CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper Download & Analysis

The CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper is released by CBSE recently. If you are class 12 students and opted Informatics Practices as one of the subjects and looking for the best solution of it, you are at right place to practice sample papers well and score well in the board exam.

In this article, we will cover:

• Where to download the official CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices 2026 sample paper
• Marking scheme and exam pattern
• Question-wise analysis
• Tips to score full marks

Download CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper

CBSE has officially published the sample question paper and marking scheme for Informatics Practices on its academic website. You can download them here:

• Download CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper
• Download CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices Marking Scheme

CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices 2026 – Exam Pattern

The Informatics Practices board exam carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practicals. Here’s the 2026 paper pattern:

Question-wise Analysis – CBSE Sample Paper 2026 Informatics Practices

The question-wise analysis done as follows:

The chapter wise weightage is as follows:

Watch this video to understand the Blueprint and SQP analysis:

The 2026 sample paper focuses more on:

• Python programming – Data handling, Pandas, and Matplotlib
• SQL queries – Joins, Group By, Aggregate functions
• Data management & cybersecurity – File handling, Data privacy
• Data visualisation – Bar, Line charts in Matplotlib
• Societal Impacts – Digital Footprints, Cyber Crime

Most high-weightage questions are application-based, meaning rote learning won’t help—you need conceptual clarity.

Section A Very short answer questions – 1 mark questions

[1] State whether the following statement is True or False:
The drop() method can be used to remove rows or columns from a Pandas DataFrame.

[2] What will be the result of the following SQL query?
SELECT MOD(5, 6);
(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 6
(D) 0

[3] Shruti received an email that appeared to be from a popular social media platform, requesting her to click a link to reset her password. The link directed her to a fraudulent website designed to capture her login credentials. This situation is an example of which type of cybercrime?
(A) Cyber Bullying
(B) Violation of Intellectual Property Rights
(C) Hacking
(D) Phishing

[4] Which of the following Python statements is used to write a Pandas DataFrame df to a CSV file?
(A) df.to_csv()
(B) df.write_csv()
(C) df.to_table()
(D) df.export_csv()

[5] Which of the following device is used for converting digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over a telephone line.
(A) Modem
(B) Switch
(C) Repeater
(D) Router

[6] Which of the following commands will display the last three elements of a Pandas Series ser?
(A) print(ser[3])
(B) print(ser[:3])
(C) print(ser(3:1))
(D) print(ser[-3:])

[7] Aarushi has written a novel and wants to protect her literary work. Which type of Intellectual Property right will help her do that?
(A) Patent
(B) Copyright
(C) Trademark
(D) Both Copyright & Trademark

[8] The default index used in a Pandas Series, if no index is explicitly specified, is _
(A) Strings starting with ‘a’
(B) Consecutive integers starting from 1
(C) Random integers
(D) Consecutive integers starting from 0

[9] Consider a table named Students that has one primary key and three alternate keys. How many candidate keys does the table have?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

[10] Which of the following is an application of VoIP technology?
(A) Email
(B) Chat
(C) Internet Telephony
(D) Web Browsing

[11] Which of the following SQL function is used to count the non-NULL values in a column named column_name?
(A) COUNT(*)
(B) COUNT(column_name)
(C) SUM(column_name)
(D) AVG(column_name)

[12] When two Pandas Series with different indices are added, the result is ___________________.
(A) Error occurs
(B) Indices are ignored, and elements are added in order
(C) The result has all indices, with missing values filled as NaN
(D) Only the common indices are retained in the result

[13] In India, the primary law that deals e-commerce and cybercrime is ___________.
(A) Cybercrime Prevention Act, 2000
(B) Digital Security Act, 2000
(C) Information Technology Act, 2000
(D) E-Commerce Regulation Act, 2008

[14] Which SQL command is used to sort rows in either ascending or descending order of values in a specific column?
(A) ORDER BY
(B) SORT BY
(C) GROUP BY
(D) SORT ON

[15] Which of the following Python commands selects the first 3 rows of a DataFrame df?
(A) df.iloc[:4]
(B) df.iloc[:3]
(C) df.iloc[0:5]
(D) df.iloc[1:5]

[16] In which network topology is every node directly connected to every other node?
(A) Star
(B) Tree
(C) Mesh
(D) Bus

[17] What is the use of the INSTR() function in SQL?
(A) To replace characters in a string
(B) To find the length of a string
(C) To find the position of a substring in a string
(D) To extract characters from a string

[18] Which of the following Python statements creates an empty Pandas DataFrame? (Note: pd is an alias for pandas)
(A) pd.DataFrame(None)
(B) pd.DataFrame()
(C) pd.DataFrame([])
(D) pd.DataFrame.empty()

[19] Which of the following is NOT an aggregate function in SQL?
(A) MIN()
(B) SUM()
(C) UPPER()
(D) AVG()

Q-20 and Q-21 are Assertion (A) and Reason (R) Type questions. Choose the correct option as:
(A) Both A and R are True, and R correctly explains A.
(B) Both A and R are True, but R does not correctly explain A.
(C) A is True, but R is False.
(D) A is False, but R is True.

