AP Biology

About the AP Biology Exam

The AP Biology Exam, conducted by the College Board, is designed to evaluate students’ understanding of key biological concepts, scientific reasoning, and analytical skills.
The test is three hours long and is divided into two main sections — Multiple Choice and Free Response — each contributing 50% to the final AP score.

AP Biology Exam Format

The AP Biology Exam consists of multiple-choice, grid-in, and free-response questions that assess both factual knowledge and scientific reasoning.

Section Duration Number of Questions Question Types Weightage
Section I: Multiple Choice & Grid-In 90 minutes 63 multiple-choice + 6 grid-in Multiple choice (4 options each) and short quantitative “grid-in” problems 50%
Section II: Free Response 90 minutes (includes 10-minute reading period) 2 long response + 6 short response Data analysis, experimental design, and conceptual questions 50%

Section I – Multiple Choice and Grid-In

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Questions: 69 total (63 multiple choice + 6 grid-in)

  • Skills Tested:

    • Understanding of core biological concepts

    • Application of data, graphs, and mathematical reasoning

  • Scoring Tip:

    • No penalty for guessing — attempt all questions.

    • Manage your time efficiently; spend less than a minute per question initially, leaving time for calculation-based grid-in problems.

Section II – Free Response

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    (Includes a 10-minute reading period at the beginning)

  • Questions:

    • 2 long free-response questions

    • 6 short free-response questions

  • Skills Tested:

    • Data analysis and interpretation

    • Experimental design and justification

    • Scientific reasoning and written communication

  • Time Management Tip:

    • Short responses: ~5 minutes each

    • Long responses: 20–25 minutes each

What Topics Does the AP Biology Exam Cover?

The College Board redesigned AP Biology to focus more on conceptual understanding, scientific inquiry, and analytical thinking — rather than pure memorization.

The course and exam are structured around four Big Ideas, each encompassing a broad range of biological principles.

Big Idea 1: Evolution

Theme: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Key Topics:

  • Natural Selection

  • Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

  • Biodiversity and Classification of Organisms

Big Idea 2: Cellular Processes, Energy, and Homeostasis

Theme: Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain stability.
Key Topics:

  • Molecular Biology

  • Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

  • Cell Structure and Membranes (Diffusion, Osmosis, Transport)

  • Thermodynamics and Homeostasis

  • Immune Response

Big Idea 3: Genetics and Information Transfer

Theme: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to biological information.
Key Topics:

  • DNA, RNA, and Gene Expression

  • Cell Cycle: Mitosis & Meiosis

  • Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance Laws

  • Viruses and Mutations

  • Endocrine and Nervous Systems

Big Idea 4: Interactions in Biological Systems

Theme: Biological systems interact and exhibit complex properties.
Key Topics:

  • Enzymes and Reaction Rates

  • Plant and Animal Systems (Circulatory, Digestive, Musculoskeletal)

  • Ecology and Energy Flow

  • Population and Community Interactions

Important Laboratory Investigations

Hands-on lab experience is a vital part of AP Biology. Students are expected to understand and apply principles of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Major Lab Topics Include:

  • Artificial Selection

  • Modeling Evolution

  • Diffusion and Osmosis

  • Photosynthesis

  • Cellular Respiration

  • Mitosis and Meiosis

  • Bacterial Transformation

  • Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA

  • Energy Dynamics

  • Transpiration in Plants

  • Animal Behaviour

  • Enzyme Catalysis

Scoring and Structure Summary

Section Time Questions Weight
Multiple Choice + Grid-In 90 minutes 63 + 6 50%
Free Response 90 minutes (incl. 10-min reading) 2 long + 6 short 50%
Total Duration 3 hours — 100%

Why AP Biology Matters

A strong score on the AP Biology Exam can:

  • Earn college credits at many universities.

  • Strengthen college applications for pre-med, life sciences, and STEM majors.

  • Develop scientific reasoning and lab analysis skills valuable in higher education.

AP Biology Coaching at Gurgaon Academy

At Gurgaon Academy, we offer comprehensive AP Biology coaching aligned with the latest College Board curriculum.

Program Features

  • Complete coverage of all 4 Big Ideas & Lab Topics

  • Concept-focused teaching with detailed diagrams

  • Intensive problem-solving and practice sessions

  • Mock tests following actual AP exam format

  • Experienced biology instructors with AP expertise

  • Online lessons through MS Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom

Contact Us

Gurgaon Academy
📞 WhatsApp: +91 99996 50006
📧 Email: Gurgaon.tutor@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.gurgaonacademy.com