VCE Physics exam 2026Exam: Thu 12 Nov · VCAA timetable
Your VCE Physics exam:
When and how long
- Physics9.00 am to 11.45 am2 h 30 min plus 15 min reading time
VCAA: the reading period is included in the times shown, and each examination starts with a 15-minute reading period unless otherwise specified. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time. A few language exams run earlier in October.
Source: 2026 VCE examination timetable (VCAA), checked Wednesday 23 September 2026. Where a start time, reading time or duration isn't shown, the timetable doesn't publish it: check your personal timetable and the front of your paper.
Paper format
Victorian Certificate of Education - Physics Examination: 120 marks, 2 h 30 min writing time plus 15 minutes reading time.
- Section A - Multiple choice20 marks
- Section B - Short and extended response100 marks
VCAA VCE Physics end-of-year exam confirmed against the 2024-2027 study design examination specifications: 120 marks total, 15 min reading + 150 min writing, Section A (20 MC for 20 marks) + Section B (short and extended response for 100 marks).
From the official specification: source.
What the exam covers
We don't have past-paper frequency data for this exam, so here is the course, module by module. Make sure every module is covered.
- Unit 1: What ideas explain the physical world?12 dot points
- Unit 2: How does physics help us to understand the world?12 dot points
- Unit 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity?10 dot points
- Unit 4: How have new ideas and ways of thinking developed our understanding of the physical world?9 dot points
Night-before and exam-morning checklists
The night before
- Check the start time of each exam; the 15-minute reading period is included in the timetable times.[2]
- Pack a transparent pencil case: pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, sharpener and a ruler.[1]
- Pack your approved calculator and spare batteries (CAS only where allowed: General Maths, Methods Exam 2, Specialist Exam 2).[1]
- Still water in a clear plastic bottle, labels removed, no more than 1500 mL (it stays off your table).[1]
- Stop revising around 8 pm, set two alarms and sleep.[1]
Exam morning
- Eat a real breakfast.[1]
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.[2]
- If you are up to 30 minutes late you still get full writing time, but no reading time.[1]
- Leave phones, smart watches and fitness trackers outside the exam room.[1]
- In reading time: read and plan, but don't write or use your calculator.[1]
- You can't leave before 30 minutes of writing time or in the last 5 minutes.[1]
Exam-week survival kit: The last 7 days · The night before and exam morning · What to bring, and what's banned · How to use reading time · If you're sick or something goes wrong · Handling exam-week stress.
Last-week revision
- Timed mock examVictorian Certificate of Education - Physics Examination
- 2025 past paperWalkthrough, with a link to the official VCAA paper
- 2024 past paperWalkthrough, with a link to the official VCAA paper
- 2023 past paperWalkthrough, with a link to the official VCAA paper
- 2022 past paperWalkthrough, with a link to the official VCAA paper
- FlashcardsSpaced-repetition cards from the syllabus pages
- QuizVCE Physics practical investigation structure
- QuizVCE Physics worked exam problems by Area of Study
- Study guides5 guides