[20] Assertion (A):. The output of print(df) and print(df.loc[:]) will be same for a DataFrame df.
Reason (R): The statement print(df.loc[:]) will display all rows and columns of the DataFrame df, thus showing the entire data.

[21] Assertion (A): The INSERT INTO command is a DML (Data Manipulation Language) command.
Reason (R): DML commands are used to insert, update or delete the data stored in a database.

Section B Short Answer Questions – 2 Marks Questions

[22] A. What is a DataFrame in Pandas? Mention any one property of DataFrame.

Ans.:

A DataFrame is a 2-Dimensional labeled data structure with rows and columns. The properties of dataframe are as follows:

1. Labeled Axes – Both rows and columns have labels (index and column names).
2. Heterogeneous Data – Each column can store data of different types (int, float, string, etc.).
3. Size-Mutable – Rows and columns can be inserted or deleted.
4. Data Alignment – Labels help align data automatically during operations.
5. Built on Series – A DataFrame is essentially a collection of Pandas Series objects sharing the same index.
6. Supports Missing Data – Can store NaN for missing values.

(1 mark for correct definition)
(1 mark for correct Property)

OR

List any two differences between Series and DataFrame in Pandas.

Ans.:

(1 mark for each correct difference)

[23] What is e-waste? Mention any one impact of e-waste on the environment.

Ans.:

E-waste (electronic waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, TVs, and other gadgets.

Four impacts of e-waste on the environment:

1. Soil contamination – Toxic metals like lead and cadmium seep into the soil, reducing fertility and harming microorganisms.
2. Water pollution – Hazardous chemicals can leach into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, affecting aquatic life and drinking water quality.
3. Air pollution – Burning e-waste releases harmful gases and fine particles, contributing to air pollution and respiratory problems.
4. Harm to wildlife – Animals can ingest or get exposed to toxic elements, leading to poisoning, reproductive issues, or death.

(1 mark for correct definition)
(1 mark for correct impact)

[24] Ravi wants to create a Pandas Series as shown below:

Help him in completing the code below to achieve the desired output.
Note: ser_data is a dictionary.

import _____ as pd
ser_data = _____
s = pd._____(ser_data)
print(s)

Ans.:

import pandas as pd
ser_data = {'January': 31, 'February': 28, 'March': 31}
s = pd.Series(ser_data)
print(s)

(1/2 mark for pandas)
(1 mark for dictionary)
(1/2 mark for Series)

[25] A. Rohan, a Class XII student, has written code for a website but is unsure how to make it available on the Internet. Explain to Rohan the role of a web server and web hosting in ensuring availability of his website on the internet.

Ans.:

Web Server – A web server is a computer or software that stores your website’s files (HTML, CSS, images, etc.) and delivers them to visitors when they type your site’s address in a browser. It processes requests from users and sends back the correct web pages.

Web Hosting – Web hosting is the service that provides space on a web server for your website’s files. Hosting companies rent out this space and ensure that your website is always online, accessible, and supported with necessary resources like bandwidth, storage, and security.

(1 mark for role of Web Sever)
(1 mark for role of Web Hosting)

OR

Explain the concept of VoIP and mention one benefit of using it.

Ans.:

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that lets you make voice and video calls over the Internet instead of traditional telephone networks.

Four benefits of using VoIP:

1. Cost savings – Cheaper than traditional phone calls, especially for long-distance or international communication.
2. Flexibility – Can be used on various devices like smartphones, computers, or IP phones from anywhere with an internet connection.
3. Extra features – Offers services like video conferencing, voicemail to email, call forwarding, and group calls at no extra cost.
4. Scalability – Easy to add more users or lines without major hardware setup.

(1 mark for correct definition)
(1 mark for correct benefit)

[26] Write SQL queries to perform the following:
I. Display the name of the day (e.g., Monday, Tuesday) for the date ‘2026-01-01’.
II. Find and display the position of the substring “India” in the string “Incredible India”

Ans.:

I. SELECT DAYNAME('2026-01-01');
II. SELECT INSTR('Incredible India', 'India');

(1 mark for each correct query)

[27] Define digital footprints. Differentiate between active and passive digital footprints.

