CBSE Class 12 Business Studies paper 2025: Well-structured, balanced, and application-based

The CBSE Class 12 Business Studies exam struck a fine balance between conceptual understanding and application-based learning, offering a fair yet thought-provoking challenge to students. While the paper followed the expected pattern and adhered to CBSE guidelines, competency-based and case study questions required deeper analysis.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the Class 12 Business Studies exam nationwide on February 22, 2025, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. The three-hour-long paper carried 80 marks and included a mix of direct, case-based, and competency-based questions, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of students’ understanding.

Meenu Chandhok, HOD Commerce, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, said, "The CBSE Class XII Business Studies exam was as per the guidelines shared by CBSE. About 50% of the exam consisted of competency-based MCQs and application-based questions. However, the case studies were tricky for students, and some MCQs were also challenging. Comprehending the case study question to identify the concept was a bit difficult for students. Only those who had practiced thoroughly would have been able to attempt these questions with confidence. Overall, the question paper was smartly framed and tested the conceptual understanding of the majority of students. It caters to the needs of all levels of students."

"The CBSE Business Studies paper held on February 22 was very balanced. It tested conceptual clarity as well as higher-order thinking skills. The best thing about the paper was its structure -- it rightly assessed students in a way that those who had prepared throughout the year found it relatively easier, while those who studied at the last minute found it difficult. The paper was a mix of HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills), competency-based, and direct questions. Students returning from the exam were elated and at peace, looking forward to their next exam." said Vedika Singh, who is an educator at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad.

Samaira, a Class XII student from Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad, described the paper as moderately difficult, with some tricky case-study questions.

"The Business Studies exam was of moderate difficulty. One 6-mark question was tricky, requiring students to identify a concept from the chapter on ‘Directing.’ Around 10 marks worth of questions were tricky. The paper tested our conceptual understanding rather than rote-learning."

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE PAPER

According to Priyanka Swami, PGT Commerce at KIIT World School, Gurgaon, "The CBSE Class 12 Business Studies paper was simple and well-balanced. As per students, the difficulty level was moderate. The question paper was a mix of knowledge, analysis, and application-based questions. Most students completed the paper well in time and could save some time for revision."

The exam paper followed CBSE sample papers, making it predictable and student-friendly. Direct questions were easy, while MCQs and case-based questions tested students’ analytical and decision-making skills. Shruti Bhasin, spokesperson from Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, added, "Overall, the paper was student-friendly, and most students completed it on time." However, some students faced minor time constraints, limiting their ability to revise their answers.

STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER

Section A (1 mark each): Standard MCQs that were easy to identify.

Section B (3 marks each): Straightforward short-answer questions, including simple case studies.

Section C (4 marks each): Direct recall-based questions.

Section D (6 marks each): Case study-based long-answer questions, with two slightly more challenging ones.

The Business Studies paper comprehensively covered the syllabus, assigning appropriate weightage to each chapter. There were no out-of-syllabus questions, and 33% of the paper had internal choices, providing flexibility to students.

Experts concluded that "The CBSE Board examination Business Studies Class 12 question paper (three sets) for the academic year 2024-25 was balanced, standard, and aligned according to Board criteria. Students would have felt confident seeing the paper, as the questions were a good mix of theory and application."

The well-structured paper allowed students to manage their time effectively, ensuring a smooth examination experience. With clear language and a fair difficulty mix, students are expected to score well.

The paper struck the right balance between conceptual understanding and application-based learning, ensuring that those who had prepared diligently were rewarded for their efforts.