External exam, marks to count in final total: Board overhauls IT education

The Punjab School Education Board has announced that the preparation of computer science question papers for Classes X and XII and its evaluation will now be done at the board level.

From now on, the practical examination will be conducted by an external examiner to ensure objectivity and maintain a higher standard of assessment on the subject.

The decision for the overhaul was taken during a meeting of the Academic Council headed by chairperson Amarpal Singh.

“While the subject is already compulsory from Class 6 onwards, it has so far been a grading subject only with its marks not adequately reflecting a student’s overall academic performance,” Singh explained.

The Board has decided for Classes X and XII, the preparation of question paper for the computer science and it’s evaluation will now be done by board itself as opposed to the school level.

Focus shifts to

practical application

Officials further said the change was designed to shift the focus of students and teachers toward the practical application of digitalisation, which is essential for day-to-day life and future careers.