Most Repeated Questions in HSC Psychology Board Exam (Last 10 Years)

Preparing for the HSC Psychology Board Exam 2026 can feel like trying to map out the entire human subconscious. However, a strategic look at the last decade of Maharashtra State Board papers reveals a comforting secret: the board loves consistency. By identifying the most repeated questions in psychology, students can streamline their study process and focus on the high-yield topics that appear year after year.

In the 2026 academic cycle, the focus has shifted slightly towards application-based learning, but the core psychological theories remain the bedrock of the paper. Whether you are aiming for a career in clinical psychology or simply looking to ace your Arts stream subjects, mastering these frequent flyers is your ticket to success.

Analysis of Most Repeated Questions in Psychology

The Maharashtra HSC Psychology syllabus for 2026 is divided into eight key chapters. Based on the trends from 2016 to 2025, certain sections like "Intelligence," "Personality," and "Psychological Disorders" carry the highest weightage. Below is a breakdown of the topics that have historically dominated the question paper.

1. Intelligence (Chapter 2)

This chapter is a goldmine for marks. The board frequently tests students on the classification of intelligence tests.

• Most Repeated Q: Explain the differences between Individual and Group tests of intelligence.

• Recurring Concept: The Big Five-Factor Model (OCEAN) – while this sometimes overlaps with Personality, its application in aptitude testing is a common 4-mark question.

• 2026 Trend: Expect more case-based questions on "Social Intelligence" and "Emotional Intelligence."

2. Personality (Chapter 3)

Personality theories are the heart of the HSC Psychology exam.

• Most Repeated Q: Describe Carl Jung’s theory of personality (Introverts and Extroverts).

• High-Probability Q: What are the various Projective Techniques used for measurement of personality? (Specifically Rorschach Inkblot and TAT).

• Frequent Short Note: Factors shaping personality (Family, School, and Peer Group).

3. Cognitive Processes (Chapter 4)

• Most Repeated Q: Define Attention and explain its various aspects (Fluctuation, Distraction, and Division of Attention).

• Concept Alert: The "Process of Learning" – specifically Classical Conditioning by Pavlov.

Pro Tip for 2026: In the 80-mark theory paper, nearly 25% of questions are now objective-type. Ensure you memorize the names of psychologists associated with each theory to secure these "easy" marks.

Chapter-Wise Weightage and Important Topics for 2026

To help you prioritize, here is the expected marks distribution for the HSC Psychology Board Exam 2026:

Chapter Name	Weightage (With Options)	Key Focus Area
Psychology: A Scientific Discipline	10 Marks	History of Psychology & Research Methods
Intelligence	12 Marks	IQ, Types of Tests, Social Intelligence
Personality	12 Marks	Jung’s Theory, Big Five, Measurement
Cognitive Processes	10 Marks	Attention, Perception, Learning
Emotions	10 Marks	Managing Emotions & Well-being
Psychological Disorders	12 Marks	Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia
First Aid in Mental Health	08 Marks	ALGEE Action Plan
Positive Psychology	08 Marks	Resilience (7Cs) & Mindfulness

Most Repeated Questions in HSC Psychology: Section-Wise

Short Notes (3-4 Marks)

These questions test your ability to explain a concept concisely. For 2026, the board is focusing on mental health awareness.

• The ALGEE Action Plan for Mental Health First Aid (Appeared 4 times in the last 6 years).

• The 7Cs of Resilience in Positive Psychology.

• Impact of Mass Media on Personality Development.

Long Answer Questions (8 Marks)

These are the "Big Fish" of the paper. You usually get an internal choice here.

• Explain the various Psychological Disorders (specifically Anxiety and Schizophrenia) and their criteria.

• Define Intelligence and explain its types with relevant examples from daily life.

• What is Positive Psychology? Discuss the determinants of happiness and the importance of optimism.

Related Resources for HSC Students

If you are also preparing for other subjects in the Commerce or Science streams, check out these expert-curated guides:

• HSC Physics Most Repeated Questions 2026: A deep dive into the derivations and numericals that appear every year in the Physics paper.

• Book Keeping and Accountancy Question Paper & Solution: Master the NPO and Partnership Final Accounts with this step-by-step guide for the 2026 exam.

Preparation Strategy for 2026

1. Use the Balbharati Textbook: 95% of the questions are framed directly from the official Maharashtra State Board textbook.

2. Solve the 2024 & 2025 Papers: These are the most relevant as they follow the updated "Competency-Based" pattern that will be used in 2026.

3. Diagrams are Crucial: For topics like "Ferry’s Blackbody" (in Physics) or the "Brain Structure" (if applicable), neat labeling earns extra points. In Psychology, use flowcharts for the ALGEE plan.

FAQ: Most Repeated Questions

Q1: How many years of previous papers should I study for the 2026 exam?

For the most repeated questions, it is best to analyze the last 10 years (2016-2025). However, prioritize the papers from 2021 onwards, as they align more closely with the current syllabus structure.

Q2: Is the ALGEE action plan still important for 2026?

Yes, the ALGEE action plan is one of the most repeated questions in the First Aid in Mental Health chapter and is almost guaranteed to appear in either the short notes or brief answer section.

Q3: Can I pass HSC Psychology by only studying repeated questions?

While the most repeated questions can help you cover about 50-60% of the paper, the 2026 pattern includes 25% objective questions that require a thorough reading of the textbook.

Q4: Which chapter has the highest weightage in the 2026 exam?

Chapters like "Intelligence," "Personality," and "Psychological Disorders" carry the highest weightage (approx. 12 marks each including options) and contain the majority of the most repeated questions.

Conclusion

By focusing on these trends, students can walk into the exam hall with the confidence that they have mastered the topics the board values most. Remember, Psychology is not just about memorizing definitions; it’s about understanding the "why" behind human behavior. Good luck for your 2026 boards!