CBSE has recently announced some changes when it comes to the exam pattern for Grades 11 and 12. The changes are effective from the academic year 2024-25. Any change typically brings about some anxiety. This case is likely to be no different for students and parents alike who may be wondering what is in store. Well, you can rest assured that the changes have been made with the great objective of enhancing the analytical and practical skills of students. The changes are in line with the fact that theoretical knowledge and rote learning alone aren’t beneficial for students and that they must be able to apply the knowledge that they gather in real life.
Here is a handy guide where we take you through all the proposed changes for your ready reference.
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CBSE New Exam Pattern – 2024-25
The biggest change is that the emphasis is now going to be on competency-based questions. The idea is to evaluate students’ learning in real-life situations. The changes are in line with the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP), which emphasizes competency-based education.
The objective therefore clearly is to foster creativity and to encourage critical thinking, a much-needed initiative when it comes to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. In a VUCA world, such as the one we live in, students need to be able to think on their feet and apply their knowledge to changing situations. CBSE is therefore committed to encouraging higher-order thinking skills in students.
With the new CBSE guidelines, the focus will be on practical thinking, problem-solving, and more. Therefore, the questions will increasingly be case-based and source-based.
Essentially, the kind of learning this fosters will help students deal with the complexities of life. With this objective in mind, here are the specific changes that have been announced:
Competency Based questions – The emphasis on competency-based questions has been increased to 50% of the total marks, up from the existing 40% in the CBSE board format. These will include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that will be based on application scenarios. There will also be an emphasis on case studies where students will analyze real-life scenarios as well as source-based questions that will enable students to analyze data sets and come to logical conclusions.
Reduced emphasis on long answer questions – Since the idea is not to promote rote learning, the emphasis on long answer questions where students reproduce answers word-for-word from memory, is reduced. The weightage of long, descriptive answers is down to 30%.
The above, as mentioned earlier, is in line with the NEP and its emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical understanding.
Benefit for students
Let us quickly look at some benefits that will accrue to students on account of these changes.
1. Focus on the application of concepts
Students will benefit from the practical application of concepts. What this will in effect do is also make studying more pleasurable as opposed to a chore. When students have a deeper understanding of concepts and importantly an understanding of what is the real-world application of what they are studying, it will enhance their interest in the subject. That they will also be relieved from rote learning will be an added advantage.
2. Prepare them for the road ahead
The changes will go a long way in preparing them for the road ahead. For one, since they will understand the practical application of concepts, it will help them in higher studies as well as in their careers. Importantly, since there will be an improved focus on how to think as opposed to what to think, it will help them navigate the challenges of life in a far more prepared manner. Students will learn to analyze data and information, draw conclusions, and more, which will come in handy in day-to-day life. The improved analytical skills will also help them break down complex problems and deal with them accordingly. This ability will serve them in good stead as they will be less overwhelmed when surrounded by challenging situations since they will be able to look at these situations objectively and try to look for solutions.
3. Improved learning outcomes
As the above points reveal, the learning outcomes for students will leap. We have for a long time been grappling with a situation where there is a gap between teaching and learning. Enough and more research has shown, for instance, that fresh graduates come with a significant employability skill gap. While the changes may not wipe away the gap completely, it is a significant step in the right direction.
Are there changes in pattern for grades 9 and 10 as well?
Well, the answer to that question is no. There are no changes in CBSE 9th class exam pattern, for now.
There has, however, been an update in the syllabus for grades 3 to 6, for which NCERT has announced the release of new textbooks.
Keep watching this space for more as we demystify any changes in exam patterns for you. At Pragyanam, one of the best CBSE schools in Gurgaon, school admission is highly coveted, and our emphasis is on life skills education. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and more are essential life skills that we impart to our students through the curriculum.
Here’s to raising a generation of resilient learners.
