Here is the situation most students and parents face. You search for ‘6th standard science question paper 2018’ and get ten different websites. Half of them are for CBSE. Two are for Tamil Nadu. One mentions Kerala. None of them tell you which paper is right for your child.
This guide fixes that. It covers every major Indian board that conducts 6th standard Science examinations, explains the exact exam structure each board follows, lists the chapters tested in 2018, and points you to the right download source for each.
Whether your child studies under Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi, CBSE NCERT, Kerala SCERT, Karnataka state board or AP/Telangana SCERT, this is the only page you need.
Board-Wise Overview: Class 6 Science Exam Structure in 2018
| Board | Exam Type in 2018 | Total Marks | Duration | Medium |
| Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) | Term 1 (Aug-Sep), Half Yearly (Dec), Term 3 (Mar) | 100 marks | 3 hours | Tamil, English |
| CBSE | SA1 (Sep-Oct), SA2 (Feb-Mar) | 80 marks each | 2 hours 30 min | English, Hindi |
| Kerala SCERT | Annual Examination (March) | 80 marks | 2 hours 30 min | Malayalam, English |
| Karnataka State Board | SA1 + SA2 | 80 marks each | 2 hours 30 min | Kannada, English |
| AP / Telangana SCERT | SA1 + SA2 (80 marks total) | 60+20 (Part A+B) | 2 hours 30 min | Telugu, English |
| ICSE | Annual Exam (internal) | 80 marks | 2 hours 30 min | English |
Tamil Nadu 6th Standard Science Question Paper 2018
Tamil Nadu follows the Samacheer Kalvi (equalised education) system. In 2018 the academic year ran from June to April with three terms. Class 6 Science papers from each term are distinctly different because each covers a separate portion of the syllabus.
Exam Types and Their Schedule in 2018
| Exam | Month | Chapters Covered | Marks |
| Term 1 (Quarterly) | August-September 2018 | First term syllabus chapters | 100 marks |
| Half Yearly | December 2018 | Terms 1 and 2 combined portions | 100 marks |
| Term 3 (Annual) | March 2019 | Full year syllabus (Terms 1-3) | 100 marks |
Key Science Chapters in Tamil Nadu 6th Standard 2018
- The Universe
- Matter Around Us
- Force and Motion
- Light and Sound
- Living World of Plants
- Living World of Animals
- Health and Hygiene
- Our Environment
- Computer Science (Hardware and Software)
- Water
- Magnetism
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
Tamil Nadu 6th Science 2018 Paper Pattern
| Section | Question Type | Marks | Total |
| Section I | Choose the best answer (MCQ) | 1 mark each | 15 marks |
| Section II | Fill in the blanks | 1 mark each | 5 marks |
| Section III | Match the following | 1 mark each | 5 marks |
| Section IV | Short answer (any 10 of 12) | 2 marks each | 20 marks |
| Section V | Long answer (any 5 of 7) | 5 marks each | 25 marks |
| Diagrams/Maps | Within long answers | Included | Included in above |
| Total | 100 marks |
Download Sources for Tamil Nadu 2018 Papers
- net: Has the 6th Standard Science Term 1 original question paper 2018 from Chennai district in English Medium and the full all-subjects paper in Tamil Medium from Mr. S. Ravikumar. Answer keys are published by subject teachers within hours of each exam.
- in: Has the 6th standard Summative Assessment Science question paper with answer key for 2018 covering the Samacheer Kalvi syllabus in English Medium.
- net: Year-wise term examination archives for Tamil Nadu government schools, including 6th Science papers from 2018 in both mediums.
CBSE Class 6 Science Question Paper 2018
CBSE Class 6 Science in 2018 used the NCERT textbook as the primary source. The SA1 examination covered the first half of the NCERT Class 6 Science book and the SA2 covered the second half. Since Class 6 is not a centralised CBSE board exam, question papers vary between schools. However, all schools follow the NCERT syllabus.
