The West Bengal HS Exam Pattern has been released for all subjects on the official website wbchse.wb.gov.in. The WBCHSE has made major changes in the West Bengal HS Exam Pattern for the year 2025-26. The West Bengal HS Exam 2026 will be conducted in a semester-based format.
- In which Class 11 will be divided into semester 1 and 2, whereas Class 12 will include Semester 3 and 4.
- In the WBCHSE Board Exam 2026, 30% of the questions will be MCQ-based, and the others will be application-based.
For passing the exam, candidates have to score 30% marks in each subject, both the theory and practical exams.
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| Key Summary: In this Article, we have discussed about West Bengal HSC Exam Pattern, including subject-wise pattern, changes and marking scheme.
|
West Bengal HS Question Pattern PDF
| Subjects | |
|---|---|
| WBCHSE Question Pattern for Science Subjects | Check PDF |
| WBCHSE Question Pattern for Commerce Subjects | Check PDF |
| WBCHSE Question Pattern for Humanities Subjects | Check PDF |
| WBCHSE Question Pattern for Language Subjects | Check PDF |
What is the West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2026?
- The West Bengal HS Exam Pattern has made changes, in which the exam will be conducted in a semester-based pattern.
- The West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2026 will follow the NEP 2020 policy, in which 30% of the questions will be MCQ-based and the others will be application-based.
| Class | Semester | Question Type | Paper Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 11 | Semester 1 | 30% MCQs (objective) | OMR-based paper |
| Semester 2 | Short Answer + Descriptive | Written paper | |
| Class 12 | Semester 3 | 30% MCQs (objective) | OMR-based paper (S-shaped seating) |
| Semester 4 | Short Answer + Long/Descriptive | Full board-style written paper |

West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise
The West Bengal HS Exam Pattern will include 30% of MCQ Questions, including descriptive and Application-based Questions.
Each Subject will have a different exam format and marks distribution, including practical and theory.
West Bengal HS Exam Pattern: Science Subjects
- The Science Subjects will include Application-Based questions.
-
In the Science Exam, diagrams and lab work will carry weightage.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical/Project Marks | Question Pattern | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 70 | 30 |
| 3 hours |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 |
| 3 hours |
| Biology | 70 | 30 |
| 3 hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | – |
| 3 hours |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 |
| 3 hours |
West Bengal HS Exam Pattern: Commerce Subjects
- The Commerce subjects will include case studies and application-based.
- Accountancy will include practice skills, and economics will include numerical application.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical/Project Marks | Question Pattern | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 (Project/Practical) |
| 3 hours |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 (Case Study Project) |
| 3 hours |
| Economics | 80 | 20 (Project Work) |
| 3 hours |
| Mathematics (Commerce) | 100 | – |
| 3 hours |
West Bengal HSC Exam Pattern Arts/Humanities Subjects
- The Arts subjects will have analytics and essay-type questions.
- The MCQs will be concept-based and will test a deeper understanding.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Question Pattern | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | 100 |
| 3 hours |
| Political Science | 100 |
| 3 hours |
| Geography | 70 |
| 3 hours |
| Philosophy | 100 |
| 3 hours |
| Sociology | 100 |
| 3 hours |
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West Bengal HS Routine 2026Major Changes in West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2025-26
The following changes have been made to West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2026
Change of Subject Name/Subject Code
| Previous Name of the Subject | Previous Subject Code | Changed Name of the Subject | Changed Subject Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agronomy | AGNM | Agriculture | AGRI |
| Home Management & Family Resource Management | HMFR | Human Development & Resource Management | HDRM |
| Health & Physical Education | PHED | No Change | HPED |
Change in Marking Scheme
| Subject Name | Previous Theory Marks | Previous Practical Marks | New Theory Marks | New Practical Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education | 40 | 60 | 70 | 30 |
| Music | 45 | 55 | 50 | 50 |
| Visual Arts | 45 | 55 | 50 | 50 |
New Subjects Added
| Subject Name | Subject Code | Theory Marks | Practical/Project Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Artificial Intelligence | APAI | 70 | 30 (Practical) |
| Cyber Security | CBST | 70 | 30 (Practical) |
| Science of Well Being | SOWest Bengal | 80 | 20 (Project) |
Subjects Discontinued
The following subjects have been discontinued from the 2026 session because of the consistently low number of students opting for them in the last few years.
