HSC 12th CS-1 Important Questions 2026: C++, OS & Data Structures Must-Solve List
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HSC CS-1 Important Questions 2026 focuses on providing students with a clear understanding of the course structure, marking schemes, and the core academic modules within the Science stream. Scoring a distinction in Computer Science (CS-1) for the 2026 Maharashtra State Board exams requires more than just memorizing code; it demands a solid grasp of how Operating Systems manage hardware and how Data Structures optimize software performance.
The 2026 paper pattern follows the 80-20 rule—where 80 marks are dedicated to the theory paper and 20 marks to internal/practical assessments. Within the theory paper, the weightage is strategically distributed across four major chapters: Operating Systems (22 marks), Data Structures (17 marks), C++ Programming (41 marks), and HTML (14 marks). This guide breaks down the high-probability questions to help you master the 2026 syllabus.
HSC CS-1 Important Questions 2026
Section 1: Operating Systems (OS)
The Operating System module is the backbone of the CS-1 course, focusing on how system software interacts with hardware. In 2026, the board has emphasized "process management" and "memory allocation" as high-yield areas.
High-Probability OS Questions for 2026:
Features of OS: List and explain any six features of the LINUX Operating System or Windows-NT.
Process States: Explain the three states of a process—Ready, Running, and Blocked—with a neat transition diagram.
Virtual Memory: Define Virtual Memory and explain related terms like Page Fault, Demand Paging, and Dirty Bit.
Scheduling: Define the following terms in process scheduling: Throughput, Turnaround Time, and Waiting Time.
GUI Components: Identify and explain any three components of a Graphical User Interface (e.g., Icons, Menus, Toolbars).
Security: Discuss the philosophies behind Virus Detection, Virus Removal, and Virus Prevention.
Expert Tip: For questions on "Internal vs. External Fragmentation," always use a tabular format to compare the two. This is a favorite among moderators for 3-mark questions.
Section 2: C++ Programming (Object-Oriented Focus)
C++ is the most significant chapter in the HSC CS-1 syllabus, accounting for nearly 50% of the theory marks. The 2026 curriculum focuses heavily on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles.
C++ Must-Solve Question Bank:
OOP Features: What are the six primary features of Object-Oriented Programming? (Inheritance, Polymorphism, Encapsulation, etc.)
Constructors & Destructors: Define Constructor and Destructor. List any four special characteristics of a constructor function.
Inheritance: Explain the different types of inheritance in C++ (Single, Multiple, Hierarchical) with syntax examples.
Polymorphism: What is Polymorphism? Distinguish between Compile-time and Run-time polymorphism.
Friend Function: Explain the concept of a Friend Function and its three main characteristics.
Pointers: What is a pointer? Explain Pointer to an Array with a suitable code snippet.
Important 2026 C++ Practical Programs:
Write a class-based program to find the Area of a Sphere or Area of a Triangle.
Write a program to accept 10 integers in an array and find their Sum and Average.
Write a function to find the G.C.D (Greatest Common Divisor) of two integers.
Section 3: Data Structures
Data Structures is a scoring module that bridges the gap between theory and logic. In 2026, students should prioritize understanding how data is organized and searched.
Core Data Structure Questions:
Data Structure Operations: Explain the six basic operations: Traversal, Insertion, Deletion, Searching, Sorting, and Merging.
Binary Trees: Define a Binary Tree. Practice drawing tree diagrams for algebraic expressions like $B = (3R - 5T)^2 - (R + Q^3)$.
Algorithms: Explain the Binary Search and Bubble Sort algorithms with step-by-step examples.
Linked Lists: Define a Linked List and provide a labeled diagram of a list with 5 nodes.
Memory Representation: Explain how a Binary Tree or a Linked List is represented in memory.
Internal Assessment & Practical Strategy
The 20-mark internal assessment is vital for your aggregate. In 2026, the board has divided these marks into:
5 Marks: Listening and communication skills.
5 Marks: Oral/Project presentation.
10 Marks: Certified journal and subject-related experiments.
HSC CS-1 Paper Pattern & Weightage 2026
Chapter Name | Weightage (Marks) | Difficulty Level |
Operating System | 22 | Moderate |
Data Structure | 17 | Easy to Moderate |
C++ Programming | 41 | High/Technical |
HTML | 14 | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the most important topics in HSC CS-1 Important Questions 2026?
The most critical topics for the 2026 exam include C++ Inheritance, OS Process Management, and Binary Search Algorithms. C++ carries the highest weightage, so mastering OOP concepts is essential.
Q2: Is the HSC CS-1 syllabus reduced for 2026?
No, for the 2025-26 academic cycle, the Maharashtra Board expects students to cover the full syllabus. However, the introduction of 25% objective-type questions makes the paper more scoring if concepts are clear.
Q3: How many marks are required to pass HSC Computer Science?
To pass, you must secure at least 35% overall. This typically means scoring a minimum of 28/80 in the theory paper and performing well in the 20-mark practical/internal assessment.
Q4: Which chapter has the highest weightage in CS-1?
C++ Programming has the highest weightage at 41 marks (including options), making it the most vital section for students aiming for a score above 90%.
Q5: Are there any specific changes in the 2026 paper pattern?
Yes, the 2026 pattern includes a mandatory 25% objective section consisting of MCQs and one-sentence answers, which helps in boosting the overall percentage.
Conclusion
Success in the HSC CS-1 Important Questions 2026 list is achieved through consistent practice of C++ code and clear visualization of OS processes. Focus on the high-weightage chapters first and ensure your journal work is impeccable to secure those 20 internal marks.
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