A probability problem by Rishabh Kumar

You have a set of 12 balls. All but one are of equal weight. You do not know whether the defective ball is lighter or heavier than the normal balls. You are provided with a 2-pan balance/beam balance (as shown in the image). What is the minimum number of times you need to use the balance to find the defective ball?

{Multiple balls can be weighed in one attempt.}