CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Papers with Solutions PDF are provided in this article. Students can download set-wise Biology Question Paper solved PDF for the years 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, and more through the links provided below. The question paper contains 33 questions. All the questions are compulsory, however, students are provided internal choices in some questions

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CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper PDF with Solutions

Compartment year:

2023 papers16 setsExam date: 16 Mar 2023

2018 papers5 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2018 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57/B – – View Solutions
Code 137 – – View Solutions

2016 papers10 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2016 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1 Download PDF 0.11 MB Download PDF 0.18 MB View Solutions
Set 57/1/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2 Download PDF 0.12 MB Download PDF 0.18 MB View Solutions
Set 57/2/1 Download PDF 0.09 MB Download PDF 0.17 MB View Solutions
Set 57/2/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57/3 Download PDF 0.11 MB Download PDF 0.18 MB View Solutions
Set 57/B – – View Solutions

2015 papers10 setsExam date: 23 Mar 2015

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2015 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/2/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57/3 – – View Solutions
Set 57(B) – – View Solutions
Code 57/1 – – View Solutions

2014 papers3 setsExam date: 15 Mar 2014

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2014 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/2 Download PDF 1.82 MB Download PDF 0.50 MB Download PDF 0.53 MB
Set 57/2/1 Download PDF 0.84 MB Download PDF 0.29 MB Download PDF 0.40 MB
Code 57/1 Download PDF 0.27 MB Download PDF 0.21 MB Download PDF 0.36 MB

2013 papers1 setExam date: 15 Mar 2013

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2013 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/1 – – View Solutions

2012 papers3 setsExam date: 17 Mar 2012

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2012 question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/1 Download PDF 2.56 MB Download PDF 0.73 MB View Solutions
Set 57/2/1 Download PDF 3.23 MB Download PDF 0.50 MB View Solutions
Code 57/1 Download PDF 3.22 MB Download PDF 0.32 MB View Solutions

2026 Compartment papers3 setsExam date: 28 Jul 2026

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/7/1 Download PDF 0.54 MB Download PDF 0.38 MB View Solutions
Set 57/7/2 Download PDF 0.53 MB Download PDF 0.36 MB View Solutions
Set 57/7/3 Download PDF 0.56 MB Download PDF 0.53 MB View Solutions

2025 Compartment papers3 setsExam date: 15 Jul 2025

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2025 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/S/1 Download PDF 1.01 MB Download PDF 1.33 MB View Solutions
Set 57/S/2 Download PDF 0.94 MB Download PDF 1.63 MB View Solutions
Set 57/S/3 Download PDF 0.96 MB Download PDF 2.33 MB View Solutions

2024 Compartment papers3 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2024 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/S/1 Download PDF 0.43 MB Download PDF 0.40 MB Download PDF 0.69 MB
Set 57/S/2 Download PDF 0.43 MB Download PDF 0.40 MB Download PDF 0.70 MB
Set 57/S/3 Download PDF 0.43 MB Download PDF 0.40 MB Download PDF 0.70 MB

2023 Compartment papers4 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2023 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/B – – View Solutions
Set 57/C/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/C/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/C/3 – – View Solutions

2022 Compartment papers4 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2022 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/6/1 Download PDF 1.62 MB Download PDF 1.62 MB View Solutions
Set 57/6/2 Download PDF 1.48 MB Download PDF 0.99 MB View Solutions
Set 57/6/3 Download PDF 1.43 MB Download PDF 0.99 MB View Solutions
Set 57/B/5 – – View Solutions

2021 Compartment papers1 set

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2021 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/1 Download PDF 4.63 MB Download PDF 2.01 MB View Solutions

2020 Compartment papers3 sets

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2020 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/C/1 Download PDF 0.52 MB Download PDF 0.32 MB View Solutions
Set 57/C/2 Download PDF 0.51 MB Download PDF 0.28 MB View Solutions
Set 57/C/3 Download PDF 0.52 MB Download PDF 0.32 MB View Solutions

2019 Compartment papers3 setsExam date: 15 Mar 2019

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2019 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Set 57/1/1 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/2 – – View Solutions
Set 57/1/3 – – View Solutions

