The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to the examination format for Class 11 and 12, effective from the academic year 2024-25. Under the new format, CBSE exams will prioritize concept application questions over long-form answers, marking a departure from traditional assessment methods. However, there is no alteration in the exam format for Classes 9 and 10.
This shift aims to revolutionize how students approach their studies, steering away from rote memorization toward a more comprehensive understanding of concepts. It is anticipated to empower students to think critically, foster innovation, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the subjects they study.
CBSE Director (Academics) Joseph Emanuel emphasized that the board’s decision aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, which emphasizes competency-based education. The board has undertaken various initiatives to implement competency-based education in schools, including aligning assessments with competencies, providing exemplar resources for teachers and students, and facilitating continuous capacity building for teachers.
Under the new format, the percentage of competency-focused questions, such as 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, including short and long answers, has been reduced from 40% to 30%.
Emanuel reiterated the board’s commitment to creating an educational environment that prioritizes creative, critical, and systems thinking skills, essential for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The changes in the examination format reflect CBSE’s ongoing efforts to align assessments and evaluation practices with the NEP-2020.
As a result, the forthcoming academic session will witness an adjustment in the percentage of competency-based questions included in CBSE question papers. These questions will assess students’ ability to apply concepts in real-life situations, reinforcing the shift towards competency-based education.
The introduction of the new exam format signifies CBSE’s dedication to fostering holistic learning experiences that prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world. It marks a significant step towards nurturing a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers, equipped to thrive in the complexities of the modern era.
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