12 March 2025
The CBSE Class 12 Physics exam for 2025 was held on February 21, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, covering students nationwide. This year's exam, marked out of 70, was carefully structured into five sections, varying from MCQs to short and long answers, including case studies.
Exam Structure and Section Analysis
The paper's design aimed at assessing a range of skills, spreading out across different categories:
- Section A: Consisted of 16 multiple-choice and assertion-reasoning questions, contributing a total of 16 marks.
- Section B: Featured 5 short-answer questions, each carrying 2 marks.
- Section C: Included 7 slightly more detailed short-answer questions, each worth 3 marks.
- Section D: Comprised 2 case study-based questions, 4 marks each.
- Section E: Ended with 3 long-answer questions, valued at 5 marks each.
Set 2 and Set 3 posed more difficulties compared to the relatively easier Set 1 and Set 4, especially with Modern Physics and Current Electricity sections. Modern Physics questions were perceived as more straightforward, while the Current Electricity sections challenged students substantially.
Observations and Feedback from Participants
Time management turned into a pressing issue as many students reported leaving around 10 marks unanswered due to lengthy numerical and conceptual questions stealing crucial exam time. Topics like Semiconductors and Capacitors were more pronounced, while certain expected topics such as Lens Maker’s Formula and Wheatstone Bridge did not make an appearance this year.
Particular attention was on the Moving Charges and Magnetism MCQs, which were described as particularly tricky, aligning with derivations that required higher-order thinking skills, or HOTS.
In terms of student reactions, Geeta from Vidyagyan School mentioned the challenge posed by Set 2’s concept-heavy Section C but felt it was under control. Praneel Munshi from Shiv Nadar School echoed sentiments of complexity and time limitations in Set 3. Meanwhile, Priyal Arora from Jaipuria School expressed frustration over unexpected MCQs and lengthy numericals.
Teachers also weighed in on the paper. Yogita Sharma from KIIT World School discussed the overall balance but flagged extended calculations in Section E. Thilak M from JIRS felt Section B acted as a good opener, whereas Section C required deeper conceptual understanding. Surender Puli from Vidyagyan School noted the extensive length and tricky nature of Set 3.
In terms of grading expectations, there's buzz about potential grace marks for the more challenging questions, especially those entailing step marking for numericals. Predicted average scores hover between 35 and 45 out of 70, implying a slightly tougher exam compared to the previous year’s edition.
