Are you preparing for your Class 12 Maths CBSE board exam and wondering which chapters are most important? You’re not alone. Many students ask: “What are the most important chapters for Class 12 Maths that carry high weightage and are easy to score?” This blog answers your query with a clear, informative, and student-friendly guide.
Here, you’ll find:
- A detailed chapter-wise marks distribution chart
- Key subtopics to focus on in each chapter
- Expert tips for preparation
- FAQs based on common student doubts
Whether you’re aiming to pass confidently or score 90+, knowing what to study is the first step toward your goal.
Chapter-wise Marks Distribution – Class 12 Maths CBSE (2026)
| Unit Name | Marks in Exam | Key Chapters/Subtopics Included |
|---|---|---|
| Relations & Functions | 08 marks | Types of Relations, Domain-Range, Composite Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions |
| Algebra | 10 marks | Matrices (Addition, Multiplication, Transpose), Determinants, Adjoint, Inverse using Determinants |
| Calculus | 35 marks | Limits, Continuity, Differentiability, Derivatives, Maxima-Minima, Integration Techniques, Area under Curves, Differential Equations |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | 14 marks | Dot Product, Cross Product, Direction Cosines, Plane Equation, Line-Plane Interactions |
| Linear Programming | 05 marks | Formulation of LPP, Graphical Method of Solution, Feasible Region |
| Probability | 08 marks | Independent Events, Conditional Probability, Bayes’ Theorem, Multiplication Rule |
| Total | 80 marks |
Most Important Chapters for Class 12 Maths (with Subtopics)
Continuity and Differentiability – This chapter is foundational for calculus. You should begin by understanding the concept of limits and how functions behave as they approach specific values. Learn the different types of discontinuities such as removable, jump, and infinite. Focus on the derivative rules including product, quotient, and chain rule. Logarithmic differentiation is also frequently asked in board exams. Practicing conceptual and numerical questions will help you build a strong base for future topics.
Applications of Derivatives – This chapter applies the principles learned in differentiation. Key areas include determining increasing and decreasing functions, finding the slope of tangents and normals to curves, and solving problems related to maxima and minima in real-world contexts. Students often find this chapter interesting due to its visual and practical applications. Questions from this chapter are common and carry significant marks, so repeated practice is essential.
Integrals – Considered one of the most important and weighty topics, integration requires you to master standard formulas and various techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, and partial fractions. Definite integrals often appear in exams with properties-based problems. Also, ensure you can compute area under curves using definite integration. Thorough practice of each type helps in improving accuracy and speed.
Differential Equations – This chapter is generally seen as easy and scoring. Begin by understanding what a differential equation is and how it relates to real-life changes. The most commonly asked method is the separation of variables. Make sure you are comfortable identifying the type of equation and applying initial conditions to find particular solutions. Questions are often direct, and consistent practice ensures full marks.
Vectors and 3D Geometry – These chapters involve both conceptual understanding and formula-based questions. In vectors, revise operations like addition, scalar (dot) and vector (cross) products. Learn the properties of these operations and apply them in problem-solving. For 3D geometry, focus on finding the angle between lines, distance of a point from a plane, and equations of line and plane in vector and Cartesian forms. Diagrams and visualizations can help immensely here.
Matrices and Determinants – These topics are relatively easier and heavily scoring. You should be able to perform basic operations on matrices such as addition, multiplication, and finding transpose. In determinants, focus on properties, minors, cofactors, and using them to calculate inverses. Solving systems of equations using matrix methods is a commonly tested application. With enough practice, this chapter becomes a strong scoring area.
Linear Programming – This chapter is simple but important. It involves formulating linear inequalities based on word problems and solving them graphically. Understanding how to find feasible regions and locate optimal solutions (maximum or minimum values) is essential. Practice different types of real-life scenarios to improve your interpretation and graph plotting skills.
Probability – This chapter tests logical reasoning along with mathematical ability. Focus on independent and dependent events, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, and multiplication and addition rules. Real-life examples involving cards, coins, dice, and selection problems are important. Create concept maps and solve as many questions as possible to build confidence.
