In short: These 25 questions cover 70+ marks out of the 70-mark CBSE Class 12 Chemistry theory paper. Each one comes from the official 2027 SQP pattern, previous year trends (2024-2026), and CBSE unit-wise marks allocation. Physical Chemistry (23 marks), Organic Chemistry (19 marks), and Inorganic Chemistry (28 marks) — every high-probability question type is here. Practice each one. Know what the examiner is looking for. Score the marks that are sitting on the table. Also see our Maths expected questions for Class 12.
How This List Was Built
| Source | What We Analysed |
|---|---|
| CBSE Official SQP 2027 | Released Sep 21, 2026. 33 questions across 5 sections (16 MCQs, 5 two-mark, 7 three-mark, 2 case-based, 3 five-mark). |
| Previous Year Papers (2024-2026) | 3 years of board papers. Identified repeated question types per chapter. |
| CBSE Unit-Wise Weightage | Solid State + Solutions + Electrochemistry + Kinetics + Surface Chem = 23 marks. p-Block + d-f Block + Coordination = 28 marks. Haloalkanes + Alcohols + Aldehydes + Amines + Biomolecules = 19 marks. See the full chapter-wise weightage breakdown. |
| SQP Marking Scheme | Step-wise marks for numericals, named reactions, reasoning. |
Unit-Wise Expected Marks Distribution
| Section | Chapters | Expected Marks | Questions in This List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry | 23 | #1-8 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | p-Block (Group 15-18), d-f Block, Coordination Compounds | 28 | #9-16 |
| Organic Chemistry | Haloalkanes, Alcohols/Phenols, Aldehydes/Ketones, Amines, Biomolecules | 19 | #17-25 |
| Total | 70 | 25 questions |
Physical Chemistry — Solutions (7 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numerical on colligative properties: elevation of boiling point (ΔTb = Kb × m) or depression of freezing point (ΔTf = Kf × m). Given mass of solute, solvent, and Kb/Kf — find molar mass or ΔT. | SA / LA | 3-5 | C / D |
| 2 | Explain Raoult's Law. Calculate vapour pressure of a solution. OR explain positive/negative deviation with examples and diagrams. | SA | 3 | C |
| 3 | Define osmotic pressure. Why is it preferred for molar mass determination of polymers? Calculate osmotic pressure using π = CRT. | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
What the examiner wants
- Q1: Write the formula. Convert mass to moles. Calculate molality correctly (moles of solute / kg of solvent — NOT litres). Show unit conversions. A wrong unit = wrong answer = 0 marks.
- Q2: Raoult's Law statement + formula (P = P°x₁). Positive deviation = weaker interactions (ethanol-water). Negative deviation = stronger interactions (chloroform-acetone). Draw the P vs x curve for full marks.
PYQ pattern
Numerical on boiling point or freezing point appeared in 3 out of 3 years (2024-2026). Always as a 3-mark or 5-mark question.
Physical Chemistry — Electrochemistry (5 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Calculate the EMF of a galvanic cell using the Nernst equation: E = E° - (0.0591/n) log Q at 25°C. Given standard electrode potentials and concentrations. | SA / LA | 3-5 | C / D |
| 5 | State and explain Faraday's laws of electrolysis. Numerical: calculate the mass deposited during electrolysis (m = MIt/nF). | SA | 2-3 | B / C |
What the examiner wants
- Q4: Write the cell representation (anode || cathode). Calculate E°cell = E°cathode - E°anode. Apply Nernst equation. Log calculations must be shown step by step.
- Q5: First law: mass deposited ∝ charge passed. Second law: mass deposited ∝ equivalent weight. Numerical: m = (M × I × t) / (n × 96500). Convert time to seconds.
Physical Chemistry — Chemical Kinetics (5 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Derive the integrated rate law for a first-order reaction: k = (2.303/t) log(a/(a-x)). Calculate k or half-life given data. | SA / LA | 3-5 | C / D |
| 7 | Determine the order of a reaction from given experimental data (concentration vs time or concentration vs rate). | SA | 2-3 | B / C |
| 8 | Arrhenius equation: log(k₂/k₁) = (Ea/2.303R)(1/T₁ - 1/T₂). Calculate activation energy or rate constant at a new temperature. | MCQ / SA | 1-3 | A / C |
What the examiner wants
- Q6: Start from the differential rate law (-d[A]/dt = k[A]). Separate variables. Integrate. Arrive at the integrated form. For half-life: t₁/₂ = 0.693/k. Each derivation step = marks.
- Q7: If doubling concentration doubles rate → first order. If doubling concentration quadruples rate → second order. Show the calculation clearly.
- Q8: Convert temperatures to Kelvin. Use R = 8.314 J/mol·K. Log calculations step by step.
