The Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) has released the updated HSC Paper Pattern 2026 on its official website — mahahsscboard.in. The paper pattern provides an idea about the marks distribution, types of questions, and passing marks for each subject. Students can check the detailed subject-wise marking scheme and latest changes in the Maharashtra HSC exam pattern in this article.
- The total marks are divided into 80 marks for theory and 20 for internal assessment.
- For subjects with practicals, the theory paper carries 70 marks and 30 marks are for the internal assessment.
You have to appear for 5 compulsory subjects including English. You have the option to choose 6th additional subject in class 12. Each subject carries 100 marks in total. Therefore, Maharashtra state board 12th total marks are 500 or 600, depending upon the number of subjects. Aminimum of 35% marks in each subject and in aggregate is required to pass Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026.
As per the latest changes in the exam pattern, Maharashtra HSC Question Paper will contain 25% objective-type questions. The remaining questions will be very short, short, long, and essay-type questions.
| Table of Contents |
What is Maharashtra HSC Exam 2026?
| Feature | Details (HSC 2026) |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducted By | Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) |
| Total Subjects | 5 Compulsory + 1 Optional |
| Total Marks | 500 or 600 |
| Passing Marks | 35% per subject & aggregate |
| Objective Questions | 25% of total paper |
| Theory Marks | 70–80 marks (depending on subject) |
| Internal/Practical Marks | 20–30 marks |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours per paper |
Now, you might be wondering Are the questions coming from Maharashtra HSC board exam directly from the textbook exercises?
As per Quora use Shaili Prajapati: PYQ never came. we students solved previous year so many question paper but in 2025 none of them came, which was very disappointing.
Another user Alson Dsouza suggested:
Short answer: Only few questions come from the Maharashtra textbook.
Extra-questions? Yes, they do come. From anywhere inside the textbook.
Check the Interview of Rani Kingrani who scored 95.33% in 12th Board 2025
Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern 2025-26
Maharashtra Board announced some major changes to Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern in 2023. This year also, the exams will be conducted on the same pattern. The major changes in Maharashtra HSC Exam Pattern includes:
- Addition of 25% Objective Questions: As per the new assessment scheme, Maharashtra Board will include 25% objective-type questions in the HSC question paper.
- Decrease in Total Marks for Final Assessment: Maharashtra Board has also decreased the total marks for HSC exam. The overall marks will be 600 instead of 650.
- Internal Assessment/Practical Constituents of All Subjects: Internal assessment is of 20 marks for all subjects of class 12th. These 20 marks will be divided in the following way – 5 marks for catching skills, 5 marks for speech skills, and 10 marks for the respective subject-connected activity/experiment.
Many students are not sure How many total marks of objectives and subjective questions will be asked in the 12th HSC boards.
As per Quora, Mr.Nandu Kolte answered:
As long as I can recall 5 mark's each of having 1–1 Marks MCQ were asked in Chemistry and physics. Mathematics to there was Q1 to Q5 ,Q1 consist of five questions each of 1 marks.
If you are looking for some tips on how to write our Maharashtra board papers, you can check below or follow the link.
As per another Quora user:
Focus on answer writing, make points as much as you can, try to diagram in literally every 3rd question, focus on formulas N write them cleanly on answer sheet making a box around it.
Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern FAQs
Ques. What is the Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern 2026?
Ans. The Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern 2026 includes 25% objective-type questions and 75% descriptive questions (very short, short, long, and essay-type). Each paper carries 100 marks, divided into theory (70–80 marks) and internal or practical assessment (20–30 marks), depending on the subject.
Ques. What are the total and passing marks in Maharashtra HSC 2026?
Ans. Each subject in Maharashtra HSC carries 100 marks, making the total 500 or 600 marks (depending on the number of subjects). To pass, students must score at least 35% marks in each subject and in the overall aggregate.
Ques. How many objective questions are asked in Maharashtra HSC exams?
Ans. About 25% of the total paper in each subject will include objective-type questions (MCQs). These questions help assess conceptual understanding and quick reasoning skills.
Ques. What is the exam duration for Maharashtra HSC 2026?
Ans. The exam duration for most HSC subjects is 3 hours. However, certain skill-based or practical subjects like Information Technology or Physical Education have a duration of 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Ques. Are there any recent changes in the Maharashtra HSC Exam Pattern 2026?
Ans. Yes, recent changes have been made in the Maharashtra HSC Exam Pattern 2026. The major changes include:
- 25% objective-type questions introduced in all papers.
- Reduced total marks from 650 to 600 for final assessment.
- 20 marks internal assessment introduced for all subjects, divided into communication, speech, and activity-based skills.
What is the Marking Scheme for HSC in Maharashtra?
In HSC board exams, there are five subjects including English which is a compulsory language paper. Apart from the other three compulsory subjects, students can choose any language paper as their fifth subject.
