December 2018 was not a normal exam season in Kerala. Just four months earlier, the worst floods in nearly a century had hit the state. Schools were closed. Families were displaced. The first terminal examination scheduled for that year could not be held at all.
So when the second terminal examination finally arrived in December 2018, it carried an unusual weight. It had to cover not just the second term syllabus but also portions that were meant for the cancelled first terminal exam. The paper pattern changed. The question weightage shifted. And students had to prepare for a bigger chunk of the syllabus than any previous year.
That is exactly why the 2018 question papers remain so relevant today. Teachers use them to show students what an extended-syllabus paper looks like. Students use them to understand how examiners adjusted question types when the scope widened. This guide covers everything you need to know about those papers.
Contents
- 1 Why 2018 Was Different: The Kerala Flood Context
- 2 Exam Structure by Class Level
- 3 Subjects Covered: Full List of Available Question Papers
- 4 Answer Keys for Second Terminal Examination 2018
- 5 Where to Download Second Terminal 2018 Question Papers and Answer Keys
- 6 How to Use the 2018 Question Papers for Preparation Today
- 7 How 2018 Papers Differ from Other Years: A Comparison
- 8 Subject-wise Preparation Tips Using the 2018 Papers
- 9 Common Mistakes Students Make with Past Papers
- 10 Exam Preparation Checklist Using 2018 and Other Past Papers
- 11 Related Resources and Year-wise Paper Archives
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Conclusion
Why 2018 Was Different: The Kerala Flood Context
To understand the 2018 second terminal examination, you need to understand what happened in August 2018 first.
Kerala experienced catastrophic floods between August 8 and 26, 2018. More than a million people were displaced. Hundreds of schools across the state were used as relief camps. The academic calendar was severely disrupted. The Department of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) and the General Education Department made a key decision: the first terminal examinations for that year would not be conducted.
Instead, the first terminal question papers were discussed in classrooms once schools reopened. Students were given exposure to the pattern and marking scheme through classroom discussions rather than a formal exam.
When the second terminal examination was finally conducted from December 12 to December 21, 2018 for Plus Two students, the papers had to account for the extended syllabus. This is why those question papers are structurally different from the 2017 and 2019 papers.
| Key Fact | The Plus Two Second Terminal Examination 2018 ran from December 12 to December 21, 2018. First year (Plus One) exams were held in forenoon sessions and second year (Plus Two) exams in afternoon sessions. The common question paper was prepared and distributed by DHSE Kerala to all government, aided, and unaided higher secondary schools. |
Exam Structure by Class Level
The second terminal examination 2018 was conducted across all classes from Standard 1 to Plus Two. Here is how the exam was organized for the key high school and higher secondary classes:
| Class | Exam Type | Conducted By | Duration | Special Note for 2018 |
| Standard 8 | Second Terminal Evaluation | District/Cluster Level | Variable by subject | Extended syllabus due to cancelled first terminal |
| Standard 9 | Second Terminal Evaluation | District/Cluster Level | Variable by subject | Extended syllabus due to cancelled first terminal |
| Standard 10 (SSLC) | Second Terminal / Christmas Exam | School/District Level | 2 to 3 hours | Critical year: double syllabus load before board exam |
| Plus One (Class 11) | Mid Terminal / Christmas Exam | DHSE Kerala | Variable | Forenoon sessions, first terminal paper discussed in class |
| Plus Two (Class 12) | Second Terminal / Christmas Exam | DHSE Kerala | Variable | Afternoon sessions, Dec 12-21, 2018, board prep critical |
Subjects Covered: Full List of Available Question Papers
Question papers from the Second Terminal Examination 2018 were made available for the following subjects across different class levels. Papers were released in both Malayalam Medium (MM) and English Medium (EM) where applicable.
