CBSE Class 12 Biology Marks Distribution 2024-25: Get a comprehensive breakdown of marks allotted to different units and chapters in the CBSE Class 12 Biology syllabus for the academic year 2024-25. Plan your studies effectively and maximize your score!
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new exam pattern for Class 12 Biology for the 2024-25 academic year, enhancing its focus on practical skills and application-based knowledge. The updated syllabus, available on the official CBSE website (cbseacademic.nic.in), divides the Biology exam into two sections: a 70-mark theory component and a 30-mark practical component, making a total of 100 marks. Students will encounter a variety of question types in the CBSE 12th exam for Biology, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and application-based questions, designed to assess their conceptual understanding and critical thinking. Both the theory and practical exams has a total time duration of 3 hours, challenging students to manage their time effectively while demonstrating a solid grasp of core Biology concepts.
Candidates can check more about CBSE Biology Class 12 Marks Distribution from this article!
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern
CBSE Biology Class 12 Marks Distribution: Chapter-Wise
The theory component of CBSE Biology Class 12, totaling 70 marks, covers five main units. Each unit contributes a specific weight to the final score, enabling students to prioritize their study efforts based on the marks allocation for each chapter.
Unit No. |
Unit Title |
Chapters Included |
Marks |
VI |
Reproduction |
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health |
16 |
VII |
Genetics and Evolution |
Principles of Inheritance and Variation, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Evolution |
20 |
VIII |
Biology and Human Welfare |
Human Health and Diseases, Microbes in Human Welfare |
12 |
IX |
Biotechnology and Its Applications |
Biotechnology – Principles and Processes, Biotechnology and Its Applications |
12 |
X |
Ecology and Environment |
Organisms and Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity and its Conservation |
10 |
Total Marks |
70 |
Key Points:
- Genetics and Evolution carries the highest weight (20 marks), followed by Reproduction (16 marks).
- Ecology and Environment has the lowest weight (10 marks), but it remains crucial for a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
CBSE Biology Class 12 Marks Distribution for Practical Exam
The practical exam, worth 30 marks, evaluates students on various skills through specific practical tasks and viva. Here's a breakdown of how marks are assigned in the practical component.
Evaluation Component |
Marks |
One Major Experiment |
5 |
One Minor Experiment |
4 |
Slide Preparation |
5 |
Spotting |
7 |
Practical Record + Viva Voce |
4 |
Investigatory Project and Record |
1 |
Viva Voce for Investigatory Project |
5 |
Total Marks |
30 |
CBSE Biology Class 12 Marks Distribution for Theory Exam
To help students structure their study and practice, CBSE has outlined a detailed format for the question types in the Biology theory exam. Here is a breakdown of the questions students can expect:
Section |
Type of Question |
Number of Questions |
Marks Per Questions |
Total Marks |
A |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)/Assertion-Reasoning |
16 |
1 |
16 |
B |
Short Answer Questions |
5 |
2 |
10 |
C |
Short Answer Questions |
7 |
3 |
21 |
D |
Case-based/Source-based/Passage-based Questions |
2 |
4 |
8 |
E |
Long Answer Questions |
3 |
5 |
15 |
Total Marks for Theory Exams |
70 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers
CBSE Biology Class 12 Topic Wise Marks Distribution
The competencies tested include:
- Knowledge and Understanding (50%): Requires students to identify, define, and explain concepts.
- Application of Concepts (30%): Emphasis on practical application and problem-solving.
- Analysis, Evaluation, and Creation (20%): Involves critical thinking, comparison, and interpretation.
CBSE Biology Class 12 Marks Distribution: Topic Wise
The following list provides an overview of each chapter in the CBSE Biology Class 12 syllabus. Reviewing the key areas within each topic is essential for comprehensive preparation.
Unit VI: Reproduction (16 Marks)
- Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
Unit VII: Genetics and Evolution (20 Marks)
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
Unit VIII: Biology and Human Welfare (12 Marks)
- Human Health and Diseases
- Microbes in Human Welfare
Unit IX: Biotechnology and Its Applications (12 Marks)
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
Unit X: Ecology and Environment (10 Marks)
- Organisms and Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
How to Check CBSE Biology Class 12 Marking Scheme?
- Visit CBSE’s official website at cbse.gov.in.
- Select “Sample Question Paper” from the menu.
- In the dropdown, choose “SQP 2024-25”.
- Click on “Class XII”.
- Locate “Biology” and click on ‘MS’ to download the marking scheme.
- Download and review the SQP and MS for thorough insights.
Also Read: CBSE Biology Class 12 Syllabus
CBSE Biology Class 12 Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the distribution of marks, question types, and chapter weightage to prioritize your study efforts effectively.
- Create a Study Schedule: Divide the syllabus into manageable sections based on chapter weightage. Allocate more time to high-weight chapters like Genetics and Evolution and Reproduction.
- Focus on Diagrams and Terminology: Biology is a subject rich in diagrams, which are often used in questions. Practice diagrams such as the structure of DNA, reproductive organs, and ecological pyramids to score well in both theory and practical exams.
- Use NCERT Textbooks as Primary Material: CBSE papers are based on NCERT textbooks. Pay special attention to every chapter and summary to ensure you’re not missing any information.
- Practice Past Papers and Sample Papers: Solving previous years' question papers and CBSE sample papers is crucial. They help you understand the question format and time management.
- Strengthen Practical Skills: For practical exams, prepare a detailed practical record and rehearse experiments frequently. Practicing slide preparation, spotting, and conducting experiments will improve your confidence and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly and Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for important terms, definitions, and diagrams. Regular revision through these flashcards reinforces memory and aids quick recall during the exam.
- Take Advantage of Online Resources: Utilize online tutorials, mock tests, and CBSE-recommended resources for extra guidance.