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CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme & Question Paper Design

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CBSE Class 11 Marking Scheme and Exam Pattern 2024-2025 with Topic-wise Weightage

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has changed the CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2024-25 to improve learning and reduce memorisation. The new pattern helps students understand concepts better and apply them in real-life situations, following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.


Knowing the CBSE Class 11 marking scheme and chapter-wise weightage is important for students preparing for the CBSE Class 11 board exam 2025. This guide provides details on the question paper pattern, topic weightage, and recent changes in the exam structure.

CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2024-25: Key Changes

CBSE has modified the exam format to improve analytical skills and application-based learning. Here are the major changes:


  1. More Competency-Based Questions – These assess students' ability to apply concepts.

  2. Inclusion of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – To test conceptual clarity.

  3. Reduced Emphasis on Traditional Answer Types – More focus on applied knowledge.

  4. 50% Weightage for Competency-Based Questions – Case-based, source-based, and real-world problem-solving questions.

  5. 20% Weightage for MCQs – Quick assessments of knowledge and critical thinking.

  6. 30% Weightage for Constructed Response Questions – Short and long answer questions.


CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2024-25

The CBSE Class 11 exam paper is structured to assess students on multiple levels: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating.


CBSE Class 11 Maths Exam Pattern 2024-25

Mathematics is a subject that requires strong conceptual understanding and practice. Below is the latest CBSE Class 11 Maths exam pattern:


Section

Question Type

Marks per Question

No. of Questions

Internal Choice

A

MCQs

1

18

None

B

Assertion Reason

1

2

None

C

Very Short Answer

2

5

2 Questions

D

Short Answer

3

6

3 Questions

E

Long Answer

5

4

2 Questions

F

Case Study

4

3

1 Subpart each



Maths Chapter-wise Weightage

Here is the marks distribution for each unit in Maths:


Unit

Topic

Marks

I

Sets and Functions

23

II

Algebra

25

III

Coordinate Geometry

12

IV

Calculus

8

V

Statistics and Probability

12

Total


80



CBSE Class 11 Physics Exam Pattern 2024-25

Physics requires strong conceptual knowledge and numerical problem-solving skills. Below is the Physics paper pattern:


Section

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Internal Choice

A

16

1

None

B

5

2

1 Question

C

7

3

1 Question

D

2

4

1 per Question

E

3

5

3 Questions



Physics Chapter-wise Weightage

Below is the marks weightage for each unit in Physics:


Unit No.

Unit Name

Chapters Included

Marks

I

Physical World and Measurement

Chapter–2: Units and Measurements

-

II

Kinematics

Chapter–3: Motion in a Straight Line

Chapter–4: Motion in a Plane

-

III

Laws of Motion

Chapter–5: Laws of Motion

23

IV

Work, Energy and Power

Chapter–6: Work, Energy and Power

-

V

Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body

Chapter–7: System of Particles and Rotational Motion

-

VI

Gravitation

Chapter–8: Gravitation

17

VII

Properties of Bulk Matter

Chapter–9: Mechanical Properties of Solids

Chapter–10: Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Chapter–11: Thermal Properties of Matter

-

VIII

Thermodynamics

Chapter–12: Thermodynamics

-

IX

Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases

Chapter–13: Kinetic Theory

20

X

Oscillations and Waves

Chapter–14: Oscillations

Chapter–15: Waves

1



CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Exam Pattern 2024-25

Chemistry is divided into physical, organic, and inorganic sections. Below is the Chemistry exam pattern:


Section

No. of Questions

Question Type

Marks per Question

A

16

MCQs

1

B

5

Short Answer

2

C

7

Short Answer

3

D

2

Case Study

4

E

3

Long Answer

5



Chemistry Chapter-wise Weightage

The marks distribution for Chemistry chapters is as follows:


S.No

Unit Name

Marks

1

Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

07

2

Structure of Atom

09

3

Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

06

4

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

07

5

Chemical Thermodynamics

09

6

Equilibrium

07

7

Redox Reactions

04

8

Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques

11

9

Hydrocarbons

10



CBSE Class 11 Biology Exam Pattern 2024-25

Biology involves theoretical as well as diagram-based questions. Below is the Biology paper pattern:


Section

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

A

16

1

B

5

2

C

7

3

D

2

4

E

3

5



Biology Chapter-wise Weightage

Here is the chapter-wise marks weightage for Biology:


Unit

Topic

Marks

I

Diversity of Living Organisms

15

II

Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals

10

III

Cell: Structure and Function

15

IV

Plant Physiology

12

V

Human Physiology

18

VI

Total

80



CBSE Class 11 English Core Question Paper Design (2024-25)

Section

Competencies

Total Marks

Reading Skills

Conceptual understanding, decoding, analysing, inferring, interpreting, appreciating, literary conventions and vocabulary, summarising, and using appropriate formats.

26

Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

Conceptual understanding, application of rules, analysis, reasoning, appropriacy of style and tone, using appropriate format and fluency, inference, analysis, evaluation, and creativity.