- Each paper in Maharashtra Board is of 100 marks, wherein 80 marks are allotted to theory and 20 marks to the practical exams and project work.
- For subjects such as Geology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture Science and Technology, and Animal Science and Technology, 70 marks are allotted for the theory exam and 30 marks for practicals and projects.
The subject-wise total marks and exam duration is provided in the table below:
| Subjects | Total Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Subjects Modern Indian Languages Modern Foreign Languages Classical Languages Elective Subjects | 100 Marks | 3 Hours |
| Health and Physical Education | 50 Marks | 1 and 1/2 Hours |
| Percussion Information Technology | 100 Marks | 2 and 1/2 Hours |
Maharashtra HSC Subject-Wise Marking Scheme 2026
The table below contains the marks carried by each subject in Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026:
| Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | 100 (80 + 20) |
| English | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Chemistry | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Biology | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Physics | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Geology | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Agriculture Science and Technology | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Animal Science and Technology | 100 (70 + 30) |
| Environmental Science | 100 (70 + 30) |
| History | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Geography | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Political Science | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Economics | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Accountancy | 100 (80 + 20) |
| Mathematics and Statistics for Commerce | 100 (80 + 20) |
Maharashtra HSC Marking Scheme FAQs
Ques. What is the marking scheme for HSC in Maharashtra 2026?
Ans. The Maharashtra HSC marking scheme 2026 follows a 100-mark structure per subject, where 70–80 marks are for theory and 20–30 marks are for practical or internal assessment. The pattern may vary slightly depending on the subject and stream.
Ques. How are internal marks given in Maharashtra HSC?
Ans. Each subject includes 20 internal marks, divided as:
- 5 marks for listening/speaking or communication skills
- 5 marks for oral or project presentation
- 10 marks for subject-related activities or practical work
Ques. How many marks are allotted for theory and practicals in HSC?
Ans. For science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, theory carries 70 marks and practicals 30 marks. For arts and commerce subjects like English, History, and Accountancy, theory carries 80 marks and internal assessment 20 marks.
Ques. What are the passing marks in Maharashtra HSC 2026?
Ans. To pass the Maharashtra HSC exam, a student must secure at least 35% marks in each subject and 35% overall aggregate. This includes both theory and internal/practical marks combined.
Ques. How is the final percentage calculated in Maharashtra HSC?
Ans. The final percentage is calculated by adding the marks obtained in all subjects (including practical and internal marks) and dividing by the total marks.
Formula:
Final % = (Total Marks Obtained ÷ Total Marks) × 100
Is Maharashtra Board HSC Syllabus Reduced for 2026?
There is no such announcement regarding revised Maharashtra HSC syllabus yet by the board. The questions are based on the prescribed syllabus which you can download from the below table:
| Subjects | Maharashtra Board HSC Syllabus PDF Download |
|---|---|
| Physics | Download |
| Chemistry | Download |
| Biology | Download |
| Maths & Stats | Download |
| English Syllabus | Download |
| Economics Syllabus | Download |
| Book Keeping & Accounts | Download |
| Organisation of Commerce | Download |
| Political Science | Download |
| Geography | Download |
| History | Download |
| Marathi | Download |
| Gujarati | Download |
| Hindi | Download |
| Urdu | Download |
| Marathi Literature | Download |
| Environment Education | Download |
| General Knowledge | Download |
| Sanskrit | Download |
| Geology | Download |
| Sociology | Download |
| Psychology | Download |
| Secretarial Practice | Download |
| Drawing | Download |
| Information Tech (Science) | Download |
| Information Tech (Arts) | Download |
| Information Tech (Commerce) | Download |
What are the Important Topics for Maharashtra HSC Science?
Students can go through the tables below to check the important topics for Maharashtra HSC Science.
Maharashtra HSC Chemistry Important Topics
Students can check the table below for Maharashtra HSC Chemistry important topics.
| Chemistry Section 1 | Chemistry Part II |
|---|---|
| Solid State, Solution and Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics | Coordination compounds, Halogen derivatives of alkane (and arenes), Alcohols, phenols, and ethers, Aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids, Organic compounds containing nitrogen |
Maharashtra HSC Biology Important Topics
Students can check the table below for Maharashtra HSC Biology important topics.
| Biology Section 1 | Biology Part II |
|---|---|
| Genetic Basis of Inheritance, Gene: its nature, expression and regulation, Biotechnology: Process and Application, Enhancement in Food Production, Microbes in Human Welfare, Reproduction in Plants, Organisms and Environment -I | Origin and the Evolution of Life, Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance, Human Health and Diseases, Animal Husbandry |
Maharashtra HSC Physics Important Topics
Students can check the table below for Maharashtra HSC Physics important topics.
| Physics Section 1 | Physics Part II |
|---|---|
| Circular motion, Gravitation, Oscillations, Surface tension | Wave theory of light, Electrostatics, Current electricity, Magnetic effects of electric current, Magnetism |
Maharashtra HSC Mathematics Important Topics
Students can check the table below for Maharashtra HSC Mathematics important topics.
| Mathematics Section 1 | Mathematics Part II |
|---|---|
| Geometrical interpretation of Vectors, Applications of Mathematical logic, Inverse of matrix, Solutions to Linear equations | Application of derivatives (Maximum and Minimum), Binomial distribution, Probability distribution, App of definite integral (area) |
What Type of Questions Are Asked in Maharashtra HSC?
