CBSE Class 12th Computer Science Answer Key 2026 (OUT) LIVE: Solved Question Paper; Detailed Expert Analysis

02 30 PM IST - 25 Mar'26

Answer Key Released

CBSE Class 12th Computer Science Answer Key 2026 has been released! Students can cross-verify their responses with the correct answers and get an idea about their exam performance.

01 45 PM IST - 25 Mar'26

Student Reactions, Answer Key, Difficulty Analysis Coming Up Shortly

Stay tuned as we bring you student reactions, unofficial answer key, and detailed paper analysis shortly after the exam.

01 30 PM IST - 25 Mar'26

CBSE Class 12th Computer Science 2026 Ends

The exam has concluded. Students are now coming out of exam centres after completing their papers.

12 30 PM IST - 25 Mar'26

Last One Hour Left!

The exam has entered its final phase. Students are focusing on completing the remaining questions and revising their answers carefully.

11 30 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

One Hour into the Exam

The exam is currently in progress. Students are attempting different sections of the paper as per the given instructions.

10 30 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

CBSE Class 12th Computer Science 2026 Begins!

The Computer Science board exam has officially begun across all centres. Students now have 3 hours to complete their paper.

10 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Final Countdown - Thirty Minutes Left!

Only 30 minutes are left for the CBSE Class 12 Computer Science 2026 exam to begin. Students are now settling inside exam halls and completing final formalities.

09 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Students Gathering Near Exam Centres

Students are reaching their respective exam centres and gathering outside as entry procedures begin. Security checks and verification will be carried out before entry.

08 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Students Leaving for Exam Centres

Students have now started leaving their homes for exam centres. With the paper scheduled at 10:30 AM, many are ensuring they arrive well before reporting time.

07 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Morning Traffic Alert!

As students prepare to leave for their exam centres, normal morning traffic is expected in most cities. It is advised to plan your travel in advance and keep some buffer time.

06 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Good Morning, Students! Exam Day is Here

CBSE Class 12th Computer Science 2026 exam day has finally arrived. The exam starts at 10:30 AM sharp! Make sure to reach the latest by 9:30 AM. Stay tuned for live updates, important highlights, and post-exam analysis.

05 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

The "Extra Edge" for Bonus Marks in the Exam Today

Want to stand out in the eyes of the examiner and get some extra marks? Try using these professional touches:

• Use # to briefly explain what each block of your Python code does. It shows the examiner you understand the logic, even if you make a minor syntax error.
• In Python answers, use a light vertical line or "piping" to clearly show the levels of indentation. This makes the code much more readable.
• Underline terms like Primary Key, Bandwidth, Pickling, and Global Scope. Use standard technical definitions rather than informal language.
• Visual Representation Tips:
  • SQL: Draw a small table to show the expected output of a query.
  • Networking: Use clear icons/boxes for Hubs, Switches, and Servers in the layout questions.
  • Stacks: Draw the "Push" and "Pop" operations step-by-step.

04 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

CS Mega Practice - 4

Below is one more 5-mark practice question:

03 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

CS Mega Practice - 3

Given below is a 5-mark question for you to practice:

02 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

CS Mega Practice - 2

Here is another 4-mark practice question:

01 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

CS Mega Practice - 1

Check out a 4-mark practice question below:

12 00 AM IST - 25 Mar'26

Practice Questions Coming Up!

Get ready, we will be sharing practice questions shortly. These kinds of questions are usually seen every year in the CS exam. Stay tuned.

11 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Get Some Good Sleep

It is time to relax and get proper sleep before the exam. Avoid using your phone or studying late into the night. A well rested mind will help you think clearly and perform better in the exam tomorrow.

10 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Essentials Checklist for Exam Tomorrow

Make sure you have everything ready before you sleep:

• Admit card (very important)
• School ID card
• 2-3 blue pens (and 1 extra just in case)
• Pencil, eraser, sharpener
• Transparent pouch for stationery
• Analogue watch (if allowed)
• Water bottle (transparent, if required)
• Handkerchief/tissues
• Face mask (if needed)
• Simple, comfortable clothes (as per school guidelines)

Also, double-check your exam centre, plan your route, and set at least 2 alarms so you wake up on time.

