New Delhi: The draft National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has proposed major changes in the academic structure and exams for Classes 9-12, including conduct of the Class 12 board exams in two phases – twice a year – and consideration of marks scored in Classes 9 and 11 also for the final results of Classes 10 and 12 respectively.

An expert panel headed by former chairman of the ISRO K Kasturirangan which prepared the draft also said that students should be allowed to choose subjects across science and humanities from Class 9 to 12. The draft, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is also published on the official website and suggestions invited from the public.

Modular exams, curricular areas

Another crucial recommendation is ‘modular board exams’ in Classes 11 and 12 on the model of semester courses. At the same time, the NCF draft has recommended retention of the present system of annual exams in Classes 9 and 10.

The draft says that all subjects should be arranged under eight curricular areas, which are Humanities (including languages), Maths and Computing, Vocational Education, Physical Education, Arts, Social Sciences, Science and interdisciplinary. Students have to choose two courses from each curricular area in Classes 9 and 10, thereby completing 16 courses.

In Classes 11 and 12, 16 choice-based courses have to be completed. However, in order to facilitate students acquire deep knowledge of the subject, they have to choose only four courses from three curricular areas. The fourth course could be from the same curricular area as any one among the first three subjects chosen or some other area. In other words, studies could be pursued without being straight jacketed into science or arts streams.

Other notable points in the draft include suggestions for overhauling the content of textbooks and preparation of new handbooks for teachers based on the revised textbooks.

Where to check draft?

The draft NCF is available at https://ncf.ncert.gov.in./ and suggestions can be mailed to ncf.ncert@ciet.nic.in