"Metals and Non-metals"consistently carries a weightage of 6 marks.

1. Highly Repeated Questions (3+ Times)

Question Frequency Years Asked

Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil? 4 Times 2024, 2022,

2020, 2019

What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples. 3 Times 2025, 2023,
2021

Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling 3 Times 2024, 2022,
points? 2019

Explain the "Thermite Reaction" with its chemical equation 3 Times 2025, 2022,
and use. 2020

2. Frequently Asked Conceptual Questions (2+ Times)

A. Chemical Reactions & Properties
●​ Reaction with Water: Explain the reaction of Calcium or Magnesium with water. Why
does Calcium start floating?
○​ Years: 2024, 2021
●​ Reactivity Series: Arrange given metals (e.g., Fe, Zn, Cu, Ag) in increasing/decreasing
order of reactivity based on displacement reactions.
○​ Years: 2025, 2023, 2020
●​ Nature of Oxides: Metals form basic oxides, while non-metals form acidic oxides.
(Multiple choice or 1-mark).
○​ Years: 2024, 2022

B. Metallurgy & Extraction

●​ Roasting vs. Calcination: Differentiate between Roasting and Calcination with chemical
equations.
 ○​ Years: 2023, 2019
●​ Electrolytic Refining: Draw a neat labeled diagram of the electrolytic refining of copper.
○​ Years: 2024, 2020
●​ Reduction of Metal Oxides: Why is Carbon used to reduce Zinc Oxide but not
Aluminium Oxide?
○​ Years: 2025, 2021

3. Important 1-Mark & MCQ Targets

These often appear as "filler" marks or multiple-choice questions:

●​ Liquid Metal/Non-metal: Name the metal (Mercury) and non-metal (Bromine) that are
liquid at room temperature. (Asked in 2023, 2022).
●​ Lustrous Non-metal: Iodine. (Asked in 2021).
●​ Alloys: Composition of Brass (Cu+Zn), Bronze (Cu+Sn), or Solder (Pb+Sn). (Asked in
2024, 2020).
●​ Prevention of Corrosion: Definition of Galvanization. (Asked in 2023, 2019).

4. Most Important Diagrams to Practice

In the Karnataka SSLC exam, diagrams often carry 2–3 marks. Focus on these:

1.​ Electrolytic Refining of Copper: Highly likely if extraction is asked.

2.​ Testing the Conductivity of Salt Solution: To show why ionic compounds conduct in a
molten/aqueous state.
3.​ Reaction of Steam on Metals: The setup involving a glass wool soaked in water and a
metal burner.

Chemical Recations

This is the most frequent question type, appearing almost every year (usually for 2 marks). You
are either asked to balance a skeletal equation or write and balance one from a statement.

Repeated Reactions to Balance Frequency Years Asked

Fe+H2​O→Fe3​O4​+H2​(Action of steam on Iron) 3 Times 2021, 2023,

2025
 Pb(NO3​)2​Δ ​PbO+NO2​+O2​(Lead Nitrate thermal 3 Times 2020, 2024,
decomposition) 2025

NaOH+H2​SO4​→Na2​SO4​+H2​O 2 Times 2022, 2025

MnO2​+HCl→MnCl2​+H2​O+Cl2​ 2 Times 2021, 2024

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2. Types of Chemical Reactions

Questions usually ask you to identify the type of reaction or define it with an example.

●​ Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions: "Why is respiration considered an exothermic

reaction?" is a favorite 2-mark question.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2024.
●​ Decomposition Reactions: Specifically Thermal (Lead Nitrate/Ferrous Sulphate),
Electrolytic (Water), and Photolytic (Silver Chloride).
○​ Note: The 2:1 ratio of Hydrogen to Oxygen in water electrolysis is a common
1-mark MCQ.
○​ Years: 2021, 2022, 2025.
●​ Displacement Reaction: "Why does the blue color of copper sulphate fade when an iron
nail is dipped in it?"
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.

3. Redox Reactions (Oxidation & Reduction)

You will often be given an equation and asked to identify the substance oxidized, reduced, the
oxidizing agent, and the reducing agent.

●​ Classic Equation: ZnO+C→Zn+CO or CuO+H2​→Cu+H2​O.

●​ Frequency: 4 Times (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024).

