Important PYQs and Expected Questions for Physics Class 12 Exam 2026

With the Class 12 Physics Board Exam 2026 just around the corner, “studying everything” is no longer a viable strategy. Now is the time to selectively pick and choose your topics.

At Aakash, we have analysed the previous year question papers and the latest Class 12 Physics Sample Paper 2025-26. This year, if you are relying solely on rote memorisation, you are walking into a trap.

Top 10 Derivations for Class 12 Physics Exam

We analysed previous years’ question papers for Physics and other prediction lists and one trend is undeniable: specific derivations are likely to cycle back this year. Stop reviewing everything and ensure you can write these 10 blindfolded:

1. Optics: Lens Maker’s Formula & Refraction through a Prism.
2. Electrostatics: Electric Field due to an Infinite Plane Sheet (Gauss’s Law).
3. Electrostatics: Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Capacitor with a Dielectric Slab (The diagram marks are crucial here).
4. Magnetism: Force between Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors.
5. Magnetism: Magnetic Field on the Axis of a Circular Current Loop.
6. Current Electricity: Wheatstone Bridge Principle (Kirchhoff’s Laws application).
7. AC: Series LCR Circuit (Phasor Diagram & Impedance Triangle).
8. EMI: Motional EMF (Rod moving in a magnetic field).
9. Dual Nature: Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation.
10. Atoms: Bohr’s Quantisation Condition (Radius and Energy of n-th orbit) ⁵.

Pro Tip: In the 2026 pattern, derivations may come split. Part (a) is the derivation (3 marks), and Part (b) is a conceptual question (2 marks) linked to it.

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

Expected Questions for Class 12 Physics 

Below is the Unit-Wise Breakdown of Expected Questions that are highly likely to appear on your CBSE Class 12 Physics paper.

Unit I & II: Electrostatics and Current Electricity (~16 Marks)

Stop memorising generic definitions and focus on derivations involving geometry and conditions.

Top Expected 3-Marks Derivations:

1. Gauss’s Law Applications: “Apply Gauss’s Theorem to find the electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire.” (This has appeared in 4 of the last 6 years).
2. Capacitors: “Derive the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab of thickness ‘t’ < ‘d’ introduced between the plates.” (Note: Drawing the E-field lines inside the dielectric is mandatory for full marks).

Must-Practice Physics Class 12 Numericals (PYQ Trend 2023-25):

• Kirchhoff’s Laws: A circuit loop with two batteries in opposition. Calculate the potential difference between two specific points.
• Potentiometer/Meter Bridge: Questions asking to find the “balancing length” when a resistance is shunted. 

Unit III & IV: Magnetic Effects and EMI/AC (~17 Marks)

This is the heaviest section. Do not skip the “Devices” questions.

Sure-Shot Theory/Derivations:

1. Moving Coil Galvanometer: “Explain its principle and derive Current Sensitivity”.
2. Ampere’s Circuital Law: “Derive the magnetic field along the axis of a long solenoid.”
3. AC Generator/Transformer: A labelled diagram is worth 1.5 marks here. Explain the principle of Mutual Induction.

Competency-Based/Case Study Spot:

• Topic: LCR Series Circuit.
• Expected Question: A case study showing a phasor diagram or a “tuning circuit” scenario. You will be asked to calculate the Resonance Frequency and Power Factor at resonance (which is always 1).

Unit V & VI: Electromagnetic Waves & Optics (18 Marks)

This section makes or breaks the topper. Optics is huge, but predictable.

Derivations:

1. Lens Maker’s Formula: The derivation for convex/concave lens is the #1 most repeated question in this unit.
2. Telescope/Microscope: Draw the Ray Diagram for the Astronomical Telescope in Normal Adjustment. (Tips: Ensure the final image is at infinity and arrows are marked).

Conceptual Questions:

• Question Type: “Using Huygen’s Principle, verify the laws of refraction/reflection.”
• Interference: Numerical on Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE).
• Differentiation: Write 2 differences between Interference and Diffraction patterns.

Unit VII & VIII: Dual Nature, Atoms & Nuclei (12 Marks)

This is the “Easy Marks” Section. If you are struggling, start here.

Direct Formula Questions (High Frequency):

1. Photoelectric Effect: “Plot a graph showing the variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident radiation.” Calculate Planck’s constant from the slope.
2. Nuclear Physics: “Draw the plot of Binding Energy per Nucleon vs. Mass Number.” (Explain why fusion happens at low A and fission at high A).

Unit IX: Electronic Devices (7 Marks)

This chapter often confuses students because it feels like rote learning, but it is fairly conceptual.

Expected Graph Questions:

1. V-I Characteristics: “Draw the V-I characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in Forward and Reverse Bias.” (Mark the cut-in voltage clearly).
2. Rectifiers: “Draw the circuit diagram of a Full Wave Rectifier and explain the role of the capacitor filter.”
3. Semiconductors and Energy Bands and p-n junction diodes.

Preparation Strategy for CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper

1. Morning: Pick one Unit from above.
2. Noon: Write down the 3 listed derivations from memory.
3. Night: Solve 2 numericals for that unit from class 12 physics important questions for board exam 2026 (PYQ lists).

Final Tip: In the exam, if you forget a derivation step, write the “Starting Principle” and the “Final Result” with the Diagram. CBSE step marking will save you.

Good luck. You have prepared for this. Now go execute it.

Also Check Out Other Blogs for Effective Class 12 Exam 2026 Preparation

FAQs

Q1. How should I prioritise my revision with only a few weeks left for the Physics board exam?

Stop trying to cover everything. Follow the marks distribution strategically when revising your class 12 physics notes. Start with Optics (14 marks) and Electrostatics (10 marks) first as they carry the highest weightage. Focus on the Top 10 Derivations mentioned in the guide (Lens Maker’s Formula, Gauss’s Law applications, etc.). Dedicate mornings to theory, noon to writing derivations from memory, and nights to solving 2 PYQs per unit

With ~50% competency-based questions in 2026, prioritise application over rote memorisation.

Q2. What if I forget a derivation step during the exam? Will I lose all marks?

No, CBSE follows step marking. If you blank out mid-derivation, make sure you:

• Write the Starting Principle clearly (e.g., “Using Gauss’s Theorem…”)
• Draw the diagram with proper labelling (crucial for 1-1.5 marks)
• Write the Final Result with correct units

Attempt the linked conceptual part (Part b) even if Part (a) is incomplete.

Q3. Which units are considered “easy marks” that I can target to boost my score quickly?

Unit VII & VIII (Dual Nature, Atoms & Nuclei – 12 marks) is your “Easy Marks” section with direct formula-based questions with minimal derivation and high-frequency topics like Photoelectric Effect graphs, Binding Energy per Nucleon curve, Bohr’s quantisation.

Electronic Devices (7 marks) is also scoring if you memorise V-I characteristics and rectifier diagrams properly.