2018 Compartment papers3 setsExam date: 16 Jul 2018

CBSE Class 12 Biology 2018 Compartment question papers, set-wise
Set Name CBSE Official PDF CD PDF CD PDF with Solutions
Code 57/1 Download PDF 1.14 MB Download PDF 0.22 MB View Solutions
Code 57/2 Download PDF 1.14 MB Download PDF 0.22 MB View Solutions
Code 57/3 Download PDF 1.14 MB Download PDF 0.22 MB View Solutions

CBSE Class 12 Biology Important Questions

Check some important questions for CBSE Class 12 Biology exam below:

  • Differentiate between an annual and biennial plants. Provide one example of each.
  • Cucurbits and papaya plants bear staminate and pistillate flowers. Mention the categories they are put under separately on the basis of the type of flowers they bear.
  • Why do algae and fungi shift to sexual mode of reproduction just before the onset of adverse conditions?
  • Name the organic materials of which exine and intine of an angiosperm pollen grains are made up of. Explain the role of exine.
  • (i) Describe the formation of mature female gametophyte within an ovule in angiosperms.
    (ii) Describe the structure of cell that guides the pollen tube to enter the embryo sac.
  • Explain the phenomenon of double fertilisation.
  • Draw a labelled diagram of the reproductive system in human female.
  • Explain the different phases of menstrual cycle and correlate the phases with the different levels of pituitary hormones in a human female.
  • If implementation of better techniques and new strategies are required to provide more efficient care and assistance to people, then why is there a statutory ban on amniocentesis? Write the use of this technique and give reason to justify the ban.
  • Explain the Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer Technique (ZIFT). How is Intra Uterine Transfer Technique (IUT) different from it?
  • (i) Explain DNA polymorphism as the basis of genetic mapping of human genome.
    (ii) State the role of VNTR in DNA fingerprinting.
  • Write the Oparin and Haldane’s hypothesis about the origin of life on Earth. How does meteorite analysis favour this hypothesis?
  • (i) All human beings have cellular oncogenes but only few suffer from cancer disease. Give reasons.
    (ii) How is a malignant tumour different from a benign tumour?
  • Mention the importance of lactic acid bacteria to humans other than setting milk into curd.
  • Explain with the help of a suitable example the naming of a restriction endonuclease.
  • Name and describe the technique that helps in separating the DNA fragments formed by the use of restriction endonuclease.
  • Explain standing crop in an ecosystem. Draw a pyramid of biomass when a small standing crop of phytoplanktons supports a large standing crop of zooplankton in the sea.
JEE Main Mock Test

CBSE Class 12 Bilogy Paper Analysis: Previous Year Trends

CBSE Class 12 Biology paper consistently reward thorough revision of NCERT concepts, definitions, examples and biological processes.

  • Genetics and reproduction: These units require conceptual clarity, especially for Mendelian crosses, pedigree analysis and reproductive processes.
  • Diagram-based questions: Practise labelled diagrams and learn to explain the processes they represent.
  • Competency-based questions: MCQs, assertion-reason questions and case-based questions test the application of concepts.
  • Answer presentation: Use accurate biological terminology, logical explanations and well-labelled diagrams to improve answer quality.

Year

Overall Difficulty Level

Question Paper Analysis

Major Challenges

Key Preparation Takeaway

2026

Moderate

The paper was largely NCERT-based, with a mix of direct, conceptual and application-based questions. Genetics, reproduction, biotechnology and ecology featured prominently.

Assertion-reason questions, pedigree charts, Mendelian genetics numericals and case-based questions.

Revise NCERT line by line, practise diagrams and solve genetics-based application questions.

2025

Easy to Moderate

The paper included a balanced mix of conceptual, application-based and competency-based questions covering the syllabus.

Higher-order thinking questions and application-based MCQs required conceptual clarity.

Practise MCQs, case-based questions and long answers using NCERT concepts.

2024

Moderate

Focus preparation on the standard paper format, including objective, short-answer and long-answer questions, along with diagrams and concept-based questions.

Applying biological concepts accurately and presenting answers with appropriate terminology.

Practise the 2024 question paper and marking scheme to identify the actual chapter-wise question trends.

2023

Moderate

Review the paper for questions testing NCERT concepts, biological processes, diagrams and explanations.

Recalling key terms, explaining processes in sequence and managing descriptive answers.

Solve the original paper under timed conditions and compare responses with available solutions.

2022

Moderate

The examination followed the Term 2 format, so its structure and marks distribution differed from the full annual papers of later years.

Descriptive answers, diagram-based questions and adapting to the term-wise syllabus.

