Are you preparing for the CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Exam 2025–26? If yes, then solving the latest sample papers is one of the smartest ways to understand the paper pattern, marking scheme, and important question types.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything about the CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 — from exam pattern and important topics to preparation tips and FAQs.
Overview of CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology 2025–26
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 for Class 12 students to help them prepare for the upcoming board exams.
This paper reflects the latest CBSE exam pattern and competency-based question format, ensuring students practice real exam-style questions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Class | 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Academic Year | 2025–26 |
| Paper Type | Sample Paper (Theory) |
| Maximum Marks | 70 |
| Time Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | www.cbse.gov.in |
CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 PDF Download
You can download the official CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 PDF and its Marking Scheme directly from the CBSE Academic website.
- Sample Paper PDF – Download Here
- Marking Scheme PDF – Download Here
💡 Tip: Always solve the sample paper in a timed environment (3 hours) to build your exam stamina and improve time management.
CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Exam Pattern 2025–26
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The Class 12 Biotechnology exam is divided into theory (70 marks) and practical (30 marks).
🔹 Theory Paper (70 Marks)
The theory paper contains five units, each with specific weightage:
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Biotechnology: An Overview | 5 |
| II | Molecules of Life | 20 |
| III | Genetics and Genomics | 15 |
| IV | Cell Culture and Genetic Manipulation | 20 |
| V | Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics | 10 |
| Total | 70 Marks |
🔹 Practical Exam (30 Marks)
The practical component tests your hands-on knowledge and analytical ability.
| Components | Marks |
|---|---|
| One Major Experiment | 5 |
| One Minor Experiment | 5 |
| Spotting | 7 |
| Practical Record + Viva Voce | 8 |
| Investigatory Project | 5 |
| Total | 30 Marks |
CBSE Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26: Question Paper Design
The 2025–26 sample paper follows a competency-based model, focusing on understanding, application, and problem-solving skills.
| Question Type | Weightage | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Remembering & Understanding | 40% | 28 Marks |
| Applying | 30% | 21 Marks |
| Analyzing, Evaluating & Creating | 30% | 21 Marks |
✅ Total Marks: 70
✅ Question Paper Duration: 3 hours
Section-Wise Question Breakdown
Let’s look at how the sample paper is structured:
| Section | Type of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Very Short Answer (MCQs, Assertion-Reason) | 1 | 14 |
| B | Short Answer Type I | 2 | 14 |
| C | Short Answer Type II | 3 | 18 |
| D | Long Answer | 5 | 20 |
| E | Case Study / Competency-based | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 70 Marks |
Important Topics in CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology 2025–26
While all chapters are important, certain topics carry more weightage and often appear in exams or sample papers.
🔬 Unit I: Biotechnology – An Overview
- Definition, scope, and applications
- Tools and techniques used in biotechnology
- Safety and ethical issues
🧪 Unit II: Molecules of Life
-
Structure and function of biomolecules
-
Proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates
-
Metabolic pathways and their regulation
🧫 Unit III: Genetics and Genomics
-
Mendelian genetics
-
Recombinant DNA technology
-
Genomic organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
🧍♂️ Unit IV: Cell Culture and Genetic Manipulation
-
Principles of cell culture
-
Gene transfer techniques
-
Stem cell technology and its applications
💻 Unit V: Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics
-
Protein structure and design
-
Tools and databases in bioinformatics
-
Drug discovery and molecular docking basics
🔍 Pro Tip: Focus on “application-based” and “case-study” questions, as CBSE is emphasizing competency-based learning from 2025 onwards.
Marking Scheme Insights for 2025–26
The CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Marking Scheme helps students understand how marks are distributed and what examiners look for in answers.
✅ Key Points:
- Stepwise marking is followed — even partial correct steps get marks.
- Diagrams must be neatly labeled to score full marks.
- Scientific terminology and concise explanations fetch better grades.
- Competency-based questions test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 (Question Example)
Here’s a glimpse of how the sample paper looks:
Q1. Assertion & Reason Type Question:
Assertion (A): Plasmids are circular DNA molecules that replicate independently.
Reason (R): They contain essential genes for cell survival.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
👉 Answer: (b)
How to Use CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper Effectively
Solving sample papers is more than just practice — it’s strategic preparation. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
🕐 1. Simulate Exam Conditions
Set a timer for 3 hours and attempt the entire paper without distractions. This helps build focus and time management.
📖 2. Analyze Your Mistakes
After completing the paper, cross-check answers with the official marking scheme to identify weak areas.
🧮 3. Revise Important Diagrams and Terms
Pay special attention to enzyme structures, cell culture methods, and gene transfer techniques.
💡 4. Attempt Case-Study Questions Regularly
CBSE’s 2025–26 pattern includes more case-based and analytical questions — practice them weekly.
🗂️ 5. Track Your Progress
Maintain a notebook for mistakes, repeated errors, and difficult concepts. This personalized log helps in focused revision.
Preparation Tips for CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology 2025–26
Here are some smart strategies to help you score high in Biotechnology:
- Understand, Don’t Memorize: Focus on concepts rather than rote learning.
- Create Flowcharts: Visuals help you remember processes like genetic engineering or cloning.
- Revise NCERT Thoroughly: Most questions are directly based on NCERT content.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Identify question trends and repeated topics.
- Focus on Competency Questions: Practice reasoning, analysis, and application-based problems.
- Prepare for Viva: Be confident while explaining your experiments during the practical exam.
CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Practicals 2025–26
Apart from theory, students must excel in practical work. Here’s what the practical syllabus generally includes:
Key Practical Topics
- Isolation of DNA
- Study of growth curve of microorganisms
- Restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis
- Preparation of buffers and media
- Bioinformatics database search
🔬 Tip: Record your observations carefully in your practical file, as it carries 8 marks including viva.
Benefits of Solving Biotechnology Sample Papers
- Improves conceptual clarity
- Enhances speed and accuracy
- Boosts confidence before the board exam
- Helps predict important question types
- Familiarizes you with the new question format
CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Study Resources 2025–26
For complete preparation, refer to these authentic resources:
| Resource Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Textbook | NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology |
| Reference Books | Comprehensive Biotechnology (S. Chand), Modern’s ABC of Biotechnology |
| Official Resources | CBSE Sample Paper & Marking Scheme |
| Online Platforms | Diksha, CBSE Academic Portal, NCERT Official Site |
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 Biotechnology Sample Paper 2025–26 is a must-practice resource for students who aim to score high marks in the board exam. It not only helps you understand the latest question pattern but also builds your conceptual and analytical skills.
Remember, consistent practice and smart time management are the real keys to success. Combine your NCERT preparation with sample paper practice and mock tests to confidently face the exam.
