Maharashtra Board HSC Chemistry Paper Pattern 2026 : New Marking Scheme

Navigating the final year of the Science stream in Maharashtra requires more than just memorizing chemical equations; it demands a tactical understanding of how your knowledge will be evaluated. The HSC Chemistry paper pattern 2026 is designed to test a student's grasp of the core curriculum—spanning Physical, Inorganic, Organic, and Applied Chemistry—while preparing them for the rigors of higher technical education.

For the academic year 2026, the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) continues its focus on a comprehensive 100-mark evaluation. This is split into a 70-mark theory paper and a 30-mark practical assessment. With the introduction of a higher percentage of objective questions, students must now focus on conceptual precision as much as descriptive depth.

Structure of the Theory Examination

The theory paper is conducted over a duration of 3 hours. It is divided into four distinct sections, each targeting different cognitive levels—from basic recall to complex problem-solving.

Section	Type of Questions	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Section A	MCQ & Very Short Answer (VSA)	10 MCQs + 8 VSA	1 Mark each	18 Marks
Section B	Short Answer - I (SA-I)	8 out of 12	2 Marks each	16 Marks
Section C	Short Answer - II (SA-II)	8 out of 12	3 Marks each	24 Marks
Section D	Long Answer (LA)	3 out of 5	4 Marks each	12 Marks

Detailed Section-Wise Analysis

Understanding the HSC Chemistry paper pattern 2026 requires a look into what each section expects from a student:

1. Section A (Objective): This is the "make or break" section. It contains 10 Multiple Choice Questions and 8 Very Short Answer questions. There are no internal choices here. The MCQs often cover fundamental properties, unit conversions, and basic laws.

2. Section B (Short Answer I): You are given 12 questions and must attempt any 8. This section typically involves definitions, small numerical problems (especially from Physical Chemistry), and simple chemical reactions.

3. Section C (Short Answer II): This is the highest-scoring section (24 marks). It requires more detailed explanations, derivations of laws (like Raoult's Law or the Nernst Equation), and multi-step organic synthesis.

4. Section D (Long Answer): These 4-mark questions are often split into parts (e.g., 2+2 marks or 3+1 marks). You might be asked to explain a process like the manufacture of Ammonia and solve a related numerical in the same question.

Strategic Reading: If you are planning your overall science study schedule, don't miss the HSC Physics Chapter Weightage 2026, which provides a similar deep dive into the Physics curriculum.

Chapter-Wise Weightage: HSC Chemistry Paper Pattern 2026

The Maharashtra Board has provided a clear blueprint for 2026. The syllabus is balanced across four main branches.

Physical Chemistry (26-38 Marks)

Physical chemistry is the backbone of the course, focusing on the quantitative aspects of chemical systems.

• Solid State: 3 Marks (5 with options)

• Solutions: 4 Marks (6 with options)

• Ionic Equilibria: 4 Marks (6 with options)

• Chemical Thermodynamics: 6 Marks (8 with options)

• Electrochemistry: 5 Marks (7 with options)

• Chemical Kinetics: 4 Marks (6 with options)

Inorganic Chemistry (17-23 Marks)

This branch focuses on the behavior and properties of elements and inorganic compounds.

• Elements of Groups 16, 17, and 18: 6 Marks (8 with options)

• Transition and Inner Transition Elements: 6 Marks (8 with options)

• Coordination Compounds: 5 Marks (7 with options)

Organic Chemistry (18-25 Marks)

Organic Chemistry is often considered the most challenging yet rewarding part of the stream.

• Halogen Derivatives: 5 Marks (7 with options)

• Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers: 4 Marks (6 with options)

• Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids: 6 Marks (8 with options)

• Amines: 3 Marks (4 with options)

Applied Chemistry (9-12 Marks)

• Biomolecules: 3 Marks (4 with options)

• Introduction to Polymer Chemistry: 3 Marks (4 with options)

• Green Chemistry and Nanochemistry: 3 Marks (4 with options)

Related Guide: For a broader perspective on how these Science concepts translate to exam performance, check out the HSC 12th Physics 2025 Question Paper Analysis for 2026 board exam predictions.

The Practical Assessment (30 Marks)

While the theory paper is rigorous, the practical component is an opportunity to boost your aggregate score. In 2026, the internal assessment is structured as follows:

• Long Experiment: 10 Marks

• Short Experiment: 05 Marks

• Activity: 05 Marks

• Viva-Voce: 05 Marks

• Certified Journal: 05 Marks

Expert Study Strategy for 2026 Success

To master the HSC Chemistry paper pattern 2026, follow this three-step approach:

• Prioritize Physical Chemistry Numericals: About 12-15 marks in the paper are dedicated to numericals. Focus on formula application in Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry.

• Master Organic Mechanisms: Don't just memorize reactions; understand the electron movement in mechanisms. Aldehydes and Ketones carry high weightage and are vital for scoring in Section C and D.

• Use the Textbooks: The Maharashtra State Board textbook is the "Bible" for the 2026 exam. 95% of questions, including the specific wording of definitions, are derived directly from the official text.

Admission Insight: After your boards, choosing the right stream is crucial. If you are aiming for top engineering institutes, use the JEE Main 2026 College Predictor to see which academic path fits your score.

FAQs on HSC Chemistry Paper Pattern 2026

Q1: What is the weightage of objective questions in the HSC Chemistry paper pattern 2026? 

Approximately 25% of the theory paper (18 out of 70 marks) consists of objective-type questions, including 10 MCQs and 8 VSAs in Section A.

Q2: Is there negative marking in the 2026 HSC Chemistry exam?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Maharashtra Board exams.

Q3: Which unit has the highest weightage in the 2026 Chemistry syllabus?

"Chemical Thermodynamics," "p-Block Elements," and "Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids" are among the highest weightage units, each carrying 8 marks with options.

Q4: Are numericals compulsory in Chemistry? 

While specific numericals may have internal choices in Sections B and C, they are a significant part of the paper and cannot be entirely skipped if you aim for a high score.

Q5: What are the passing marks for HSC Chemistry in 2026? 

Students must score a minimum of 35% in aggregate (Theory + Practicals combined) to pass the subject.

Final Thoughts

The HSC Chemistry paper pattern 2026 is more than just a list of marks; it is a roadmap for your academic preparation. By focusing on high-weightage chapters and mastering the 1-mark objective questions, you can significantly enhance your performance in the Maharashtra State Board exams.