PSEB faces backlash over last-minute exam pattern revision

With board examinations for the Class 10 and Class 12 over the head, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has announced changes in the examination pattern and increased the difficulty level.

The sudden decision has triggered strong reactions from teachers, educationists and students, who said that the move is unfair and will negatively affect lakhs of students appearing in the exams this year.

According to information, the PSEB has revised the question paper pattern to include more competency-based and higher-order thinking questions. Board has decided to reduce MCQs and the share of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) has been reduced from 40 per cent to 25 per cent, indicating a shift towards more descriptive and analytical questions. The difficulty level of the exam has increased, with 30 per cent of questions now classified as difficult, up from 20 per cent. Also at least 25 per cent of questions will now come from within the chapter content, requiring students to study the entire chapter in depth. While the board has said the changes are aimed at improving learning outcomes, stakeholders argue that the timing of the decision is completely wrong.

Teachers and students are demanding that the old pattern should be followed for the current academic year and that any changes should be implemented from the next session, giving adequate time for preparation.

Educationist Prof Manoj Kapoor said that the new exam pattern was announced just before schools closed for winter vacations. "Schools remained closed during the vacation period and will reopen only on January 13. From January 16, pre-board examinations are scheduled in government schools, and practical examinations will begin from February 2. In such a tight schedule, students have no time to understand or practise the new pattern," he said.

He further added that teachers also do not get sufficient time to introduce the revised pattern properly. "Both teachers and students are under pressure. For this year, the exam pattern should remain unchanged. The revised pattern can be implemented from next year," Prof Kapoor suggested.

Teacher Ashwani Kumar also criticised the decision and called it insensitive. "If the board wanted to change the pattern, it should have been done at the beginning of the academic year. Bringing changes at the end creates unnecessary stress among students," he said. He added that the difficulty level should be increased gradually over a period of two years instead of making a sudden jump.

School principals have also raised serious concerns. Principal Anil Handa termed the move unjustified and harmful to students' interests. "This decision appears to be a conspiracy to deny children the true benefits of education. Students have studied the entire year according to the pattern given at the start of the session. Changing it now is completely unfair," he said.

He further said that education should be child-centred, but the decision reflects an officer-centred approach. "Decisions are being taken by officials sitting in offices, without understanding the ground realities faced by students and teachers. Such steps can damage students' confidence and academic performance," he added.

Students appearing for the board exams are also deeply worried. Punit, a Class 12 student, said that the sudden change has increased anxiety among students. "We were preparing according to one pattern for the whole year. Now we are expected to adjust to a new and tougher pattern in a very short time," he said.

Teachers, parents and students have collectively urged the Punjab School Education Board to reconsider its decision. They have appealed to the board to follow the existing exam pattern for this year and introduce any reforms only from the next academic session, ensuring fairness and mental well-being of students.