In a significant move aimed at transforming the education landscape, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced changes to the examination format for Classes 11 and 12, effective from 2024-25. This decision marks a departure from traditional assessment methods, signaling a paradigm shift towards fostering a deeper understanding of concepts among students.
Under the revamped format, CBSE examinations will prioritize concept application questions over long-form answers, aiming to encourage critical thinking and creativity among students. This shift is aligned with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, which emphasizes the importance of competency-based education in shaping future-ready individuals.
Joseph Emanuel, the Director of Academics at CBSE, highlighted the rationale behind the change, emphasizing the need to move away from rote memorization towards a holistic approach to learning. He underscored the board’s commitment to creating an educational ecosystem that nurtures creative, critical, and systems-thinking skills essential for success in the 21st century.
As part of the new format, the percentage of competency-focused questions, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions, has been increased from 40% to 50%. Conversely, the percentage of constructed response questions, such as short and long answers, has been reduced from 40% to 30%. This adjustment aims to strike a balance between assessing conceptual understanding and evaluating the application of knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Emanuel reiterated CBSE’s dedication to aligning assessment and evaluation practices with the principles outlined in the NEP-2020. He emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building for teachers and the development of exemplary resources to support the transition to competency-based education.
The introduction of the new examination format is expected to have far-reaching implications for students, teachers, and the education system as a whole. By placing greater emphasis on conceptual understanding and application, CBSE aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
Educators have welcomed the move, recognizing its potential to foster a culture of inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning. They believe that by shifting the focus from memorization to conceptual mastery, students will be better prepared to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
The announcement has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of competency-based education and its role in shaping the future of learning. Proponents argue that by prioritizing skills over content mastery, education systems can better prepare students for the uncertainties of the future workforce.
However, some concerns have been raised about the implementation of the new format and its impact on student’s performance. Critics worry that the emphasis on concept application may disadvantage students who excel in traditional examination formats, potentially widening existing achievement gaps.
To address these concerns, CBSE has emphasized the importance of providing adequate support and resources to facilitate the transition. This includes ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers, as well as the creation of supplementary materials to aid students in adapting to the new format.
Thus, the introduction of the new examination format for Classes 11 and 12 represents a significant step towards reimagining education in India. By prioritizing conceptual understanding and application, CBSE aims to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, laying the foundation for a more innovative and inclusive education system.