CBSE Class 6 Science Chapters Tested in 2018
| Chapter | Branch | Typically Tested in |
| Food: Where Does It Come From | Biology | SA1 |
| Components of Food | Biology | SA1 |
| Fibre to Fabric | Chemistry | SA1 |
| Sorting Materials into Groups | Chemistry | SA1 |
| Separation of Substances | Chemistry | SA1 |
| Changes Around Us | Chemistry | SA1 |
| Getting to Know Plants | Biology | SA1 |
| Body Movements | Biology | SA1 |
| Living Organisms and Their Surroundings | Biology | SA1 / SA2 |
| Motion and Measurement of Distances | Physics | SA2 |
| Light, Shadows and Reflection | Physics | SA2 |
| Electricity and Circuits | Physics | SA2 |
| Fun with Magnets | Physics | SA2 |
| Water | Chemistry / Environment | SA2 |
| Air Around Us | Chemistry / Environment | SA2 |
| Garbage In, Garbage Out | Environment | SA2 |
CBSE Class 6 SA1 Science Paper Pattern 2018
| Section | Type | Questions | Marks |
| Section A | Very Short Answer (1 mark each) | 8 questions | 8 marks |
| Section B | Short Answer (2 marks each) | 9 questions | 18 marks |
| Section C | Short Answer (3 marks each) | 9 questions | 27 marks |
| Section D | Long Answer (5 marks each) | 3 questions | 15 marks |
| Diagram questions within sections | Embedded | Embedded | |
| Total | 80 marks |
Download Sources for CBSE 2018 Papers
- com: Has CBSE Class 6 Science question papers from 2015 to 2022 as free PDF downloads with solutions. Year 2018 is available under the previous year papers section.
- com: Has CBSE Class 6 Science sample papers and previous year papers including 2018, with chapter-wise solved answers.
- com: Has Class 6 Science previous year question papers with PDF download links for SA1 and SA2.
- com: Has CBSE Class 6 Science 2018 papers from multiple schools for comparison.
Kerala 6th Standard Basic Science Question Paper 2018
Kerala SCERT calls the subject Basic Science at Class 6 level. The annual examination for Kerala government and aided schools is conducted in March. The 2018 paper (for the 2017-18 academic year) and the 2018-19 paper are both available online.
Kerala 6th Standard Basic Science Chapters
- From Grass to Milk (Food and Nutrition)
- Our Body (Human Body Systems)
- The Wonders of Light
- Rocks and Minerals
- Our Environment
- Forces Around Us
- Living Things and Non-Living Things
- The World of Plants
- Electricity in Daily Life
Download Sources for Kerala 2018 Papers
- com: Has a dedicated forum thread for Kerala Class 6 Basic Science half-yearly and annual exam previous year question papers in both Malayalam Medium and English Medium. The 2018 papers are listed by exam month.
- blogspot.com: Has Kerala Class 6 annual exam question papers with teacher-prepared answer keys in both mediums.
- blogspot.com: Kerala Class 6 previous year papers and answer keys for annual and half-yearly exams.
AP and Telangana 6th Class Science Question Paper 2018
AP and Telangana government schools follow the SCERT syllabus with SA1 in October-November and SA2 in February-March. The subject at Class 6 level covers Physical Science and Biological Science. In some districts these are combined into a single paper and in others they are separate.
Chapters Covered in AP/Telangana 6th Class Science SA1 2018
- Food and Health
- Let Us Weigh
- Let Us Measure
- The World of Living Beings
- Our Surroundings
- Air
- Water
Download Sources
- com: Has AP and Telangana 6th class SA1 and SA2 Science papers from 2018-19 in both English Medium and Telugu Medium.
- in: Year-indexed archive for AP and Telangana state board previous year papers including Class 6 Science.
- in: AP-specific subject-wise paper archive with 2018 papers for Class 6.
What the 2018 Papers Reveal About Science Question Patterns
Looking across boards, the 2018 Class 6 Science papers share several patterns worth knowing before your next exam.
Diagram questions are universal: Every board tested at least one labelled diagram in the 2018 papers. Parts of a plant, the human digestive system and the water cycle were among the most common. Drawing and labelling diagrams from memory is not optional.
Biology dominates early term papers: Across CBSE SA1 and Tamil Nadu Term 1, Biology chapters carried more marks than Physics or Chemistry. Food, plants and living organisms together accounted for nearly 40 percent of marks in most 2018 first-term papers.
MCQs test exact textbook language: Multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions in the 2018 papers were drawn almost directly from textbook definitions and key terms. Students who read the Key Words, Glossary and Did You Know sections in their textbooks consistently scored full marks in Section A.
Long answers expect structured responses: The 5-mark and 8-mark questions across all boards in 2018 required structured answers with clear headings or numbered points. Single-paragraph answers without structure consistently lost two or more marks.
