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The AP Intermediate Biology Exam Pattern consists of two papers, Botany and Zoology, each worth 60 marks, totalling 120 marks. The question paper pattern consists of 3 types of questions, consisting of Very Short Answer (VSA), Short Answer (SA), and Long Answer (LA). This exam requires you to have an understanding of, conceptual knowledge of, and practical skills in biology.
In addition, AP Intermediate Exam Pattern 2026 also represents the number of questions, the distribution of marks, and the internal choice question details. You must know the AP Intermediate Biology Exam Pattern completely to score high marks. You will also be able to create a realistic study plan that shows the inclusion of high-weightage topics by following the pattern.
The marking scheme plays an important role in scoring higher marks in the AP Intermediate Exam 2026. Section A contains extremely short-answer questions, Section B contains short-answer questions with options, and Section C contains long-answer questions with options. Understanding the marks assigned to VSA, SA, and LA questions allows you to effectively manage your time during the exam and practice.
The 2026 AP Intermediate Biology Exam will be in two papers for 120 marks. The pattern is divided into two parts, Botany and Zoology. Each of the two papers will contain a total of 21 questions with a range of question types. The questions in Section A will require you to answer all of them, while Section B and primary Section C will provide you with internal choices. The AP Intermediate Biology exam pattern for two papers will be detailed below:
|
Paper |
Section |
Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
|
Botany |
A |
Very short answer type |
1 to 10 questions |
10 × 2 = 20 |
|
B |
Short answer type (any 6 out of 8) |
6 questions |
6 × 4 = 24 |
|
|
C |
Long answer type (any 2 out of 3) |
2 questions |
2 × 8 = 16 |
|
|
Zoology |
A |
Very short answer type |
1 to 10 questions |
10 × 2 = 20 |
|
B |
Short answer type (any 6 out of 8) |
6 questions |
6 × 4 = 24 |
|
|
C |
Long answer type (any 2 out of 3) |
2 questions |
2 × 8 = 16 |
Also Read: AP Intermediate Biology Syllabus 2026
To pass the AP Intermediate Biology Paper, you need a minimum of 35% aggregate marks. This paper has been split into two different papers—Botany and Zoology. Each is worth 60 marks. The Blueprints for AP Intermediate Biology below continue with the patterns from the previous years.
The AP Intermediate Botany paper consists of 6 units, with Very Short Answer, Short Answer, and Long Answer questions. Below is a table showing the unit-wise distribution of marks:
|
Unit |
Chapter Name |
VSA – 2 Marks |
SA – 4 Marks |
LA – 8 Marks |
Total Marks |
|
Unit I – Plant Physiology |
Transport in Plants |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
Mineral Nutrition |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Enzymes |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
|
|
Photosynthesis |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
|
Respiration in Plants |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
|
|
Growth and Development |
- |
1 |
- |
28 |
|
|
Unit II – Microbiology |
Bacteria |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Viruses |
- |
1 |
- |
6 |
|
|
Unit III – Genetics |
Principles of Heredity, Variation |
1 |
1 |
- |
6 |
|
Unit IV – Molecular Biology |
Molecule-Based Inheritance |
2 |
1 |
- |
8 |
|
Unit V – Biotechnology |
Biotechnology Processes |
1 |
- |
1 |
- |
|
Biotechnology and its Applications |
1 |
1 |
- |
16 |
|
|
Unit VI – Plants and Microorganisms |
Strategies to Increase Food Production |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
|
Microorganisms in Human Welfare |
2 |
- |
- |
12 |
|
|
Total |
10 |
8 |
3 |
76 |
The AP Intermediate Zoology paper focuses on human anatomy, development and reproduction, genetics, evolution, and applied biology. The unit-wise distribution of marks is given below:
|
S. No. |
Unit Name |
VSA – 2 Marks |
SA – 4 Marks |
LA – 8 Marks |
Total Marks |
|
1 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
1 |
2 |
- |
10 |
|
2 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
1 |
- |
1 |
10 |
|
3 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology III |
2 |
1 |
- |
8 |
|
4 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology IV |
2 |
1 |
- |
8 |
|
5 |
Human Reproduction and Reproductive Health |
2 |
- |
1 |
12 |
|
6 |
Genetics |
- |
1 |
1 |
12 |
|
7 |
Organic Evolution |
1 |
- |
- |
8 |
|
8 |
Applied Biology |
2 |
1 |
- |
8 |
|
Total |
11 |
6 |
3 |
- |
Also Read: AP Intermediate Biology Deleted Syllabus 2026
Various topics have different mark weightage in the AP Intermediate Biology syllabus. Knowing the weightage of these topics helps you to organize your studies in such a way that highlights higher-scoring areas. This means that you can improve your chances of obtaining better marks in the exam by hitting the top-weighted topics first.
Plant Physiology carries the highest weightage at 22%, making it the most important topic to focus on in Botany. This is followed by Ecology and Environment with 15% weightage. The detailed weightage distribution is as follows:
|
Topics |
Weightage |
|
Plant Physiology |
22% |
|
Ecology and Environment |
15% |
|
Plant Classification |
8% |
|
Plant Diseases and Control |
5% |
Human physiology is given the most weight in zoology (20%), closely followed by genetics and evolution (18%). The detailed weightage distribution is as follows:
|
Topics |
Weightage |
|
Human Physiology |
20% |
|
Genetics and Evolution |
18% |
|
Microorganisms and Diseases |
12% |
|
Human Health and Diseases |
10% |
|
Environmental Biology |
10%
|
Also read: AP Inter Previous Question Papers 2026
Better understanding of the AP Intermediate Biology exam format will help you understand the structure of the exam paper. Knowing the pattern, such as the marks distribution, types of questions, and total weightage of Botany and Zoology, will help in planning the different aspects of your preparation. This will help you to plan a study schedule as well as increase your chances of achieving a good exam score.
Q: Q1. What are the total marks for the AP Intermediate Biology Exam 2026?
Q: Q2. How is the AP Intermediate Biology question paper divided?
Q: Q3. How many AP Intermediate Biology questions do I need to attempt in each section?
Q: Q4. What is the duration of the AP Intermediate Biology Exam in 2026?
Q: Q5. Is there any choice in the AP Intermediate Biology questions paper 2026?
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