At a glance
- Subject code
- 083
- Theory
- 70 marks
- Practical
- 30 marks
- Programming unit
- 40 of 70 theory marks
- Language
- Python, with SQL
Theory units, Class 12 (2026-27)
| Unit | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Computational Thinking and Programming 2 | Revision of Class 11 Python; functions and scope; exception handling with try-except-finally; text, binary (pickle) and CSV files; stack using a list | 40 |
| 2 Computer Networks | Evolution of networking, transmission media, devices, topologies, protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, TCP/IP and others), web basics | 10 |
| 3 Database Management | Relational model and keys; SQL DDL and DML, aggregate functions, GROUP BY, HAVING, joins; Python-SQL connectivity | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
Source: CBSE Computer Science curriculum 2026-27.
The 30-mark practical
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Lab test: Python program (60% logic, 20% documentation, 20% code quality) | 8 |
| Lab test: four SQL queries on one or two tables | 4 |
| Report file: at least 15 Python programs, 5 sets of SQL queries, 4 Python-SQL connectivity programs | 7 |
| Project using Class 11 and 12 concepts | 8 |
| Viva voce | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
Where Class 12 Computer Science marks are lost
- File handling: confusing the file modes (r+, w+, a+, rb+ and others), or reading a binary file without handling the end of file with try-except.
- Binary files with pickle: updating a record in place, which needs reading all records, changing one and rewriting.
- Output-tracing questions: predicting the output of code with default and positional parameters or global and local variables.
- Stacks: writing push and pop functions that fail on an empty stack.
- SQL: GROUP BY with HAVING versus WHERE, and joins written as a Cartesian product by mistake.
- Networks: matching devices and topologies to a short scenario in case-based questions.
How one-to-one Class 12 Computer Science lessons work
Lessons are 60 minutes, one to one, in LiveTutor's online classroom with video and a shared whiteboard, where code is written out, traced line by line and corrected together. A tutor who teaches CBSE Computer Science works through Python and SQL by writing small programs together, then moves to the written forms of the same skills (output tracing and error finding), which is how the theory paper tests them.
Tutors also help plan the project and the report file early, since a working Python-SQL project and a complete record are practical marks that are fully in the student's control.
When to start
Start in the first term if Class 11 Python (lists, dictionaries, strings, loops) is not fluent, since file handling builds directly on it. Students who code well but lose marks on paper should start a few months before the boards and practise written output and error questions under time.
Common questions
Can my child take both Computer Science and Informatics Practices?
No. CBSE allows only one of Computer Science (083), Informatics Practices (065) and Information Technology (802).
Which unit carries the most marks?
Computational Thinking and Programming 2, at 40 of the 70 theory marks: functions, exception handling, file handling and stacks in Python.
What goes in the report file?
At least 15 Python programs, at least 5 sets of SQL queries on one or two tables, and at least 4 programs using Python-SQL connectivity. It is worth 7 practical marks.
Does my child need to install anything for lessons?
Python and a MySQL-compatible database on your child's computer are useful for practice between lessons, because the practical exam is done on a real system. The tutor can explain what to install in the first lesson.
How much does Class 12 Computer Science tutoring cost?
$15 a lesson, the same for every subject and level, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. The first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.