Class 12th CBSE ‘Business studies’ 2025: Question paper PDF, Topics, Expected Questions

Class 12th CBSE ‘Business studies’ 2025: Question paper, Topics, Expected Questions

Hi guys, So after analyzing all the PYQs of the past 10 years. I tried to get inside the mind of a question paper setter and anticipate the trends and potential focus areas for the 2025 Business Studies paper.

Expected Question Topics in 2025

Based on the PYQs (2024, 2023, 2022, and 2019) and the analysis we’ve done, here are the expected question topics for the 2025 Business Studies exam, categorized for clarity:

I. Principles and Functions of Management:

• Principles of Management: Expect questions on Fayol’s 14 principles (especially Unity of Command, Unity of Direction, Discipline, and Scalar Chain) and Taylor’s techniques of scientific management (Time Study, Motion Study, Fatigue Study, Differential Piece Wage System). Be prepared to compare and contrast their contributions.
• Planning: Focus on the importance of planning, steps in the planning process, types of plans (objectives, strategies, policies, procedures, rules, budgets, programs), advantages and limitations of planning, and the concept of planning in a dynamic environment.

• Organizing: Understand the importance of organizing, steps in the organizing process, formal vs. informal organization, different organizational structures (functional, divisional), delegation and decentralization (including differences and importance).
• Staffing: Be familiar with the staffing process, its importance, sources of recruitment (internal and external), selection process (including different types of tests), training and development (methods, benefits), and the importance of human resource management.
• Directing: Expect questions on the elements of directing (supervision, motivation, leadership, communication), different leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire), motivation theories (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs), financial and non-financial incentives, and communication barriers.
• Controlling: Focus on the controlling process, its importance, the relationship between planning and controlling, techniques of managerial control, and the concept of management by exception.

II. Business Environment:

• Dimensions of Business Environment: Understand the different dimensions of the business environment (economic, social, technological, political, legal) and their impact on businesses. Be prepared for case studies that require you to analyze the impact of changes in these dimensions.
• Features of Business Environment: Know the key features of the business environment (dynamic, complex, relative, etc.).

III. Marketing Management:

• Marketing Mix: Expect questions on the 4Ps of marketing (product, price, place, promotion), factors affecting each element, and the importance of a balanced marketing mix.
• Branding: Understand the concept of branding, its importance, brand name, brand mark, trademark, and the advantages of branding to marketers.
• Marketing Philosophies: Be familiar with the different marketing philosophies (production, product, selling, marketing, societal marketing concepts).
• Physical Distribution: Understand the components of physical distribution (order processing, transportation, warehousing, inventory control).
• Promotion: Know the different tools of promotion (advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relations) and their uses.

IV. Financial Management:

• Financial Planning: Understand the objectives and importance of financial planning.
• Capital Structure: Be prepared for questions on the factors affecting capital structure decisions (cost of capital, financial risk, etc.).
• Financial Markets: Know the functions of financial markets, differences between money market and capital market, primary and secondary markets, and the role of SEBI.
• Financial Management: Understand the meaning and objectives of financial management.
• Dividend Decisions: Be familiar with the factors affecting dividend decisions.

V. Human Resource Management:

• Recruitment and Selection: (Covered under Staffing above)
• Training and Development: (Covered under Staffing above)
• Incentives: Be familiar with different types of incentives (financial and non-financial) and their importance.

VI. Consumer Protection:

• Consumer Rights: Know the various consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act.
• Consumer Responsibilities: Understand the responsibilities of consumers.
• Consumer Protection Organizations: Be aware of the role of consumer organizations and NGOs in protecting consumer interests.

VII. Other Important Topics:

• Small Business (Entrepreneurship): While not explicitly asked in all papers, it’s a significant part of the syllabus and could be included.
• Scientific Management: (Covered under Principles of Management above)

General Tips:

• Prioritize: Focus on the topics that have been frequently asked in previous years.
• Application is Key: Practice applying concepts to different scenarios and case studies.
• Case Study Skills: Develop your ability to analyze case studies and provide relevant solutions.
• Stay Updated: Be aware of current trends and developments in the business world.

By focusing on these expected question topics and following the general tips, you’ll be well-prepared for the 2025 Business Studies exam.

Practice Question Set [2025]

Here’s a Practice question set:

Class 12th CBSE ‘Business studies’ 2025: Question paper PDF Download 👇

Download

Other important aspects to keep in mind

• Case Study Focus: Case studies are a significant component, often integrated into the questions themselves. This highlights the importance of case study analysis skills.
• Real-World Relevance: The setter often tries to connect the questions to real-world business situations and current trends, suggesting that they want students to see the subject’s practical relevance.
• Word Limits: In some years, specific word limits are set for different question types. This indicates an emphasis on concise and focused writing.
• Emphasis on Application: The papers consistently emphasize application over rote memorization. Case studies are a staple, and even direct questions often require students to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. This suggests the setter wants to assess understanding and analytical skills.

• Balanced Coverage: While some topics receive slightly more attention, the setter aims for balanced coverage of the syllabus. This means no topic can be ignored during preparation.
• Variety in Question Types: The setter uses various question types (MCQs, short answer, long answer, case-based) to test different levels of understanding. This requires students to be prepared for anything.
• Case Study Focus: Case studies are a significant component, often integrated into the questions themselves. This highlights the importance of case study analysis skills.
• Real-World Relevance: The setter often tries to connect the questions to real-world business situations and current trends. This suggests they want students to see the practical relevance of the subject.
• Word Limits: In some years, specific word limits are set for different question types. This indicates an emphasis on concise and focused writing.