4. Practical & Observation Based Questions

●​ Magnesium Ribbon: "Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?"
○​ Years: 2021, 2023.
 ●​ Rancidity & Corrosion: "What is rancidity? Mention two ways to prevent it" (e.g.,
flushing with Nitrogen gas or using airtight containers).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.
●​ Quick Lime & Water: "What happens when water is added to quick lime (CaO)?"
(Formation of Slaked Lime with a hissing sound and heat).
○​ Years: 2022, 2025.

the chapter Acids, Bases, and Salts typically carries 6 marks (as per the 2025–26 blueprint).

1. Repeated Conceptual & Reasoning Questions

These are often 2-mark or "Give Reason" questions.

Question Frequency Years Asked

Why should curd/sour substances not be kept in brass/copper 4 Times 2020, 2022,
vessels? 2024, 2025

While diluting an acid, why should acid be added to water and 3 Times 2021, 2023,
not vice versa? 2025

Why does distilled water not conduct electricity, but rain water 2 Times 2020, 2024
does?

Why does an antacid (like Milk of Magnesia) provide relief 2 Times 2021, 2025
from acidity? (Model)

How does the concentration of H3​O+ ions change when an acid 2 Times 2022, 2024
is diluted?
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2. Chemical Formulas & Preparation of Salts

This is the most common 3-mark question area. You are often asked to identify a salt based on its
uses and write its chemical formula.

●​ Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2​): Treatment of slaked lime with chlorine. (Asked in 2020,
2023, 2025).
 ●​ Plaster of Paris (CaSO4​⋅21​H2​O): Heating gypsum at 373 K. (Asked in 2021, 2024).
●​ Baking Soda (NaHCO3​): Uses in making crispy pakoras or as an antacid. (Asked in
2022, 2024).
●​ Washing Soda (Na2​CO3​⋅10H2​O): Used for removing permanent hardness of water.
(Asked in 2020, 2023).

3. The pH Scale & Indicators

●​ Universal Indicator: Identifying the nature of a solution (Strongly Acidic vs. Weakly
Basic) based on pH values (e.g., pH 1, 4, 7, 10, 14).
●​ pH in Daily Life: Tooth decay (starts when pH is below 5.5) and self-defense by animals
(Bee sting/Nettle sting injecting Methanoic acid).
○​ Years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025.

4. Important Diagrams
For this chapter, the board frequently asks for one specific experimental setup:

●​ Reaction of Zinc granules with Dilute Sulphuric Acid: Testing for Hydrogen gas using
the "Pop" sound test.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2024.
Shutterstock

Carbon and Its Compounds

1. Versatile Nature of Carbon

These questions focus on why carbon is the "king" of elements.

Question Frequency Years Asked

Explain the two properties of Carbon that lead to a large number of 5 Times 2020, 2021,
compounds (Catenation & Tetravalency). 2023, 2024,
2025

Why does Carbon form compounds mainly by covalent bonding 3 Times 2020, 2023,
(and not ionic)? 2025

Why is the C-C bond very strong and stable? 2 Times 2020, 2024
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2. Structural Diagrams & Isomerism
This is a high-yield area for 2 or 3 marks. You are often asked to "Draw the structure of..."

●​ Structural Isomers of Butane: Draw both n-butane and iso-butane.

○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2024.
●​ Functional Groups: Drawing structures for Ethanoic Acid, Bromopentane, Butanone, and
Hexanal.
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2025.
●​ Electron Dot Structures: Most common are Methane (CH4​), Ethene (C2​H4​), and
Nitrogen molecule (N2​).
○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2024.

3. Chemical Reactions of Carbon Compounds

You must memorize these four specific types of reactions:

1.​ Addition Reaction: Converting unsaturated hydrocarbons (oils) to saturated ones (fats)
using a Nickel catalyst.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2024.
2.​ Substitution Reaction: Reaction of methane with chlorine in sunlight.
○​ Years: 2021, 2025.
3.​ Esterification vs. Saponification: Formation of sweet-smelling esters and the preparation
of soap.
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.
4.​ Oxidation of Ethanol: Converting Ethanol to Ethanoic acid using alkaline KMnO4​.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023.

4. Soaps and Detergents

●​ Cleansing Action of Soap: Explain the formation of Micelles, the hydrophilic head, and
the hydrophobic tail.
○​ Years: 2021, 2024, 2025.
●​ Hard Water Problem: Why do soaps form scum with hard water (role of Ca2+ and Mg2+
ions)?
○​ Years: 2020, 2022.
Life Processes is the most significant chapter in Biology, consistently carrying 6–7 marks.
Based on the analysis of KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim
questions.