Use the 2022 paper as supplementary practice, keeping the Term 2 syllabus and format in mind.

The video by "Next Toppers - 12th Science" explains the CBSE Class 12 Biology paper analysis. You can check the video to understand the types of questions, marks and how to attempt them. ​

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What is the marking scheme for different types of questions asked in CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper?

Ans. CBSE marking scheme for Class 12 Biology question paper is subject to change year-to-year. However, based on the latest available information from the 2023-24 academic year, here's a general breakdown of the marking scheme:

  • Section A: This section typically consists of 16 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each carrying 1 mark.
  • Section B: This section usually comprises 9 Short Answer type questions, carrying 2 marks each.
  • Section C: This section generally includes 5 Short Answer type questions, carrying 3 marks each.
  • Section D: This section usually has 4 Case-based/Source-based/Passage-based/ Integrated Assessment type questions, carrying 2 marks each.
  • Section E: This section typically consists of 5 Long Answer type questions, carrying 3 marks each.

You can check CBSE Class 12th Exam Pattern to know the marking scheme in detail.

Ques. How much time should I allocate to solve each section (A, B, C, D) in CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper?

Ans. While there is no such recommended time allocation for each section, here is a suggested approach based on the typical question types and their weightage in CBSE Class 12 Biology question paper:

Total Time: 3 hours to attempt 33 questions

Section-wise Time Allocation:

  • Section A (MCQs): 15% of total time (approximately 27 minutes) - Focus on accuracy and speed as these questions test your recall of basic concepts.
  • Section B (Short Answer - 2 marks): 20% of total time (approximately 36 minutes) - Ensure you answer concisely and cover all the essential points.
  • Section C (Short Answer - 3 marks): 25% of total time (approximately 45 minutes) - Provide more elaborated answers with diagrams or explanations where applicable.
  • Section D (Case-based/Source-based/Passage-based/Integrated Assessment): 15% of total time (approximately 27 minutes) - Carefully analyze the case/source/passage and answer the questions thoughtfully.

Planning and Flexibility:

  • This is a suggested guideline, and you can adjust the time allocation based on your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if you're comfortable with MCQs, you might spend less time on Section A and dedicate more time to sections you find more challenging.
  • Remember to leave sufficient time (around 10-15 minutes) at the end to review your answers and address any omissions or corrections.

Remember, the key is to strategize effectively and practice to ensure you attempt all sections confidently within the given time frame.

Ques. Which topics carry the highest weightage in CBSE Class 12 Biology paper?

Ans. In the CBSE Class 12 Biology paper, the unit with the highest weightage is Genetics and Evolution, carrying 20 marks out of the total 70 marks in the theory paper. This unit comprises three chapters:

  1. Principles of Inheritance and Variation
  2. Molecular Basis of Inheritance
  3. Evolution

Following this, the next unit with a significant weightage is Reproduction, carrying 16 marks. This unit includes two chapters:

  1. Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
  2. Human Reproduction

Here's a breakdown of the weightage for all units in the CBSE Class 12 Biology paper (theory):

  • Unit I: The Living World (8 marks)
  • Unit II: Biological Classification (8 marks)
  • Unit III: Plant Kingdom (11 marks)
  • Unit IV: Animal Kingdom (12 marks)
  • Unit V: Genetics and Evolution (20 marks)
  • Unit VI: Reproduction (16 marks)
  • Unit VII: Ecology and Environment (6 marks)

It is important to note that while these figures represent the official unit-wise weightage, the chapter-wise weightage within each unit might not be uniformly distributed. However, focusing on the high-weightage units and understanding the core concepts within them can significantly strengthen your preparation for CBSE Class 12 Biology exam. Check CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus

Ques. Where can I find previous years' CBSE Class 12th Biology question papers?

Ans. You can find previous years' CBSE Class 12th Biology question papers on the official CBSE Website, cbse.gov.in archives previous years' question papers for all subjects, including Biology. CBSE Class 12 Biology question papers with answer pdf have also been provided by Collegedunia in the article above. Additionally, several publishers release compilation books of previous years' question papers with solutions for Biology.

Ques. Is there a negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs section of a CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the MCQs section of CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Paper. While negative marking is prevalent in many competitive exams like NEET, the CBSE Class 12 board exams adhere to a different marking scheme.

Therefore, you can attempt all the MCQs in the Biology paper without penalty for an incorrect answer.