CBSE Board Exam Chemistry Preparation 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the dates for the upcoming board exams 2025. According to the official notification, the Class 12 exam will start from Friday, February 21, 2025, with Physics as the first subject.
Chemistry paper with subject code 043 is scheduled six days later, on February 27, 2025. Class 12 CBSE Chemistry paper is often considered as one of the most challenging subjects due to its vast syllabus and complex concepts. However, it can be a high-scoring subject if students have a clear understanding of the basic principles.
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern
The CBSE Class 12 Chemistry exam is a three-hour paper carrying a total of 70 marks. The question paper is divided into five parts:
• Section A: 16 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) or assertion-reasoning questions, each carrying 1 mark.
• Section B: 5 short answer questions, carrying 2 marks each.
• Section C: 7 short answer questions, carrying 3 marks each.
• Section D: 2 case-based questions, each carrying 4 marks.
• Section E: 3 long answer questions, each carrying 5 marks.
Students are not allowed to use log tables or calculators during the examination. It is important to recognize that although some topics and question types may be repeated over the years, framing and marking schemes may vary significantly.
Important topics in physical chemistry
According to Shlok Srivastava, OCFP Head, Orchids The International School, several chapters and sub-topics of Class 12 Chemistry are emphasized frequently in board exams due to their importance and repetition. Here is a detailed chapter-wise breakdown of the main subtopics in physical chemistry.
Electrochemistry
•Nernst equation and applications: This is an important topic, and students should understand its derivation, applications in the calculation of cell potential, and its role in predicting the probability of a reaction.
•Operation of electrolytic solution: Topics such as specific conductance, molar conductivity, and their variations with concentration are important.
•Kohlrausch’s Law: Be familiar with its applications such as determining the limiting molar conductivities of weak electrolytes.
•Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells: Understand principles including electrode reactions, and be able to draw and interpret cell diagrams.
solutions
•Collective properties: Master topics such as relative lowering of vapor pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, and osmotic pressure. Numericals based on these qualities often appear in exams.
Chemical Kinetics
•Rate Law and Integrated Rate Equation: Focus on zero-order and first-order reactions and their integrated rate laws.
•Half life of reaction: Numerical problems involving half-life calculations are commonly asked.
•Reaction rates and factors: Understand factors such as concentration, temperature, and catalysts that affect reaction rates.
•Graph Explanation: Be able to interpret the graphs for the integrated rate law and the Arrhenius equation.
CBSE Board Exam 2025: Preparation Strategy for Chemistry
To excel in the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry exam, students should adopt a structured preparation strategy. It begins with a comprehensive review of the curriculum for the 2024-25 academic year.
Students should make a detailed study plan that allocates sufficient time to each chapter based on its weightage and difficulty level. Regular and continuous revision is key – dedicate one day each week to revisit previously studied topics, as this helps reinforce concepts and ensure long-term retention.
Physical chemistry, in particular, demands a strong understanding of numerical problem solving. Before any numerical attempt, it is important to write the relevant formula. Practice extensively on topics such as the Nernst Equation, Gibbs free energy, equilibrium constants, molar conductivity, and Kohlrausch’s Law.
Additionally, focus on chemical kinetics by solving problems related to average reaction rates, integrated rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Avoid using calculators, and make sure answers are presented neatly with proper units.
Attention should be paid to key units such as electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and surface chemistry, which frequently feature in board exams. Master frequently asked concepts such as colligative properties and integral rate equations.
Finally, graphs play an important role in understanding topics such as reaction rates and the Arrhenius equation. Students should practice interpreting and sketching graphs for the integrated rate law and the temperature dependence of reaction rates.
By following this approach, students can tackle chemistry papers with confidence and optimize their performance.
Read this too CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2025: 15 Most Anticipated Questions of Chemistry