1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (High Priority)

These questions often require detailed explanations or specific "reasoning" points.
 Verbatim Question Frequency Years Asked

"Describe the structure and functioning of Nephrons." 4 Times 2020, 2022,

2024, 2025

"What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic 4 Times 2021, 2023,
respiration?" 2024, 2025

"How are the lungs designed in human beings to maximize the 3 Times 2020, 2022,
area for exchange of gases?" 2024

"What are the differences between the transport of materials 3 Times 2021, 2023,
in xylem and phloem?" 2025

"Explain the process of double circulation in human beings. 2 Times 2022, 2024
Why is it necessary?"
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2. Repeated 2-Mark "Give Reason" Questions

The board frequently uses these conceptual questions to test your understanding of the "Why."

●​ "Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular

organisms like humans?"(Asked: 2020, 2023)
●​ "What will happen to a plant if its xylem is removed?" (Asked: 2021, 2024)
●​ "Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in mammals
and birds?" (Asked: 2022, 2025)
●​ "What are the consequences of deficiency of hemoglobin in our bodies?" (Asked:
2021, 2024)

3. Important Diagrams (Most Repeated)

Biology diagrams are a guaranteed way to score marks. In the last 5 years, these three have
appeared most frequently:

1.​ Human Alimentary Canal (Digestive System): Often asked for 4 marks.
Shutterstock

2.​ Schematic Sectional View of the Human Heart: Focus on the flow of blood and the
four chambers.
3.​ Structure of a Nephron: Usually asked along with the "Describe its function" question.

4. Key 1-Mark MCQ/One-Sentence Trends

●​ "The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place
in..." (Answer: Mitochondria) (Years: 2020, 2022, 2024)
●​ "Name the component of blood that helps in the formation of blood clot in the event
of a cut." (Answer: Platelets) (Years: 2021, 2023)
●​ "What is 'translocation' in plants?" (Years: 2022, 2025)

Control and Coordination is highly structured around the human nervous system, brain
functions, and plant hormones. It consistently carries 5–6 marks.

Based on the analysis of KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim
questions.

1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (The Core)

These questions test your understanding of complex processes and anatomical structures.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years

Asked

"Draw the diagram showing the structure of the human brain and 5 Times 2020,
label the following parts: (i) Cerebrum (ii) Cerebellum (iii) Pons 2021,
(iv) Medulla." 2023,
2024,
2025

"What is a reflex arc? Trace the sequence of events which occur 4 Times 2021,
when we touch a hot object." 2022,
2024,
2025
 "What happens at the synapse between two neurons?" 3 Times 2020,
2023,
2024

"How does chemical coordination occur in plants? Name the plant 3 Times 2021,
hormone that inhibits growth." 2023,
2025
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2. Functions of the Human Brain

The board frequently asks for the specific functions of different brain regions. This is often a
2-mark question.

●​ Cerebellum: Responsible for maintaining posture and equilibrium (Balance) of the

body.
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.
●​ Medulla: Controls involuntary actions like blood pressure, salivation, and vomiting.
○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2025.
●​ Forebrain (Cerebrum): The main thinking part of the brain; responsible for memory
and voluntary actions.
○​ Years: 2020, 2024.
Shutterstock

3. Plant Hormones (Phytohormones)

Questions in this section are usually 1 or 2 marks and focus on the role of specific hormones.

●​ Auxin: Helps the cells to grow longer and responsible for phototropism (bending
towards light).
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ Gibberellins: Help in the growth of the stem.
 ○​ Years: 2022, 2025.
●​ Cytokinins: Promote cell division, especially in fruits and seeds.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023.
●​ Abscisic Acid (ABA): The growth inhibitor; causes wilting of leaves.
○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2025.

4. Hormones in Animals (Endocrine System)

●​ Insulin: "Why is the injection of insulin advised to diabetic patients?" (To regulate blood
sugar levels).
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2024.
●​ Adrenaline: "How does our body respond when adrenaline is secreted into the blood?"
(Heart beats faster, breathing rate increases, more oxygen to muscles).
○​ Years: 2022, 2025.
●​ Thyroxine: Importance of Iodine in the diet to prevent Goitre.
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.

