13 | Bohr's energy levels for hydrogen atom | Atoms | Very frequent |
| 14 | Einstein's photoelectric equation | Dual Nature | Frequent |
| 15 | Lens maker's equation | Ray Optics | Frequent |
Derivation tip: Learn each derivation as a sequence of logical steps, not as a block of text to memorize. If you understand the physics behind each step, you can reconstruct the derivation even if you forget a part of it.
Must-Know Diagrams
| Diagram | Chapter | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Electric field lines (dipole, point charges, parallel plates) | Electrostatics | 1-2 |
| Parallel plate capacitor with dielectric | Electrostatics | 1-2 |
| Wheatstone bridge circuit | Current Electricity | 1-2 |
| Potentiometer circuit | Current Electricity | 1-2 |
| Moving coil galvanometer | Magnetic Effects | 2-3 |
| AC generator | EMI | 2 |
| Transformer | AC | 2 |
| Refraction through a prism | Ray Optics | 1-2 |
| Total internal reflection | Ray Optics | 1-2 |
| Compound microscope ray diagram | Ray Optics | 2 |
| Astronomical telescope ray diagram | Ray Optics | 2 |
| Young's double-slit setup | Wave Optics | 1-2 |
| Photoelectric effect experimental setup | Dual Nature | 1-2 |
| Bohr's energy level diagram | Atoms | 1 |
| p-n junction diode (forward/reverse bias) | Semiconductors | 1-2 |
| Full-wave rectifier circuit with output waveform | Semiconductors | 2 |
JEE-Overlap Topics
If you are preparing for both CBSE boards and JEE, these topics are high-value — they carry marks in both exams:
| Topic | CBSE Weightage | JEE Relevance | Overlap Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics (Gauss's law, capacitors) | 16 marks | 🔴 Very High | Studying for boards directly helps JEE |
| Current Electricity (Kirchhoff's laws) | 7 marks | 🔴 Very High | Same level of numericals needed |
| Optics (wave optics, ray optics) | 14 marks | 🔴 Very High | JEE numericals are slightly harder but same concepts |
| Modern Physics (photoelectric, Bohr model) | 10 marks | 🟡 High | CBSE covers most JEE-relevant concepts |
| EMI + AC (Faraday's law, AC circuits) | 7 marks | 🟡 High | Good conceptual overlap |
| Magnetism (Biot-Savart, Ampere) | 7 marks | 🟡 High | JEE goes deeper but CBSE builds the foundation |
Strategy: For these overlap topics, prepare to JEE level. You will ace the board exam automatically and save time during JEE revision.
Time Management Strategy
| Section | Questions | Marks | Recommended Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (MCQs + A-R) | 16 | 16 | 25 min | ~1.5 min each |
| B (VSA) | 5 | 10 | 15 min | Quick answers, show formula |
| C (SA) | 6 | 18 | 35 min | ~6 min each, include diagrams |
| D (LA) | 3 | 14 | 40 min | ~13 min each, full derivations |
| E (Case-Based) | 3 | 12 | 20 min | ~7 min each, read carefully |
| Review | — | — | 15 min | Check numericals and diagrams |
| Total | 33 | 70 | 150 min | — |
Time Management Tips
- Section D is where marks are won or lost — Allocate the most time here. Each 5-mark question can be a full derivation or a multi-step numerical. Rushing these loses marks.
- Section A MCQs — Some MCQs require calculations. Budget 1.5 minutes per question, not less. Mark difficult ones and return if time permits.
- Diagrams add up — You may need to draw 4-6 diagrams across the paper. Keep them clean and labelled. A good diagram with proper labels can compensate for a slightly incomplete written answer.
- Use internal choices strategically — In Section C and D, if you have a choice between a derivation and a numerical, pick the one where you are more confident in every step.
Comparison: 2027 SQP vs 2026 Paper
| Feature | 2026 Paper | 2027 SQP |
|---|---|---|
| Total marks (theory) | 70 | 70 |
| Total questions | 33 | 33 |
| Sections | 5 | 5 |
| MCQs + A-R | 16 | 16 |
| Case-based | 3 | 3 |
| Derivation-heavy questions | 3-4 | 4-5 (more expected) |
| Numerical difficulty | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Conceptual/HOTS | Medium | Increased emphasis |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which unit should I study first for maximum marks?
Electrostatics (16 marks). It is the highest-weightage unit and forms the foundation for Current Electricity and Capacitors. Start here and you cover nearly a quarter of the paper.
Q2: How many derivations should I memorize?
The 15 derivations listed above cover 90%+ of what CBSE asks. Memorize all 15. In the exam, you will likely need to write 3-4 full derivations across Sections C and D.
Q3: Are numericals harder in the 2027 paper?
Based on the SQP, the numerical difficulty is similar to 2026 but with slightly more multi-concept problems (e.g., combining Kirchhoff's laws with internal resistance, or combining lens formula with magnification). Practice 10 multi-concept numericals from each chapter.
Q4: How important are practicals for the theory paper?
While the practical exam is separate (30 marks), questions about experimental setup (potentiometer, metre bridge, galvanometer conversion) frequently appear in the theory paper, especially in Sections B and C. Know the principle, circuit diagram, and formula for each experiment.
Q5: Can I skip Semiconductor Electronics?
It carries about 6 marks. Skipping it means losing those marks entirely. The chapter is not conceptually difficult — p-n junction, diode characteristics, rectifier circuits, and basic logic gates. A few hours of focused study can secure most of these marks.
Q6: Will questions from deleted topics appear?
No. CBSE strictly follows the current syllabus. Check the official 2026-27 syllabus document to confirm which topics are included. Any chapter or section listed as "deleted" is completely off-limits for the paper.
Your Physics Exam Action Plan
- ✅ Master Electrostatics and Optics first — they account for 30 out of 70 marks
- ✅ Learn all 15 must-know derivations with step-by-step logic
- ✅ Practice 10 numericals per chapter from Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics
- ✅ Draw all 16 must-know diagrams until they are automatic
- ✅ Solve the official SQP under timed conditions
- ✅ Review previous year papers (2024-2026) for pattern recognition
- ✅ Take 3 full mock tests and analyze mistakes after each
- ✅ Keep a formula sheet and revise it weekly
Physics rewards understanding over memorization. Focus on why each formula works, and the numericals and derivations will follow naturally.
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