HSC Biology — Syllabus, Mark Distribution & Preparation
বাংলায় পড়তে চাও? দেখো: এইচএসসি জীববিজ্ঞান — সিলেবাস, মানবন্টন ও প্রস্তুতি
Biology carries the most weight in medical admission — Paper 1 is botany, Paper 2 is zoology.
This page brings together the subject code, paper structure, mark distribution, syllabus topics and the study approach that earns the highest marks in HSC Biology.
Biology at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biology |
| Subject code | 178, 179 |
| Papers | 2 (1st Paper and 2nd Paper) |
| Group | Science |
| Mark distribution | Per paper: Creative 50 + MCQ 25 + Practical 25 = 100 |
| Practical | Yes — a practical/lab component counts towards the total |
| Class | Class 11-12 |
Boards and the NCTB revise subject codes and mark distribution from time to time. Confirm both against your board’s latest notice and the published NCTB syllabus before filling in your exam form.
What the syllabus covers
HSC 2027 runs on the full syllabus, so Biology covers all of the following:
- 1st Paper: cells and cell structure, cell division, microorganisms
- 1st Paper: algae and fungi, gymnosperms and angiosperms
- 1st Paper: tissues and tissue systems, plant physiology, plant reproduction, biotechnology
- 2nd Paper: animal classification and animal diversity
- 2nd Paper: human physiology — digestion, blood and circulation, respiration, excretion
- 2nd Paper: movement and locomotion, coordination and control, human continuity, genetics and evolution
- Practical: slide preparation and observation, identification, lab notebook (25 marks per paper)
This is a topic list — chapter order and numbering may differ in your edition. Download the definitive syllabus from the NCTB website (nctb.gov.bd).
How to score well in Biology
- Redraw every labelled diagram repeatedly — diagrams award the most marks in HSC Biology.
- Write scientific names with correct spelling and italics or underlining.
- Lay out each human system as a flow chart — it pays off in admission tests too.
A preparation routine that works
- Read the textbook chapter yourself first and get the core idea — starting with a guide book leaves the concept half-formed.
- After each chapter write a one-page note in your own words: definitions, formulas or key points, and an example.
- Solve that chapter’s creative and MCQ questions from past board papers, then check your answers.
- Reserve one day a week for revision only — skim every earlier chapter note.
- Sit at least one full timed model test a month, then work out exactly where you are losing marks.
Frequently asked questions
The subject code for Biology is 178, 179. You need this exact code on your exam form and on a board-challenge application, so cross-check it with your board’s notice.
Biology has 2 papers — 1st Paper and 2nd Paper. The marks of both papers combine into the subject grade.
Join us for study updates, suggestions and Q&A first:
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShikkhaWeb
Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShikkhaWeb