With the modified exam format, the percentage of competency-focused questions, encompassing various formats such as MCQs, case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions, will increase from 40 to 50 per cent. This deliberate change shows that CBSE has recognised the imperative of nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.
Joseph Emanuel, the Director (Academics) at CBSE, explained the board’s reasons behind these transformative changes in exam patterns. In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE is steadfast in its commitment to implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) across schools. This encompasses not only revising assessment methodologies but also providing exemplary resources for educators along with continuous professional development opportunities.
Emanuel also emphasised that the comprehensive goal of CBSE is to create an educational ecosystem that is conducive to holistic learning. In this, CBSE aims to equip students with the required skill set to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. By reducing the percentage of constructed response questions (including short and long answers) from 40 to 30 per cent, CBSE is making a deliberate shift towards assessing students’ application of knowledge rather than just recall. In announcing this pivotal shift, the importance of moving away from a traditional to a more dynamic and application-oriented learning paradigm was also highlighted.
Furthermore, CBSE’s ongoing efforts to align assessments and evaluation practices with National Education Policy 2020 reaffirm its commitment to educational reform. The emphasis on competency-based questions reflects CBSE’s recognition of the importance of cultivating not just knowledge, but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. By incorporating more scenario-based questions, CBSE aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This will help students with the skills necessary to navigate complex situations with confidence and proficiency.
Moreover, the reduction in the percentage of constructed response questions underscores CBSE’s commitment to streamlining assessment practices to focus on higher-order thinking skills. While factual recall remains important, it is no longer the sole measure of academic achievement. CBSE’s decision to allocate a greater proportion of the exam to competency-based questions acknowledges the value of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
In essence, CBSE’s decision to alter the exam structure for Class 11 and Class 12 represents a bold step towards fostering conceptual proficiency and nurturing skills essential for success in the 21st century. By prioritising competency-based assessment, CBSE is not only adapting to global educational trends but also paving the way for a more robust and future-ready generation of learners.
