ISC Class 12 Physics Paper Pattern
The ISC Class 12 Physics theory paper (Paper I) is 70 marks in three hours, set as 20 compulsory questions in four sections, A to D, whose questions carry 1, 2, 3 and 5 marks. The practical, project and file are another 30 marks.
- 70marks, theory paper
- 3 h + 15 minwriting time and reading time
- 30 markspractical
Theory paper (Paper I): 70 marks
| Section | Questions | Marks | What it asks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Q1: one question with 14 sub-parts of 1 mark | 14 | multiple-choice, assertion-reason, short and numerical one-mark items from the whole syllabus |
| Section B | Q2 to Q8: 7 questions of 2 marks | 14 | short numericals, definitions and reasons |
| Section C | Q9 to Q17: 9 questions of 3 marks | 27 | numericals, derivations and short explanations |
| Section D | Q18 to Q20: 3 questions of 5 marks | 15 | long derivations, circuits and numericals |
| Total | 20 questions, all compulsory | 70 |
The same layout is printed on the 2026 board paper and on the 2027 specimen paper.
What the question paper says
- There are twenty questions and you answer all of them. Internal choices (an either-or) are given in two questions each in Sections B, C and D.
- In Section A write only one option as the answer to a multiple-choice question.
- A list of useful constants and relations is printed at the end of the paper, and a simple scientific calculator without a programmable memory may be used.
- You get 15 minutes of reading time; writing is not allowed during it.
The practical and project marks
The practical component is 30 marks: the practical examination (the experiments) carries 15, the project work 10 and the practical file 5. They are marked separately from the theory paper.
Open real Physics papers
Common questions
How many marks is the ISC Class 12 Physics paper?
70 marks for theory in three hours, and 30 marks for the practical, project and file, so 100 in all.
How many questions are in the ISC Physics paper and are they all compulsory?
There are 20 questions in four sections and every one is compulsory, though two questions in each of Sections B, C and D have an internal either-or choice.
Can I use a calculator in the ISC Class 12 Physics exam?
Yes. The paper’s instructions allow a simple scientific calculator without a programmable memory, and a list of useful constants and relations is printed at the end of the question paper.
How are the 30 practical marks of ISC Physics divided?
15 marks for the practical examination, 10 for the project work and 5 for the practical file.
Keep reading
Checked against the printed instructions of the 2026 board papers and the 2027 specimen papers, and CISCE’s ISC 2027 syllabus. Last checked 2026-10-16.