5. Important Diagrams
For this chapter, two diagrams are mandatory for your preparation:

1.​ Structure of a Neuron: Label the Dendrite, Cell Body, Axon, and Nerve Ending.
Shutterstock

2.​ Reflex Arc: Label the Receptor, Sensory Neuron, Spinal Cord, Motor Neuron, and
Effector.
How Do Organisms Reproduce? is a crucial chapter that typically carries 5–6 marks. The
board frequently tests students on asexual reproduction methods, flower structure, and the human
reproductive system.

Below are the most repeated verbatim questions from the last 5 years (2020–2025).

1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (High Weightage)

These questions often appear in the long-answer sections and require labeled diagrams.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years

Asked
 "Differentiate between self-pollination and cross-pollination." 4 Times 2020,
2022,
2024,
2025

"Explain the process of fertilization in a flowering plant with a 4 Times 2021,

neat labeled diagram." 2023,
2024,
2025

"What are the different methods of contraception? Explain any 3 Times 2020,
two." 2022,
2024

"Describe the role of (i) Prostate gland, (ii) Seminal vesicles, and 3 Times 2021,
(iii) Testes in the human male reproductive system." 2023,
2025

"What is vegetative propagation? List two advantages of this 2 Times 2020,

method." 2023
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2. Repeated 2-Mark "Give Reason" & Comparison Questions

●​ "How does binary fission differ from multiple fission? Give one example for each."
(Asked: 2020, 2022, 2024)
●​ "Why are testes located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum?" (To maintain
a lower temperature for sperm production). (Asked: 2021, 2023, 2025)
●​ "What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?" (Asked: 2022, 2024)
●​ "What happens when the egg is not fertilized in a human female?" (Explain
menstruation). (Asked: 2021, 2024, 2025)

3. Mandatory Diagrams to Practice

For this chapter, the KSEAB board almost always picks one of the following three diagrams.
Ensure you practice labeling all parts carefully.

1.​ Longitudinal Section of a Flower: Label Stigma, Style, Ovary, Anther, and Filament.
Shutterstock

2.​ Germination of Pollen on Stigma: Showing the pollen tube growing towards the ovule.
Shutterstock

3.​ Human Female Reproductive System: Label Ovary, Fallopian tube, Uterus, and
Vagina.
Shutterstock

4.​ Asexual Reproduction Methods: Specifically Budding in Hydra or Regeneration in

Planaria.
Shutterstock

4. Key 1-Mark MCQ/Objective Trends

●​ "Which of the following is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection?" (Answer:
Syphilis or Gonorrhoea)(Years: 2020, 2023)
●​ "The process of the embryo getting nutrition from the mother's blood is through..."
(Answer: Placenta)(Years: 2021, 2024)
●​ "Name the part of the flower that develops into a fruit after fertilization." (Answer:
Ovary) (Years: 2022, 2025)

Heredity (formerly Heredity and Evolution) is a high-yield Biology topic, typically carrying 3–4
marks. Following recent syllabus rationalization, the "Evolution" portion has been reduced,
making the Mendelian genetics and sex determination sections even more critical.

Based on the analysis of KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim
questions.

1. Repeated 2 & 3 Mark Questions (The Core)

These questions focus on Mendel's experiments and the fundamental laws of inheritance.
 Verbatim Question Frequency Years Asked

"How is the sex of the child determined in human beings? 5 Times 2020, 2021,
Explain with a flow chart." 2022, 2024,
2025

"What are the reasons for Mendel choosing pea plants 4 Times 2020, 2022,
(Pisum sativum) for his experiments?" 2023, 2025

"Explain the inheritance of traits in the F1 and F2 3 Times 2021, 2023,

generations with a monohybrid cross." 2025

"What are analogous and homologous organs? Give one 3 Times 2020, 2022,
example for each." 2024

"Define the terms: (i) Genotype (ii) Phenotype." 2 Times 2021, 2024
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2. Sex Determination in Humans

This is arguably the most important question in the chapter. You are expected to explain that the
sex of a child is determined by the father's contribution.

●​ Key Concept: A male produces two types of gametes (X and Y), while a female
produces only one type (X).
●​ The Flow Chart:
○​ X (from egg) + X (from sperm) = Female (XX)
○​ X (from egg) + Y (from sperm) = Male (XY)

3. Mendelian Genetics (Crosses)

You must be comfortable with both Monohybrid and Dihybrid crosses.