Inorganic Chemistry — p-Block Elements (8 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Give reasons: Why does nitrogen form only NF₃ and not NF₅? Why is BiH₃ the strongest reducing agent among Group 15 hydrides? Why is N₂ much less reactive than P₄? | SA | 3 | C |
| 10 | Complete and balance equations involving p-block compounds. Example: XeF₂ + H₂O → ?, NH₃ + Cl₂(excess) → ?, HNO₃ + Cu → ? | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
| 11 | Describe the preparation and properties of interhalogen compounds OR ozone. Draw structures where asked. | SA | 2-3 | B / C |
What the examiner wants
- Q9: "Give reasons" = 1 mark per reason. Must include the chemical explanation (d-orbital availability, bond dissociation energy, size, etc.). Just writing the fact without the WHY = 0.
- Q10: Balance the equation. Include state symbols if asked. Missing a coefficient = 0 for that equation.
PYQ pattern
"Give reasons" questions from p-Block appeared in EVERY board paper. They test conceptual understanding, not rote memorisation. Practice 15-20 different "explain why" questions from NCERT back exercises.
Practice CBSE Chemistry on Padhaao
AI tutor with 10 learning modes · Quiz, Flashcards, Exam Practice & more · 3 free chapters daily
Inorganic Chemistry — d and f Block Elements (5 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Explain why transition metals show variable oxidation states, form coloured compounds, and act as catalysts. | SA | 3 | C |
| 13 | Calculate the spin-only magnetic moment of a given ion (e.g., Fe²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺). Formula: μ = √(n(n+2)) BM, where n = number of unpaired electrons. | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
What the examiner wants
- Q12: Variable oxidation states → due to involvement of both (n-1)d and ns electrons. Coloured compounds → d-d transitions (crystal field splitting). Catalytic activity → variable oxidation states + ability to form intermediates. Each property = 1 mark.
- Q13: Write the electronic configuration first. Count unpaired electrons. Apply the formula.
Inorganic Chemistry — Coordination Compounds (7 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Write the IUPAC name of a given coordination compound. OR write the formula from the IUPAC name. | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
| 15 | Explain the bonding in a coordination compound using Crystal Field Theory (CFT). Draw the d-orbital splitting diagram for octahedral or tetrahedral complex. Calculate CFSE. | SA / LA | 3-5 | C / D |
| 16 | Identify the type of isomerism in a given pair of coordination compounds (geometrical, optical, ionisation, linkage). | MCQ / SA | 1-2 | A / B |
What the examiner wants
- Q14: IUPAC naming rules: cation first, then anion. Ligands in alphabetical order. Metal oxidation state in Roman numerals. One naming error = 0 marks.
- Q15: Draw the d-orbital diagram clearly. Show energy levels. Indicate which orbitals are filled. Calculate CFSE = (-0.4Δₒ × t₂g electrons) + (0.6Δₒ × eg electrons). The diagram carries 2 marks.
Organic Chemistry — Haloalkanes and Haloarenes (4 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Distinguish between SN1 and SN2 mechanisms with examples. Explain why tertiary halides prefer SN1 and primary prefer SN2. For a visual map of all organic reaction mechanisms, see our organic reactions flowchart. | SA | 3 | C |
| 18 | Give the product and name the reaction: Wurtz reaction, Fittig reaction, Finkelstein reaction, Swarts reaction. | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
What the examiner wants
- Q17: SN1: 2 steps, carbocation intermediate, racemisation, 3° > 2° > 1°. SN2: 1 step, backside attack, inversion, 1° > 2° > 3°. Energy profile diagrams earn extra marks if asked.
- Q18: Write the balanced equation. Name of reaction. These are direct-recall questions.
Organic Chemistry — Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers (3 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Give one chemical test to distinguish between: (a) ethanol and phenol, (b) primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols (Lucas test or Victor Meyer method). | SA | 2-3 | B / C |
What the examiner wants
- State the reagent. State the observation for EACH compound. Write the equation if possible. "Ethanol does not react with neutral FeCl₃, phenol gives a violet colour" = 1 mark per correct distinction.
Organic Chemistry — Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids (5 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Name the product and give the mechanism for: Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro reaction, Cross-Aldol condensation. | SA / LA | 3-5 | C / D |
| 21 | Distinguish between aldehydes and ketones using: Tollens' test, Fehling's test, or 2,4-DNP test. | MCQ / VSA | 1-2 | A / B |
| 22 | Arrange in order of acid strength and explain: CH₃COOH, ClCH₂COOH, FCH₂COOH, HCOOH. OR explain the inductive effect on acidity. | VSA | 2 | B |
What the examiner wants
- Q20: Named reactions = guaranteed marks. Reactants → Product + conditions. If mechanism is asked: show the nucleophilic addition steps (1 mark per step).
