The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set the date for the Class 12 Mathematics examination on March 9, 2026 . This exam is a key part of higher secondary education for students in the Science stream. As the 2026 board exams get closer, many students want to know which topics are most important. This article shares 10 key topics that can help students score over 40 marks in the Mathematics paper.
The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics exam is designed for a total of 80 marks for the theory paper. An additional 20 marks are given for internal assessment. The full syllabus is divided into six main units: Relations and Functions, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming, and Probability. To score well, students should focus on topics that regularly appear in previous board exams. These topics also carry a high number of marks, making them important for strategic preparation.
Mathematics can be a high-scoring subject if studied smartly. By concentrating on parts of the syllabus that have more weightage, students can use their study time effectively. This approach helps them target more than 40 marks from these important areas alone. Understanding these key topics is the first step towards a good score.
Top 10 Important Topics for CBSE Class 12 Maths 2026
Students preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Maths Board Exam 2026 should pay close attention to the following topics. These areas are known to carry significant marks and are crucial for anyone aiming for a score of 40 marks or higher in the theory paper. This guide helps you know where to focus your study efforts.
| Chapter Group | Important Topics to Study | Expected Marks |
| Relations and Functions & Inverse Trigonometric Functions | • Equivalence relations (Relations and Functions) • One-one, onto functions (Relations and Functions) • Domain, Range, and Principal value (Inverse Trigonometric Functions) | 8 |
| Matrices & Determinants | • Symmetric and Skew-symmetric matrices (Matrices) • Invertible matrices and Proof of uniqueness of Inverse (Matrices) • Minors and Cofactors (Determinants) • Application: Area of Triangle (Determinants) • Solution of Linear Equations and Inverse of Matrices (Determinants) | 10 |
| Calculus (Continuity & Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations) | • Values of Continuity (Continuity and Differentiability) • Derivative of Implicit Functions (Continuity and Differentiability) • Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithms (Continuity and Differentiability) • Second Order Derivatives (Continuity and Differentiability) • Maxima and Minima (Application of Derivatives) • Increasing and Decreasing functions (Application of Derivatives) • All Formulas for Integration (Integration) • Definite Integration (Integration) • Simple Curve Area (Application of Integrals) • Order and Degree (Differential Equations) • Linear Differential Equation (Differential Equations) | 35 |
| Vectors & Three-Dimensional Geometry | • Dot and Cross Products (Vectors) • Point dividing the line segment in a given ratio (Vectors) • Direction Cosine and Ratio (3D Geometry) • Shortest Distance between Skewed Lines (3D Geometry) • Angle between Lines (3D Geometry) | 14 |
| Linear Programming Problems (LPP) | • Bounded and Unbounded regions • Feasible and Infeasible solutions | 5 |
| Probability | • Bayes' Theorem • Probability distribution | 8 |
These grouped topics cover the full range of the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus. Their combined weight adds up to the total 80 marks for the theory paper. By understanding and mastering these specific concepts, students can make their study efforts highly effective and target a strong performance.
How to Use This Guide for Better Preparation
- Focus Your Study: Spend more time on the topics listed in the table, as they carry more marks.
- Practice Regularly: Solve many problems from these chapters. Regular practice helps you understand concepts better and improves speed.
- Understand Concepts: Do not just memorize formulas. Understand why and how each concept works.
- Review Past Papers: Look at previous years' question papers to see how these important topics are usually asked in the exam.
- Clear Doubts: Ask your teachers for help if you have any doubts in these key areas.
By following a clear study plan that focuses on these high-weightage topics, students can boost their confidence. This strategic approach will help them achieve their target of more than 40 marks in the upcoming CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Board Exam on March 9, 2026 .
