Not Limited To Science: CBSE Plans Practicals For Class XII Humanities Students From 2020 Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is working on various changes in its examination structure from the 2020 academic session reports the Times of India.

As per the report, CBSE is planning to introduce practical and project works to evaluate humanities subjects for class XII on the lines of economics and science.

CBSE will be bringing in changes for subjects where theory based learning has been the norm. This will be in addition to more objective-type questions in the board exams. A senior official said that there might be an increase in allotting marks to practicals in subjects of which they are already included in the examination system,

The new system which may be introduced in the 2019-20 academic year and the 2020 board exams. The CBSE is also considering in giving school teachers a greater say in awarding marks for practicals and project works.

The official said, “The objective is to make exams more relevant and practical-based instead of theory-heavy which promotes rote learning. Therefore, there is a plan to introduce practical or project work in subjects such as languages and social sciences.”

Giving an example, the official said that in language subjects, students would need to complete a project for 30 marks and the theory exams will cover the rest 70 marks.

“While it is yet to be finalised, school teachers could have a say in 15 marks, while the external examiner decides the other 15. This will be a balanced assessment as teachers who have worked with students would know their strengths and weaknesses better,” the official said.

CBSE is reportedly planning to make small changes in the question paper pattern to increase the proportion of objective-type questions. The official adds that the reform measures are underway and will be implemented form the upcoming academic year to give both schools and students time to get used to the new system.