- Q22: Acidity order with explanation = 2 marks. Just writing the order without explanation = 1 mark.
Organic Chemistry — Amines (3 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Explain why aniline is a weaker base than methylamine. OR arrange amines in order of basicity: C₆H₅NH₂, CH₃NH₂, (CH₃)₂NH, NH₃. | SA | 2-3 | B / C |
| 24 | Describe the Sandmeyer reaction. Convert aniline to chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, or cyanobenzene via diazonium salt. | MCQ / SA | 1-3 | A / C |
What the examiner wants
- Q23: Aniline = lone pair delocalised into benzene ring (resonance). Methylamine = +I effect of CH₃ increases electron density on N. Explain using both electronic effects.
- Q24: Diazonium salt reactions are CBSE favourites. Write: ArNH₂ → ArN₂⁺Cl⁻ (with NaNO₂ + HCl at 0-5°C) → ArX (with CuX).
Organic Chemistry — Biomolecules (2 Marks)
| # | Expected Question | Type | Marks | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Difference between DNA and RNA (in tabular form). OR explain the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of proteins. OR classify carbohydrates with examples. | MCQ / VSA / Case-Based | 1-4 | A / E |
What the examiner wants
- DNA vs RNA: 5 points (sugar, bases, strands, location, function). Table format = full marks.
- Protein structure: Primary (peptide bonds), Secondary (α-helix, β-sheet), Tertiary (3D folding), Quaternary (multiple polypeptides). One sentence per level.
30-Day Practice Plan
| Week | Focus | Questions from This List |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Physical Chemistry — Solutions, Electrochemistry, Kinetics | #1-8 (numericals: practice each type 3 times) |
| Week 2 | Inorganic — p-Block, d-f Block, Coordination | #9-16 (reasoning + naming + CFT) |
| Week 3 | Organic — Reactions, Named Reactions, Mechanisms | #17-24 (write every named reaction from memory) |
| Week 4 | Biomolecules + Case-Based + Full Papers | #25 + solve 3 full mock papers timed |
Section-Wise Time Strategy on Exam Day
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (MCQ + A-R) | 16 | 16 | 20 min | Quick. Organic named reactions = fastest MCQs. |
| B (VSA - 2 marks) | 5 | 10 | 12 min | Direct recall. Show working. |
| E (Case-Based) | 2 | 8 | 15 min | Do BEFORE Section D. Read full case. |
| C (SA - 3 marks) | 7 | 21 | 30 min | Numericals + reasoning. Step-wise. |
| D (LA - 5 marks) | 3 | 15 | 30 min | Solution numerical, Nernst equation, named reaction mechanism OR coordination compound. |
| Review | — | — | 13 min | Recheck MCQs, verify numerical answers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which section of Chemistry is the easiest to score in? Organic Chemistry named reactions and Inorganic "give reasons" questions are the most predictable and easiest to prepare. If you memorize all named reactions and 20 "explain why" questions, you secure 15-18 marks with minimal effort.
Q2. Are numericals important in Chemistry? Very. Physical Chemistry numericals (Solutions, Electrochemistry, Kinetics) carry 12-15 marks. These are formula-based — memorize the formula, practice the calculation, and you score full marks.
Q3. How do I prepare Inorganic Chemistry — it is all rote learning? Not entirely. Focus on trends (why properties change down a group), exceptions (why N doesn't form NF₅), and reactions (balanced equations). Use comparison tables for Group 15-18. The "explain why" questions test understanding, not memorisation.
Q4. Is the SQP pattern exactly the same as the board paper? CBSE confirmed the same assessment pattern for 2027. Question paper design (sections, marks per question, total marks) will match the SQP. Specific questions will differ, but the types and difficulty level will be similar.
Q5. Should I attempt questions I am not sure about? Yes. No negative marking. Write the formula, write the first step, draw the diagram — partial marks are awarded for correct working even if the final answer is wrong. For more on how examiners mark, see our answer sheet presentation guide.
Q6. What is the one thing that costs students the most marks in Chemistry? Not writing balanced chemical equations. In Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, many answers require specific equations. Missing reagents, wrong products, or unbalanced equations cost 1-2 marks per question. Also check our SQP vs actual paper analysis to know which question types are most predictable.
Related Guides
₹21/mo (annual plan)
Padhaao covers every CBSE Chemistry chapter
1,005 chapters across all subjects. 2.5 crore+ students. Pro from ₹21/month (annual plan).
Practice CBSE Chemistry chapters with AI
Every chapter from your syllabus. 10 learning modes. 3 free every day.
Start Chemistry