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CBSE Class 12 · Exam strategy

Step marking in CBSE Class 12 Maths: how to present answers

Where the marks in a long answer come from, how to set out working so none are lost, and three of our own questions marked line by line.

How the marks split

In a 2-, 3- or 5-mark answer the examiner is not only looking for the final answer. The marks are spread over the steps: setting the problem up (the formula, the equation, the figure), the working, and the answer itself. In CBSE's 2026-27 sample-paper marking schemes for Class 10 (Standard) and Class 12, the one-mark MCQs in Section A carry no part marks, while longer answers have their marks split across the steps, often in half marks. (Class 10 Standard scheme, Class 12 scheme.)

So a long answer can still earn most of its marks after a slip near the end, as long as the earlier steps are on the page. An answer with no working has nothing to give marks for if the last line is wrong.

  • Method marks are for the right approach: the correct formula with values in, the right equation, a correct figure.
  • Working marks are for the key lines in between: solving, simplifying, substituting limits.
  • Answer marks are for the final result, in the form asked for (simplified, with units, both values if there are two).

Worked examples, marked line by line

Our own questions, with the marks shown next to each line. The splits are an illustration of step marking; for CBSE's real splits, read its marking schemes (links below).

A 2-mark short answer: a matrix equation

2 marks · Chapter 3: Matrices

A matrix is given by \[A = \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 3 & 2 \end{bmatrix}\] Show that \(A^2 = 4A - I\), where \(I\) is the \(2 \times 2\) identity matrix.
  1. \[\begin{aligned}A^2 &= \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 3 & 2 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 3 & 2 \end{bmatrix} \\ &= \begin{bmatrix} 7 & 4 \\ 12 & 7 \end{bmatrix}\end{aligned}\] 1 mark · A² correct
  2. \[4A = \begin{bmatrix} 8 & 4 \\ 12 & 8 \end{bmatrix}\], so \[4A - I = \begin{bmatrix} 7 & 4 \\ 12 & 7 \end{bmatrix}\], which is \(A^2\) 1 mark · shown
Answer: \(A^2 = 4A - I\), as required

Where marks slip: In a "show that" the answer is given, so all the marks are for the working. Work out both sides and say they are equal.

A 3-mark short answer: logarithmic differentiation

3 marks · Chapter 5: Continuity and Differentiability

Find \(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\) if \(y = x^{\sin x}\), \(x > 0\).
  1. Take logs: \(\log y = \sin x \log x\) 1 mark · method
  2. Differentiate both sides: \[\dfrac{1}{y}\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \cos x \log x + \dfrac{\sin x}{x}\] 1 mark · differentiation
  3. \[\dfrac{dy}{dx} = y\left(\cos x \log x + \dfrac{\sin x}{x}\right)\] \[= x^{\sin x}\left(\cos x \log x + \dfrac{\sin x}{x}\right)\] 1 mark · answer in terms of x
Answer: \[\dfrac{dy}{dx} = x^{\sin x}\left(\cos x \log x + \dfrac{\sin x}{x}\right)\]

Where marks slip: A common slip is to stop at \(\dfrac{1}{y}\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \ldots\). Multiply back by \(y\) and replace \(y\) by \(x^{\sin x}\).

A 5-mark long answer: area between two curves

5 marks · Chapter 8: Application of Integrals

Find the area of the region bounded by the curve \(y = x^2\) and the line \(y = 4\).
  1. A sketch of the parabola and the line with the region between them shaded 1 mark · figure
  2. Points of intersection: \(x^2 = 4 \Rightarrow x = \pm 2\), so \((-2, 4)\) and \((2, 4)\) 1 mark · limits found
  3. Area \[= \displaystyle\int_{-2}^{2} (4 - x^2)\,dx\] 1 mark · integral set up
  4. \[= \left[4x - \dfrac{x^3}{3}\right]_{-2}^{2}\] \[= \left(8 - \dfrac{8}{3}\right) - \left(-8 + \dfrac{8}{3}\right)\] 1 mark · integration and limits
  5. \(= \dfrac{32}{3}\) square units 1 mark · answer with units
Answer: \(\dfrac{32}{3}\) square units

Where marks slip: The figure is part of the answer in area questions. Without it, the integral has nothing to show which region it measures.

Presenting an answer: a checklist

  • Write the question number exactly, including the part and the option you chose in an internal choice.
  • Start with what you use: the formula, theorem or identity, then the values substituted into it.
  • One step per line, in order, with "\(\Rightarrow\)" or "so" between lines. Do not do two steps in your head.
  • Give reasons in geometry and proofs: "(alternate angles)", "(RHS)", "(radius \(\perp\) tangent)".
  • Draw the figure for geometry, heights and distances, areas under curves and linear programming, and label it.
  • Box or underline the final answer, simplified, with units, and in exact form (no calculator: leave surds and \(\pi\) unless a value is given).
  • Show rough work at the side of the same page, not on a loose sheet, and cross out rather than overwrite.
  • MCQs: write the option letter and the answer, for example "(b) \(\dfrac{5}{8}\)". There are no part marks, so check them.

CBSE's own marking schemes and model answers

Read real schemes next to the paper they belong to. We link to CBSE's copies and do not reproduce them.

Practise writing for step marks

Every chapter's practice questions come with a step mark scheme to mark your own working against, and our sample papers have a full scheme for all 38 questions. Start with the chapter you lose most marks in, from the Class 12 chapter list.

Questions students ask

Does CBSE give step marks in maths?

CBSE's published marking schemes split the marks of 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers across the steps, often in half marks, so correct steps can earn marks even when the final answer is wrong. The 1-mark MCQs in Section A have no part marks.

What if I use a different method from the marking scheme?

A marking scheme shows one way of answering. Whatever method you use, set it out just as clearly, one step per line, so each step can be seen and marked.

How much working should I show in a 1-mark question?

For MCQs, write the option and the answer. For other short questions, a line or two of working helps you check, but the mark is for the correct answer.

Official facts on this page were last checked against CBSE's own documents on 5 October 2026. CBSE Math Revision is independent and not affiliated with CBSE or NCERT. If a newer CBSE notice or your school says something different, follow CBSE and the school. Worked examples are written by CBSE Math Revision and checked twice (by computer algebra and by hand); the mark splits are our illustration, not CBSE's scheme for any paper.