Ans.:

Digital footprints are the traces or data you leave behind when you use the internet, such as browsing history, social media posts, online purchases, or information shared on websites.

[28] A. Write the output of the following code:

import pandas as pd
students = pd.Series(['Abhay', 'Ananya', 'Javed'])
marks = pd.Series([85, 92, 88])
data = {'Name': students, 'Marks': marks}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
df.rename(columns={'Name': 'StuName', 'Marks': 'Score'}, inplace=True)
print(df)

Ans.:

(2 marks for correct output)

B. Write the output of the following code:

import pandas as pd
states = pd.Series(['Maharashtra', 'Gujarat', 'Kerala'])
capitals = pd.Series(['Mumbai', 'Gandhinagar', 'Thiruvananthapuram'])
data = {'State': states, 'Capital': capitals}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
df.drop(index=1, inplace=True)
print(df)

Ans.:

Section C – 3 Marks Questions

[29] Rahul has recently invented a new type of solar-powered water purification system and is concerned about the possibility of someone illegally copying and selling his invention without his permission.
I. Explain Rahul the terms Intellectual Property & Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
II. Under which specific category of IPR is Rahul’s invention covered?
III. Describe the importance of IPR in safeguarding innovations.

Ans.:

I. Explanation of Terms

• Intellectual Property (IP):
  Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind — such as inventions, designs, literary works, brand names, and logos — that have commercial value.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
  IPR are the legal rights given to the creator or owner of intellectual property to protect it from unauthorized use. These rights allow the owner to control how their creation is used, reproduced, or sold.

II. Specific Category of IPR for Rahul’s Invention
Rahul’s solar-powered water purification system is an invention, so it is covered under the Patent category of IPR. A patent grants exclusive rights to make, use, and sell the invention for a certain period.

III. Importance of IPR in Safeguarding Innovations

1. Legal protection – Prevents others from copying or using the invention without permission.
2. Encourages innovation – Inventors feel motivated to create new products knowing they will be rewarded and protected.
3. Economic benefit – The owner can license, sell, or commercialize the invention to earn revenue.
4. Market advantage – Gives the inventor a competitive edge by ensuring exclusivity in the market.

(1 mark for each correct answer)

[30] A. Write a Python program to create a Pandas Series as shown below using a ndarray, where the subject names are the indices and the corresponding marks are the values in the series.

Ans.:

import pandas as pd
import numpy as np
marks = np.array([85, 90, 78, 88])
series = pd.Series(marks, index=['Mathematics', 'Science', 'English', 'History'])
print(series)

(1 mark for correct import statement)
(1 mark for correct creation of ndarray)
(1 mark for correct creation of series)

OR

B. Write a Python program to create the Pandas DataFrame displayed below using a list of dictionaries.

Ans.:

d1 = {'Course': 'Data Science', 'Duration': 12}
d2 = {'Course': 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Duration': 18}
d3 = {'Course': 'Web Development', 'Duration': 6}
data = [d1, d2, d3]
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
print(df)

(1 mark for correct import statement)
(1 mark for correct list of dictionaries)
(1 mark for correct creation of dataframe)

[31] I. Write an SQL statement to create a table named EMPLOYEES, with the following specifications:

II. Write an SQL Query to insert the following data into the EMPLOYEES table: 101, Ravi Kumar, 2015-06-01, 1.70
III. Write an SQL query to update the EmpName to ‘Rakesh’ for the employee with EmployeeID equal to 2.

Ans.:

I.
CREATE TABLE EMPLOYEES (
EmployeeID NUMERIC PRIMARY KEY,
EmpName VARCHAR(25),
HireDate DATE,
Salary_in_Lacs FLOAT(4,2)
);

II. 
INSERT INTO EMPLOYEES (EmployeeID, EmpName, HireDate, Salary_in_Lacs) VALUES (101, 'Ravi Kumar', '2015-06-01', 1.70);

III.
UPDATE EMPLOYEES SET EmpName = 'Rakesh' WHERE EmployeeID = 2;

(1 Mark for each correct Query)

Tips to Score 70/70 in Informatics Practices Class 12

1. Practice past year papers and the latest sample paper repeatedly.
2. Revise Python Pandas & SQL commands daily.
3. Memorise important syntax with examples.
4. Attempt case study questions under timed conditions.
5. Use marking scheme PDFs to learn how CBSE awards marks.

Final Words on CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper

The CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper is your best guide for understanding the exam pattern and improving your preparation. Start solving it now, check your answers against the official marking scheme, and track your improvement.

FAQs – CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices sample paper