CBSE Class 12 Economics Set 3 - (58/1/3) Question Paper 2026 is available for download here. CBSE conducted the Class 12 Economics exam on March 18, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Economics theory paper is of 80 marks, and the internal assessment is of 20 marks.

Also Check: CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2026 (All Subjects)

The question paper has 34 questions, all compulsory, for 80 marks:

  • Section A is Macro Economics and Section B is Indian Economic Development
  • 20 multiple choice questions of 1 mark each
  • 4 Short Answer Type-I questions of 3 marks each (60 to 80 words)
  • 6 Short Answer Type-II questions of 4 marks each (80 to 100 words)
  • 4 Long Answer type questions of 6 marks each (100 to 150 words)
  • There is no overall choice, but internal choice is given in a few questions

CBSE Class 12 Economics Set 3 - (58/1/3) Question Paper 2026 with Solution PDF

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CBSE Class 12 Economics 2026 Set 3 (58/1/3) Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

Identify, which of the following is true at the Break Even level of Income.

  • (A) Slope of Consumption Curve = Slope of Saving Curve
  • (B) Average Propensity to Consume (APC) = Average Propensity to Save (APS)
  • (C) Slope of Saving Curve = Unity (1)
  • (D) Average Propensity to Consume (APC) = Unity (1)

Question 2:

Read the following statements carefully:
Statement 1: Final goods are those goods which normally lose their identity in the production process.
Statement 2: Final goods may get transformed during the consumption process by a consumer.

  • (A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
  • (B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
  • (C) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
  • (D) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.

Question 3:

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R). Choose the correct option from those given below:
Assertion : Unilateral Transfers are recorded in the Current Account of the Balance of Payments (BoP) of a nation.
Reason (R): Capital account records transactions which cause a change in the assets or liabilities of the country.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 4:

“In the Indian Banking System, the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) plays a vital role in controlling the credit creation capacity of the Commercial Banks, as it _______”

  • (A) ensures that all the deposits are converted into liquid assets.
  • (B) requires banks to maintain a percentage of deposits in the form of liquid assets.
  • (C) sets the maximum interest rate which the banks can charge on loans.
  • (D) promotes banks from lending beyond a specific proportion of their total reserves.

Question 5:

‘In an economy, the currency held by the public, Net Demand Deposits with Commercial Banks and Net Time Deposits with Commercial Banks stand at ₹ 1,42,000 crore, ₹ 22,000 crore and ₹ 86,000 crore respectively.

The value of Money Supply (M1) would be ₹ __________ crore.

(Choose the correct option to fill in the blank)

  • (A) 2,50,000
  • (B) 86,000
  • (C) 1,64,000
  • (D) 1,42,000

Question 6:

In a two sector economy, the flow of factor payments moves from __________ to __________.

(Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks)

  • (A) firms, households
  • (B) firms, government
  • (C) banks, households
  • (D) households, firms

Question 7:

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R). Choose the correct option from those given below:
% Assertion Assertion : Money is of perishable nature and is generally accepted by all at any point of time.
% Reason (R) Reason (R): Money serves as a store of value, facilitating individuals to transfer purchasing power from the present to the future.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 8:

Read the following statements carefully :

Statement 1 : Depreciation of currency is an economic action undertaken by the government of a nation under the fixed exchange rate system.

Statement 2 : Under the floating exchange Rate system, authorities actively intervene in the foreign exchange market by way of maintaining foreign exchange reserves.

In the light of the given statements, choose the correct option from the following :

  • (A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
  • (B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
  • (C) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
  • (D) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.

Question 9:

In an economy, when __________ is insufficient to achieve the level of output corresponding to the full employment, the difference is termed a deflationary gap. (Choose the correct option to fill in the blank)

  • (A) ex-ante Aggregate Demand
  • (B) ex-post Aggregate Demand
  • (C) ex-ante Aggregate Supply
  • (D) ex-post Aggregate Supply

Question 10:

In an economy, exclusion of ___________ may lead to under estimation of the value of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

(Choose the correct option to fill in the blank)

(i) Barter Transactions

(ii) Services provided by family members

(iii) Illegal activities

(iv) Depreciation of Assets

  • (A) (i) and (ii)
  • (B) (ii) and (iii)
  • (C) (iii) and (iv)
  • (D) (i), (ii) and (iii)

Question 11:

"Under the provisions stated in Section 20 and Section 21 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, the RBI is mandated to handle the banking operations of the Government of India."
In the light of the given statement, elaborate the indicated function of the Reserve Bank of India.


Question 12(a):

Meera and Shahid are two classmates, who were comparing India's economic growth over the years. Meera referred to the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices prevailing in market, while Shahid insisted on considering GDP after adjusting for inflation. Their debate on which of the two measures gives a true picture of people’s well-being, remained inconclusive. Considering the above mentioned situation, elaborate with valid reason, which of the two variables is considered a better indicator of welfare and why?


