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HSC Chemistry Last-Minute Revision 2026: What to Study One Day Before the Exam


hsc chemistry last minute revision


The final 24 hours before your HSC Chemistry last-minute revision session can be the difference between a good score and a great one. With the 2026 Maharashtra Board exam pattern focusing heavily on a mix of conceptual depth and numerical accuracy, students often feel overwhelmed by the 16-chapter syllabus.


Don't panic! This guide is designed to help you navigate the high-priority formulas, reactions, and laws you need to glance at the night before your Chemistry board paper. By focusing on course-specific weightage and stream requirements, you can maximize your 70-mark theory potential efficiently.



High-Weightage Chapters for 2026


In the 2026 session, the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) continues the 70:30 pattern. To ensure the highest impressions on your scorecard, prioritize these "Big Three" areas that carry the maximum marks with options:


  1. Chemical Thermodynamics (8 Marks): The backbone of Physical Chemistry. Focus on derivations and Hess's Law.

  2. p-Block Elements (8 Marks): The heaviest chapter in Inorganic Chemistry. Focus on structures and anomalous behaviors.

  3. Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids (8 Marks): The "King" of Organic Chemistry. Named reactions here are non-negotiable.



Pro-Tip: If you are also preparing for your Physics paper, check out this excellent guide on HSC Physics Paper Strategy to balance your science stream preparation.


The 24-Hour Checklist: Must-Know Concepts





1. Physical Chemistry: Formulas & Numericals


Solutions

  • Raoult’s Law

  • Van’t Hoff Factor (i)

  • Colligative Properties

    • Elevation of Boiling Point:

      ΔTb=Kb×m\Delta T_b = K_b \times mΔTb​=Kb​×m


Ionic Equilibria

  • pH and pOH Relationship:

    pH+pOH=14pH + pOH = 14pH+pOH=14

  • Henderson–Hasselbalch Equation


Electrochemistry

  • Nernst Equation

  • Kohlrausch’s Law



2. Organic Chemistry: Named Reactions


Organic Chemistry carries about 18 marks. The 2026 paper pattern suggests that roughly 20% of the paper will test direct reaction conversions. Ensure you can write the following:


  • Aldol Condensation & Cannizzaro Reaction: Frequent favorites in Section D.

  • Hoffmann Bromamide Degradation: A must-know for the Amines chapter.

  • Reimer-Tiemann & Kolbe’s Reaction: Essential for the Alcohols and Phenols section.



3. Inorganic & Applied Chemistry: Memory Hacks


  • Coordination Compounds: Revise IUPAC nomenclature rules and VBT (Valence Bond Theory) geometries.


  • Biomolecules & Polymers: These are "scoring" chapters. Memorize the structures of glucose, the classification of polymers (Nylon-6,6, Bakelite), and the basics of Green Chemistry (Atom Economy).



Smart Study Strategy for 2026





  • Section A (18 Marks): 10 MCQs and 8 VSA. These are purely based on textbook definitions and simple formulas. Do not skip the small "Applied Chemistry" chapters here.

  • Section D (12 Marks): Requires long answers. Usually, one question is a derivation from Thermodynamics or Electrochemistry, and another is a multi-step Organic synthesis.



Resource Alert: For a detailed breakdown of all subjects in the science stream, refer to the HSC Science Chapter-wise Weightage 2026.


FAQs: HSC Chemistry Last-Minute Revision


Q1: What is the most effective HSC Chemistry last-minute revision strategy for 2026?

Focus on high-weightage chapters like Thermodynamics and p-Block elements first. Review your formula sheet, practice 2-3 previous year numericals, and quickly run through all "Named Reactions" in Organic Chemistry.


Q2: How many marks are required to pass the HSC Chemistry paper?

You need a minimum of 35% overall (Theory + Practicals). Since the theory is for 70 marks, aiming for at least 25+ in theory ensures a safe margin.


Q3: Which numericals are most important for the 2026 exam?

Prioritize numericals from Solutions, Chemical Kinetics, and Electrochemistry. Specifically, practice density calculations in Solid State and $t_{1/2}$ problems in Kinetics.



Final Tips for Exam Day


  • Draw Neat Diagrams: Use a pencil for crystal lattices or electrochemical cell diagrams.

  • Manage Time: Spend no more than 10 minutes on Section A MCQs.


Before you head into the exam hall, make sure your basics are clear. If you need more help with the science stream logic, check out these HSC Physics Important Questions to ensure your overall group score remains high.

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