The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently announced changes to the assessment and evaluation pattern for classes 11th and 12th, which will come into effect from the academic year 2024-25. These changes aim to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes competency-based education.
One of the key changes is the reduction in the weightage of constructed response questions, such as short answer and long answer type questions, from 40 per cent to 30 per cent in theory examinations. In contrast, competency-focused questions, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions, will now hold a higher weightage of 50 per cent, up from 40 per cent.
Latest – JEE Main 2024 Exam Session 2 Shift-1 Question Paper Analysis
Competency-focused questions are designed to assess students’ ability to apply concepts in real-life situations, helping to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This shift towards competency-based assessment reflects the changing educational landscape and the need for students to have practical knowledge and skills in addition to theoretical understanding.
While selective-type questions, particularly MCQs, will still account for 20 per cent of the marks, the overall restructuring of question papers will place a greater emphasis on assessing students’ practical knowledge and application of concepts. By reducing the weightage of constructed response questions and increasing the focus on competency-based questions, CBSE aims to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century and align with the goals of NEP 2020.
These changes will bring significant alterations to the composition of question papers for year-end examinations in classes XI and XII, providing students with a more holistic and balanced assessment that reflects the evolving educational landscape. It is essential for students and teachers to familiarize themselves with these changes and adapt their learning and teaching strategies accordingly to succeed in the new assessment and evaluation pattern.
