The CBSE will conduct the Class 12 Mathematics Board exam on March 8, 2025. With just a few days left, candidates should focus on revising key concepts, practicing past papers, and managing their time effectively to maximize their performance.
Mathematics is often seen as a make-or-break subject in the CBSE Class 12 board exams, writes Dr Ajit Singh – VP Academics, Orchids International School, some students see it as an opportunity to score high, while others struggle with silly mistakes or anxiety. No matter which category you fall into, this guide will provide you with expert strategies to help you maximize your score in the upcoming CBSE Class 12 Mathematics exam.
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step to preparing effectively. The Mathematics paper carries a total of 80 marks, with 60 marks assigned to subjective questions and 20 marks for multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Knowing how much weight each chapter carries can help you decide how to divide your study time effectively.
Here is the chapter-wise weightage:
This table gives you a clear picture of where to focus your efforts. If you are already confident in Calculus, ensure you don’t lose marks in that section. If Algebra seems difficult but holds more weight than some smaller chapters, prioritize practicing it instead of spending too much time on lower-weightage topics like Inverse Trigonometric Functions.
When it comes to smart revision strategies, always prioritize chapters based on your strengths and the marks they carry. Your goal should be to secure full marks in topics you are confident in while also working on weaker sections that have significant weightage.
One of the most important strategies is to master all solved examples from NCERT. At least 35 marks worth of questions in the exam are directly based on these examples. Many students skip them and jump straight to exercises, which is a mistake. These examples help you understand the correct stepwise approach that CBSE values.
Another crucial part of preparation is memorizing formulas effectively. The best way to do this is to write them down repeatedly. If you struggle with remembering formulas, write them in a notebook and go over them multiple times a day. Writing them five or six times before your exam will help reinforce them in your memory. When revising formulas, always refer to your textbook rather than trying to recall them from memory.
Solving previous years’ question papers is another highly effective way to prepare. If you have already covered NCERT thoroughly, focus on solving board exam papers from the last five years. This will help you understand recurring question patterns and familiarize you with the exam format. Avoid attempting random questions from different books at the last minute. Instead, stick to tried-and-tested material like previous year papers, especially in the last 24 to 48 hours before the exam.
Exam day strategies to maximize your CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Paper 2025
Scoring high in the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics exam is not just about how much you study but how strategically you prepare and perform on exam day. Here are five practical tips:
Start with the easy questions
Begin by carefully reading the question paper and identifying the easiest questions. Always attempt these first, as it builds confidence and ensures you secure easy marks. By tackling the most familiar problems first, you create a positive momentum for the rest of the exam.
Review long answers for mistakes
For longer questions that require multiple steps, review your solution after solving to avoid missing steps or making calculation errors. Small mistakes like missing units or forgetting to write final answers in the required format can cost you valuable marks. Double-check your work before moving on to the next question.
Save MCQs for the end
Since MCQs require less time and effort, it is best to keep them for the end. Focus your best energy on solving long, stepwise questions first when you are mentally fresh. If you leave difficult, time-consuming questions for last, you might make unnecessary mistakes due to exhaustion.
Manage your time wisely
Effective time management is crucial in ensuring you complete the paper within the given duration. Divide your time efficiently among different sections and avoid spending too long on any single question. Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself accordingly.
Stay calm and confident
Most importantly, stay calm and manage stress effectively. Stress is the biggest reason for underperformance in exams. If you have prepared well, trust yourself and stay positive. Confidence plays a huge role in helping you perform better than expected.
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