As per the new education policy, the Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE) has introduced new changes to its assessment and evaluation process for the next academic session. The board will now assess the students of class 10th on the basis of the application of concepts in “real-life or unfamiliar situations” which are called Competency-based questions. The type of questions that students will get in the papers includes – multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions.
The competency-based education project as started by CBSE aims to replace the existing learning model with a competency-based framework as mentioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 over the next two to three years.
As per the circular released, Competency-based questions would be about 30% for Classes 9th & 10th. Besides the competency-based questions, the board would continue with Objective Type questions as well as Short and Long Answer Type Questions.
Hence, for the academic session 2021-22 onwards, CBSE has added 10% more competency-based questions, reduces short/long answer questions. The existing question paper comprises for class 10th comprises of 20% objective type questions including multiple-choice questions, 20% case-based or source-based integrated questions, and the remaining 60% are short or long answer questions. However, following the modification, the question paper will now comprise 30% competency-based questions including multiple-choice questions, case-based, and source-based integrated questions or any other types, 20%will be objective questions, and the remaining 50% will be short or long answer questions as per the existing pattern.
The overall marks and duration of examination shall remain the same for CBSE board final examination. It is to be noted that the new pattern as decided by CBSE is not applicable for Class 10th, 12th board exam 2021.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes more on competency-based learning which focuses more on developing the creative and critical thinking capacities of the students so as to prepare them to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The learners must be equipped with the ability to solve problems and assessment must shift from testing primarily rote memorization skills to one that is more formative.
