When it comes to higher secondary education in India, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) plays a major role. The Class 12 board exams are crucial because they open doors to higher education and competitive exams. In 2025, the Maharashtra Board has introduced a new paper pattern for Class 12 across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. This update is designed to make assessments more student-friendly and competency-based.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed subject-wise breakdown of the new exam pattern, marking scheme, and weightage for each section. Whether you are a student, parent, or teacher, this guide will help you understand the structure of the exams better and prepare accordingly.
Why the New Paper Pattern Matters
The Class 12 Maharashtra Board exams are not just about passing school—these scores determine admissions to engineering, medical, commerce, and arts colleges across India. A well-defined paper pattern ensures that students can prepare strategically.
The new pattern of 2025 focuses on:
- More weightage to application-based questions.
- Balanced distribution of objective, short answer, and long answer questions.
- Ensuring students are evaluated on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
For detailed subject insights, let’s move stream by stream.
Science Stream – Class 12 Maharashtra Board Paper Pattern
Students aiming for careers in engineering, medicine, or pure sciences opt for this stream. The exam papers are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
1. Physics
- Total Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
- Paper Structure:
- Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – 8 marks
- Section B: Short Answer Type (SA-I) – 16 marks
- Section C: Short Answer Type (SA-II) – 18 marks
- Section D: Long Answer/Derivations – 28 marks
- Emphasis is on numericals, derivations, and conceptual clarity.
2. Chemistry
- Total Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 10 marks
- Short Answer Questions – 20 marks
- Long Answer Questions – 20 marks
- Application/Problem-Based Questions – 20 marks
- Covers Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry equally.
3. Biology
- Total Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical)
- Paper Structure:
- MCQs – 8 marks
- Short Answer (SA-I) – 20 marks
- Short Answer (SA-II) – 22 marks
- Long Answer (LA) – 20 marks
- Greater focus on Genetics, Biotechnology, and Human Physiology.
4. Mathematics
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Paper Structure:
- Section A: Very Short Answer (1 mark each) – 16 marks
- Section B: Short Answer (2 marks each) – 16 marks
- Section C: Long Answer (3 marks each) – 24 marks
- Section D: Very Long Answer (4 marks each) – 24 marks
- Topics such as Calculus, Probability, and Algebra carry higher weightage.
👉 Also read about the Commerce Stream Paper Pattern
Commerce Stream – Class 12 Maharashtra Board Paper Pattern
For students interested in accountancy, finance, business management, or economics, the commerce stream offers a wide subject range.
1. Accountancy
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project Work)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 8 marks
- Practical Problems – 48 marks
- Theory/Explanatory – 24 marks
2. Economics
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Paper Structure:
- MCQs – 10 marks
- Short Answer Questions – 30 marks
- Long Answer Questions – 40 marks
- Emphasis on Indian Economy, Statistics, and Economic Reforms.
3. Business Studies (Organization of Commerce & Management)
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 10 marks
- Short Notes – 20 marks
- Case Studies – 20 marks
- Long Answer Questions – 30 marks
4. Secretarial Practice
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project Work)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Type – 10 marks
- Short Answer – 20 marks
- Explanatory/Descriptive – 50 marks
👉 If you are from Science Stream, check the Science Paper Pattern
Arts Stream – Class 12 Maharashtra Board Paper Pattern
The Arts stream offers subjects related to social sciences, humanities, and literature.
1. History
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Project)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 10 marks
- Short Notes – 20 marks
- Long Answer Questions – 50 marks
- Focus on Modern Indian and World History.
2. Political Science
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 12 marks
- Short Answer Questions – 28 marks
- Long Answer Questions – 40 marks
3. Geography
- Total Marks: 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical & Map Work)
- Paper Structure:
- Objective Questions – 8 marks
- Short Answer – 20 marks
- Long Answer – 42 marks
- Map-based questions are highly significant.
4. Sociology / Psychology
- Total Marks: 80 (Theory) + 20 (Practical/Project)
- Paper Structure:
- MCQs – 10 marks
- Short Answer – 20 marks
- Descriptive – 50 marks
👉 Students can also explore the Commerce Stream Pattern
Internal Assessment & Practical Examinations
Apart from written exams, the Maharashtra Board Class 12 pattern includes 20–30 marks for internal assessment or practicals depending on the subject. This includes:
- Projects and Assignments
- Experiments (for Science subjects)
- Viva/Oral Tests
- Field Work (Geography, Sociology, Economics)
This ensures students are evaluated not only on theory but also on practical applications.
Key Takeaways for Students
- Time Management – Practice solving sample papers within the time limit.
- Focus on NCERT & State Board Books – As most questions are framed directly.
- Balance Objective & Descriptive Practice – Since both carry significant weightage.
- Don’t Ignore Practicals/Projects – These marks can make a big difference in final scores.
The Class 12 Maharashtra Board new paper pattern 2025 has been designed to test conceptual understanding, practical application, and analytical ability. Whether you belong to the Science, Commerce, or Arts stream, knowing the subject-wise weightage helps you prepare more effectively.
By following this structured approach, students can score well and pave the way for higher studies and career opportunities.