As per the paper pattern for Maharashtra HSC, the question paper will be asked for a total of 100 marks. The question paper will include questions of various types including objective-type, very short, short, long, and essay-type questions. The number of questions is not specified by the Maharashtra Board.
Maharashtra HSC Board Toppers Interviews and Suggestions
In this interview, the inspiring journey of the Subject Topper of OCM, who scored a perfect 100/100 in the Maharashtra 12th Board Exam is shown:
In this video, we have provided the Science Topper interview for Maharashtra Board12th HSC.
How to Prepare for Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026?
Students appearing for Maharashtra HSC Exams 2024 are advised to go through the below preparation tips for Maharashtra HSC to perform well in their exams.
- Be Regular in Classes – Students should maintain regularity in classes. Attending regular classes will help the students to understand concepts clearly. Moreover, students can also clear their doubts by properly interacting with their teachers.
- Full-fledged Preparation – Students should revise the lesson taught in class per day with strict regularity. This will help them understand and remember all the concepts in the long run. Revising all the chapters regularly will reduce the workload during the last days of preparation.
- Solve Previous Years’ Papers and Sample Papers – Once you are done with the chapters just start practicing the previous year’s question papers. Students should go through Maharashtra HSC practice papers and check the type of questions that are asked in the exams. By practicing the question papers, students will also learn to manage their time effectively in the examination.
- Practice Everyday – Making notes is a useful practice that speeds up the learning process. Candidates are also advised to practice through mock test papers to identify areas of study that need extra attention.
- Study Timetable – Candidates should essentially devote a proper amount of time to all subjects. A proper timetable will help the students in keeping track of the topics that need to be focused on more.
- Health – Students are advised to eat and sleep well apart from studying. Ensuring physical soundness is integral for regular preparation for the exam.
- Revision is the Key – The very important preparation tip is revision. Start revising the subjects a month or two before the exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the paper pattern of Maharashtra HSC 2026?
Ans. In Maharashtra Board, the total marks for a subject are 100. Theory paper carry 80 marks while 20 marks are for internal assessment. For subjects with practicals, the total marks for theory paper are 70 and 30 for practical.
Ques. Do we have best of 5 in HSC 2026?
Ans. No, Maharashtra Board does not follow best of 5 rule. The aggregate marks will be calculated for all subjects in which a candidate appeared.
Ques. Is HSC total marks 600 or 650?
Ans. The total marks for Maharashtra HSC Exams are 600 for the 2024-25 exams.
Ques. What is the passing rule for HSC 2026?
Ans. Students must score at least 35% marks in HSC board exams to be declared pass.
Ques. Are there grace marks in HSC?
Ans. Yes, Maharashtra Board can provide grace marks to students if required. A maximum of 10 marks are awarded as grace marks in HSC.
Ques. Is there any change in Maharashtra HSC passing marks as per the revised exam pattern?
Ans. There is no change in the minimum passing marks in Maharashtra HSC Exams. The passing marks are 35% in each subject and in aggregate.
Ques. Where can I check Maharashtra HSC Paper Pattern 2024-25?
Ans. Students can check Maharashtra HSC paper pattern on the official website mahahsscboard.in.
Ques. Is it necessary to pass separately in theory and practical in Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026?
Ans. Students are required to secure a minimum of 35% marks in theory and practical exams, separately. However, if any candidate secured 35% in theory and below 35% in practicals then grace marks will be provided.
Ques. Is there objective-type question in Maharashtra HSC Exams?
Ans. Yes, Maharashtra Board will include 25% objective-type questions in 12th board exams.
Ques. What are the total marks for Maharashtra 12th state board exams?
Ans. The total marks for Maharashtra 12th board exams are 600 for 6 subjects. Each subject carries 100 marks.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
Students who meet the requirements might earn up to two grace marks (condonation marks) under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) 2024 grading system for topics in which they just miss passing. Subject-specific marks differ; for example, the combined marks for Mathematics and Science are the highest at six. In the HSC, a maximum of 10 grace marks may be awarded. For instance, in the Maharashtra SSC Class 10 board exams in 2024, students who have not requested an exemption and have a 2–3 mark deficit will automatically have their scores forgiven.
Additional marks awarded to a student as a favour or concession, usually to assist them pass a test or get a better grade, are known as grace marks. However, there is no requirement to award grace marks; rather, the choice to do so rests solely with the teacher or the examining body.