Question 12(b) (OR):

Two friends, Ravi and Harry were discussing whether the money received from sale of an old car should be included in India’s National income.

Ravi was of the view that it should be included in India’s National income while Harry did not agree with him.

They also had difference of opinion on the treatment of brokerage paid to the car dealer.

As their Economics teacher, state the treatments with valid arguments.


Question 13(a):

For a hypothetical economy, assuming there are only two firms (X and Y) with equal values of Gross Value Added (GVA). On the basis of the following data, estimate the values of Domestic sales of firm X :

S. No.ItemsAmount (in ₹ crore)
(i)Value of Output of firm Y400
(ii)Purchases by firm X from firm Y40
(iii)Exports by firm X20
(iv)Purchases by firm Y from firm X30
(v)Additions to Stock of firm X10
(vi)Consumption of fixed capital20


Question 13(b) (OR):

Ms. Reeta D’Costa, retired from the post of Income Tax Commissioner in the year 2023.
Apart from her pension, she also receives the following from various sources: - Rental income from a flat she owns.
- Interest income from her fixed deposits.
- Money sent by her children settled abroad.
Identify and classify her monthly incomes into 'factor income' and 'transfer income', with valid reasons.


Question 14:

Michel, an entrepreneur of Country Zeta, borrowed \$5 million from an overseas bank to expand his textile business. During the same financial year, the Government of Country Zeta secured a loan of \$30 Billion from an International Financial Institution to manage the ongoing Balance of Payments. Samuel, an Economics student categorised both of these transactions as 'autonomous transactions' in the BoP account of the country. Do you agree with his classification? Justify your answer with valid reasons.


Question 15:

Refer the given image carefully:

Explain any two measures that can be taken by the Central Bank to control the indicated macroeconomic problem.


Question 16(a)(i):

“Under a study, examining the spending habits of a hypothetical economy, it was observed that even households with zero income managed to consume basic necessities.

As the income of people increased, their consumption also increased, but not as rapidly as income.”

Based on the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions :

Identify and elaborate the type of consumption indicated in the first para of the above text.


Question 16(a)(ii):

“Under a study, examining the spending habits of a hypothetical economy, it was observed that even households with zero income managed to consume basic necessities.

As the income of people increased, their consumption also increased, but not as rapidly as income.”

Based on the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions :

Explain, the reason behind the positive slope of Aggregate Demand Curve.


Question 16(b)(i) (OR):

Income of an economy increased from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 crore. Savings of the economy increased from ₹ 5,000 crore to ₹ 20,000 crore.

Calculate Average Propensity to Consume (APC) and Average Propensity to Save (APS) before and after the rise in Income.


Question 16(b)(ii) (OR):

Income of an economy increased from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 crore. Savings of the economy increased from ₹ 5,000 crore to ₹ 20,000 crore.

Draw appropriate conclusion regarding the behaviour of Average Propensity to Save (APS) as his income increases.


Comprehension:

Refer the given text carefully: According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the government budget’s projections for the fiscal year 2025-26 indicate that gross direct tax revenue will rise by 12.7%, while gross indirect tax collections are expected to grow by 8.3% relative to FY 2024-25. Direct taxes include income tax and corporate tax, reflecting earnings and profits of households and firms. It plays a key role in revenue growth of the government. Indirect taxes encompass Goods and Services Tax (GST), custom duties and other transaction-based levies. Higher growth rate projected for direct taxes suggests a push to enhance tax buoyancy through improved

Read More compliance and reforms. On the other hand, indirect taxes are expected to benefit from consumption trends and Goods and Services Tax (GST) administration improvements. The balance tax strategy aims to mobilize resources while supporting fiscal consolidation and sustainable economic growth. On the basis of the above passage and common understanding, answer the following questions: (i) Differentiate between the two types of taxes indicated in the above text, with suitable examples. (ii) Elaborate the likely consequences of the tax projections made by the government.

Question 17(i):

Differentiate between the two types of taxes indicated in the above text, with suitable examples.


Question 17(ii):

Elaborate the likely consequences of the tax projections made by the government.


Question 18:

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R). Choose the correct option from those given below:
Assertion : Education facilitates the assimilation of knowledge and competencies. It also fosters inventive capacities and enhances the aptitude to integrate advance technology.
Reason (R): Education plays a pivotal role in transforming cognitive perspectives and serves as a catalyst for the economic advancement of a nation.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 19:

Read the following text carefully:
"In the recent times, the Government of India, has introduced several measures to encourage greater public participation in the capital market, including both primary and secondary stock markets."
Under which sector have the above mentioned reforms been introduced?

