The CBSE Class 12 Business Studies exam for 2025, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on February 22, has garnered mixed yet broadly positive feedback from students and educators alike. This important exam took place over three hours, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, covering 80 marks along with internal assessments.
Students from schools across India participated, and the initial reactions suggest the paper featured moderate difficulty, combining multiple-choice questions, direct concept-based inquiries, and more complex case studies. According to many students, especially those who had diligently practiced NCERT sample papers, the exam was manageable. Priyanka Sapra, an educator at Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, expressed, "The Business Studies exam was well-balanced, focusing on both conceptual and application-based learning." This encapsulates the sentiments echoed by many students, who felt strategically prepared due to the paper's alignment with prior study materials.
During the exam, the question paper demanded both theoretical knowledge and analytical capabilities, comprising varied types of questions. An analysis by Vedika Singh from Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, provided insights: "The paper consisted of competency-based questions and application-based questions, but the case studies were tricky for students." This reflects the broader consensus among students, who found straightforward questions interspersed with more challenging case studies requiring nuanced interpretation.
The exam questions were divided effectively across sections, including the distribution of marks. For example, the initial multiple-choice section carried easier questions, ramping up to case studies which comprised more substantial analytical demands. Each section's structure was efficiently laid out, allowing students to manage their time effectively during the examination, preventing undue stress or time constraints.
Throughout the examination, students reported feeling confident, frequently citing how their comprehensive preparation paid off. Reports indicated the balance between knowledge-based questions and those testing higher-order thinking skills hit the mark well. Meenu Chandhok, Head of Commerce at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, noted, "The case studies were tricky for students, and some MCQs were also challenging." This mixed feedback highlighted the importance of students' preparation strategies revolving around conceptual clarity and real-world application of theories.
When probing specific challenges faced, many students voiced concerns particularly about the case study section. For several, identifying concepts from case studies proved challenging. Samaira, from the same school, remarked, "One 6-mark question was tricky, requiring us to identify directions from concepts we had studied. About 10 marks worth of questions were tricky. The paper tested our conceptual depth more than rote-learning capabilities." This emphasizes the emphasis CBSE placed on analytical thinking and real-world applications over simple memorization.
The educators’ appraisals reflected a collective view of the exam as fair and structured according to CBSE guidelines, ensuring it was comprehensive without presenting out-of-syllabus surprises. The well-structured paper tested both theoretical and analytical skills, making it accessible yet challenging for all students. Reflecting on the overall feelings post-exam, Vedika Singh reported, "Students walked out feeling satisfied with the paper. It was their first paper of the board exams, and successfully tackling it bolstered their confidence going forward." This speaks volumes about the psychological impacts of well-structured exams on student performance.
Looking forward, expert analyses suggest students who consistently practiced, particularly with NCERT materials and case studies, are expected to transition smoothly to their subsequent papers, buoyed by this positive experience. This exam not only reflects their acquired knowledge but also lays the groundwork for forthcoming academic challenges within the board examinations.
The CBSE Class 12 Business Studies exam focused strongly on conceptual learning and application-based questions, ensuring those who have invested time and effort throughout the academic year would reap the rewards on results day. With confidence and preparedness highlighted, students are likely to face their next challenges with renewed vigor.