CBSE Board Exams 2021: Paper pattern to be revised, reduction in syllabus by 33% expected

Considering the ongoing pandemic situation and knowing the fact that schools might not open any soon in many regions, there are reports that CBSE will soon introduce reduced syllabus and revised assessment scheme for CBSE Board Exams 2021. 

Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE will soon share a reduced syllabus for Classes 9 to 12. According to the CBSE officials, the new syllabus is almost ready and would be shared with the respective schools soon. The reports also suggest that CBSE may reduce the syllabus by 33% for CBSE 10^th Board Exams 2021 and CBSE 12^th Board Exams 2021. CBSE is also expected to revise the paper pattern.

Latest:

• CBSE Board Exams 2021 Revised Syllabus for Classes 9 to 12 RELEASED! Download new curriculum here
• Check CBSE 12th Deleted Syllabus Here
• Check CBSE 10th Deleted Syllabus Here 
• CBSE Board Exams 2021: MHRD announces reduction in syllabus up to 30%

Various media reports suggest that the CBSE is in conversation with various stakeholders and also NCERT to rationalize the existing syllabus for secondary and higher secondary classes in view of the prevalent conditions. Considering the fact that schools may not open in many regions and the difficulty schools are facing while imparting education online, the board would be releasing a revised curriculum for Classes 9 to 12. For classes 1 to 8, the board already notified schools to accordingly make the changes. 

While the exact changes are not revealed yet, Mr. Anurag Tripathi, in a webinar with various school Principals from across the country shared the board’s readiness. Heads of schools shared the broad outline as shared by the secretary of the board, highlighting that the new syllabus and paper pattern is going to be more ‘student-centric’.

Also Read: CBSE Results 2020: FAQs on evaluation criteria, marks calculation & more

CBSE New Syllabus 2020-21: Expected changes

1. Syllabus expected to be reduced by 25 to 33%. However, complete chapters would not be removed.
2. Without impacting the conceptual learning’, the topic-wise reduction of the non-essential parts from within the chapters would be done.
3. A blended approach to the curriculum taking online classes into consideration.
4. To help students accept online classes, guidelines for parents to be released.
5. Life skills incorporation in a better way.
6. Focus on competency-based learning: mental, emotional, physical, academic. Schools have been advised to refer to CBSE initiatives issued.

Also Read: CBSE Board Results 2020 by Mid-July, official notification released

CBSE 10th 12th Board Exams 2020: Paper Pattern, evaluation and assessment strategy

Pointing out that simple reductions of the syllabus not enough, the board said that there are considerable differences in-classroom coaching and online classes. Considering all the scenarios, the board is expected to also make changes in class 10, 12 exams, including revised paper pattern, evaluation and assessment strategy.

Online assessment in terms is small tests, project-based and inter-group activities will be included. Schools are advised to incorporate ‘Digital Labs’ and changing ‘practical’ to make it at home. No change in weightage of practical or internal marks was suggested. Guidelines for summative assessment are also expected to be shared by the board along with the revised syllabus structure.

Another report suggests that CBSE may increase the MCQ part of the paper pattern further. In previous years' plans shared by the board, CBSE had already suggested an increase in the MCQ section to cover about 20%. This was further reminded by the board to the schools in a circular released in April. The board is likely to further increase the weight of MCQs. Some even suggested that the same may be increased to about 50% of the paper – this, however, was not suggested by the secretary in the meeting mentioned above.

Read More:

• CBSE 10th Exams 2020 CANCELLED, 12th Optional: Here's how 10th, 12th board results will be released
• 12th Results 2020 (Out): Check Intermediate/Class 12th/HSC Results here
• 10th Results 2020 (Out): Check Highschool/Class 10th/SSLC/Matric Result here