CBSE reintroduces annual exam system for Class 10

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, January 2

The Central Board of Examination System (CBSE) has abolished the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) grading system, introduced by it in 2010, and restored the annual examination system for Class X examinations from the academic year 2017-18.

In a letter to the heads of all CBSE-affiliated schools on Tuesday, CBSE chairman, RK Chaturvedi  informed that consequent upon the decision taken by the governing body of the Board, the dual system of examination for Class 10, known as Scheme-1 and Scheme-11, shall stand discontinued for the students appearing in Class 10from the year 2017-18 and onwards.

The examinations from the academic year 2017-18 and onwards would be conducted as per the remodeled assessment structure. However, Class-X students appearing in the exams in the current academic year (2016-17) will follow the existing scheme of assessment.

In the re-modelled examination system, a student has to secure 33 per cent marks out of 80 marks in each subject and for the remaining 20 marks, there would be internal assessment in periodic test, notebook submission and subject enrichment activity at school level for every subject.

As per the new scheme of examination, the school would conduct three periodic written tests in the entire academic year and the average of the best two would be taken. The schools have the autonomy to make their own scheme for these tests. However, for the purpose of gradient learning, three tests man be held — one being the mid-term test and the other two being pre-mid and post-mid-term with a portion of syllabus cumulatively covered.

Proposal for the reintroduction of Class 10 Board examination in the CBSE was being considered by the Human Resource and Development (HRD) Ministry after it was being pointed out by the students that they feel that the CCE system was more stressful, encourages copy-paste and laidback attitude.

The CCE system provides for tests and grading through the year as a means to reduce pressure on students. The CBSE had introduced the CCE system in 2010.

However, for the last two years, there were representations from academicians as well as parents’ organisations saying that scrapping the old exam system and with the no-detention policy being in place, academic standards were being affected.