CBSE has been taking major decisions lately for the betterment of the education system and the students of India. After cancelling the Class 10 board exams for the academic year 2020-21, CBSE has recently announced changes in the exam pattern for Classes 9, 10, 11, 12. These changes will be applicable for students in the academic year 2021-22.
According to the new exam pattern guidelines released by CBSE, competency-based questions will be asked in the theory examination from now on. This includes multiple-choice questions, case study based questions, source-based questions, and any other format of a similar type. The announcement was made in the circular released by CBSE on April 22, 2021.
Biswajit Saha, the Director, Training and Skill Development, CBSE said that the competency-based questions are included in the latest curriculum to diminish the idea of rote learning and promote conceptual clarity, problem-solving, analysis and critical thinking skills amongst the students.
As per the latest updates from CBSE, there will be a minimum of 30% competency-based questions in the final examination for Class 9 and 10. Along with this, 20% of questions will be objective type while the remaining 50% will be short or long answer type questions.
Earlier, Class 9 and Class 10 examinations included 60% short or long answer type questions, 20% objective-type questions and 20% case-based/ source-based integrated questions.
Similarly, the exam pattern for Class 11 and Class 12 has also been changed. As per the new exam pattern, there will be 20% competency-based questions, 20% objective-type questions and 60% short or long answer questions in the final examination.
Earlier, Class 11 and Class 12 examinations included 70% short or long answer type questions, 20% objective-type questions and 10% case-based/ source-based integrated questions.
It has been seen that most students have only one goal in school which is to complete the CBSE syllabus and score the highest marks. Many schools promote the same idea. However, with the introduction of competency-based questions, students will have to focus on conceptual clarity.
The new exam pattern will also minimise rote learning amongst students and they would start taking into account the applications of every topic in the real-life. Students will be equipped with the ability to solve problems while assessments will be based on the learning and development of students.
CBSE will soon release the sample papers for the academic year 2021-22 based on the latest changes in the exam pattern. This will help the students in understanding the exam pattern even better. Earlier, CBSE cancelled the Class 10 board examination and the students will now be assessed based on their performance throughout the year. Class 12 CBSE final exams are on hold and will be conducted as soon as the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic is under control in the country.