Standard 8 (Class 8) – Second Terminal 2018
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Science
- English
- Malayalam
- Hindi
- Arabic
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
- IT (Information Technology)
Standard 9 (Class 9) – Second Terminal 2018
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Science
- English
- Malayalam
- Hindi
- Arabic
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
- IT (Information Technology)
Standard 10 / SSLC – Second Terminal 2018
- Mathematics (Malayalam Medium and English Medium)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Science
- English
- Malayalam
- Hindi
- Arabic
- Sanskrit
- IT
Plus One (Class 11) – Second Terminal 2018
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics (Science)
- English
- Hindi
- Accountancy with CA
- Business Studies
- Economics
- History
- Sociology
- Arabic
- Computer Application (Commerce)
Plus Two (Class 12) – Second Terminal 2018
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- English
- Hindi
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- History
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Computer Application (Commerce and Science)
Answer Keys for Second Terminal Examination 2018
One of the most valuable features of the 2018 second terminal exam resources is the availability of answer keys prepared by subject experts and experienced teachers from across Kerala. These were not official DHSE answer keys in most cases, but were prepared by teachers from various government higher secondary schools and published through educational resource platforms.
The answer keys were prepared independently by multiple teachers, meaning some subjects have two, three, or even six different answer keys from different educators. This gives students and teachers multiple perspectives on how marks should be awarded.
| For Class 9 Maths | Answer keys were prepared by Muraleedharan C.R from GHSS Chalissery, Palakkad and independently by Binoyi Philip from GHSS Kottodi. Having two separate answer keys for the same paper helps students cross-check their working. |
| For Class 9 Social Science | Six separate answer keys (KEY 1 through KEY 6) were available including Malayalam Medium and English Medium versions, prepared by teachers from Cherthala, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, and Kasargod districts. |
Where to Download Second Terminal 2018 Question Papers and Answer Keys
Several trusted educational portals in Kerala compiled and published the 2018 second terminal question papers and answer keys. Here is where to find them:
| Source / Website | Best For | What Is Available |
| Spandanam Blog (spandanamnews.blogspot.com) | Classes 8, 9, 10 all subjects | Question papers and multiple answer keys per subject |
| HSSLive (hsslive.in) | Plus One and Plus Two all subjects | Question papers, answer keys, study materials |
| Education Observer (educationobserver.com) | SSLC and Plus Two | Compiled papers with answers, downloadable PDF |
| BioVisions (biovisions.in) | Standard 1 to Plus Two all subjects | Classwise and subjectwise downloads, MM and EM |
| Exam Winner (examwinner.com) | Plus One and SSLC | Organized by stream: Science, Commerce, Humanities |
| Aplus Educare Blog (apluseducare.blogspot.com) | Classes 8, 9, 10, Plus One, Plus Two | Question papers, answer keys 2018-19 compiled |
| Ditto.ws (ditto.ws) | Plus Two specifically | All Plus Two subjects, PDF optimized for fast download |
How to Use the 2018 Question Papers for Preparation Today
Students often ask whether a 2018 question paper is still useful in 2024 or 2025. The answer depends on what you are trying to get out of it.
The 2018 paper is especially useful for two kinds of students: those preparing for SSLC or Plus Two board exams who want to understand how questions are framed under a heavy syllabus load, and those using past papers systematically to understand how the Kerala SCERT paper pattern evolved year by year.
Step-by-Step: Getting the Most from the 2018 Paper
- Download the paper for your class and subject. Choose the medium (MM or EM) that matches your school.
- Read the full paper first without attempting it. Notice the section structure, the question types, and how many marks each section carries.
- Now solve the paper under timed conditions. Do not refer to your textbook or notes while solving.
- Check your answers against the available answer keys. If multiple answer keys exist for your subject, compare them. Note where they differ.
- Identify every question you got wrong or left blank. Write down the chapter and concept behind each.
- Go back to those specific chapters. Revise the concept. Solve 5 to 10 similar problems from your textbook or question bank.
- Re-attempt those specific questions two days later without looking at your notes.
