CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025-26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Class 12 Biology exam in 2026 based on a specific, structured pattern that divides the subject into a 70-mark Theory paper and a 30-mark Practical Assessment. This rationalized syllabus is crucial for students to master, as the examination places significant focus on competency-based questions and the application of biological principles across Genetics, Ecology, Biotechnology, and Human Physiology sections.
Students must strategically align their preparation with the detailed unit-wise weightage provided by CBSE, which helps in prioritizing high-scoring topics like Genetics and Evolution and Biotechnology. Familiarizing oneself with the exact marking scheme and the breakup between the theory and practical components will ensure a comprehensive study plan, allowing students to maximize their overall score and enhance their conceptual clarity in the board examinations.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
Check the below table to get the key pointers of CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern:
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Class | 12 |
| Streams | Science, Commerce, Arts/Humanities |
| Question Paper Pattern |
|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Mode of Exam | Offline, Pen and Paper |
| Number of subjects | 5 or 6 (as elected by the student) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 (theory + practical)
|
| Each Subject Passing Marks | 33% |
| Passing marks for the overall exam | Aggregate 33% |
| Official Website |
CBSE Class 12 Biology: Chapter-Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The table outlines the CBSE 12th Biology exam pattern:
Sections | Type and Number of Questions | Marks (Per Question) | Weightage (Total Marks) |
| A | 16 Questions | 1 | 16 |
| B | 5 Questions | 2 | 10 |
| C | 7 Questions | 3 | 21 |
| D | 2 Case-Based Questions | 4 | 8 |
| E | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| Total Marks | 70 | ||
CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern 2026: Unit-wise Marks distribution
The theory portion of CBSE Class 12 Biology is worth a total of 70 marks. The practicals account for the final thirty points. The chapter-by-chapter exam format and grading system for CBSE Class 12 Biology are described below:
Topics | Marks |
| Reproduction | 16 |
| Genetics & Evolution | 20 |
| Biology & Human Welfare | 12 |
| Biotechnology & Its Applications | 12 |
| Ecology & Environment | 10 |
Practical | |
| 1 Major experiment | 5 |
| 1 Minor experiment | 4 |
| Slide preparation | 5 |
| Spotting | 7 |
| Practical record + viva voce | 4 |
| Investigatory Project and Project record + viva voce | 5 |
CBSE 12th Biology Exam Pattern 2026: Typology of Questions
| Competencies | Percentage |
| Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding | 50% |
| Application of Knowledge / Concepts | 30% |
| Analyse, Evaluate and Create | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
A thorough understanding of the CBSE Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern and the precise unit-wise weightage for 2026 is the foundation of a winning study strategy. By focusing preparation time on the high-weightage units, practice to the increased percentage of Competency-Based Questions, students can ensure they cover the syllabus effectively and are well-prepared for the final board examination.
Also Check:
CBSE Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
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