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Maharashtra HSC Biology Board Paper March 2026 with Solutions

Written board papers. Physics and Chemistry: 70 marks, 3 hours. Mathematics & Statistics: 80 marks, 3 hours.

2026, March 180 minutes 70 marks Save WhatsApp

Sections

Section A : Q.1 Multiple choice questions (10 marks) 10 questions
Section A : Q.2 Very short answer questions (8 marks) 8 questions
Section B : Attempt any eight, Q.3 to Q.14 (16 marks) 12 questions
Section C : Attempt any eight, Q.15 to Q.26 (24 marks) 12 questions
Section D : Attempt any three, Q.27 to Q.31 (12 marks) 5 questions

About this paper

This is the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) HSC (Class 12) Science Biology (56) board paper of the February–March 2026 examination (Day 12). The paper code printed on the question paper is J-189. The questions are transcribed in full from the board’s own printed question paper published on its website; diagrams asked for are described in words. The answers are original answers written by Doubtly, not the board’s official model answers.

Paper pattern

Maximum marks 70, time 3 hours, four sections. Section A: Q.1 has ten MCQs (1 mark each) and Q.2 has eight very short answer questions (1 mark each) — 18 marks. Section B: Q.3 to Q.14, twelve 2-mark questions, attempt any eight (16 marks). Section C: Q.15 to Q.26, twelve 3-mark questions, attempt any eight (24 marks). Section D: Q.27 to Q.31, five 4-mark questions, attempt any three (12 marks). Each section is to be started on a new page.

How to use it

Attempt the paper in one 3-hour sitting, choosing questions the way the board allows, and practise the labelled diagrams (nucleosome, Urey–Miller apparatus, root nodule, human sperm, ECG). Then compare your answers with the model answers, checking key terms, examples and labels.

Chapters covered

Instructions

Solve on paper with a timer, then check against the solutions. Sections: A (MCQ and very short answers), B (short answers, attempt any 8 of 12), C (attempt any 8 of 12), D (long answers with choice).

Section A : Q.1 Multiple choice questions (10 marks)

  1. Q.1 (i) A cell divides mitotically into two. Daughter cells divide and redivide repeatedly. Such growth is called _____.

    1. (A) arithmetic growth
    2. (B) geometric growth
    3. (C) growth ratio
    4. (D) qualitative growth
    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.1 (ii) The transgenic plant Tomato contains transgene _____ for the production of flavonoids.

    1. (A) Phytoene synthase
    2. (B) Ferritin
    3. (C) Chalone isomerase
    4. (D) Phytase
    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.1 (iii) The cranial capacity of Neanderthal-man was _____ C.C.

    1. (A) 650
    2. (B) 900
    3. (C) 1400
    4. (D) 1450
    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.1 (iv) Identify the organism which meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading the detritus:

    1. (A) Omnivores
    2. (B) Carnivores
    3. (C) Autotrophs
    4. (D) Saprotrophs
    1 mark See answer →

  5. Q.1 (v) Identify the algae among the following:

    1. (A) Spirulina spp.
    2. (B) Aspergillus niger
    3. (C) Candida utilis
    4. (D) Trichoderma viridi
    1 mark See answer →

  6. Q.1 (vi) In plants, soluble food is always translocated in the form of _____.

    1. (A) glucose
    2. (B) starch
    3. (C) sucrose
    4. (D) fructose
    1 mark See answer →

  7. Q.1 (vii) Identify invasive plant species from the following :

    1. (A) Gloriosa
    2. (B) Michelia
    3. (C) Sansvieria
    4. (D) Parthenium
    1 mark See answer →

  8. Q.1 (viii) The mature plasma cell produces antibodies at the rate of _____ molecules per second.

    1. (A) 2000
    2. (B) 1000
    3. (C) 900
    4. (D) 300
    1 mark See answer →

  9. Q.1 (ix) Which is the largest WBC among the following?

    1. (A) Eosinophil
    2. (B) Monocyte
    3. (C) Basophil
    4. (D) Lymphocyte
    1 mark See answer →

  10. Q.1 (x) The number of deaths when environmental pressures come into play is known as _____.

    1. (A) absolute mortality
    2. (B) absolute natality
    3. (C) realized mortality
    4. (D) realized natality
    1 mark See answer →

Section A : Q.2 Very short answer questions (8 marks)

  1. Q.2 (i) Give the function of Leydig’s cells.

    1 mark See answer →

  2. Q.2 (ii) Define endangered species.

    1 mark See answer →

  3. Q.2 (iii) Name the gene which is inherited directly from father to son.

    1 mark See answer →

  4. Q.2 (iv) The producers receive 5000 Joules of light energy, then how much energy will be transferred to the carnivores (secondary consumers)?

