CBSE Class 12 Maths: chapter-wise marks and must-do questions

Which Class 12 Maths chapters to prioritise, the questions to practise in each, and how to present answers for full marks.

Paper Predict Notes · 02 Jun 2026

CBSE Class 12 Maths has an 80-mark paper and 20 internal marks. Calculus is the largest unit, but every unit has question types that come back most years. Knowing them lets you practise with purpose.

This guide covers Class 12 Maths important questions chapter-wise and how to present your working. Check the latest CBSE syllabus and sample paper for your year.

Relations and functions

Types of relations (reflexive, symmetric, transitive), equivalence relations, one-one and onto functions, and inverse trigonometric functions with principal values. Proving a relation is an equivalence relation is a common question.

Algebra

Matrices and determinants. Practise matrix operations, inverse using adjoint, and solving a system of linear equations by the matrix method. That last one is asked most years.

Calculus

The biggest unit. Cover:

• Continuity and differentiability: checking continuity, chain rule, implicit and logarithmic differentiation, second derivatives.
• Application of derivatives: increasing and decreasing functions, maxima and minima word problems.
• Integrals: substitution, partial fractions, by parts, and definite integrals with properties.
• Application of integrals: area under curves.
• Differential equations: variable separable, homogeneous and linear equations.

Vectors and 3D

Dot and cross products, projection, area using cross product, equations of lines, angle between lines and shortest distance between skew lines.

Linear programming

Graphical method with corner points. These questions are scoring if you draw neat graphs and check every corner.

Probability

Conditional probability, multiplication theorem, Bayes' theorem and probability distributions. Bayes' theorem is a frequent long-answer question.

Presentation

• Write every step; marks are given for method.
• Draw a neat figure for area and LPP questions.
• Box final answers and state units where needed.
• Leave a line between steps so the examiner can follow.

Frequently asked questions

Which chapter should I practise most?

Calculus, especially integrals and application of derivatives.

Are NCERT exercises enough?

Do all NCERT exercises and miscellaneous examples, then sample papers and PYQs.

How do I avoid silly mistakes?

Write each step and recheck signs and limits before moving on.

The short version

Give calculus the most time, master the matrix method, Bayes' theorem, shortest distance and LPP graphs, and present every step clearly.

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