MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Overview 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus & Previous Year Papers

Chemistry is a crucial subject offered by the Maharashtra State Board Class 12 syllabus in the Maharashtra State Board curriculum of Class 12. Chemistry connects the dots between physics and biology. It is incredibly important for students planning to study medicine (NEET), engineering, pharmacy, and some of the competitive exams like MHT-CET and JEE. The MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry exam evaluates a student’s understanding of the three major branches of chemistry (Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry) and requires a solid understanding of chemical reactions, numerical stoichiometry of reactions, descriptive theory of reactions, and the structure-function relationship of substances. 

This exhaustive guide provides you with all of the information you need to know with regard to the MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Examination of 2026, presents the confirmed exam date, paper pattern, syllabus as updated, confirmed, chapter-wise weightages, other syllabi reference materials for preparation, etc. 

1.0MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Highlights

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), is a board that oversees the HSC Board Examination, and the Class 12 Chemistry paper is a scoring subject, while also taking time to review chemical equations, and chemical mechanisms, and perform numerical problem-solving.

2.0MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Date 2026

The MSBSHSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 will be conducted between February 10 and March 11, 2026.

The date for the Chemistry (Science) paper has been officially released:

• Chemistry (Science) will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..

Effective planning is crucial, especially to cover the vast Organic Chemistry section and practice numericals from Physical Chemistry. Allocate sufficient time for revision of named reactions and mechanisms in the final weeks.

3.0MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus 2026

The Chemistry curriculum for 2026 consists of four primary areas: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Chemistry in Practical Applications. The syllabus consists of a total of 16 chapters, and includes an emphasis on understanding conceptual aspects including chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of organic reactions.

• In the Physical Chemistry section, learners will study Solid State, Solutions and Colligative Properties, Chemical Thermodynamics and Energetic, Electrochemistry, and Chemical Kinetics.
• Inorganic Chemistry topics include General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d and f – Block Elements, and Coordination Compounds.
• In Organic Chemistry (a major section), students will study Halogen Derivatives of Alkanes and Arenes, Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, and Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen (Amines).
• In the Applied Chemistry section, students will study Biomolecules, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.

Key Chapters in MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

4.0MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The total marks for Chemistry are 100, split between 70 marks for the theory paper and 30 marks for practical/internal assessment. Students must secure at least 35% overall to pass the subject. The paper features approximately 25% objective-type questions to test fundamental concepts.

Theory Paper Structure (70 Marks)

The theory paper is divided into four sections (A, B, C, D), closely matching the Physics structure.

5.0Chapter-Wise Weightage & Important Topics

The weightage clearly favours Organic and Physical Chemistry units, making them the primary focus areas for scoring high.

High-Priority Chapters:

• Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids: Highest weightage in Organic Chemistry, focusing on synthesis and reactions.
• Chemical Thermodynamics: Highest weightage in Physical Chemistry, critical for 3-mark and 4-mark questions.
• p-Block Elements: Highest weightage in Inorganic Chemistry, often tested through descriptive questions.

6.0Preparation Tips for Scoring High in Chemistry

Achieving a high score in Chemistry requires a highly systematic and disciplined study plan focusing on specific elements of the curriculum:

• Master Named Reactions: Create flashcards or a dedicated notebook for all Named Reactions (e.g., Aldol Condensation, Wurtz Reaction, Reimer-Tiemann) in Organic Chemistry, clearly noting the reactants, reagents, and products.
• Numerical & Derivation Practice: Systematically practise numericals from Physical Chemistry chapters like Solutions, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Kinetics to gain speed and accuracy. Always write down the formula, given data, and final answer with correct units.
• Inorganic Chemistry Descriptors: Focus on Trends and Exceptions for the p- and d/f-Block elements. Write out descriptive answers (like oxidizing properties or anomalous behaviour) point-wise to ensure clarity for the examiner.
• Structure and Mechanism Focus: For Organic Chemistry, practise drawing reaction mechanisms step-by-step and clearly showing the movement of electrons. Focus on distinction tests (e.g., Lucas test, Tollen's test) for alcohols and aldehydes.
• Targeted PYQ Practice: Solve full-length Previous Year Papers (5–7 minimum) under the strict 3-hour exam limit to identify recurring patterns and manage the time needed for the lengthy Organic and Physical sections.

7.0MSBSHSE Class 12 Chemistry Previous Year Papers

Regular practice with past papers is indispensable for maximizing marks by familiarizing students with the board’s question framing and marking expectations.