    1 mark See answer →

  5. Q.2 (v) Define the term chlorosis.

    1 mark See answer →

  6. Q.2 (vi) Give the name of key factor in DNA profiling.

    1 mark See answer →

  7. Q.2 (vii) Define combined water.

    1 mark See answer →

  8. Q.2 (viii) Give the role of tapetum.

    1 mark See answer →

Section B : Attempt any eight, Q.3 to Q.14 (16 marks)

  1. Q.3 Give the features of respiratory surface for gaseous exchange.

    2 marks See answer →

  2. Q.4 Differentiate between complete sex-linkage and incomplete sex-linkage with reference to location of the gene and inheritance.

    2 marks See answer →

  3. Q.5 Explain the properties of nerve fibre with reference to : (a) Irritability (b) Conductivity

    2 marks See answer →

  4. Q.6 Draw a neat diagram of a nucleosome and label the following: (i) H1 histone (ii) DNA (iii) Octamer

    2 marks See answer →

  5. Q.7 Give any four advantages of micropropagation.

    2 marks See answer →

  6. Q.8 Name the organisms and their role in conversion of rock into soil.

    2 marks See answer →

  7. Q.9 Explain various harmful effects of noise pollution on human being.

    2 marks See answer →

  8. Q.10 Explain skeletal features of Homo erectus.

    2 marks See answer →

  9. Q.11 Enlist the main objectives for improved animal breeding programmes using gene transfer technology.

    2 marks See answer →

  10. Q.12 Mention any four factors affecting water absorption.

    2 marks See answer →

  11. Q.13 Write briefly on Alzheimer’s disease.

    2 marks See answer →

  12. Q.14 Calculate the amount of ATP required by nitrogen fixer for the formation of 1000 molecules of ammonia. Name the specialised cell of cyanobacteria where nitrogen is fixed.

    2 marks See answer →

Section C : Attempt any eight, Q.15 to Q.26 (24 marks)

  1. Q.15

    Match the respiratory surface to the organism in which it is found :

    OrganismsRespiratory surface / organs
    (1) Limulus(a) Lungs
    (2) Protists(b) Internal gills
    (3) Tadpoles of frog(c) Book lungs
    (4) Fishes(d) External gills
    (5) Reptiles(e) Plasma membrane
    (6) Spiders(f) Book gills
    (g) Cloaca
    3 marks See answer →

  2. Q.16 Explain criss-cross inheritance with reference to bleeder’s disease by suitable charts.

    3 marks See answer →

  3. Q.17 (a) Distinguish between hibernation and aestivation.
    (b) Give two behavioural adaptations of desert animals.

    3 marks See answer →

  4. Q.18 Define : (a) Siphonogamy (b) Parthenocarpy (c) Polyembryony

    3 marks See answer →

  5. Q.19 What is transpiration? Explain stomatal opening and closing mechanism with reference to starch-sugar interconversion theory.

    3 marks See answer →

  6. Q.20 Enlist any six characteristics of genetic code.

    3 marks See answer →

  7. Q.21 (a) Mention the name of germ layer from which adrenal cortex and pancreas are developed.
    (b) Explain the role of alpha (α) and delta (δ) cells of islets of Langerhans.

    3 marks See answer →

  8. Q.22 Define addiction. Give the physiological effects of : (a) Cocaine (b) Cannabinoids

    3 marks See answer →

  9. Q.23 What is infertility? Describe in brief ZIFT and GIFT.

    3 marks See answer →

  10. Q.24 Draw Urey and Miller’s experimental setup and label it.

    3 marks See answer →

  11. Q.25 (a) What is grand period of growth?
    (b) Give two examples each of : (1) Growth promoters (2) Growth inhibitors

    3 marks See answer →

  12. Q.26 (a) What is biofertilizer?
    (b) Draw and label the T.S. of root nodules.

    3 marks See answer →

Section D : Attempt any three, Q.27 to Q.31 (12 marks)

  1. Q.27 With the help of labelled diagram describe the structure of human sperm.

    4 marks See answer →

  2. Q.28 What is cardiac cycle? Draw a normal ECG and label it. What do P-wave and QRS complex represent?

    4 marks See answer →

  3. Q.29 Write the name of disorders caused due to hypo and hyper secretion of adrenal corticoids. Mention any 3 symptoms of each of these disorders.

    4 marks See answer →

  4. Q.30 Explain nuclear and helobial type of endosperm with suitable examples.

    4 marks See answer →

  5. Q.31 Describe in brief :
    (a) What is germ line gene therapy? Why is it not encouraged?
    (b) Explain somatic cell gene therapy. Mention any two acquired disorders for which it is used.

    4 marks See answer →