Environment chapters appear in every board: Air, Water and Our Environment chapters appear in the 2018 papers across Tamil Nadu, CBSE, Kerala and AP/Telangana. These chapters are high-priority for any board.
How to Use the 2018 Science Paper to Prepare for Any Exam
Step 1: Download the Correct Paper
Identify your board, your medium and the exam type you are preparing for. Use the download source listed in this guide for your board. Do not use a paper from a different board as a practice tool.
Step 2: Map Questions to Chapters Before Solving
Read through all questions once before writing anything. Next to each question, write the chapter name. This shows you exactly which chapters carried the most marks in 2018 and tells you where to focus revision.
Step 3: Solve Without Textbook or Notes
Set your timer for the actual exam duration. Attempt every question. Write partial answers for questions you are unsure about rather than leaving blanks. Examiners in state board exams often award partial marks.
Step 4: Use the Textbook to Self-Check
After completing the paper, check each answer against your SCERT or NCERT textbook yourself. Do not look at answer keys first. This step forces active recall, which is far more effective than passively reading a solution.
Step 5: Score and Identify Gaps
Now compare with the available answer key. Record your actual score. List every chapter where you lost marks. These are your revision priorities.
Step 6: Revise Weak Chapters and Retry
Study each weak chapter for one dedicated session. Focus on definitions, diagrams and the examples used in the textbook. Then attempt those specific questions again without any reference material.
Also Read : Kerala Syllabus Question Papers Class 6 | All Subjects, All Exams | SCERT Onam, Christmas and Annual
Chapter-Wise Preparation Tips for Class 6 Science
Biology Chapters: Food, Plants and Living Organisms
- Learn definitions exactly as written in the textbook. MCQ and fill-in-the-blank questions test precise vocabulary.
- Practise drawing the following from memory: parts of a flower, parts of a plant cell, the human digestive system and the food chain diagram.
- For food and nutrition chapters, memorise the table of nutrients, their sources and their deficiency diseases. This appears in almost every board’s 2018 paper.
Chemistry Chapters: Materials, Mixtures and Changes
- The difference between physical and chemical changes appears in 2-mark and 4-mark questions across nearly all boards. Learn three examples of each with clear explanations.
- Separation of Substances chapter asks about specific methods. Know which method is used for which mixture type, with one example for each.
- Sorting and grouping materials questions use the textbook table format. Reproduce the table structure in your answers.
Physics Chapters: Motion, Light, Magnets, Electricity
- Motion and Measurement chapter tests the concept of standard units. Know the SI units for length, mass, time and their instruments of measurement.
- For Light chapter, the diagram of rectilinear propagation of light, transparent-translucent-opaque differences and the pinhole camera diagram all appeared in 2018 papers.
- Electricity and Circuits chapter consistently tests the components of a simple circuit and the difference between conductors and insulators.
- Magnetism chapter asks about poles, attraction and repulsion, and uses of magnets. The 2018 papers across boards had one 2-mark and one 4-mark question from this chapter.
Environment Chapters: Air, Water, Garbage
- Air chapter tests composition percentages. Know the approximate percentages of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and other gases by heart.
- Water cycle diagram is a high-value diagram question that appears every year across all boards. Practise drawing and labelling it five times.
- The 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) from Garbage chapter appears in every board’s 2018 paper in at least one section.
Mistakes Students Make When Practising With 2018 Science Papers
| Mistake 1 | Using a CBSE paper to prepare for Tamil Nadu board or vice versa. Chapter names, question formats and marks distributions are completely different across boards. Always use your own board’s paper. |
| Mistake 2 | Skipping diagram practice because it feels separate from theory. In Class 6 Science, diagrams account for 10 to 20 percent of total marks across most boards. Not practising diagrams is one of the most expensive mistakes. |
| Mistake 3 | Writing one or two sentences for a 5-mark long answer. A 5-mark answer needs at least five clear, distinct points. For Biology long answers, a labelled diagram earns extra marks even when not asked. |
| Mistake 4 | Only reading the question paper without attempting it. Reading a paper and solving a paper are completely different activities. You must write answers to build exam readiness. |
| Mistake 5 | Ignoring the first section because MCQs seem easy. Section A MCQs in Class 6 Science test precise textbook language. Students who have not read the textbook carefully consistently lose marks here. |
Exam Preparation Checklist for 6th Standard Science Using 2018 Papers
- Confirm your board and which 2018 exam type you need (Term 1, SA1, Half Yearly, Annual).
