Physics: the subject that can be both fascinating and frustrating. It's a key component of the HSC science stream, but it's also where many students lose precious marks. The good news is that most of these lost marks aren't due to a lack of knowledge, but to small, repeated mistakes.
By identifying these common pitfalls now, you can build the right habits to ace your **HSC Physics exam in 2026**. Let's dive in.
Many students see a derivation and either skip it or try to memorize it like a poem. Both approaches are wrong. Derivations are frequently asked in the board exam and carry significant weightage. Rote-learning fails under pressure.
How to Fix It: Treat every derivation as a logical story. Understand the 'why' behind each step. Start with the initial assumptions and work your way to the final formula. Practice by writing them out, not just reading them. Use our HSC Syllabus Tracker to identify derivation-heavy chapters like "Rotational Dynamics" and "Electrostatics" and give them the attention they deserve.
This is the easiest way to lose marks. You solve a complex numerical correctly but forget to write "m/s²" at the end. Or you write a perfect theory answer but omit a simple, explanatory diagram. These are guaranteed marks that you're leaving on the table.
How to Fix It: Make it a non-negotiable habit.
Physics is the application of mathematics to the real world. If your basic tools—vectors, trigonometry, differentiation, and integration—are weak, you will struggle with almost every chapter. You can't solve numericals in "Electromagnetic Induction" without understanding basic calculus.
How to Fix It: Don't be afraid to go back to basics. Dedicate a few days to revising the fundamental concepts from your Maths syllabus that are crucial for Physics. This small investment of time will pay massive dividends throughout your preparation.
While numericals are important, the HSC Physics paper is a balanced mix of theory, definitions, laws, and application-based questions. Only practicing numericals and ignoring the core theory of chapters like "Magnetic Materials" or "Semiconductor Devices" is a recipe for a low score.
How to Fix It: Follow a balanced approach for each chapter.
You knew the answer to the last two questions but couldn't attempt them because the clock ran out. This is a classic, heartbreaking scenario. It's not about how much you know, but how much you can write down in 3 hours.
How to Fix It: Practice, practice, practice with a timer. Solve at least 5-10 previous year question papers or mock tests in a strict, timed environment. This helps you understand how much time to allocate to each section and identifies which question types are slowing you down. Check the countdown on our homepage—use that urgency to schedule regular mock tests!
Avoiding these five mistakes will dramatically improve your performance. It's about building smart habits now so they become second nature by the time you enter the exam hall. Good luck!