10 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

What not to do right now?

Avoid starting any new topics at this stage. Do not panic or overthink, and stay away from last minute cramming. Focus only on quick revision and keep your mind calm before the exam.

10 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Pro-Tip for 100/100

When answering theory-based questions in the exam:

• Always give an example. Even if not asked, a 2-line code snippet or a small table makes your answer "expert grade."
• Use bullet points. Examiners hate walls of text. Break your definitions into points.
• Underline terms like Serialisation, Packet Switching, Integrity, and Indentation.

09 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Database Management Theory Question - 3

A table "Store" has 8 attributes and 15 records. After adding 2 more columns and deleting 5 rows, what will be the new Degree and Cardinality?

09 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Database Management Theory Question - 2

Differentiate between Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML). Categorise the following commands: ALTER, UPDATE, INSERT, DROP.

09 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Database Management Theory Question - 1

Define Primary Key, Candidate Key, and Foreign Key. Is it possible for a table to have multiple Candidate Keys? Explain.

08 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Networks Theory Question - 3

Differentiate between SMTP and POP3. Which one is used when you are "downloading" an email to your local device?

08 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Networks Theory Question - 2

Compare Single-mode Fiber Optic and Twisted Pair cables based on bandwidth, cost, and susceptibility to EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).

08 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Networks Theory Question - 1

Why is a Switch called an "Intelligent Hub"? Explain how it handles data packets differently than a Hub.

07 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computational Thinking & Programming Theory Question - 3

Why is it considered a "best practice" to use try...except blocks in file handling? Give an example of a situation where a program might crash without it.

07 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computational Thinking & Programming Theory Question - 2

Why are strings considered immutable in Python? Explain how this differs from a list when trying to change an element at a specific index.

07 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computational Thinking & Programming Theory Question - 1

Explain the difference between Global and Local scope with a suitable code example. What happens if a local variable has the same name as a global variable?

06 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Theoretical Concepts and Questions for CS Exam 2026

Now we will be providing some important theoretical concepts and questions for CBSE Class 12 Computer Science 2026 to help you revise key topics and improve your exam preparation. Stay tuned for more updates.

06 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Science Sample Paper Solutions and MS

Download the sample paper solutions and marking scheme to check your answers and understand how marks are awarded. This will help you improve your accuracy and write better answers in the exam. Click here!

06 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Sample Paper

You can now download the CBSE Class 12 Computer Science sample paper to understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and important question types. Click here!

05 40 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 7

Given below are a few more 1-mark questions for your prep before the exam tomorrow:

05 20 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 6

Practice these solved 1-mark questions for quick revision before the exam:

05 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 5

Check out some more solved 1-mark questions below:

04 45 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python Spot The Error Quiz Question - 3

num = int(input("Enter number"))

if num % 2 = 0:

print("Even")

04 30 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python Spot The Error Quiz Question - 2

What is the error and why will this code fail?

D = {"A":10, "B":20}

print(D["C"])

04 15 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python Spot The Error Quiz Question - 1

def calculate(a, b=5, c):

return a + b + c

04 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python Spot The Error Quiz

Test your understanding with this quick Python spot-the-error quiz. Try to find mistakes in the code and improve your accuracy before the exam.

03 45 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 7

What is the Degree of a table that has 5 columns and 10 rows?

1. 5
2. 10
3. 2
4. 50

03 30 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 6

Which Python module is required to work with Binary Files?

1. os
2. csv
3. binary
4. pickle

03 15 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 5

In the Networking Case Study, which building is the best location for the Server?

1. Building with the least interference
2. Building closest to the entrance
3. Building with the maximum number of computers
4. Building with the largest area

03 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 4

Which SQL clause is used to filter rows AFTER they have been grouped by an aggregate function?

1. HAVING
2. GROUP BY
3. WHERE
4. ORDER BY

02 45 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 3

In a Stack implemented using a Python list, if we perform a 'Pop' operation on an empty list, what is the technical term for the resulting error?

