New Education Policy 2020: Easing the Pressure on Students
The pressure of 10th and 12th board exams starts building a year before, beginning in classes 9th and 11th. In such a situation, efforts are being made to reduce this pressure with the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and a revamped exam pattern. The format of education is set to undergo a significant transformation in the next few years, and preparations for this are already in motion.
CBSE’s Major Changes in Exam Pattern
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken substantial steps to overhaul the exam pattern and marking scheme for classes 10 and 12 board exams, aiming to alleviate study-related stress on students and curb the dominance of coaching culture.
The CBSE board exam for 2024 is scheduled to commence on February 15, and the board has released sample papers for classes 10 and 12 on the official website at cbse.gov.in. These sample papers offer students valuable insights into the new exam pattern and marking scheme.
Competency-Based Questions
One of the most notable changes is the increase in competency-based questions in the CBSE board exam 2024. This shift encourages students to focus on understanding subjects rather than rote memorization.
| Exam | Competency-Based Questions | Response Type Questions | MCQ Questions | Constructed Response Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | 50% | 20% | 20% | 30% |
| Class 12 | 40% | 20% | 20% | 40% |
Pre-Board Examination
According to the new sample paper of the CBSE board, students will now be required to take a school pre-board exam before the main examination. This additional step aims to prepare students effectively for the upcoming board exams.
Increased Emphasis on Ability-Based Questions
Another significant change in the 2024 board exams is the increase in ability-based questions. Class 10 will see 50% of questions, and class 12 will feature 40% of questions based on abilities. In addition to competency-based questions, objective, short-answer, and long-answer questions will also be part of the board exam.
With these changes, students will have to respond to a varying number of questions, ranging from 15 to 35, within a three-hour time frame.
The New Education Policy 2020 and the revised CBSE board exam pattern for 2024 aim to foster a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of subjects, reducing the undue stress placed on students and promoting a deeper learning experience.