Two sections, two answering rules
The 2026 student brochure specifies a two-hour paper with 60 questions and 216 maximum marks.
| Part | Questions | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Single correct | 48 | +3 for a correct answer; −1 for an incorrect answer |
| One or more correct | 12 | 6 marks only if every correct option and no incorrect option is selected |
Read the option rule before answering
In a single-correct question, choose one option. For a multiple-correct question, evaluate each statement independently. Selecting one correct option is not enough if another correct option is required. The brochure specifies all-and-only-correct scoring.
The 2025 paper explicitly stated no negative marking in the multiple-correct part. Read the 2026 paper instructions when issued for the complete current rules, including unattempted responses and permitted materials.
Language options
The current brochure lists English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu, with provision for another Indian language if at least 300 students opt for it during enrolment. Use the language selected in your official registration.
A useful practice method
- Make a first pass through questions you can explain confidently.
- Mark uncertain questions for a second pass.
- For multi-select questions, test every option against the biological principle.
- Keep time for checking the answer sheet and paper-code instructions.
See the format in official past papers →