In the MSBSHSE Class 12 curriculum, physics is generally agreed to be the most fundamental of the science disciplines. This is especially true for students pursuing a career in various competitive examinations such as MHT-CET and JEE. The examination in the state board that covers physics for Class 12 is meant to examine a student’s understanding of theoretical principles meeting the competency for application in accurate predictions for numerical problems requiring various levels of complexity.
This guide, developed in accordance with the structure of the official MSBSHSE, encompasses everything you need to know regarding the HSC Physics exam for MSBSHSE Class 12 in 2026, such as confirmed date, paper structure, updated syllabus, examination marking pattern, the weightage verses chapters, and guide charge references for examination preparation.
Understanding and mastering physics is crucial not only to obtain a high mark in the board exam, but also as a foundational skill for any future scientific study.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) administers the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Board Examination for Class 12 students, in all streams, annually. The 12th class physics paper is an important paper for the science subjects. The physics paper is to assess a student’s understanding of fundamental laws, as well as their ability to solve numerical problems that involve these laws. You will need practice, along with conceptual understanding and clarity to succeed in this assessment. We have provided below a snapshot of MSBSHSE Class 12 Physics Examination:
The Class 12 Board Exams 2026 are set to be conducted by the MSBSHSE between February 10 and March 11, 2026. The official timetable has released the first major theory paper for the Science stream, as follows:
The date for the Physics (Science) paper is as follows:Physics (Science): Monday, February 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You will need to confirm your timetable and plan your end-of-term revision cycle. Physics demands time for derivation and practice of numerical questions, and you will want to use the last weeks of this cycle for the full-length mock tests and comprehensive revisions of numerical and existing formulas that have been used throughout the term.
The MSBSHSE Class 12 Physics syllabus is extensive and seeks to provide students with a broad and solid understanding of the key underlying principles that are core to the physical world we live in. The syllabus is formalized across two broad areas: classical physics (like rotational dynamics, oscillations, and waves) and modern physics (like dual nature of radiation and semiconductors).
It is important to have an understanding of the full syllabus, and what conceptual connections exists across the chapters in the syllabus, including (the chapters titled) Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Wave Optics, and Semiconductors that would fully conceptualize an understanding of a complex subject and carry a weight within the syllabus and associated marks in the exam. Students will also need to focus on the theoretical derivations of definitions and their use in solving numerical questions equally.
The breakdown of the MSBSHSE Class 12 Physics Syllabus for 2026 is as follows:
The Physics paper is divided into two components: the written theory exam (70 marks) and the practical/internal assessment (30 marks), totalling 100 marks. Securing good marks in the practicals is vital for a high final percentage.
The 70-mark theory paper is divided into four main sections, with internal choices provided in Sections B, C, and D. Marks are strictly awarded for relevant steps, correct formula usage, and the final answer.
The structure of the 70-mark paper is as follows:
To pass the subject, a student must score 35% overall (including theory and practical marks combined).
The weightage distribution in the Physics paper often places a strong emphasis on the Electromagnetism and Modern Physics units. Students should use this weightage to prioritize their study time, focusing on high-scoring areas where derivations and numericals are common.
Below is the estimated chapter-wise weightage (including internal choices):
Prioritize topics that frequently appear as 4-mark derivations in Section D, such as the expression for energy stored in a capacitor, or the balanced condition of a Wheatstone's Bridge.
Scoring above 90% in MSBSHSE Class 12 Physics requires a balanced approach to theory and numerical problem-solving.
Revise this daily, especially before attempting numerical problems.
Practising previous year papers is the single most important strategy for maximizing your score in the Physics exam. They expose you to the precise framing and difficulty level of questions asked by the board.
Experts advise that students not only solve the papers but also meticulously compare their solutions with model answers to perfect their step-wise presentation, which is essential for scoring well in the theory section.
(Session 2026 - 27)