CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter 14 Important Questions - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter 14 - Probability
1. What are the different types of important questions that can be expected from Probability in CBSE Class 11 exams?
Important questions in Probability typically include definitions and basic concepts, calculation of probabilities for single and combined events, problems involving sample space, applications of mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, card and dice-based selection, and higher-order thinking questions using Venn diagrams or real-life contexts. Expect a mix of 1-mark direct formula questions, 3–4 mark sample space/application problems, and 5–6 mark HOTS and case-study-based questions as per latest CBSE guidelines.
2. How can students identify whether two events are mutually exclusive or exhaustive while solving important probability questions?
Events are mutually exclusive if they cannot happen together (P(A ∩ B) = 0); they are exhaustive if together they cover all possible outcomes (their probabilities sum up to 1). To identify these, analyze the sample space and check overlaps. For exhaustive events, sum all probabilities and ensure it equals 1. This logical test is expected in several important Probability questions.
3. What are some common mistakes that students should avoid in Probability important questions for Class 11 board exams?
- Ignoring the correct enumeration of the sample space
- Not adjusting for overlap in non-mutually exclusive events
- Assuming all events are independent
- Expressing probabilities as decimals instead of simplest fractions
- Misinterpreting contextual details in real-life based questions
- Writing formulas but not showing working steps
4. How do board examiners assess marks for Probability important questions in Class 11 Maths as per CBSE 2025–26 marking scheme?
- 1-mark: Direct answers with definition or formula application
- 2–3 marks: Problem-solving questions showing complete method and steps
- 4–5 marks: HOTS or multi-step scenarios requiring correct sample space, logic, and clear step-wise explanation
- Marks are given for methodology, correct working, and final answer in simplest form—not just for the result.
5. Why is accurate listing of sample space crucial in important Probability questions for CBSE Class 11?
Accurately listing the sample space ensures that no outcomes are missed or double-counted. This maintains correctness in calculating probabilities, especially in multi-step problems and question types like arrangements or combined events. Errors in listing can lead to wrong final answers, and this aspect is frequently tested in board scenarios.
6. How are high-weightage Probability questions framed using playing cards and what skills do they test?
Board papers often include scenarios involving drawing cards from a deck of 52 cards, focusing on dependent or independent events, combination calculations, probabilities without replacement, or specific card types like kings or aces. These questions test a student's ability to use combinations, apply proper logic to sample space, and handle complex event structures.
7. What strategies should students use to score full marks in Class 11 Probability important questions?
- Clearly write and apply the required probability formulas
- Show all calculation steps—not just the answer
- Use clear sample space reasoning and avoid skipping logic
- Write final answers in simplest fractional form
- Draw Venn diagrams or lists where helpful
- Practice CBSE-style question types, focusing on both conceptual understanding and application
8. How are important Probability questions for Class 11 designed according to latest CBSE syllabus trends?
Selection is based on reviewing previous years’ board papers, marking scheme, and syllabus blueprints. Content includes direct formula-based, multi-event, sample space, arrangement, and real-life application problems. HOTS and case-based scenarios are increasingly included as per the CBSE 2025–26 focus.
9. Why is it important to distinguish between odds in favour and probability in exam-oriented Probability questions?
Odds in favour express a ratio of favourable to unfavourable cases, while probability is favourable cases divided by total outcomes. Many CBSE questions require conversion between these formats; failing to distinguish them leads to calculation errors and loss of marks. Understanding this is necessary for full marks in related questions.
10. What do examiners look for in higher-order thinking (HOTS) Probability questions for board marks?
Examiners expect students to interpret real-life scenarios, accurately enumerate sample spaces, apply correct probability principles to multi-event or dependent situations, lay out reasoning steps, and justify their answers. HOTS questions assess deep understanding beyond memorizing formulas, so clarity and justification are key to scoring high.
11. What is conditional probability and how does it typically appear in Class 11 important Probability questions?
Conditional probability is the probability of one event occurring given that another has already occurred, expressed as P(A|B) = P(A ∩ B) / P(B). Typical exam questions provide information about two events and require calculation of one’s probability, checking your grasp on event dependency as per CBSE’s latest application-based trend.
12. What types of real-life contexts are commonly used in CBSE Class 11 Probability important questions?
Common contexts include drawing cards or tickets, tossing coins, rolling dice, student selection, event committees, and practical arrangements. These scenarios test your ability to map probability theory to real situations, a skill essential for new board question formats.
13. What are conceptual traps that students should watch out for in important Probability questions for CBSE board exams?
- Misidentifying whether events are independent or mutually exclusive
- Incorrectly calculating total number of outcomes
- Neglecting overlapping events (missing or double-counting cases)
- Assuming all events are equally likely when they are not
- Not stating or justifying assumptions when asked
14. How should important Probability questions be used for last-minute revision before CBSE exams?
- Group questions by mark weightage and type (eg. 1-mark formula, 3-mark sample space, 4-mark case-based)
- Summarize main formulas and stepwise procedures
- Focus on recurring board patterns and error traps
- Practice writing clear, step-wise solutions with justified reasoning, as required by the latest marking scheme
15. What are equally likely outcomes and why do important Probability questions often mention them?
Equally likely outcomes mean each outcome in the sample space has the same chance of occurring. This concept allows direct use of the formula P(E) = (Number of favourable outcomes) / (Total outcomes), which underpins most exam questions in this chapter and is essential to solve them correctly.
16. What board trends have emerged in recent years for exam questions on Probability in Class 11?
- Shift towards HOTS and real-life scenario questions
- Frequent use of sample space and arrangement-based questions
- Multi-concept problems related to mutually exclusive/exhaustive/dependent events
- Greater focus on application-based MCQs and step-marking over just final answers
17. In CBSE board exams, what is the best method to verify if events are exhaustive in multi-event Probability questions?
Sum the probabilities of all listed events. If they total exactly 1, the events are exhaustive, meaning together they account for all possible outcomes. CBSE expects explicit calculations and clear justification when verifying exhaustiveness.
18. How can students quickly check for errors in their answers to important Probability problems in CBSE exams?
- Confirm that the probability value is between 0 and 1
- Double-check enumeration of the sample space
- Review each calculation step, especially in subtraction for P(A ∪ B)
- Ensure correct handling of replacement or non-replacement situations
- Express the answer in its simplest fractional form
19. What should students remember about event overlap while attempting important Probability questions in the Class 11 CBSE exam?
If events can occur together, use P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B). Only omit the intersection if events are mutually exclusive. Many students lose marks by forgetting to subtract the overlap. Always identify and account for overlapping cases in your answer.
20. Why are questions involving selection from groups (like committees or classes) repeatedly included in Class 11 Probability important question sets?
Such questions reinforce application of combinatorics (combinations and permutations) and help assess a student’s skill in handling multi-level sampling, arrangement, or dependent events—topics that are integral to board exam coverage for Probability as per the CBSE 2025–26 blueprint.