●​ Monohybrid Cross (Tall vs. Dwarf): Often asks for the ratio of the F2 generation.
○​ Phenotypic Ratio: 3:1 (3 Tall, 1 Dwarf)
○​ Genotypic Ratio: [Link] (1 TT, 2 Tt, 1 tt)
●​ Dihybrid Cross (Round Yellow vs. Wrinkled Green): Focus on the F2 phenotypic
ratio: [Link].
○​ Years Asked: 2021, 2024.
4. Key 1-Mark MCQ/Objective Trends
●​ "A cross between a tall pea plant (TT) and a short pea plant (tt) resulted in all tall
plants in the F1 generation because..." (Answer: Tallness is the dominant trait).
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2025.
●​ "Which of the following is an example of homologous organs?" (Answer: Forelimbs
of a human and forelimbs of a frog/bird).
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ "The number of pairs of sex chromosomes in a human being is..." (Answer: 1 pair or
2 chromosomes).
○​ Years: 2022, 2024.

Light: Reflection and Refraction is a major physics topic, usually carrying 7 marks. The exam
pattern consistently includes one numerical problem, one ray diagram, and conceptual questions
on mirror/lens uses.

Below are the most repeated verbatim questions based on the KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025.

1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (Ray Diagrams &

Numericals)
These are "guaranteed" score areas. The board usually asks you to draw a diagram and solve a
related numerical.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years

Asked

"Draw a ray diagram to show the position and nature of the image 4 Times 2020,
formed when an object is placed between F and 2F of a convex lens." 2022,
2024,
2025

"An object is placed at a distance of 60 cm from a concave lens of 3 Times 2021,

focal length 30 cm. Find the position and nature of the image." 2024,
2025
 "Draw a ray diagram for a concave mirror when the object is placed 3 Times 2021,
between the Pole (P) and Principal Focus (F)." 2023,
2025

"State Snell's law of refraction and write the formula for refractive 3 Times 2020,
index." 2023,
2024
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2. Repeated 2-Mark "Give Reason" Questions

These questions test the practical application of mirrors and lenses in daily life.

●​ "Why are convex mirrors used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles?" (Reason: They give
an erect, diminished image and have a wider field of view).
○​ Years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024.
●​ "Why are concave mirrors used in solar furnaces?" (Reason: To concentrate sunlight
at a single point to produce high heat).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2025.
●​ "The refractive index of water is 1.33. What is the meaning of this statement?"
(Reason: It means the speed of light in air is 1.33 times the speed of light in water).
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.

3. Mandatory Definitions & Formulas

The following definitions often appear in the 1-mark or 2-mark sections:

1.​ Power of a Lens (P): Defined as the reciprocal of focal length (f) in meters (P=1/f). Unit:
Dioptre (D).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.
2.​ Magnification (m): Ratio of height of image to height of object (m=h′/h).
○​ Years: 2021, 2023.
3.​ Cartesian Sign Convention: Specifically asking when 'u' and 'v' are taken as negative.
○​ Years: 2022, 2025.
4. Key Experimental Diagrams
●​ Refraction through a Rectangular Glass Slab: You are often asked to label the incident
ray, refracted ray, emergent ray, and Lateral Displacement.
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2025.

Human Eye and the Colourful World typically carries 5 marks. The exam pattern focuses
heavily on vision defects, their correction, and natural optical phenomena.

Based on KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim questions:
1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (Defects & Correction)
The board almost always asks about Myopia or Hypermetropia. You are expected to state the
causes, the type of lens used for correction, and draw the associated ray diagrams.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years

Asked

"What is Myopia? List two causes for this defect. Draw a ray 5 Times 2020, 2021,
diagram to show how it is corrected using a lens." 2022, 2024,
2025

"What is Hypermetropia? State its causes and show its 3 Times 2021, 2023,
correction with a ray diagram." 2025

"Explain the phenomenon of dispersion of white light through 3 Times 2020, 2023,
a glass prism with a neat diagram." 2024

"What is Presbyopia? Why does it occur in old age?" 2 Times 2022, 2024
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Shutterstock

2. Repeated 2-Mark Reasoning Questions

These questions test your understanding of Atmospheric Refraction and Scattering of Light.