23

Literature Text Book & Supplementary Reading Text

Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary conventions, inference, analysis, creativity with fluency, critical thinking.

31



CBSE Class 11 English Elective Exam Pattern (2024-25)

Section

Details

A - Reading

Separate instructions are given with each part and question, wherever necessary.

B - Grammar & Writing

Read the instructions carefully and follow them faithfully.

C - Textbook

Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.



CBSE Class 11 English Elective Question Paper Design (2024-25)

Section

Competencies

Total Marks

% Weightage

Reading Comprehension

Conceptual understanding, decoding, analysing, inferring, interpreting, appreciating, literary conventions, and vocabulary.

25

31.25%

Creative Writing

Reasoning, suitability of style and tone, use of appropriate format and fluency.

15

18.75%

Textbook

Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary conventions, illustrating with relevant quotations from the texts, giving opinions, and justifying with fluency.

20

25%

Drama

Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary conventions, illustrating with relevant quotations from the texts, giving opinions, and justifying with fluency.

10

12.50%

Fiction

Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary conventions, illustrating with relevant quotations from the texts, giving opinions, and justifying with fluency.

10

12.50%



This structured format makes it easy to understand the weightage and design of the CBSE Class 11 English Core & Elective Question Papers for 2024-25.


CBSE Study Materials for Class 11

CBSE study materials for Classe 11, covering FREE PDFs of sample papers, revision notes, NCERT solutions, important questions and more to enhance your exam preparation.


FAQs on CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme & Question Paper Design

1. Has CBSE changed the Class 11 exam pattern for 2024-25?

Yes, CBSE has introduced several changes in the Class 11 exam pattern to promote conceptual understanding and reduce rote learning. The new pattern includes competency-based questions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and reduced emphasis on traditional long-answer questions.

2. What is the marking scheme for CBSE Class 11 board exams?

The CBSE Class 11 marking scheme includes:

  • 50% weightage for Competency-Based Questions (case-based, source-based, real-world applications)

  • 20% weightage for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • 30% weightage for Constructed Response Questions (short and long-answer questions)

3. Are Class 11 CBSE exams conducted in board format?

No, CBSE Class 11 exams are school-level assessments, but they follow the CBSE-prescribed syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme.

4. What is the exam pattern for CBSE Class 11 Maths in 2024-25?

The Maths paper consists of different question types:

  • MCQs (1 mark each) – 18 questions

  • Assertion-Reason (1 mark each) – 2 questions

  • Very Short Answer (2 marks each) – 5 questions

  • Short Answer (3 marks each) – 6 questions

  • Long Answer (5 marks each) – 4 questions

  • Case Study (4 marks each) – 3 questions

  • Total Marks: 80

5. What is the chapter-wise weightage for CBSE Class 11 Physics?

Here’s the marks distribution for key Physics units:

  • Laws of Motion – 23 marks

  • Gravitation – 17 marks

  • Kinetic Theory – 20 marks

  • Oscillations and Waves – 10 marks

6. How is the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry exam structured?

The Chemistry paper includes:

  • MCQs (1 mark each) – 16 questions

  • Short Answer (2 marks each) – 5 questions

  • Short Answer (3 marks each) – 7 questions

  • Case Study (4 marks each) – 2 questions

  • Long Answer (5 marks each) – 3 questions

  • Total Marks: 80

7. What is the chapter-wise weightage for CBSE Class 11 Biology?

  • Diversity of Living Organisms – 15 marks

  • Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants – 10 marks

  • Cell Structure and Function – 15 marks

  • Plant Physiology – 12 marks

  • Human Physiology – 18 marks

  • Total Marks: 80

8. How is the CBSE Class 11 English Core exam designed?

The English Core paper consists of:

  • Reading Skills – 26 marks

  • Grammar & Creative Writing – 23 marks

  • Literature & Supplementary Text – 31 marks

9. What is the weightage for different sections in the English Elective paper?

  • Reading Comprehension – 25 marks (31.25%)

  • Creative Writing – 15 marks (18.75%)

  • Textbook-Based Questions – 20 marks (25%)

  • Drama – 10 marks (12.5%)

  • Fiction – 10 marks (12.5%)

10. How can I score well in CBSE Class 11 exams?

To score well in CBSE Class 11 exams:

  • Understand the new exam pattern and marking scheme.

  • Focus on concept-based learning rather than memorisation.

  • Practice competency-based and case-based questions.

  • Solve previous year’s papers and NCERT-based questions.

  • Improve time management by attempting mock tests.

11. Is NCERT enough for CBSE Class 11 exams?

Yes, NCERT textbooks are the most important resource for CBSE Class 11 exams. However, for better understanding, students can refer to additional reference books like HC Verma (Physics), RD Sharma (Maths), and OP Tandon (Chemistry).

12. Are case-based and competency-based questions difficult?

Not necessarily. These questions test your understanding and application of concepts. If you focus on practical learning and real-world applications, these questions will be easier to answer.