The Maharashtra Board Class 12 HSC exams 2026 are officially underway. The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations began on February 10, 2026, with the English paper for Class 12 students conducted today.
This board examination runs until March 11, 2026, covering students in all streams — Science, Commerce, and Arts — and is being held across thousands of centers in the state.
Exam Schedule and Timings
The Class 12 English exam started at 11:00 AM and continued until 2:00 PM.
This was the first major paper in the exam cycle and was attended by students from all streams.
The board is conducting exams in two shifts each day — the morning shift (11 AM to 2 PM) and a second shift (3 PM to 6 PM) for some subjects.
Exam Centres & Security Measures
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is conducting the HSC exams at 3,387 main centres across the state.
In several districts, especially in Nagpur division, strict security is in place to prevent any unfair practices. Over 90% of exam halls now have CCTV cameras, and vigilance teams are monitoring proceedings.
Another report confirmed enhanced surveillance at key centres, including restricted public access and additional checks on exam material custody to avoid breaches like past malpractice cases.
What Students Should Know: Passing Marks & Grading
Passing Criteria
To pass each subject in the Maharashtra HSC exam, students must score at least 35% marks in that subject.
This rule applies to both theory and practical components where applicable. If a candidate fails in multiple subjects, the board allows a limited condonation of marks based on certain conditions.
Grading System
75% and above — First class with distinction.
60–74% — First class.
45–59% — Second class.
Below 45% but above 35% — Pass class.
There is no grade distinction for students who appear with exemptions. Also, a grace marks policy exists in specific conditions to help students just below a class boundary.
English Exam Pattern and Answer Key
The Maharashtra HSC English paper is an important part of the board exams. It is worth 100 marks — 80 for theory and 20 for internal assessment.
Unofficial Answer Keys and Solutions
While the board typically does not release an official answer key, many coaching institutes and educational platforms publish unofficial answer keys and solutions after the exam. Students can use these to estimate their scores.
These keys are usually available on official institute websites or YouTube channels shortly after the exam concludes.
Tips for Students Taking Exams
To help students stay confident, calm, and well-prepared during board examinations, here are some important exam-day tips to follow:
Make a simple and realistic study timetable and follow it daily.
Revise important topics, formulas, grammar rules, and writing formats regularly.
Avoid learning new topics just before the exam; focus on revision only.
Get proper sleep and eat healthy food to stay fresh and focused.
Reach the exam centre at least 30–45 minutes early to avoid stress.
Carry your admit card and all required stationery items.
Read the question paper carefully before starting to write answers.
Check internal choices and mark distribution properly.
Manage time wisely and divide it according to marks.
Start with questions you know well to build confidence.
Do not spend too much time on one difficult question.
Write neat, clear, and well-structured answers.
Follow the word limit and use headings or points where required.
Stay calm if a question seems tough and attempt it logically.
Avoid panic and keep a positive mindset throughout the exam.
Do not carry mobile phones or electronic gadgets inside the exam hall.
Follow all instructions given by invigilators strictly.
Following these tips can help students perform better and reduce exam-related stress.
Importance of These Exams
The HSC exams are key for students’ future education paths. Scores from Maharashtra Board Class 12 are used for college admissions, eligibility in professional courses, and sometimes for entrance exam cutoffs.
What Happens Next?
The board exams will continue with many other subjects over the next month, including:
Hindi
Marathi
Science subjects
Mathematics
Social sciences
Students and parents are advised to regularly check updates from MSBSHSE and follow any changes in reporting time, exam pattern, or answer key releases.
Final Notes
The Maharashtra Board 2026 HSC exams mark a significant academic milestone for thousands of students. Today’s English paper was successfully conducted, and exams will continue through March 11, 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on question paper analysis, answer keys, and results as the exam season progresses.
Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.
By Simran • Created: February 3, 2026 The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB Section Controller City Intimation Slip 2026 for candidates appearing in the upcoming recruitment examination. Registered applicants can now check and download their exam city details PDF from the official website rrbcdg.gov.in. The city intimation slip provides advance information…
By Simran • Created: January 12, 2026 The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Tier-1 examinations for teaching posts including TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) and PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) were conducted in January 2026, drawing thousands of aspirants across the country. With multiple shifts completed, candidates and experts have shared live feedback…
By Simran • Created: January 7, 2026 The Central Board of Secondary Education, the primary conducting authority for secondary and senior secondary examinations in India, has introduced a dedicated psycho-social counselling program for students appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams during the academic year 2025-2026. According to the official press release…
By Simran • Created: January 8, 2026 In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and intelligent systems, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has officially launched admissions for the third cohort of its flagship Executive Programme in Robotics — a five-month intensive designed to equip mid-career professionals with…
By Nishit Kumar • Created: January 10, 2026 New Delhi, January 2026: The Department of Distance and Continuing Education, Campus of Open Learning, School of Open Learning, University of Delhi has released the DU SOL Time Table 2026 for various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The class schedule covers B.Com, BA (Hons) English, BA (Hons) Economics,…
By Shreoshree Chakrabarty • Created: January 16, 2026 The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Kerala, has released the Kerala Plus Two Hall Ticket 2026 for the Second Year Higher Secondary Examination scheduled in March 2026. Students registered for the academic session 2025–26 can now download their admit cards from the official portals. Kerala Plus…
