Explainer: Here are the changes made to the CBSE exam pattern

Hyderabad: To reduce stress and discourage rote learning, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made specific changes in their question paper pattern, exams and curriculum. The exams for this academic year are supposed to begin in February 2020, for Class X and XII. According to the Ministry of Education, below is a list of few changes made.

Changes made in the Question Paper

The question paper will feature 33% of multiple-choice questions and 23% of one-mark questions. It will reduce the subjectivity part of the paper. Earlier, students were facing issues to complete the paper in three hours. Through this change, the board speculates that the students can complete the paper in the given time.

Question papers will have fewer content-based questions, said the education board. Students will be asked problem-solving and competency-based questions.

Changes made in the Exam Pattern

Class X students will have two levels of mathematics exam. The board made the decision intending to reduce stress among students and cater to different kind of learners. Students will be given an extra 15 minutes to go through the question paper thoroughly. Students writing alternative correct and creative answers other than what has been prescribed by the board will also be given full marks.

Class X and Class XII students will have an internal assessment of 20 marks in subjects that have no practical assessment.

Change in curriculum

Experimental learning has been introduced for students in the academic year of 2019-20. The board has asked schools to teach in a way that students can connect it to their day-to-day life.

To guide students

CBSE provides tele counselling to students, before and after exams, through the toll-free number 1800-11-8002. The board, on its website, www.cbse.nic.in, has published materials on how to avoid stress. The board will also appoint a fulltime wellness teacher and counsellor. Sports period is mandatory in all affiliated schools, to promote life skills and values education.

Source: Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal gave the details as a response to a question posed in Lok Sabha.