In Class 12 boards, most students don’t lose marks because they don’t know the answer. They lose marks because of how they present it, especially in Physics.
Numericals are scoring, but only when written correctly. With the CBSE Board Exam 2026 approaching, it’s time to shift focus from solving more numericals to presenting them better.
Remember: In board exams, presentation is not cosmetic; it is strategic.
From all of us at Aakash Institute, here’s how to write Physics numericals in a way that protects every possible mark.
First: Understand the Numerical Weightage in Physics Class 12
Before strategy, clarity. Many students ask: How many marks numericals come in Physics Class 12?
In recent years, across the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper, numericals (direct + case-based + application-based) contribute nearly 35–45% of the total paper.
That means:
- Electrostatics numericals
- Current electricity problems
- Optics-based calculations
- Modern Physics applications
carry significant scoring potential.
The numerical weightage in Physics Class 12 is high which makes presentation non-negotiable.
The Golden Rule: Write for the Examiner, Not for Yourself
In school tests, you might skip steps. In boards, skipping steps is risky. Board examiners follow marking schemes strictly. Marks are awarded for:
- Correct formula
- Correct substitution
- Logical steps
- Correct unit
- Final answer
They are not just the final number. So if you solve everything mentally and jump to the answer, you are hiding marks from yourself.
The 6-Step Structure for Writing Numericals
If you want consistency in how to write answers in board exams, follow this structure for every Physics numerical.
1. Write “Given” Clearly
List known values with units. Example format:
Given:
V = 12 V
R = 4 Ω
This immediately signals clarity.
2. Write the Required Quantity
Write:
To find: Current (I)
This helps the examiner follow your logic.
It also prevents you from solving the wrong thing.
3. Write the Formula First
Before substitution, write the formula.
I = V / R
Formula marks are separate in many cases.
Never skip this step.
4. Substitute with Units
Substitute clearly:
I = 12 V / 4 Ω
Units should appear in the substitution step.
This reduces careless mistakes.
5. Show Intermediate Steps
If the calculation has multiple steps, show them. Do not compress three steps into one line. Stepwise writing protects partial marking.
6. Box the Final Answer with Unit
I = 3 A
Box it. Underline it lightly. Neat visibility improves evaluation speed. It is an effective board exam paper presentation.
Important Resources for CBSE Board Class 12 Students
- CBSE Class 12 Board Exam Preparation Resources
- CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2025-26
- CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2025-26 (All Subjects)
- CBSE Class 12 Mock Test Papers with Answers
- CBSE Class 12 Maths Sample Question Papers with Solutions
- CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Sample Question Papers with Solutions
Where Students Commonly Lose Marks in Physics Class 12
After analysing thousands of answer sheets at Aakash, we’ve noticed patterns. Students lose marks due to:
- Missing units
- Formula not written
- Skipped steps
- Rounding errors
- Messy overwriting
These are not conceptual gaps. These are presentation gaps. Fixing them alone can improve 5–8 marks.
Time Management During Numericals
Physics numericals are not hard. They are time-sensitive. Smart time management tips:
- Solve short numericals first.
- Attempt familiar chapters early.
- Avoid getting stuck on one 5-mark problem.
If a question takes more than 5–6 minutes without progress, move ahead. Momentum matters in boards, and you can return later with a calmer mind.
Chapter-Wise Focus In Physics Class 12: Where Numericals Dominate
If you’re revising physics numericals for class 12, prioritise:
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Moving Charges & Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Ray Optics
- Dual Nature & Nuclear Physics
These chapters often include important numericals of Physics Class 12.
Case-Based Physics Numericals for class 12: New-Age Scoring Area
Recent board patterns include case-study-based numerical questions. Students panic because of the paragraph format. Don’t.
Treat them like regular numericals.
- Extract data.
- Identify the formula.
- Solve stepwise.
The structure remains the same.
Numerical Analysis Exam Mindset
Treat each Physics paper like a numerical analysis exam, not a memory test. Ask:
- What concept is being tested?
- Is this a direct formula application?
- Is there unit conversion involved?
This thinking reduces mistakes. Blind substitution increases them.
Presentation Details That Matter More Than You Think
Small habits improve scoring probability:
- Leave one line gap between steps.
- Avoid cutting heavily. Strike once neatly.
- Use a ruler for diagrams.
- Maintain consistent handwriting size.
Examiners evaluate hundreds of copies daily. Clear answers are processed faster, and faster evaluation reduces accidental mark loss.
One More Important Insight
Many students practice solving numerical problems repeatedly. Few practice writing them neatly. There’s a difference. In the final week before the CBSE Board Exam 2026, practise writing 3–4 numericals exactly as you would in the board.
- Time yourself
- Check structure
- Correct formatting
This is among the most underrated study tips for exams.
What Not To Do in Physics Numericals
Avoid:
- Writing only calculations without explanation
- Forgetting significant figures
- Leaving answers without units
- Mixing up symbols
- Attempting all rough work inside the main solution
Keep rough work minimal and organised. Clutter reduces clarity.
Final Words for Exam Day
When you enter the exam hall:
- Stay calm.
- Secure short numericals first.
- Follow the 6-step structure every time.
Boards are not about brilliance. They are about disciplined writing. If you master presentation, numericals become your scoring advantage. And in Class 12 Physics, that advantage is significant.
Write smart, present clearly and protect every mark!
CBSE Class 12 Exam Related Resources and Study Material
FAQs
Q1. How many marks do numericals carry in Physics Class 12?
Numericals usually contribute around 35–45% of the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper, including direct and case-based questions.
Q2. Is writing the formula necessary in Physics numericals?
Yes. Writing the formula helps secure step marks and ensures clarity in board exam evaluation.
Q3. How can I improve presentation in Physics board exams?
Follow a structured format: Given, To Find, Formula, Substitution, Steps, Final Answer with unit.
Q4. What are the most important chapters for Physics numericals in Class 12?
Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics frequently include high-weightage numericals.
Q5. What is the biggest mistake students make in Physics numericals?
Skipping steps and forgetting units, which leads to unnecessary loss of marks.