- Download the correct paper in your medium from the sources listed in this guide.
- Read through all questions and map each to a chapter before attempting.
- Solve the full paper in one sitting with a timer set to your board’s duration.
- Self-check your answers against the textbook before using any answer key.
- Record your score and list every chapter where you lost marks.
- Revise each weak chapter with focus on definitions, diagrams and key examples.
- Reattempt the same weak questions without any reference material.
- Practise drawing the five most common Science diagrams from memory.
- Solve a second year’s paper after revision to confirm improvement before the actual exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download the 6th standard Science question paper 2018?
You can download the 6th standard Science question paper 2018 from padasalai.net for Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi board, mycbseguide.com and byjus.com for CBSE, educationobserver.com for Kerala SCERT, and tlm4all.com or schools360.in for AP and Telangana SCERT. All are free PDF downloads available in English Medium and respective regional language mediums.
Which chapters are in the 6th standard Science question paper 2018?
Chapters vary by board. CBSE covers Food, Fibre to Fabric, Sorting Materials, Separation of Substances, Changes Around Us, Getting to Know Plants, Body Movements and Living Organisms from the NCERT textbook. Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi covers The Universe, Matter Around Us, Force and Motion, Living World, Health and Hygiene, Water and Magnetism. Kerala covers Basic Science topics including Our Body, The Wonders of Light and Forces Around Us from the SCERT textbook.
What is the total marks for 6th standard Science exam 2018?
Total marks depend on your board. Tamil Nadu 6th standard Science term papers carry 100 marks with 3 hours duration. CBSE Class 6 Science SA1 and SA2 papers carry 80 marks each with 2 hours 30 minutes. Kerala 6th standard Basic Science annual exam carries 80 marks. AP and Telangana 6th class Science SA1 carries 80 marks total with Part A at 60 marks and Part B internal assessment at 20 marks.
Is the Tamil Nadu 6th standard Science paper the same for all districts in 2018?
Tamil Nadu Class 6 does not have a fully centralised common paper for all districts. Individual districts set their own papers within the Samacheer Kalvi syllabus framework. Padasalai.net publishes original question papers from multiple districts. The Chennai district English Medium paper from 2018 is among the most widely downloaded. Using papers from two or three districts gives a better preparation sample.
Are answer keys available for the 2018 papers?
Yes. Answer keys for the 2018 Tamil Nadu Class 6 Science papers are available on padasalai.net and qb365.in, prepared by subject teachers within hours of each exam. CBSE Class 6 Science 2018 solved papers are available on mycbseguide.com and byjus.com. Kerala answer keys are on educationobserver.com and spandanamnews.blogspot.com.
Can I use the 2018 Science paper to prepare for current year exams?
Yes, with one check. Confirm whether your board has revised its syllabus since 2018. Tamil Nadu introduced a new Samacheer Kalvi syllabus in 2019-20. If your current textbook differs from the 2018 textbook, some chapters may have changed. Use the 2018 paper for question format and pattern practice, but cross-check chapter coverage against your current textbook.
What type of questions appear most in the Class 6 Science paper?
Across all boards, Class 6 Science papers consistently include MCQ or choose the best answer questions for 1 mark each, fill in the blanks for 1 mark each, match the following, short answer questions for 2 to 4 marks, and long answer questions for 5 to 8 marks. Diagram questions are embedded within short and long answer sections and appear in every board’s paper.
Which Science chapters are most important for Class 6 exams?
Based on the 2018 question papers across all boards, the highest-weight chapters are food and nutrition from Biology, air and water from the environment section, separation of substances and changes around us from Chemistry, and light and electricity from Physics. Environment chapters appear in every board’s paper without exception.
How do I write a good 5-mark answer in Class 6 Science?
A 5-mark answer in Class 6 Science should have five distinct points written as separate numbered statements. Each point should be one or two sentences long. For Biology answers, include a labelled diagram where relevant even if the question does not ask for one, as most board marking schemes award one or two extra marks for correct diagrams. Avoid repeating the same point in different words.
Is Kerala Class 6 Science paper available in English Medium?
Yes. Kerala SCERT Class 6 Basic Science annual examination question papers are available in both Malayalam Medium and English Medium. Both versions follow the same Kerala SCERT textbook. The English Medium papers for the 2018 exam cycle are available on educationobserver.com and spandanamnews.blogspot.com.