●​ "Why do stars twinkle, but planets do not?" (Reason: Stars are point-sized sources
very far away; planets are extended sources closer to Earth, which nullifies the flickering
effect).
○​ Years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024.
 ●​ "Why does the sky appear blue to an observer on Earth?" (Reason: Fine particles in
the atmosphere scatter shorter wavelengths like blue more strongly).
○​ Years: 2022, 2024, 2025.
●​ "Why does the sun appear reddish early in the morning (sunrise)?" (Reason: Blue
light is scattered away as sunlight travels a longer distance; only longer wavelengths like
red reach our eyes).
○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2025.
●​ "Why is red colour used for danger signals?" (Reason: It has the longest wavelength
and is scattered the least by smoke or fog, making it visible from a distance).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022.

3. Mandatory Diagrams
There are four essential diagrams for this chapter. You should be able to draw and label them
perfectly:

1.​ Human Eye Structure: Label Cornea, Iris, Pupil, Eye Lens, Ciliary Muscles, and
Retina.
Shutterstock

2.​ Dispersion through a Prism: Label the incident ray, the spectrum (VIBGYOR), and the
angle of deviation.
Shutterstock

3.​ Recombination of Spectrum: Newton’s experiment with two prisms (one inverted).
4.​ Rainbow Formation: Showing refraction, dispersion, and Total Internal Reflection
inside a water droplet.

4. Key 1-Mark Concepts

●​ Power of Accommodation: The ability of the eye lens to adjust its focal length using
ciliary muscles.
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ Far point/Near point: Far point for a normal eye is Infinity; Near point is 25 cm.
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2025.
●​ Tyndall Effect: Scattering of light by colloidal particles (e.g., sunlight passing through a
dusty room).
○​ Years: 2023, 2024.

Electricity chapter is a heavyweight physics topic, typically carrying 6–7 marks. The board
follows a very specific pattern: one definition/law, one circuit diagram, and one numerical
problem (usually on series/parallel or Joule’s law).

Based on KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim questions:
1. Repeated Laws & Definitions
These are frequently asked as 1-mark or 2-mark questions.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years Asked

"State Ohm's Law. Write its mathematical expression." 5 Times 2020, 2021, 2022,
2023, 2025

"State Joule’s Law of Heating." 4 Times 2020, 2022, 2024,

2025

"Define 1 Ampere (or 1 Volt)." 3 Times 2021, 2023, 2024

"What are the factors on which the resistance of a 4 Times 2020, 2021, 2023,
conductor depends?" 2025

"Define Resistivity. Mention its S.I. unit." 3 Times 2022, 2024, 2025
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2. Repeated Numerical Problems (3 or 4 Marks)

KSEAB often changes the values slightly but keeps the logic identical.

●​ Resistors in Parallel/Series: "Three resistors of 10 Ω, 20 Ω, and 60 Ω are connected in

parallel to a 24 V battery. Calculate (i) Total resistance, (ii) Total current."
○​ Years: 2020, 2023, 2025.
●​ Power & Energy: "An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When it is operated on
110 V, calculate the power consumed."
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ Heat Generation: "Calculate the heat produced while transferring 96,000 coulombs of
charge in one hour through a potential difference of 50 V."
○​ Years: 2022, 2024.

3. Repeated Reasoning Questions (2 Marks)

 ●​ "Why are alloys like Nichrome used in electrical heating devices (like irons/toasters)
rather than pure metals?" (Reason: High resistivity and they do not oxidize/burn easily
at high temperatures).
○​ Years: 2021, 2022, 2024.
●​ "Why is tungsten used almost exclusively for filaments of electric lamps?" (Reason:
Very high melting point and emits light at high temperatures).
○​ Years: 2020, 2023.
●​ "Why is a fuse wire connected in series in an electric circuit?" (Reason: To protect
appliances by melting and breaking the circuit during overloading/short-circuits).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2025.

4. Mandatory Diagrams
For this chapter, you must be able to draw:

1.​ A Schematic Circuit Diagram: Including a battery, ammeter (in series), voltmeter (in
parallel to a resistor), plug key, and rheostat.
2.​ V-I Graph for Ohm’s Law: A straight line passing through the origin.

Magnetic Effects of Electric Current is a vital Physics topic, usually carrying 6 marks. The
board focuses heavily on experimental setups, rules for direction (Fleming's), and the properties
of solenoids.

