CBME MBBS: Sample Paper Format and Marks Breakdown Explained

Ever opened your MBBS textbook and wondered how exactly will this be asked in the final exam? What kind of questions? How many marks? Long or short answers? MCQs? That exact confusion is what we’re about to clear.

What is the sample format of paper theory with marks distribution is not just a question. It's a key that helps medical students prepare smarter, not harder. In this blog, you’ll get a clear understanding of the theoretical paper format under the CBME (Competency-Based Medical Education) system in India, including the mark splits, question types, and practical tips for approaching each.

Let’s decode it. Before exams decode you.

Why Paper Format Matters in CBME

CBME changed a lot less rote learning, more applied knowledge. And with that, the way students are assessed had to evolve too.

Unlike the older system, the CBME theory papers are designed to test competencies, not just memory. That means: clinical thinking, real-life application, ethical reasoning all of these show up as questions. Understanding the paper format helps you prep for what to write and how to write it.

General Paper Structure

Each subject usually has two theory papers—Paper I and Paper II. Each paper is for 100 marks, with a 3-hour duration.

Both papers are structured to include:

• Long Answer Questions (LAQ)

• Short Answer Questions (SAQ)

• Objective/Structured Questions (sometimes included)

• Case-based or Clinical Questions

Let’s break it down with examples.

Sample Marks Distribution (Paper I / II – 100 Marks Total)

Section	Type of Questions	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Total
Section A: LAQs	Long Answer Questions	2	10	20
Section B: SAQs	Short Answer Questions	10	5	50
Section C: Clinical / Applied	Case-based or Scenario	3–5 (approx)	Variable (2–5)	30

This may slightly vary depending on the subject (e.g., Anatomy, Medicine, Pharmacology), but overall, it reflects the standard NMC-guided format.

Question Types You’ll See

1. Long Answer Questions (LAQs)

   • Deep conceptual questions

   • May require diagram, flowchart, mechanisms

   • Tip: Structure answer with headings, subheadings, and conclude properly

2. Short Answer Questions (SAQs)

   • Usually direct, fact-based or process-explaining

   • Often from high-yield topics

   • Tip: Be precise. Bullet points help.

3. Case-Based / Clinical Application

   • Scenario describing a patient’s symptoms, investigations

   • Asks for diagnosis, management, reasoning

   • Tip: Practice solving real cases during clinical postings

Internal Assessment & Weightage

Don’t forget your internal assessment also plays a major role. You need:

• At least 50% in theory and practical combined (separately)

• At least 40% in theory internal assessment to be eligible for university exam

• Attendance matters. Skills logbook matters.

These marks are added to your final performance. So yes, what you do daily counts.

Variation Across Phases

Pre-clinical Subjects (Phase I)

• Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry

• More memory and structure-based LAQs

Para-clinical (Phase II)

• Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology

• Greater emphasis on application and integration

Clinical Subjects (Phase III)

• Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.

• Mostly case-based questions

• Paper is patient-centric, not textbook-centric

Bonus: How to Use the Format for Smart Studying

• Reverse Engineer: Start from old question papers. See how questions are asked.

• Time Practice: Simulate 3-hour writing practice with full papers.

• Group Discuss: Clinical questions are best cracked when discussed with peers.

• Understand Competencies: CBME tells you what you should do with your knowledge.

Final Thought

So now, if someone asks, “What is the sample format of paper theory with marks distribution?” you won’t blink twice. You’ll know the structure, the logic behind it, and how to tackle it confidently.

This isn’t about mugging up answers. This is about learning how to think like a doctor and prove it in your paper.

For more MBBS insights and CBME guidance, explore our content hub at www.edicine.tech