  • (A) Industrial
  • (B) Financial
  • (C) Taxation
  • (D) Foreign Trade

Question 20:

The Montreal Protocol was signed in the year 1987 committing nations to __________. (Choose the correct option to fill in the blank)

  • (A) protect biodiversity from any further losses.
  • (B) reduce the impact of global warming.
  • (C) protect ozone layer from depletion incurred due to chlorofluoro carbons .
  • (D) reduce the impact of deforestation.

Question 21:

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R), Choose the correct option from those given below:
Assertion : The notion of rural development encompasses a far wider spectrum than agricultural advancement.
Reason (R): Government interventions in the agricultural sector remain imperative; as it constitutes the primary means of sustenance for the rural population.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 22:

Identify, which of the following, highlights a highly relevant issue associated with evolving employment trends in India’s labour market?

  • (A) Progressive increase in the share of permanent salaried employees.
  • (B) Increase in the proportion of casually employed individuals.
  • (C) Expansion of self-employment avenues in all regions.
  • (D) Significant rise in job opportunities within the formal sector.

Question 23:

Match the terms given in Column-I with their respective meaning in Column-II. Select the correct option :

Column-IColumn-II
(i)Seasonal Unemployment(a)Private enterprises hiring less than 10 employees
(ii)Self-employed(b)Workers using their own resources to earn livelihood
(iii)Unorganised sector(c)Unemployment occurring in specific season
(iv)Disguised Unemployment(d)Zero Marginal Productivity

  • (A) (i)-(d); (ii)-(a); (iii)-(b); (iv)-(c)
  • (B) (i)-(b); (ii)-(a); (iii)-(c); (iv)-(d)
  • (C) (i)-(c); (ii)-(b); (iii)-(a); (iv)-(d)
  • (D) (i)-(c); (ii)-(d); (iii)-(a); (iv)-(b)

Question 24:

"Sustainable development refers to the development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations, to meet their own needs."
The above mentioned definition has been given by ________.

  • (A) United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
  • (B) United Nations Committee on Environment and Development
  • (C) United Nations Committee on Protection of Environment
  • (D) United Nations Conference on Protection of Environment

Question 25:

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R). Choose the correct option from those given below:
Assertion : The Government of India adopted the measure of regulation of markets to improve marketing conditions for agricultural products.
Reason (R): Regulation of market ensured transparent pricing, fair trade practices, and protection for farmers against exploitation in agricultural marketing.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 26:

Arrange the following events in China’s economic development history in correct chronological sequence and select the correct option:
I. Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
II. Great Leap Forward.
III. Introduction of Economic Reforms.
IV. Launch of the First Five Year Plan.

  • (A) II, IV, III, I
  • (B) IV, II, I, III
  • (C) II, IV, I, III
  • (D) IV, I, II, III

Question 27:

Read the following statements carefully:
Statement 1: During the British rule in India, the export surplus was utilised to import invisible items from Britain.
Statement 2: Indians paid for the expenses incurred by an office set up by the colonial government in Britain. In the light of above statements, choose the correct option from the following:

  • (A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
  • (B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
  • (C) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
  • (D) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.

Question 28(a):

"Employment within the formal sector ensures better income and social benefits as against the informal sector." Defend or refute the above statement with valid reasons and examples.


Question 28(b) (OR):

During the 'Mann ki Baat' program aired on 29th June, 2025, the Prime Minister shared that World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared India as a Trachoma free (an eye disease). This achievement, he shared, is a result of sustained efforts in health care, sanitation, awareness and medical access. In light of the above statement, explain how investments in health care contribute to a nation's development. Support your answer with valid arguments.


Question 29:

"In the late 1970’s China’s population growth rate has sharply declined as compared to India."
Elucidate the reasons and impacts of this situation.


Question 30(a):

State the meaning of 'Disguised Unemployment'.


Question 30(b):

In the light of the given chart, analyse the gender-wise sectoral distribution of workers.


Question 31:

"At the time of independence, both India and Pakistan inherited similar colonial economic structures. Both the nations adopted many similar economic planning strategies."
Explain any two such similarities in the developmental path of India and Pakistan.


Question 32(a):

"The British sought to achieve their vested interest through their policies of infrastructural development in India." Do you agree with the given statement? Justify your answer with valid explanation.


Question 32(b) (OR):

Explain any two objectives which British intend to achieve through their policy of infrastructure in India.


