CBSE Class 12 Biology Sample Papers 2026-27
This page offers 3 free CBSE Class 12 Biology (Code 044) sample papers for the 2026-27 session, built to follow the exact CBSE question paper design and marking scheme for the subject. These are not official CBSE sample papers; they are original practice papers prepared in-house to mirror the pattern, difficulty level and marks distribution that CBSE follows, covering Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Ecology. Every sample paper is paired with its own detailed answer key and marking scheme, so you can self-check your answers and see exactly how marks are awarded for each step.
The theory paper carries 70 marks, with a further 30 marks awarded for the practical examination (experiments, spotting, practical record and viva). These sample papers cover the theory component; the exam pattern below reflects the 70-mark theory design.
Exam Pattern (Theory, 70 Marks)
The question paper design below reflects the current CBSE Class 12 Biology (044) theory blueprint.
Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Question |
Section A | MCQs and Assertion-Reason (Q1-16) | 16 | 1 mark each |
Section B | Short Answer-I (Q17-21) | 5 | 2 marks each |
Section C | Short Answer-II (Q22-28) | 7 | 3 marks each |
Section D | Case-based (Q29-30) | 2 | 4 marks each |
Section E | Long Answer (Q31-33) | 3 | 5 marks each |
Total | 33 questions |
| 70 marks |
Total duration: 3 hours 15 minutes (including 15 minutes of reading time). All questions are compulsory, though internal choices are provided in some questions across sections. Expect a strong emphasis on labelled diagrams, NCERT-based recall, and application or case-based questions built around real biological scenarios.
Download Sample Papers
Each PDF below contains the full sample paper followed by its complete solution and marking scheme, in a single file.
Sample Paper | |
Sample Paper 1 | |
Sample Paper 2 | |
Sample Paper 3 |
Unit-wise Weightage
This is the official unit-wise weightage for the 70-mark theory paper.
Unit | Marks |
Reproduction | 16 |
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Biology and Human Welfare | 10 |
Biotechnology and its Applications | 10 |
Ecology and Environment | 14 |
Total (Theory) | 70 |
The remaining 30 marks are for the practical examination: one major experiment, one minor experiment or slide preparation, spotting, a practical record and a project, along with a viva voce.
How to Prepare
• Work through the NCERT Biology textbook for Class 12 line by line; the vast majority of board questions, including many MCQs, come directly from its text, examples and in-text boxes.
• Practise every major labelled diagram (flower structure, human reproductive system, DNA replication, gene expression, ecological pyramids) until you can redraw and label them from memory.
• Build a chapter list against the unit-wise weightage and give Genetics and Evolution the most revision time, since it carries the highest marks.
• Make short revision notes on numbers and terms that are easy to mix up: Mendelian ratios, stages of gametogenesis, types of chromosomal disorders, and stages of ecological succession.
• Attempt at least one full-length sample paper a week under timed, exam-like conditions once your syllabus is mostly covered.
• Keep your practical file, spotting practice and project work going alongside theory revision; the practical component carries 30 of the 100 total marks.
Tips to Score Well
• Use precise NCERT terminology in your answers; examiners award marks for correct biological terms, not just the general idea.
• Label every diagram neatly and completely, including all parts asked for in the question; partially labelled diagrams lose easy marks.
• For case-based questions, read the passage carefully and answer only what is asked; do not pad answers with unrelated background information.
• Attempt Section A (MCQs) first to secure quick, confident marks before moving to longer descriptive questions.
• Where a question asks for a specific number of points or examples, give exactly that many, clearly numbered, rather than one long paragraph.
• Keep 10-15 minutes at the end to recheck diagram labels and any numerical or ratio-based answers (such as Mendelian crosses).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these official CBSE sample papers?
No. These are not official CBSE sample papers. They are original practice papers created in-house, designed to match the official CBSE question paper pattern, marking scheme and difficulty level as closely as possible.
Which unit carries the highest weightage in Class 12 Biology?
Genetics and Evolution carries the highest weightage at 20 marks, followed by Reproduction at 16 marks. Both units deserve extra revision time given how much they contribute to the theory paper.
How many sample papers are provided, and do they come with solutions?
There are 3 sample papers in total. Each PDF contains the full sample paper followed by its complete solution and marking scheme.
Do these sample papers cover the practical exam as well?
These sample papers cover the 70-mark theory paper. The remaining 30 marks come from the practical examination (experiments, spotting, practical record, project and viva voce), which is assessed separately by your school.
Which textbook should I refer to alongside these sample papers?
The NCERT Biology textbook for Class 12 remains the primary reference. These sample papers are best used after you have worked through the relevant chapters, including their diagrams and in-text examples.