1. Overflow
2. EmptyError
3. IndexError
4. Underflow

02 30 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 2

Which mode should be used to add new data to the end of an existing binary file without overwriting it?

1. wb
2. a
3. rb+
4. ab

02 15 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CS Quiz Question - 1

What will be the output of the following Python code snippet?

x = 10

def change():

global x

x = 20

print(x, end=' ')

change()

print(x)

02 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Science Quiz

In the upcoming updates, we will be sharing a quick CS quiz to test your understanding of important concepts. Are you ready?

01 45 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python-SQL Connectivity

The standard 5-step boilerplate code.

01 30 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Aggregate Functions & Group By

The "Topper's Favourite" query.

01 15 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

CSV Files

Reading and writing with the CSV module.

01 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Binary Files (Pickle Module)

Master the "Search" logic. It's almost guaranteed.

12 45 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Text Files (Word/Vowel Counting)

Classic question: Count how many times a specific word appears.

12 30 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Data Structures: Stack Implementation

Expect a 3-mark question where you must complete the Push or Pop functions for a list-based stack.

12 15 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Python Functions (Predicting Output)

The most common "tricky" code involves the global keyword.

12 00 PM IST - 24 Mar'26

Important Syntax for CS 2026

In the upcoming live updates, we will be providing some syntax snippets. This list focuses on the most high-weightage code snippets you'll likely encounter in your 2026 CS board exam. Practice these by typing them out; muscle memory is your best friend for syntax.

11 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Write Python Code/Statement Question - 3

A tuple named subjects stores the names of different subjects. Write the Python commands to convert the given tuple to a list and thereafter delete the last element of the list.

Answer: 

subjects = list(subjects)

subjects.pop()

11 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Write Python Code/Statement Question - 2

To display the number of occurrences of the substring "is" in a string named message.

For example if the string message contains "This is his book", then the output will be 3.

Answer: print(message.count("is"))

11 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Write Python Code/Statement Question - 1

To remove the item whose key is "NISHA" from a dictionary named Students.

For example, if the dictionary Students contains

{"ANITA":90, "NISHA":76, "ASHA":92}, then after removal

the dictionary should contain {"ANITA":90, "ASHA":92}

Answer: del Students["NISHA"]

11 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Predict the Output Question

Predict the output of the following code :

def callme(b=20,a=10):
b=b+a
a=b-a
print(b,"#",a)
return b

x=100
y=200

x=callme(x,y)
print(x,"@",y)

y=callme(y)
print(x,"#",y)

Answer:

300 # 200

300 @ 200

220 # 200

300 # 220

10 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

SQL Practice Question

Given below are some extended questions from the one discussed and solved above. Now that you know how to answer them, try solving these:

(a) Write the SQL command to change the size of the attribute BASICSAL in the table EMPLOYEES to allow the maximum value of 99999.99 to be stored in it.

OR

(b) Write the SQL command to delete the table EMPLOYEES.

10 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

2-Mark SQL Question

Nisha is assigned the task of maintaining the staff data of an organization. She has to store the details of the staff in the SQL table named EMPLOYEES with attributes as EMPNO, NAME, DEPARTMENT, BASICSAL to store Employee’s Identification Number, Name, Department, and Basic Salary respectively. There can be two or more Employees with the same name in the organization.

(i) (a) Help Nisha to identify the attribute which should be designated as the PRIMARY KEY. Justify your answer.

OR

(b) Help Nisha to identify the constraint which should be applied to the attribute NAME such that the Employees’ Names cannot be left empty or NULL while entering the records but can have duplicate values.

Answer:

(a) EMPNO, because it is unique for each employee.

(b) NOT NULL

10 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Database Management (SQL) Question Solving

In the upcoming updates, we will be solving a 2-mark SQL question. This will help you understand the type of queries asked in the exam, how to write accurate SQL commands, and how to approach such questions quickly and confidently.