- Punjabi
- Gujarati
- French
Introduction of Vocational Subjects
WBCHSE has introduced 3 new vocational subjects to the HS curriculum from the session 2026 onwards:
- Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFIV)
- Food Processing (FDPV)
- Telecom (TELV)
West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2025-26: Marking Scheme
West Bengal HS examination assigns 100 marks per subject. Before starting exam preparation, students must review and understand the entire question pattern for class 12 as prescribed by WBCHSE.
| Streams | Subjects | Theory Marks | Practical Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Subjects | Bengali | 80 | 20 |
| English | 80 | 20 | |
| Science | Physics | 80 | 20 |
| Chemistry | 80 | 20 | |
| Biology | 80 | 20 | |
| Computer Science | 80 | 20 | |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | |
| Commerce | Accountancy | 80 | 20 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 | |
| Economics | 80 | 20 | |
| Arts | History | 80 | 20 |
| Geography | 80 | 20 | |
| Philosophy | 80 | 20 | |
| Sociology | 80 | 20 |
West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2025-26: Subject-Wise
You can also check the subject-wise question paper pattern for West Bengal HS Exams below.
West Bengal HS Physics Exam Pattern 2026
In West Bengal HS Physics exam, the question paper carries a total of 100 marks, with 80 marks designated for the theory exam and 20 marks for the practical exam. Below is the question paper format for the Physics subject.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| Current Electricity | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Magnetic effect of current and magnetism | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| Electronic Devices | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Optics | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 3 | 3 | 9 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 |
West Bengal HS Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
In West Bengal HS Exam for Chemistry, questions on Chemical Kinetics, Electrochemistry, and Surface Chemistry carry the maximum marks. Here is the question paper format for the Chemistry subject in the exam.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid state | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Chemical Kinetics | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Solution | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Surface Chemistry | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Electrochemistry | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| P block elements | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Co-ordination compounds | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| d & f block elements | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Haloalkanes & Haloarenes | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic acids | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Biomolecules | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Organic compounds containing Nitrogen | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 |
West Bengal HS Biology Exam Pattern 2026
In the West Bengal HS Biology exam, the paper is worth 100 marks, with 80 marks for theoretical questions and 20 marks for practicals. The question paper pattern for Biology exam is tabulated below:
| Topic | Question Types | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reproduction | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Ecology & Environment | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Genetics & Evolution | MCQ | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 3 | 3 | 9 | |
| 5 Mark Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Biology in Human Welfare | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 2 | 4 | |
| 3 Mark Questions | 3 | 3 | 9 |
West Bengal HS Mathematics Exam Pattern 2026
The Mathematics question paper for West Bengal HS Exam includes various question types covering Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and other topics. Below is the table illustrating the question paper pattern for the Mathematics subject in the exam.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| 3D Geometry | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| Long Answer Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Calculus | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 4 | 4 | 16 | |
| Long Answer Questions | 2 | 5 | 10 | |
| Relations & Functions | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| Probability | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Very Short Answer Questions | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| Linear Programming | Long Answer Questions | 1 | 5 | 5 |
West Bengal HS English Exam Pattern 2026
In West Bengal HS Exam for the English subject, the theoretical exam is worth 80 marks, and an additional 20 marks are allocated for the viva or oral examination. Below, you will find the question paper pattern for the English subject.
