How to Crack CBSE 12th Exam? Complete Detailed Guide

This post will help and guide you how to crack CBSE 12th exam is a major milestone for every student because Class 12 marks act as a gateway to college admissions, competitive exams, scholarships, and career opportunities. With lakhs of students appearing every year, the competition is tough but the exam is absolutely crack able with the right strategy, consistency, and a smart study plan.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to prepare for the CBSE 12th board exams effectively, how to make a realistic timetable, how to write answers for maximum marks, and how to stay motivated throughout the year. Let’s get started.

Likh Padh free online sample papers for CBSE Class 12th Exam is designed and developed according to the latest exam pattern and syllabus of (Central Board of Secondary Education) CBSE 12th Exam. The mock test papers are full length in nature as it also covers the subject specific questions as well as PYQ for CBSE 10th exam.

1. Understand how to crack CBSE 12th Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first step to cracking the CBSE 12th exam is understanding what the board expects from you. CBSE has a structured syllabus, a well-defined exam pattern, and a clear marking scheme. When you know exactly what to study, you avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.

CBSE 12th Exam Pattern Overview

Theory Exam: 80 marks
Internal Assessment/Practicals: 20 marks
Question Types: MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer, Case-Based, Competency-Based
Duration: 3 hours for each subject

Always download the latest CBSE syllabus from the official website. Highlight important chapters and mark the ones with high weightage. Preparing systematically with the syllabus in mind ensures that you cover every scoring area.

2. Create a Realistic and Practical Timetable to crack CBSE 12th Exam

A topper’s success begins with proper time management. You must create a study timetable that suits your routine, school schedule, and energy levels.

Tips for Making the Best CBSE 12th Study Timetable

Study 2–3 hours effectively every day instead of 8 hours without concentration.
Keep 90-minute study slots followed by a 10-minute break.
Keep one tough subject in the morning when the mind is fresh.
Reserve evenings for revision or solving sample papers.
Allocate time for self-study, not just tuitions or school.
Keep Sundays for full-syllabus revision or mock tests.

A timetable works only when it is practical and achievable, so avoid copying someone else’s routine.

3. Use NCERT as the Base for All Subjects

Whether you are preparing for Science, Commerce, or Humanities, NCERT textbooks are the heart of CBSE preparation. Almost 90% of CBSE exam questions come directly or indirectly from NCERT.

How to Study NCERT Effectively

Read each chapter twice.
Highlight definitions, formulas, key concepts, and examples.
Practice NCERT questions, in-text questions, and exercises.
Make notes in simple language.

After finishing NCERT, only then move to reference books.

4. Choose the Right Reference Books: To Crack CBSE 12th Exam

Reference books help you understand complex concepts better and improve your question-solving skills.

Recommended Books for CBSE 12th

Physics: HC Verma, Pradeep, SL Arora
Chemistry: OP Tandon, Pradeep, Modern ABC
Maths: RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal, ML Khanna
Biology: Trueman’s, Dinesh Objective Biology
Accountancy: TS Grewal
Business Studies: Cengage, Nootan
Economics: Sandeep Garg
English: Arihant CBSE Question Bank

Use these books mainly for practice and expanding conceptual clarity.

5. Solve CBSE Sample Papers and Previous Year Papers

This is one of the most powerful strategies. CBSE releases official sample papers every year, and solving them gives you the real feel of the exam.

Benefits of Solving Sample Papers

Understanding the actual exam pattern
Learning proper time management
Getting familiar with case-based and competency-based questions
Identifying weak areas
Improving speed and accuracy

Solve at least 10 sample papers and 10 previous year papers before the exam.

6. Master Answer Writing Skills for Maximum Marks

Knowing the answer is not enough—you must present it the way CBSE wants. Most students lose marks not because they don’t know the answer, but because their answer writing is poor.

Answer Writing Tips

Write in clean and neat handwriting.
Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and diagrams.
Underline important points and keywords.
For long answers, maintain a structure: Introduction → Explanation → Conclusion.
Use labelled diagrams in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Geography.
Quote NCERT definitions where possible.

Good presentation can boost your marks significantly.

7. Make Strong Notes for Quick Revision

Notes are your best tool for revision and memory retention.

How to Make Effective Notes

Make short, precise, point-wise notes.
Include diagrams, flowcharts, and tables.
Highlight formulas in Maths and Physics.
Write your own summaries after completing each chapter.
Keep separate notebooks for formulas, dates, theorems, and definitions.

Try to revise your notes at least 3 times before the exam.

8. Revise Regularly Using the 3-Phase Revision Method

Revision is what turns preparation into strong exam performance. Adopt the 3-phase revision technique:

Phase 1: After Completing Each Chapter

Revise immediately because the concept is fresh in the mind.

Phase 2: After Completing the Syllabus

Take 15–20 days to revise the entire syllabus again.

Phase 3: During the Final Month

Do intensive revision with sample papers and short notes.

Without revision, even a well-prepared student struggles in the exams.

9. Prepare Well for Practical Exams

Many students ignore practicals, but the 20 internal marks are crucial. If you score 18–20 in practicals, your overall percentage gets a huge boost.

Tips for Practical Exam Preparation

Update your practical file neatly.
Learn lab procedures thoroughly.
Understand diagrams and observations.
Listen carefully to viva questions.

Practicals are easy to score if you stay consistent.

10. Focus on Health, Sleep, and Stress Management

Preparing for CBSE 12th exams is not only about studying; it’s also about maintaining a healthy body and mind.

Tips for Physical & Mental Well-Being

Sleep at least 7 hours daily.
Avoid junk food; eat brain-boosting foods like almonds, fruits, and milk.
Stay hydrated.
Practice meditation or light exercise for 15 minutes daily.
Avoid unnecessary social media scrolling.
Take short breaks while studying to avoid burnout.

A calm mind performs better than a stressed one.

11. Manage Time Smartly To Crack CBSE 12th Exam

Even if you study well, poor time management in the exam hall can reduce your marks.

Time Management Tips

Read the question paper for the first 15 minutes.
Solve easy questions first, then difficult ones.
Keep the last 10 minutes for answer sheet review.
Avoid getting stuck on one question.

Smart time management prevents last-minute panic.

12. Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid

Many students repeat the same mistakes every year:

Studying without a plan
Ignoring NCERT
Leaving revision for the last moment
Not practicing sample papers
Not writing answers in the proper format
Memorizing without understanding
Overconfidence or last-minute pressure

Avoiding these mistakes will automatically boost your performance.

Conclusion: You Can Crack CBSE 12th Exam With Consistency and Planning

Finally, crack CBSE 12th exam is not about studying day and night—it is about studying smartly, managing time, practicing consistently, and staying stress-free. If you focus on NCERT, revise regularly, solve sample papers, and maintain proper notes, scoring above 90–95% becomes very achievable.

Remember, Class 12 is an important chapter of your academic life, but it is not something to fear. With the right guidance and a disciplined routine, you can confidently crack the CBSE Class 12 exam and achieve your dream score.

Likh Padh is an online educational platform where you will get detail information for CBSE Class 12th exam. We provide both free Online Sample Papers for CBSE 12th exam and paid content to aid in this aspect for exam preparation. Likh Padh online mobile app provides you with free sample papers, previous year questions, model papers, PYQ and test series for respective subject in manner to qualify the CBSE 12th exam.