CBSE board exam 2024 to focus on MCQs, 50% of questions to be competency-based

The CBSE has announced changes to its assessment scheme for the CBSE board exams 2024. The modifications involve an increased focus on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and a reduction in the weightage given to short- and long-answer questions.

These changes are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations, which prioritise creative and critical thinking capacities over rote learning.

However, these changes may only apply to the 2023-24 academic session, as new reforms are expected to be introduced with the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

The board intends to implement Competency Focused Education, with more competency-based questions assessing the application of concepts in real-life situations.

“The board is initiating changes in the examination and assessment practices for the academic session 2023-24 to align assessment to Competency Focused Education,” said Joseph Emanuel, Director, CBSE (Academics), as per PTI.

In the CBSE Class 10 board exams, half of the questions (50%) will be competency-based, which may include multiple choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, or other formats.

These types of questions carried a weightage of 40% in the previous academic session.

The objective questions for this grade level will specifically be MCQs, accounting for 20% of the total weightage, while the weightage for short-answer and long-answer questions has been decreased from 40% to 30%.

In the CBSE Class 12 board exams, 40% of the questions will be competency-focused and may include MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, or other formats.

The weightage for these questions was 30% in the last academic session.

The objective questions for this grade level will also be MCQs and carry a weightage of 20%. The weightage for short-answer and long answer type questions has been reduced from 50% to 40%.

CREDITS: INDIA TODAY