| Topic | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| Drama | 10 |
| Poetry | 20 |
| Prose | 20 |
| Unseen Passage | 10 |
| Textual Grammer | 10 |
| ESP (Writing Skills) | 10 |
West Bengal HS Geography Exam Pattern 2025
In West Bengal HS Exam, the geography paper carries a total of 100 marks, with 80 marks designated for theoretical aspects and 20 marks for practicals. Here is the question paper pattern for the Geography subject.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic processes, works of groundwater, and associated landforms | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 7 | 7 | |
| Atmosphere | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 3 | 1 | 3 | |
| Soil | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 7 | 7 | |
| Biodiversity | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Population and settlement | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 7 | 7 | |
| Economic activities, Primary activity: Agriculture | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 7 | 7 | |
| Secondary activity: Industry | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 7 | 7 |
West Bengal HS History Exam Pattern 2026
West Bengal HS History paper consists of 80 marks, divided into 20 marks for theoretical questions and 30 marks for practicals. Below is the question paper format for the History subject in West Bengal HS Exam.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remembering the past | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Descriptive Type Question | 4 | 5 | 20 | |
| The Nature of Colonial Dominance: Formal and Informal Empires | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| Reaction to Imperialistic Hegemony | MCQ | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Short Answer Questions | 4 | 1 | 4 | |
| Governing the Colonial State of India | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 4 | 5 | 20 | |
| The Second World War and the colonies | MCQ | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Short Answer Questions | 4 | 1 | 4 |
West Bengal HS Political Science Exam Pattern 2026
In West Bengal HS Political Science paper, the maximum weightage is given to topics such as International Relations, Governmental Organs, Political Doctrines, and the Judiciary in India. The table below outlines the question paper pattern for the Political Science subject.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International relations | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 4 | 5 | 20 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 8 | 8 | |
| Organs of Government | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 4 | 1 | 4 | |
| Major political Doctrines | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 8 | 8 | |
| Judiciary in India | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 8 | 8 | |
| Legislature in India | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 8 | 8 | |
| Local Self Government | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Executive in India | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 8 | 8 |
West Bengal HS Bengali Exam Pattern 2026
In West Bengal HS Exam for Bengali subject, the theoretical exam is worth 80 marks, with an additional 30 marks designated for viva. Below is the table outlining the question paper pattern for the Bengali subject in the exam.
| Topic | Question Type | Total Questions | Marks of Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prose | MCQ | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Drama | MCQ | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Poem | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Short Answer Questions | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| International Poem/Indian Story | MCQ | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Short Answer Questions | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| Language | MCQ | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Short Answer Questions | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| History of Bengali Language | MCQ | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Descriptive Type Question | 2 | 5 | 10 | |
| Comprehension | Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Manuscript | Descriptive Type Question | 1 | 5 | 5 |
West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2025-26: Types of Questions
From the session 2025-26 there will be a few new types of questions that will be asked in the exams. The final question paper will have the following composition:
- 50% - simple and basic questions
- 30% - complex questions
- 20% - achievers questions (tough and will test the logical and analytical skills of students)
Along with simple MCQs, the following types of questions will be asked in the exams:
- Fill in the blanks
- Column matching
- Assertion-reasoning type
- Diagram-based questions
- Rearragement of sentences in sequence
- True and False
- Case-based questions
You can check some example questions for each type below:





FAQs for West Bengal HS Exam Pattern 2026
Ques. What are the total marks of WBCHSE?
Ans. The WBCHSE Exam will be of 500 marks, in which the best of 5 subjects will be considered.
- Each of the subjects will carry 100 marks (Theory + Practical).
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Best of 5 Subjects (including 2 languages) | 500 |
| Theory (per subject) | 70–80 |
| Practical/Project/IA (per subject) | 20–30 |
| Passing Marks (per subject) | 30% |
Ques. What type of exam system is introduced by WBCHSE?
Ans. From 2026 onwards, WBCHSE will follow a semester-based exam system.
- 4 Semesters: Class 11 → Sem 1 & 2 and Class 12 → Sem 3 & 4
- 30% MCQs in every subject exam
Ques. What is the marking scheme of WBCHSE?
Ans. The marking scheme of WBCHSE 2026 is:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Theory Exam | 70–80 marks |
| Practical/Project/IA | 20–30 marks |
| MCQs | 30% of total questions |
| Passing Marks | 30% in each component |
| Grading | A+ (90-100), A (80-89), B (60-79), C (45-59), D (30-44) |
Ques. What is the Best of 5 Rule in WBCHSE?
Ans. In the West Bengal HS Exam, the best of 5 subjects will be considered for final percentage calculation.
- Which includes 2 compulsory subjects & 3 elective subjects
- It will help reduce the impact on a weaker subject
Ques. What is the 9 2 Rule in WBCHSE?
Ans. In WBCHSE, the 9-2 rule is followed, in which:
- Candidates have to appear for 9 subjects in class 11.
- In which 2 subjects can be dropped in class 12.
Ques. How to Score Good Marks in WBCHSE?
Ans. To score well in WBCHSE, candidates should:
- Candidates should follow the NCERT-based syllabus.
- They should practice 30% of the MCQ-based questions.
- The candidates should work on their writing skills.
- They should prepare well for practical exams as well.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.



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