Tips to Prepare the Most Important Chapters Effectively
Understand Concepts First: Before jumping into solving problems, ensure that you clearly understand the core concepts of each chapter. Don’t rely solely on memorizing formulas—comprehend the logic behind them. Use real-life analogies to simplify complex ideas, especially in topics like probability, derivatives, and 3D geometry. If you’re stuck, ask your teacher, use online video explanations, or refer to solved examples for better clarity.
Use NCERT First: The CBSE board strictly follows the NCERT syllabus, and many board exam questions are directly picked from NCERT exercises. Begin your preparation by completing every example, exercise, and miscellaneous question from the NCERT book. Once done, revise the concepts and re-solve the tricky questions. Treat the NCERT textbook as your Bible for board exam preparation.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving the last 5–10 years of CBSE board papers will give you a good idea of frequently asked questions and the paper’s difficulty level. Focus on the type of questions repeated every year, like definite integrals, application of derivatives, and vector algebra. Time yourself while solving these papers to build your speed and stamina for the actual exam.
Create Chapter-Wise Formula Sheets: For Maths, formulas are crucial. Prepare separate formula sheets for each unit such as Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, and Probability. Organize them topic-wise, highlight important identities, and keep them visible in your study area. Revise these sheets every day before starting your study session to keep the formulas fresh in your memory.
Take Weekly Mock Tests: Practice with full-length mock tests under exam conditions (3 hours, no interruptions). This helps you get comfortable with the paper pattern and manage time wisely across sections. After the test, spend time analyzing your answers—note which chapters need improvement, and what kinds of mistakes you made.
Work on Stepwise Presentation: In board exams, you don’t just get marks for the final answer. Every step is evaluated, and marks are awarded even if your final answer is wrong. Train yourself to present solutions neatly and logically. Underline final answers, mention formulas used, and write steps clearly to help the examiner understand your method.
Final Words To score well in Class 12 Maths, you must focus on clarity of concepts, accuracy in solving, and smart time management. Chapters like Calculus, Algebra, and Vectors form the core of the paper. Prepare smartly, revise strategically, and give mock tests regularly.
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FAQs – Most Important Chapters for Class 12 Maths
Calculus is undoubtedly the most important and high-weightage unit in Class 12 Maths, accounting for 35 out of 80 marks. It covers key chapters like Continuity and Differentiability, Applications of Derivatives, Integrals, and Differential Equations. These chapters not only have a high number of questions in the board exam but also form the foundation for engineering entrance exams like JEE. Focusing deeply on these chapters ensures better conceptual understanding and higher scoring potential.
Yes, the NCERT textbook is more than sufficient for board exam preparation. The CBSE strictly follows the NCERT curriculum, and most board exam questions are directly taken from NCERT exercises, examples, or solved illustrations. It is crucial to solve each question multiple times, understand the logic behind solutions, and ensure that you don’t skip the miscellaneous exercises. For additional practice, students can refer to NCERT Exemplar and CBSE sample papers to gain confidence in application-based questions.
Linear Programming, Matrices, Determinants, and Differential Equations are some of the easiest and most scoring chapters in the Class 12 Maths syllabus. These topics are mostly formula-driven, with fewer conceptual ambiguities. Linear Programming usually involves plotting linear inequalities and interpreting graphs, which is straightforward. Matrices and Determinants require consistent practice of rules and procedures, while Differential Equations often follow a predictable pattern of solving. With dedicated practice, students can easily secure full marks in these areas.
It is not recommended to skip any chapter entirely, even if the chapter has a lower weightage. Each chapter in the syllabus contributes toward the final score, and questions can be unpredictable. Some low-weightage chapters like Relations & Functions or Probability can still appear in high-value long-form questions. Instead of skipping, allocate study time based on priority—give more time to high-weightage chapters but revise all topics at least once to maximize your score and ensure complete coverage.
Remembering formulas is easier when you create a personalized formula notebook. Write down every formula from each chapter as you study and group them by topic. For instance, keep all trigonometric identities, integration formulas, and vector formulas in separate sections. Revise them daily—preferably in the morning or before sleeping. Use these formulas repeatedly while solving problems to reinforce memory. Visual aids like charts, flashcards, and wall posters can also be helpful for quick revision before exams.
