Maharashtra SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026: 40 Marks Weightage & Marking Scheme

The SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026 is the essential roadmap for every Class 10 student under the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE). Unlike general science subjects, Science 1 focuses specifically on the Physics and Chemistry streams, requiring a blend of mathematical precision and conceptual depth.

As we approach the 2026 board exams, understanding the exact distribution of the 40 marks is the difference between "studying hard" and "studying smart." This guide breaks down the latest marking scheme, chapter weightage, and time management strategies to ensure you walk into the exam hall with total confidence.

Overview of the 2026 Science 1 Course Structure

In the Maharashtra SSC curriculum, Science and Technology is a 100-mark subject. However, for the written examination, it is split into two distinct papers. The SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026 follows this specific administrative split:

Component	Marks	Duration
Science & Technology Part 1 (Theory)	40 Marks	2 Hours
Science & Technology Part 2 (Theory)	40 Marks	2 Hours
Internal Assessment (Practical/Project)	20 Marks	School-based
Total Marks	100 Marks

Important Note: The internal 20 marks are combined for both Part 1 and Part 2. To excel in the theory portion, you must master the 40-mark Science 1 paper, which strictly covers Physics and Chemistry chapters.

Detailed SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026

The MSBSHSE has designed the 2026 question paper to test everything from basic recall (MCQs) to high-level application (Long Answers). The paper is divided into four main questions.

Question 1: Objectives (10 Marks)

This section is your "scoring zone." It requires no long explanations, only accuracy.

• Q1 (A): Multiple Choice Questions (5 Marks). 5 questions, 1 mark each. All are compulsory.

• Q1 (B): Objective Type Questions (5 Marks). This includes Find the odd man out, Match the columns, True or False, or Give the name/formula.

Question 2: Short Answers – Type I (10 Marks)

• Q2 (A): Give Scientific Reasons (4 Marks): Solve any 2 out of 3. Note: At least one must be from Physics and one from Chemistry.

• Q2 (B): Solve Any 3 out of 5 (6 Marks): These are 2-mark questions involving short notes, laws, or simple numericals.

Question 3: Short Answers – Type II (15 Marks)

This is the weightiest part of the SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026.

• Structure: Solve any 5 out of 8 questions. Each carries 3 marks.

• Content: Expect 4 questions from Physics and 4 from Chemistry. This section often features incomplete flowcharts, ray diagrams, or chemical reaction explanations.

Question 4: Long Answer (5 Marks)

• Structure: Solve any 1 out of 2 questions.

• Content: Usually, one question is from Physics (like the working of an Electric Motor or Lenses) and one from Chemistry (like Metallurgy processes or Carbon compounds).

Chapter-Wise Weightage 2026 (Physics & Chemistry)

To score 40/40, you must prioritize chapters that carry the highest marks "with options." Below is the verified weightage for 2026:

Chapter Name	Marks (Without Options)	Marks (With Options)
Effects of Electric Current	5	7
Refraction of Light	5	7
Carbon Compounds	5	7
Periodic Classification of Elements	4	6
Chemical Reactions and Equations	4	6
Lenses	4	6
Metallurgy	4	6
Gravitation	3	5
Heat	3	5
Space Missions	3	5
Total	40	60

Subject-Specific Preparation Strategies

Physics: The Stream of Logic

Physics in the SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026 relies heavily on understanding laws and practicing diagrams.

• Ray Diagrams: Practice the position and nature of images for Convex and Concave lenses. A neat, labeled diagram is often worth 3 marks.

• Numericals: Focus on the 'Gravitation' and 'Lenses' chapters. Always write the formula first, then substitution, and finally the answer with the correct unit (e.g., $m/s^2$ or $Dioptre$).

Chemistry: The Stream of Reactions

• Balancing Equations: An unbalanced equation in Chemistry will often result in zero marks for that specific part. Ensure you practice balancing "Chemical Reactions and Equations."

• Periodic Trends: Understand the flow of Atomic Radius, Valency, and Metallic Character across periods and groups.

Time Management for the 2-Hour Paper

Effective time management ensures you don't miss out on the 5-mark long answer at the end.

1. Reading Time (10 Mins): Identify which optional questions in Q2, Q3, and Q4 you are most confident about.

2. Q1 (15 Mins): Quickly finish the 10 objective marks.

3. Q2 (25 Mins): Write concise, point-wise answers for scientific reasons and short notes.

4. Q3 (40 Mins): This is the bulk of your paper. Spend roughly 8 minutes per question.

5. Q4 (20 Mins): Dedicate enough time to draw a neat diagram and explain the long answer.

6. Revision (10 Mins): Check for units in numericals and underline key scientific terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total marks for the SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026? 

The theory paper is conducted for 40 marks, with an additional 60 marks total if you count the internal options provided.

Q2: Is there negative marking in the Maharashtra SSC Science 1 exam? 

No, there is no negative marking. Students are encouraged to attempt all compulsory questions.

Q3: Which chapters have the highest weightage in Science 1 for 2026? 

Chapters like 'Effects of Electric Current,' 'Refraction of Light,' and 'Carbon Compounds' carry the highest weightage (7 marks each with options).

Q4: Can I use a calculator for Physics numericals? 

No, calculators are not allowed in the Maharashtra SSC board exams. All calculations must be done manually.

Q5: Are diagrams compulsory in the 5-mark questions? 

While not always "compulsory" unless stated, including a neat, labeled diagram significantly improves your chances of scoring full marks in long-answer questions.

Final Verdict for 2026 Students

Mastering the SSC Science 1 Paper Pattern 2026 is about more than just reading the textbook; it’s about understanding the "Activity Sheet" format. Focus on high-weightage chapters like Electricity and Carbon Compounds, practice your ray diagrams, and never skip the numerical formulas.