10 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Write user-defined function in Python Question

Write a user defined function in Python named showGrades(S) which takes the dictionary S as an argument. The dictionary, S contains Name:[Eng,Math,Science] as key:value pairs. The function displays the corresponding grade obtained by the students according to the following grading rules :

Average of Eng,Math,Science | Grade

=90 | A
<90 but >=60 | B
<60 | C

For example : Consider the following dictionary

S={"AMIT":[92,86,64],"NAGMA":[65,42,43],"DAVID":[92,90,88]}

The output should be :

AMIT - B
NAGMA - C
DAVID - A

Answer:

def showGrades(S):

for name in S:

avg = sum(S[name]) / 3

if avg >= 90:

print(name, "-", "A")

elif avg >= 60:

print(name, "-", "B")

else:

print(name, "-", "C")

09 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Another Solved 2-Mark Python Coding Question

What possible output from the given options is expected to be displayed when the following code is executed ?

import random

Cards=["Heart","Spade","Club","Diamond"]

for i in range(2):
print(Cards[random.randint(1,i+2)],end="#")

(A) Spade#Diamond#
(B) Spade#Heart#
(C) Diamond#Club#
(D) Heart#Spade#

09 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

2-Mark Solved Python Coding Question

Consider the following dictionaries, D and D1 :
D={"Suman": 40, "Raj":55, "Raman":60}
D1={"Aditi":30, "Amit":90, "Raj":20}
(Answer using built-in Python functions only)

(i) Write a statement to display/return the value corresponding to the key "Raj" in the dictionary D.

(ii) Write a statement to append all the key-value pairs of the dictionary D to the dictionary D1.

(i) print(D["Raj"])

(ii) D1.update(D)

09 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Computer Networks Theory-Based Question - 4

Give one difference between circuit switching and packet switching.

Circuit switching uses a fixed path, while packet switching sends data in packets through different paths.

09 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Computer Networks Theory-Based Question - 3

Define the term web hosting. Name any two web browsers.

Web hosting is a service that stores websites and makes them accessible on the internet. Two web browsers are: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox

08 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Computer Networks Theory-Based Question - 2

Expand the term PPP. What is the use of PPP?

PPP stands for Point-to-Point Protocol. It is used to connect two devices directly over a network.

08 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Computer Networks Theory-Based Question - 1

Expand and explain the term URL.

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the address used to locate a webpage on the internet.

08 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Python Theory-Based Question - 2

Write one example of each of the following in Python :

(i) Syntax Error : print("Hello"

(ii) Implicit Type Conversion :

a = 5

b = 2.5

c = a + b # int is converted to float automatically

08 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved Python Theory-Based Question - 1

What does the return statement do in a function? Explain with the help of an example.

The return statement is used to send a value back from a function to the place where it was called. It also ends the execution of the function.

Example:

def add(a, b):

   return a + b

print(add(2,3))   # Output: 5

07 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 4

Revise your concepts with these simple and scoring 1-mark questions:

07 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 3

Check these 1-mark questions for quick practice before the exam:

07 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 2

Go through these 1-mark questions to strengthen your fundamentals:

07 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Solved 1-Mark Questions - 1

Practice these easy 1-mark questions to quickly revise basic concepts:

06 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Pro-Tip for 2026: The "Error Finding" Question

A very common 2-3 mark question will give you a Python snippet with 3-4 intentional errors (syntax or logical).

Common traps: Missing colons :, incorrect indentation, using = instead of == in if statements, or forgetting to import a module like random or math.

06 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Most Expected Questions Computer Networks

This unit usually includes a 4-mark Case Study that is essentially a "free" 4 marks if you know the logic.

• The "Layout" Case Study: You will be given a diagram of 4 buildings with distances and the number of computers.
  • Where to place the Server? (Answer: Building with the most computers).
  • Which device to use in each building? (Answer: Switch/Hub).
  • Which device to connect to the internet? (Answer: Router/Gateway).
  • Which cable for high speed? (Answer: Fiber Optic).
• Protocols & Abbreviations:
  • Differentiating between SMTP vs POP3 (sending vs receiving mail).
  • The role of HTTP vs HTTPS and TCP/IP.
  • Full forms like VoIP, Wi-Fi, URL, and DNS.

