CBSE Class 11, 12 Exam Format Changed From Year 2024-25

Central Board of Secondary Education has changed the Class 11th and 12th exam format for session 2024-25. Check out the Changed Exam Format for Class 11 and 12 discussed here.

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All the students appearing for classes 11th and 12th session 2024-25 are informed that in a significant move aimed at enhancing student’s analytical and practical skills, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has changed the examination pattern for Classes 11th and 12th. This change brings a refreshing focus on competency-based questions, designed to evaluate students’ understanding and application of concepts in real-life scenarios. All class 9th and 10th students are informed there is no change made in the class 9 and 10 exam pattern.

CBSE Class 11, 12 Changed Exam Format

Joseph Emanuel, CBSE Director (Academics) said, “The board in accordance with National Education Policy, 2020 has taken multiple steps towards implementation of Competency-Based Education in schools, ranging from aligning assessment to competencies, development of exemplar resources for teachers and students.” He also added, “The main emphasis of the board was to create a progressive move towards assessing students’ abilities beyond rote memorization, encouraging them to think critically and towards learning that is focused on developing the creative, critical, and systems thinking capacities of students to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

Starting this academic year 2024-25, students preparing for CBSE board exams in classes 11th and 12th will encounter a newly updated examination format that emphasizes competency-based questions. These questions will constitute a larger portion of the exam paper, accounting for 50% of the total marks, a notable increase from the previous 40%. and apply their knowledge effectively.

One of the key changes in the new format is the reduction in the percentage of long-answer and short-answer questions, which now collectively constitute 30% of the exam paper, down from the previous 40%. While these traditional question types remain important for assessing conceptual understanding, the increased focus on competency-based questions reflects CBSE’s commitment to fostering student’s higher-order thinking skills.

Revised Exam Format For Class 11th, 12th

The revised exam format introduces various types of competency-based questions, including Multiple Choice Questions, Case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions. These diverse question formats are carefully designed to test not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to analyze information, make connections, and solve problems based on real-world scenarios. This approach aligns with modern educational trends that emphasize practical application.

Students, teachers, and parents alike welcome these changes as they mark a more dynamic and engaging assessment framework. By emphasizing competency-based questions, CBSE is not only preparing students for board exams but also equipping them with skills relevant to real-world challenges. The ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge in practical scenarios is invaluable in today’s fast-paced and complex world.

For students, this shift in exam pattern calls for a more holistic approach to learning. It encourages active engagement with course materials, critical thinking during study sessions, and regular practice of applying concepts to different contexts. Rather than focusing solely on memorization, students are encouraged to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind concepts, preparing them for higher education.