The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to overhaul the question format for examinations for higher classes.
The national-level board will assess the students of Classes 9 to 12 with competency-based questions from the next academic year.
The new pattern of questions will be based on the application of concepts in “real-life or unfamiliar situations”. This will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions and source-based integrated questions, as per the circular released by the CBSE.
This big change in exams is aimed at replacing the existing rote-learning model with a competency-based framework as is mentioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The CBSE has also decided to eliminate 30 per cent of the existing syllabus, allowing students to focus on, and be evaluated on the knowledge of the core learning areas.
Understanding the new pattern
As per updates, for Class 9 and 10, a minimum of 30 per cent competency-based questions in form of MCQs, case-based questions,source-based integrated questions, etc will be introduced and 20 per cent of the questions will be objective type. The remaining 50 per cent will be short and long answer type questions, as per the existing pattern.
The introduction of new question patterns in a crucial exam is bound to create confusion in students. But this also might reduce the pressure on students to mug up portions and they may try to learn the concepts for better understanding.
Even as they are unfamiliar with the new format, students should give it their best shot. On receiving the question paper, the examinees should calmly read through the variety of questions, strategize the time apportionment and priority of questions to give out their best.
This change in the question format may confound students initially, but educationists say the new pattern would be a refreshing change.
As reported earlier the Class-10 board exams for the just expiring academic year stands cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CBSE may decide on the dates of the postponed Class-12 finals on June 1.