Maharashtra HSC Biology Paper 2026 Analysis; Student reactions, Paper Difficulty Analysis and more
Students and Experts Share Feedback, Moderate Difficulty with Time Challenges from Lengthy Diagrams
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) conducted the Class 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Biology examination on February 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the 2025-26 academic year. Initial paper analysis released on the same day indicates an overall moderate difficulty level, though students described the paper as lengthy, particularly due to time-consuming diagram labelling tasks. The 70-mark theory paper covered key topics from the Maharashtra State Board syllabus, including Reproduction, Inheritance and Variation, Human Health, Biotechnology, Ecology, and Molecular Basis of Inheritance.
Maharashtra HSC Biology Overall Paper Assessment
According to student reactions and expert observations compiled shortly after the exam, the Biology paper adhered strictly to the prescribed textbook and followed the expected pattern. Questions were conceptual and diagram-oriented, with no major surprises or out-of-syllabus content. The authority has not announced further details yet on official answer keys or statewide performance statistics.
HSC Biology Paper Structure and Section-wise Analysis
| Section | Question Type | Marks per Question | Number of Questions | Difficulty/Feedback |
| Section A | MCQs (Q1) + Very Short Answer (Q2) | 1 | 10 MCQs + 8 VSA | Straightforward and easy |
| Section B | Short Answer (Attempt 8 out of 12) | 2 | 8 | Moderate, syllabus-based |
| Section C | Short Answer with Diagrams (Attempt 8 out of 12) | 3 | 8 | Relatively extensive due to detailed diagrams; time-intensive |
| Section D | Long Answer (Attempt 3 out of 5) | 4 | 3 | Moderate, conceptual focus |
The paper totalled 70 marks, with passing requiring 35% aggregate, including practicals. Sample questions included topics like mitotic cell division, Neanderthal cranial capacity, food translocation in plants, antibody production rate, and WBC classification.
Maharashtra HSC Biology: Student Reviews and Reactions
Feedback from candidates highlighted a balanced yet demanding experience:
- Overall sentiment: Moderate but lengthy; many struggled with time management.
- Common challenge: Labelling and drawing diagrams consumed significant time, leading to incomplete attempts in some cases.
- One student’s comment: A Maharashtra HSC examinee noted she had to struggle with time while labelling the diagrams in the exam.
- Positive aspects: MCQs were straightforward, and most questions aligned directly with textbook content.
Faculty and Expert Insights
Subject experts observed that the paper maintained consistency with the board’s released pattern over recent years. Questions tested conceptual understanding without tricky deviations. Diagrams played a prominent role, emphasising the need for thorough practice in visual representation. While some sources described it as easy to moderate with direct textbook alignment, the consensus pointed to moderate difficulty amplified by length and diagram demands. No specific faculty names were quoted in initial reports, but analyses stressed syllabus adherence and balanced coverage.
Students aiming for high scores are advised to focus on diagram practice and time-bound mock tests for upcoming subjects. The Maharashtra HSC examinations continue across streams, with results expected post all papers in due course as per MSBSHSE schedule.
