CISCE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: ISC Class 12 Biology question paper analysis; answer key, updates

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) concluded the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Class 12 Biology paper today at 5:00 pm. Students are advised to reach their respective exam centres at least 40–45 minutes before the exam begins to complete entry and verification procedures.

Meanwhile, the council has announced that examinations scheduled for the same date in some international locations, including parts of the UAE and the Middle East, have been postponed. Revised dates for these centres will be announced later.

The ISC 12th Biology paper will be assessed through a combination of theory and practical components. The theory paper carries 70 marks, while the remaining 30 marks are allotted to the practical.

Students will be given three hours to complete the written paper, along with an additional 15 minutes of reading time before the exam begins.

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ISC Class 12 Biology Exam 2026: Passing marks

As per the exam pattern, the question paper is divided into four sections—A, B, C, and D. Section A is compulsory and generally includes multiple-choice questions and very short-answer questions.

Sections B, C and D feature a mix of short-answer, long-answer and case-study-based questions designed to test both conceptual understanding and application of biological concepts.

To qualify in the ISC Class 12 Biology exam 2026, candidates are required to score at least 40% marks individually in both the theory and practical sections.

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ISC Biology Exam 2026: Important topics

Students preparing for the ISC Class 12 Biology examination should pay special attention to the following core units, which carry significant weightage in the question paper:

• Genetics and Evolution: This unit generally carries the highest weightage in the paper and includes analytical and problem-based questions related to heredity, variation, and evolutionary concepts.
• Reproduction: Questions from this section focus on reproductive processes in humans and other organisms. Though detail-oriented, it is considered a scoring unit if concepts are clearly revised.
• Biotechnology: This topic usually includes straightforward questions on biotechnology principles and their real-world applications, making it relatively predictable for students.
• Ecology and Environment: Despite often being overlooked by students, this unit appears regularly in the exam with questions related to ecosystems, environmental issues, and biodiversity.
• Biology and Human Welfare: This section covers topics linked to human health, diseases, and the role of microbes in medicine and welfare.