CBSE Class 12 Physics Practical and Viva 2026–27: Experiments, Record and Preparation
The CBSE Class 12 Physics practical is a 30-mark, three-hour assessment. The official 2026–27 curriculum defines the experiments, activities, record, project and viva requirements, so students should build preparation from that document and their school's completed laboratory work.
Practical readiness means being able to perform, observe, calculate, interpret and explain. A polished record alone does not replace understanding of the apparatus or result.
Official 30-mark evaluation scheme
The curriculum specifies a three-hour practical examination. Confirm the final school schedule and instructions with the school.
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Two experiments, one from each section | 7 + 7 |
| Practical record: experiments and activities | 5 |
| One activity from either section | 3 |
| Investigatory project | 3 |
| Viva on experiments, activities and project | 5 |
| Total | 30 |
What the practical record must contain
Complete and correct the record during the year. Last-minute copying produces a file the student may be unable to explain in the viva.
- At least eight experiments, with four from Section A and four from Section B.
- At least six activities, with three from each section.
- The report of the investigatory project carried out by the student.
- Observations, calculations, graphs, result and precautions that reflect the work actually performed.
Prepare every experiment as a reasoning chain
| Stage | What the student should know |
|---|---|
| Aim | The physical quantity or relationship being investigated. |
| Principle | The law or model that connects the observations. |
| Apparatus | The purpose, range and least count of key instruments. |
| Method | Why the setup and sequence produce valid measurements. |
| Observation | What is measured, units used and how a graph or table is built. |
| Calculation | Formula, substitution, slope or derived value with units. |
| Result | A concise conclusion consistent with the observations. |
| Precautions | The specific error each precaution reduces. |
Build a viva bank from your own work
- Why was this apparatus selected?
- What is the least count and how does it affect the reading?
- Why is a graph plotted, and what does its slope or intercept mean?
- What happens if one connection, distance or range is changed?
- Which observation is most uncertain?
- Why is this precaution necessary?
- Does the result have the expected order of magnitude and unit?
- How does the project connect to the underlying Physics?
A seven-day practical revision plan
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Audit the record against the official minimums and school checklist. |
| 2 | Section A experiments: apparatus, circuit, graph and common errors. |
| 3 | Section B experiments: setup, optical alignment, readings and calculations. |
| 4 | Activities from both sections; practise explaining observation and inference. |
| 5 | Investigatory project: question, method, data, conclusion and limitations. |
| 6 | Mixed viva rehearsal with apparatus diagrams and changed-condition questions. |
| 7 | One complete practical rehearsal, then light review of errors and precautions. |
Avoid common practical-day losses
- Do not begin readings before checking zero error, range, connections or alignment.
- Keep units in column headings and calculations.
- Choose a graph scale that uses the page clearly and label both axes.
- Do not force a line through points or hide an inconsistent reading; check the setup.
- State a result at sensible precision.
- Answer viva questions from the performed experiment instead of reciting unrelated definitions.
How parents can help
Ask the student to explain one experiment using the apparatus diagram, observation table and graph. Check that the record and project are complete before school deadlines, then leave laboratory handling and safety to the school.
- Can the student explain what the graph shows?
- Do they know the purpose of each major component?
- Can they name a real source of uncertainty?
- Can they defend the project conclusion from the collected data?
- Are missing signatures, pages or school-specific requirements resolved early?
Frequently asked questions
How many marks is the CBSE Class 12 Physics practical?
The official 2026–27 curriculum specifies a 30-mark, three-hour practical examination.
How many experiments must be in the record?
The record must include at least eight experiments, with four from each section, plus at least six activities with three from each section and the project report.
How many marks is the Physics viva?
The official evaluation scheme allocates 5 marks to viva on experiments, activities and the project.
Can I prepare only from common viva questions?
No. Viva questions are tied to the work performed. Understand each apparatus, principle, observation, graph, calculation, result and precaution in your own record.
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