06 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Most Expected Questions Database Management

This is usually considered the highest-scoring section because the answers are precise.

• SQL Queries (12-15 Marks):
  • Aggregate Functions: Mandatory questions on GROUP BY paired with HAVING, COUNT(*), and MAX/MIN.
  • Joins: A 3-mark query requiring you to fetch data from two tables using a common column (Equi-Join).
  • Table Manipulation: Using ALTER TABLE to add a column or UPDATE to change existing values.
• Python-SQL Connectivity:
  • Expect questions on the steps to connect (connection object, cursor, execute(), and fetchall() vs fetchone()).
• Theory (2-5 Marks): 
  • Distinguishing between Candidate Key, Primary Key, and Alternate Key.
  • Degree (number of columns) vs. Cardinality (number of rows) of a table.

06 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Most Expected Questions Computational Thinking & Programming - 2

This is the "make or break" section. It will include a lot of code analysis and file manipulation.

• Functions (2-3 Marks): 
  • Scope Questions: Predicting the output of a snippet using global vs local variables.
  • Argument Types: Differentiating between positional, default, and keyword arguments.
• File Handling (High Probability):
  • Text Files: Write a function to count specific words (example, words starting with 'A' or 'The') or count vowels/consonants.
  • Binary Files (pickle module): A 5-mark question involving dump() and load(). Usually, it asks you to "Search and Display" or "Update" a record (like a student's marks or an employee's salary) based on a Unique ID.
  • CSV Files: Expect a case study or a 3-mark program to "Push" data into a CSV or search for a specific User ID.
• Data Structures (3 Marks):
  • Stacks: Implementing Push and Pop operations using a Python List. You will almost certainly be asked to write a function that filters elements (e.g., "Push only numbers divisible by 5 onto the stack").

05 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Important Questions and Notes Coming Up!

Stay tuned as we bring you important questions, quick revision notes, and concepts for CBSE Class 12th Computer Science 2026. Keep checking the live blog for the latest updates.

05 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Topper's Exam Attempt Strategy

After talking to multiple test takers and CS toppers, we have gathered some tips for you to attempt the exam tomorrow:

1. Start with Section A (MCQs) to build momentum, then jump to Section E (Long Answers) while your mind is fresh. This ensures you don't rush the high-value 5-mark questions at the end.
2. For complex Python programs, write a rough logic/algorithm on the last page before drafting the final code. This prevents messy overwriting and indentation errors.
3. After writing a program, mentally execute it with a sample input. This is where most students catch "off-by-one" errors in loops or slicing.
4. In the reading time of 15 mins, identify the SQL queries and Network layout questions you are 100% sure about.
5. Keep the last 15 minutes for final revision. Check for colon (:) omissions in Python and semicolons (;) in SQL.

05 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Expert's Tips for Exam Prep

Counseling Shortcuts CS experts have suggested the following tips to follow before the exam:

• Over 90% of the theory and syntax questions come directly from the NCERT textbook. Master the "Points to Remember" and solved examples.
• Since half the paper is now application-based, practice "Output" questions and "Error Finding" snippets daily. Don't just read the code; trace it manually.

05 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

High-Weightage Prep Strategy

To maximise your marks in the exam tomorrow, align your study hours with the official 2026 marking scheme:

04 45 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Computer Science Class 12 Blueprint 2026

The blueprint for the CS exam tomorrow can be checked below:

04 30 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Chapter-Wise Marks Distribution

Below is a table showing the marks distribution for the CBSE Class 12 Computer Science theory paper (70 marks).​

04 15 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

Hall Ticket Reminder!

Do not forget to carry your CBSE Class 12 admit card to the exam centre. Entry without the hall ticket will not be allowed under any circumstances. Also, keep a valid school ID and required stationery ready today itself!

04 00 AM IST - 24 Mar'26

CBSE Class 12th Computer Science 2026 Exam Date & Timings

The class 12 Computer Science exam will be held tomorrow, March 25, 2026. The exam will take place in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students are advised to reach the exam centre early to settle in comfortably before the paper begins.