- Compare the 2018 paper with the 2019 and 2022 papers side by side. Look for patterns in what question types come up year after year.
| Important Note | Because the 2018 paper covered an extended syllabus (first and second term combined due to the floods), some question types and chapter coverage in this paper may differ from standard years. Use it to understand flexibility in paper setting, but also practice with papers from 2019, 2022, and 2023 for the standard pattern. |
How 2018 Papers Differ from Other Years: A Comparison
| Factor | 2017 Paper | 2018 Paper (Special Year) | 2019 Paper |
| Syllabus covered | Second term only | First term and second term combined | Second term only |
| First terminal exam | Conducted normally | Cancelled due to Kerala floods | Conducted normally |
| Question count | Standard as per board | Higher in some subjects to cover wider range | Standard as per board |
| Difficulty level | Moderate | Moderate to slightly higher due to wider coverage | Moderate |
| Answer key source | Teacher-prepared keys | Multiple teacher-prepared keys, 2 to 6 per subject | Teacher-prepared keys |
| Paper language | MM and EM | MM and EM both available | MM and EM both available |
Subject-wise Preparation Tips Using the 2018 Papers
Mathematics
The 2018 maths papers for all classes reflect a wider chapter coverage than usual. Pay particular attention to the section weightage. In SSLC maths, algebra and geometry sections tend to dominate regardless of year. Use the 2018 paper to practice working out proofs and construction problems under time pressure.
Physics
Physics answer keys from 2018 were prepared by teachers from districts including Trivandrum and Kozhikode. The question pattern included both numerical problems and conceptual questions. In the Plus Two Physics paper of 2018, chapters from both terms appeared, so students had to be comfortable across a broader range of topics than in a typical second terminal paper.
Chemistry
The 2018 chemistry papers for classes 9 and 10 included Malayalam Medium and English Medium versions with separate answer keys. Chemical equations and organic chemistry reasoning questions tend to appear consistently. Use the 2018 paper to identify the type of half-equations and balancing questions that the Kerala board favors.
Biology
Biology in 2018 had detailed diagram-based questions. The Kerala SCERT biology paper always rewards students who label diagrams clearly and write complete explanations. Even if the 2018 syllabus was wider than normal, the question style remained consistent: one-line answers, paragraph answers, and diagram-plus-explanation questions.
Social Science
Social Science had the most answer keys of any subject in 2018, with six versions available for Class 9 covering both MM and EM. This reflects how open-ended social science answers can be. Use those multiple keys to understand that your phrasing does not need to match exactly, as long as the key points and dates are correct.
English
The 2018 English papers for SSLC and Plus One tested reading comprehension, grammar, and writing sections. The Kerala board English paper has a consistent structure from year to year. The 2018 paper is a reliable reference because the question pattern in English has not changed significantly since then.
Also Read : Second Term Maths Question Paper: Complete Guide for All Classes and Boards
Common Mistakes Students Make with Past Papers
| Treating the 2018 paper as the current year pattern without accounting for the extended syllabus caused by the floods. |
| Skipping answer key comparison because the marking does not seem important for practice. Answer keys show you exactly what evaluators expect in each answer. |
| Only solving one or two papers from a single year instead of building a multi-year comparison across 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. |
| Ignoring the Malayalam Medium paper if you are an English Medium student. MM papers sometimes frame questions differently and expose you to alternative wording. |
| Using answer keys as a shortcut without attempting the questions first. The learning happens when you struggle with the question before checking the answer. |
| Not timing yourself. Solving a past paper without a timer gives you no information about your real exam performance. |
| Ignoring subjects where you performed well. Even strong subjects need practice to maintain speed and accuracy. |
Exam Preparation Checklist Using 2018 and Other Past Papers
| Download the 2018 second terminal question paper for your class and all your subjects |
| Read through the full paper to understand the structure before attempting |
| Solve the paper under real time conditions with a timer |
| Compare your answers against available answer keys (use multiple keys where available) |
| List every question you got wrong with the chapter name beside it |
| Revise those chapters from your SCERT textbook |
| Solve 2019 and 2022 papers and compare the question pattern with 2018 |
| Practice diagram-based questions separately (especially Biology, Physics, Maths) |
| Write out your answers in full sentences for Social Science and English |
| Attempt at least one full paper from each year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 |
| Ask your teacher to review your answers before the exam |
Related Resources and Year-wise Paper Archives
The 2018 second terminal papers are one part of a larger archive of Kerala school examination resources. Here is the full picture of what is available across years:
| Year | First Terminal | Second Terminal | Annual / SSLC Board |
| 2015-16 | Available | Available (Christmas Exam) | Available |
| 2016-17 | Available | Available (Christmas Exam) | Available |
| 2017-18 | Available | Available (Christmas Exam) | Available |
| 2018-19 | Cancelled (Kerala Floods) | Available (Dec 12-21, 2018) | Available (March 2019) |
| 2019-20 | Available | Available | Cancelled (COVID-19) |
| 2020-21 | Not conducted | Not conducted | Simplified (COVID year) |
| 2021-22 | Available | Available | Available |
| 2022-23 | Available | Available | Available |
| 2023-24 | Available | Available | Available |
| 2024-25 | Available | Available | Upcoming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the first terminal examination 2018 cancelled in Kerala?
