Exam format · updated 24 October 2026

VCE exam format by subject

VCE written exams vary by subject. Mathematics studies use one or two exams with a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended response; sciences use a 120-mark paper with 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time; English has three sections at about an hour each.

PartOur practice paper formatPapers
General MathematicsExam 1 with 40 multiple-choice questions and Exam 2 with 15 extended-response questions (60 marks), 100 marks in all20
Mathematical MethodsExam 1 with 10 short-answer questions (40 marks) and Exam 2 with 20 multiple-choice plus 5 extended-response questions (80 marks), 120 marks in all20
Specialist MathematicsExam 1 with 10 short-answer questions (40 marks) and Exam 2 with 20 multiple-choice plus 5 extended-response questions (80 marks), 120 marks in all20
PhysicsA full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time20
ChemistryA full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time20
BiologyA full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time10
English3 sections (analytical response, creating texts, and analysis of language and argument) at about 1 hour each10

The table shows the format our VCE practice papers follow.

Check the current study design

VCAA revises study designs on a cycle and publishes sample exams. Check the VCAA site for the version that applies to your exam year.

Official sources

Practice papers for this exam

Australia · Year 12

VCE General Mathematics

20 papers. Exam 1 with 40 multiple-choice questions and Exam 2 with 15 extended-response questions (60 marks), 100 marks in all.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE Methods Mathematics

20 papers. Exam 1 with 10 short-answer questions (40 marks) and Exam 2 with 20 multiple-choice plus 5 extended-response questions (80 marks), 120 marks in all.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE Specialist Mathematics

20 papers. Exam 1 with 10 short-answer questions (40 marks) and Exam 2 with 20 multiple-choice plus 5 extended-response questions (80 marks), 120 marks in all.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE Physics

20 papers. A full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE Chemistry

20 papers. A full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time.

Browse 20 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE Biology

10 papers. A full practice examination with Section A 20 multiple-choice, Section B 100 marks, 120 marks in all, 15 minutes reading time and 2 hours 30 minutes writing time.

Browse 10 papersAustralia · Year 12

VCE English

10 papers. 3 sections (analytical response, creating texts, and analysis of language and argument) at about 1 hour each.

Browse 10 papers

Questions

Are these official VCE papers?

Our papers are original practice papers written to the published format. They are not official papers and are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any exam authority.