CBSE Overhauls Exam Structure for Classes 11 and 12 to Emphasize Competency-Based Education

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant changes to the exam structure for Classes 11 and 12, set to commence in the academic year 2024-25. These changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing competency-based education to better equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Key Changes in the Exam Structure

The revised exam format marks a departure from traditional rote learning methods, focusing instead on conceptual understanding and application. Under the new system, the percentage of competency-based questions, which includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based questions, has been increased from 40% to 50%. Meanwhile, the proportion of long and short-answer questions has been reduced from 40% to 30%​.

Subject-Wise Breakdown

Mathematics

The Class 12 Mathematics exam will consist of an 80-mark theory paper and a 20-mark internal assessment. The chapters are weighted as follows:

- Relations & Functions: 8 marks

- Calculus: 35 marks

- Algebra: 10 marks

- Vectors & 3D Geometry: 14 marks

- Linear Programming: 5 marks

- Probability: 8 marks​

Science

For subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, the theory exams are worth 70 marks, and practicals account for the remaining 30 marks. In Physics, for example:

- Electrostatics and Current Electricity: 16 marks

- Magnetic Effects of Current and Electromagnetic Induction: 17 marks

- Optics: 18 marks

- Dual Nature of Radiation, Atoms & Nuclei: 12 marks

- Electronic Devices: 7 marks​.

Chemistry and Biology follow a similar pattern, with detailed chapter-wise marks allocation to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students' understanding and practical skills.

Implications for Students and Teachers

This overhaul aims to foster an educational environment that prioritizes understanding over memorization. Joseph Emanuel, CBSE Director (Academics), highlighted that these changes are designed to develop students' creative and critical thinking abilities, preparing them to face the challenges of the 21st century​​.

Assessment and Evaluation Practices

The changes are part of CBSE's ongoing efforts to align its assessment practices with NEP 2020. Continuous capacity building of teachers and the development of exemplary resources are also being prioritized to ensure a smooth transition to the new system​​.

The new exam pattern for CBSE Classes 11 and 12 represents a strategic shift towards a more holistic education system. By focusing on competency-based questions and reducing the weightage of long-form answers, CBSE aims to nurture a generation of students who are better prepared for higher education and professional challenges. This reform is expected to significantly impact how students engage with their studies, encouraging deeper learning and innovation.

For further details on the subject-wise marking schemes and to stay updated with any future changes, students and educators can visit the official CBSE website​.