A: The Kerala floods of August 2018 caused widespread destruction across the state. Schools were used as relief camps, and the academic calendar was severely disrupted. The Department of Higher Secondary Education cancelled the first terminal examinations for 2018-19 and instead arranged for the first terminal question papers to be discussed in classrooms once schools reopened.
Q: Did the Second Terminal 2018 paper cover both first and second term portions?
A: Yes. Because the first terminal exam was cancelled, the second terminal examination 2018 was designed to cover syllabus portions from both the first and second terms. This made it different from a standard second terminal paper in any other year. Teachers and students had to prepare for a wider range of chapters.
Q: Where can I download the second terminal 2018 question paper for Class 10 (SSLC)?
A: The SSLC second terminal 2018 papers are available on Education Observer (educationobserver.com), Spandanam Blog (spandanamnews.blogspot.com), HSSLive (hsslive.in), and BioVisions (biovisions.in). These sites also have the answer keys prepared by teachers from various districts.
Q: Are the answer keys for the 2018 second terminal exam official DHSE answer keys?
A: Most of the answer keys widely available online were prepared by experienced subject teachers from across Kerala, not officially released by DHSE. They are generally reliable but may differ slightly in phrasing. For subjects like Social Science, up to six different answer keys were prepared by different teachers, giving multiple acceptable answer formats.
Q: Are the 2018 question papers available in English Medium?
A: Yes. English Medium versions were published for most subjects across Class 8, 9, 10, Plus One, and Plus Two. Both Malayalam Medium (MM) and English Medium (EM) papers and answer keys are available on the resource sites listed in this guide.
Q: Is the 2018 second terminal paper still relevant for students preparing in 2025?
A: Yes, particularly for understanding question patterns, how Kerala board examiners adjust when syllabus load increases, and for practising across a wider range of chapters. However, students should also practice with more recent papers from 2022, 2023, and 2024 to stay aligned with current paper patterns.
Q: Were Plus One and Plus Two exams conducted at the same time in December 2018?
A: Yes. The Plus One (Class 11) exams were conducted in forenoon sessions and the Plus Two (Class 12) exams were held in afternoon sessions. Both ran from December 12 to December 21, 2018. The common question papers were prepared by DHSE Kerala for all government, aided, and unaided higher secondary schools.
Q: Which subjects had multiple answer keys in 2018?
A: Social Science for Class 9 had the most, with six different answer keys. Mathematics for Class 9 had two separate keys. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology also had multiple versions in some classes. Having multiple keys helps students see the range of acceptable answers and understand where they might gain or lose marks.
Q: How is the 2018 paper different from the 2019 second terminal paper?
A: The 2018 paper covered first and second term portions combined, making it wider in scope. The 2019 second terminal paper returned to the standard format covering only second term portions. If you are preparing for an upcoming exam, the 2019 and later papers are closer to what you will face, but the 2018 paper is valuable for building a broader understanding of the full year syllabus.
Q: Can teachers use the 2018 second terminal papers for classroom question banks?
A: Absolutely. Many teachers across Kerala use these papers to create subject-wise question banks. The 2018 papers are especially useful for showing students how a wider syllabus can be tested within the same time and mark constraints. They also serve as reference material for setting school-level tests and revision worksheets.
Conclusion
The Second Terminal Examination 2018 question papers are not just historical documents. They are study tools that reveal how the Kerala school examination system adapted under extraordinary pressure.
Students who understand why 2018 was different, and how the papers reflected that difference, gain a deeper insight into how question papers are designed. That understanding helps them prepare more strategically for any upcoming exam, because they stop seeing past papers as random collections of questions and start seeing them as deliberate instruments shaped by the syllabus, the time available, and the students’ expected level of preparation.