Based on KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim questions:

1. Repeated 3 & 4 Mark Questions (Rules & Principles)

These questions test your ability to state laws and apply them to physical scenarios.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years Asked

"State Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule. Where is it applied?" 5 Times 2020, 2021,

2022, 2024,
2025

"What is a solenoid? Draw a diagram showing the magnetic 4 Times 2021, 2023,
field lines around a current-carrying solenoid." 2024, 2025
 "State the Right-Hand Thumb Rule. What is it used to 3 Times 2020, 2022,
determine?" 2024

"List any three properties of magnetic field lines." 3 Times 2021, 2023,
2025

"Explain the principle of an electric motor." 2 Times 2020, 2024

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2. Repeated 2-Mark "Give Reason" Questions

These questions often appear as part of a 3-mark question or as independent 2-mark conceptual
tasks.

●​ "Why do two magnetic field lines never intersect each other?" (Reason: If they did, a
compass needle would point in two directions at the same point, which is impossible).
○​ Years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025.
●​ "Why is the magnetic field inside a long straight solenoid uniform?" (Reason: The
field lines are parallel straight lines, indicating the strength is the same at all points).
○​ Years: 2022, 2024.
●​ "What happens to the deflection of a compass needle when the current in the wire is
increased?" (Reason: Deflection increases because the strength of the magnetic field is
directly proportional to the current).
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.

3. Mandatory Diagrams
The Karnataka board highly values diagrams in this chapter. You should practice these four
specifically:

1.​ Magnetic Field Lines around a Bar Magnet: Focus on the direction (North to South
outside, South to North inside).
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2.​ Magnetic Field around a Current-Carrying Solenoid: Ensure the lines inside are
parallel.

​Our Environment is a relatively short and high-scoring Biology topic, typically carrying 2–3
marks. The questions are straightforward and often recur with slight variations in the food chain
examples.

Based on KSEAB papers from 2020 to 2025, here are the most repeated verbatim questions:

1. Energy Flow & Trophic Levels

This is the most frequent area for 1-mark (MCQ) and 2-mark questions.

Verbatim Question Frequency Years

Asked
 "Why is the flow of energy in an ecosystem always unidirectional?" 4 Times 2020,
2022,
2024,
2025

"If 5000 J of energy is available at the producer level, how much 4 Times 2021,
energy will be available at the third trophic level? (Apply 10% 2022,
Law)." 2023,
2025

"What are trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain." 3 Times 2020,
2023,
2024

"Why is the number of trophic levels in a food chain limited to 3 or 2 Times 2021,
4?" 2024

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2. Biological Magnification & Waste

These questions focus on the impact of human activities on the food chain.

●​ "What is 'Biological Magnification'? Which organism in a food chain will have the
maximum concentration of harmful chemicals?"
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2024.
●​ "Why are some substances called biodegradable and some non-biodegradable?"
○​ Years: 2021, 2023, 2025.
●​ "Mention any two problems caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we
generate."
○​ Years: 2020, 2024.
●​ "What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?"
○​ Years: 2021, 2025.
3. Ozone Layer Depletion
This topic is a favorite for 2-mark "Justify" or "Explain" questions.

●​ "Ozone is a deadly poison, yet it is essential for life on Earth. Justify." (Reason: It
shields the Earth from harmful UV radiations which cause skin cancer and cataracts).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2025.
●​ "What are CFCs? Why is their use in refrigerators being limited?"
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ "Write the chemical equations for the formation of ozone in the atmosphere."
○​ O2​UV​O+O
○​ O+O2​→O3​
○​ Years: 2022, 2025.

4. Important Diagrams
While this chapter has fewer diagrams, the Energy Pyramid is the one you must know. You may
be asked to label the levels (Producers, Primary Consumers, etc.).
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3.​ Experimental Setup for Magnetic Force on a Conductor: (The "Hanging Rod"
experiment with a U-shaped magnet).
4.​ Magnetic Field Lines around a Straight Conducting Wire: (Concentric circles).

4. Key 1-Mark Concepts (MCQs/One-Word)

●​ "The device used to produce electric current is called a..." (Answer: Generator).
○​ Years: 2020, 2022.
●​ "Which part of the electric motor reverses the direction of current?" (Answer: Split
rings or Commutator).
○​ Years: 2021, 2024.
●​ "The S.I. unit of magnetic field strength is..." (Answer: Tesla).
○​ Years: 2023, 2025 (Model).