Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a number of key changes in exam pattern that are effective from this session, 2019-2020. MHRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal listed 15 changes and measures by the board with the collective aim of encouraging students to develop critical thinking and reasoning abilities, and dissuade rote learning.
While some of the changes are new, happening for the first time. A few others were launched earlier, however their implementation is in focus this time as well.
Number Of Questions Reduced
CBSE has reduced the number of questions in papers of major subjects. The new exam pattern will be as per sample papers uploaded at cbseacademic.nic.in. As a result of this step, students will now not find the question papers to be lengthy to complete in 3 hours.
More Internal Choices
At least 33%, that is one-third of all the questions in major subjects will now have internal choices.
Number Of Objective Questions Increased, Descriptive Questions Decreased
From 2020 exams, the major subjects will have around 25% that is one-fourth of the paper, as objective type questions. Here objective questions mean the 1-mark questions. The aim here is to eliminate cases where marks may differ for the same answer from examiner to examiner; in one mark questions, a straight away answer will earn marks. However, CBSE will also promote creativity by directing evaluators to award full marks to alternative innovative descriptive answers that are otherwise correct.
All Subjects To Have Internal Assessment
All subjects in class 10 and 12 will have internal assessment. By doing so, assessment for each student will be holistic and continuous. For subjects that do not have practicals, internal assessment will be 20 marks.
Question Paper Restructuring
The introduction of a component of 20% internal assessment in all subjects including that of humanities is intended to make CBSE exams more relevant and practical, as opposed to theory based results that promote rote learning and causes stress. 33% internal options in papers will also work towards the same goal.
Marking Scheme Change
Evaluators get a marking scheme to check the papers of CBSE board exams. This time the marking scheme will highlight that priority will be given to creative, correct, and relevant answer also other that the ones mentioned in the marking scheme. This will ensure that students’ conceptual understanding is also rewarded.
15 Minutes To Read Question Papers
Students will get 15 minutes to read the question paper before they can start writing answers.
Counselling For Students Before And After Exams
CBSE is to provide free pre and post exam telecommunication, over toll free helpline. The board also publishes weekly columns in leading dailies on common matters related to board exams. Also, the board has published how to deal with stress of board exams at cbse.nic.in/examstress.html.
Experiential Learning Introduced
Self thinking, creativity, effective study skills are 3 important aspects of a student that CBSE aims to develop. To this end, the board has introduced experiential learning starting from the 2019-2020 session. Depending on the students, schools will plan the style of teaching to ensure this happens. In this regard, CBSE has also ensured that the teacher pupil ratio is 1:30.
Mathematics Exam In 2 Levels
In accordance with NCF, the National Curriculum Framework, teaching mathematics in two levels has double benefits. First is that it reduces stress among students, and the second is that it allows different kinds of learners to grasp mathematical concepts differently. Now class 10 students who will appear in the board exams for session ending March 2020 onwards will be able to opt for level of math for which they wish to appear.
Sports Made Compulsory
CBSE has now integrated health and physical education with academics. Schools now have to provide 1 period every day for sports. This is aimed to de-stressing students, and promoting life skills and values.
No Homework, No School Bags Upto Class II
CBSE has published guidelines on alternative to homework for classes I to VIII.
Corporal Punishment Banned
Though this is not a new change, but implementation of the circular issued in 2002 is being stressed upon now. MHRD mentioned this point too in the steps being taken by CBSE for school students.
Anti Bullying, Anti Ragging Measures
CBSE published guidelines to prevent bullying and ragging in schools in the year 2015. Implementation of the same is in effect and closely followed in schools.
Counsellor, Wellness Teachers In Schools To Help Students
Every secondary and senior secondary school affiliated to CBSE must have a person on a full time basis as a counsellor and wellness teacher.