Comprehension:

Read the following text carefully: To ensure inclusive and quality education for all, the Indian government has launched several important schemes. These schemes aimed at improving access, equity, and learning outcomes, especially among disadvantaged groups. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, passed by the India Parliament on August 4, 2009, guarantees free and compulsory education to every child between 6-14 years of age. It ensures that all children have access to education in neighbourhood schools, until they complete elementary education. Another key initiative is Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). It was introduced in 2001. It is one of India’s flagship programmes for the Universalisation of Elementary Education. Digital India Campaign, launched on July 1, 2015, focuses on transforming India into a digitally empowered society by improving

Read More mobile and internet connectivity, particularly in rural and remote regions. This initiative supports digital learning & access to educational resources. Through these initiatives, the government strives to create an equitable, accessible & quality driven educational environment for all children, laying a strong foundation for national development. On the basis of the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions: (i) Identify, which law guarantees free and compulsory education upto the age of 14 years. Explain, how does it help in enhancing access to education. (ii) In your opinion, how has the increase in public spending on education contributed to India’s social and economic transformation? Support your answer with valid arguments.

Question 33(i):

Identify, which law guarantees free and compulsory education upto the age of 14 years. Explain, how does it help in enhancing access to education.


Question 33(ii):

In your opinion, how has the increase in public spending on education contributed to India’s social and economic transformation ? Support your answer with valid arguments.


Question 34(a)(i):

"Although the subsidies play a crucial role in giving incentive to farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies, they simultaneously impose a significant fiscal strain on the resources of the Government." Justify the given statement with valid arguments.


Question 34(a)(ii):

"The strategic sale of a public sector undertaking and the minority sale of its equity are both established instruments of disinvestment." Defend or refute, the given statement with valid arguments.


Question 34(b)(i) (OR):

“The Industrial Sector has performed poorly in the reform period (1991).”

Justify the given statement with valid argument.


Question 34(b)(ii) (OR):

(ii) Mr. Ravi, an IT entrepreneur from Bengaluru, observed that several MNCs prefer India as their outsourcing hub for services like software development, customer support, data management etc. His friend Priya believes this is due to certain inherent advantages of the Indian economy. In your opinion, state and explain any two factors that make India a preferred outsourcing destination.

CBSE Class 12 Economics Question Paper Pattern and Marking Scheme

The CBSE Class 12 Economics 2026 theory paper is of 80 marks and has 34 questions, all compulsory, in two sections: Section A (Macro Economics) and Section B (Indian Economic Development). There is no overall choice, but an internal choice (OR) is given in a few questions. The tables below give the paper pattern and the marking rules from the official CBSE question paper and marking scheme.

CBSE Class 12 Economics Question Paper Pattern 2026

Section Questions Question Type Marks per Question Marks
Section A - Macro Economics Q1 - Q10 Multiple choice questions (MCQs) 1 10
Section A - Macro Economics Q11 - Q12 Short Answer Type-I (60 to 80 words) 3 6
Section A - Macro Economics Q13 - Q15 Short Answer Type-II (80 to 100 words) 4 12
Section A - Macro Economics Q16 - Q17 Long Answer type (100 to 150 words) 6 12
Section B - Indian Economic Development Q18 - Q27 Multiple choice questions (MCQs) 1 10
Section B - Indian Economic Development Q28 - Q29 Short Answer Type-I (60 to 80 words) 3 6
Section B - Indian Economic Development Q30 - Q32 Short Answer Type-II (80 to 100 words) 4 12
Section B - Indian Economic Development Q33 - Q34 Long Answer type (100 to 150 words) 6 12
Total 34 questions 80

CBSE Class 12 Economics Marking Scheme 2026

Marking point How it is applied
Value-point marking Marks are awarded against the value points given in the official marking scheme; for a question with parts, marks are awarded for each part and then totalled.
Own expression The marking scheme carries suggested value points only. A correct answer in the student's own words is awarded due marks.
Competency-based questions If a competency-based answer is not from the marking scheme but shows the correct competency, due marks are awarded.
Errors An error is penalised only once; no marks are deducted for its cumulative effect.
Incorrect answer A totally incorrect answer is awarded zero (0) marks.
Extra question If a student attempts an extra question, the answer deserving more marks is retained and the other is scored out.
Scale of marks The full scale of 0 to 80 marks is used and full marks are awarded whenever the answer deserves them.

CBSE Class 12 Economics Unit-Wise Weightage

Part Unit Marks
Part A - Introductory Macroeconomics
National Income and Related Aggregates 10
Money and Banking 6
Determination of Income and Employment 12
Government Budget and the Economy 6
Balance of Payments 6
Total 40
Part B - Indian Economic Development
Development Experience (1947-90) and Economic Reforms since 1991 12
Current Challenges facing Indian Economy 20
Development Experience of India - A Comparison with Neighbours 8
Total 40
Theory Paper 80
Project Work Project File and Viva Voce 20
Grand Total 100

CBSE Class 12 Economics 2026 Paper Analysis