The CBSE Class 12 Physics exam for the year 2025 has sparked much discussion among educators and students alike. Conducted on February 21st, this year's exam was noted for its structured pattern aimed at assessing students' conceptual clarity and their ability to tackle complex problems.
Spanning a total of 70 marks, the exam was organized into five sections—ranging from multiple-choice questions to long-answer questions and case studies. Experts have pointed out that the five-mark questions stood out for requiring students to engage in multi-step problem-solving and utilize logical reasoning. This shift highlights a noteworthy emphasis on higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
Teachers observed that while questions on Modern Physics were relatively straightforward, the Capacitance-based case studies presented more of a challenge by demanding analytical thinking. Notably, Section B, with its two-mark questions, was said to be simpler, whereas Section C pushed students to focus on theory-based concepts.
Among the student community, the paper received mixed reviews. Many found it lengthy, which made time management a critical hurdle. Some students were particularly thrown off by the inclusion of topics that were supposedly removed from the syllabus, and others found the absence of certain expected topics like Optics to add another layer of complexity.
Hailing from JIRS Bengaluru, Thilak M described the MCQs as moderate but acknowledged their tricky nature, especially in topics like Moving Charges and Magnetism. Tushar Goel from Silverline Prestige School remarked on the balanced challenge that spanned a range of topics, although Surender Puli from Vidyagyan School pointed out that Set 3 was notably extensive, causing students added stress.
Students such as Shivam Kole expressed surprise at the unexpected absence of questions on Optics, which caught many off-guard. According to Renuka Devi Kakarla from Shiv Nadar School, most students managed to complete the paper but often had limited time for revision.
This year's exam underscores a key takeaway for students: the importance of consistent and thorough preparation right from Class 11, given the exam's clear focus on problem-solving and application-based learning.