Summary
This year, the board will be increasing the number of analytical and application-based questions for the upcoming Class 10 ICSE exam
The specimen question paper already issued by the board shows a clear increase in the number of analytical and understanding-based questions compared to the previous year
With the Board exams scheduled to begin in February, students of Classes 10 and 12 are in the final leg of their preparations. Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has made several important changes in the exam pattern for Class 10 ICSE examination.
This year, the board will be increasing the number of analytical and application-based questions for the upcoming ICSE exam. The specimen question paper already issued by the board shows a clear increase in the number of analytical and understanding-based questions compared to the previous year.
"The NEP clearly states that students will have to apply their knowledge and not just depend on memorising facts. The new pattern focuses on application-based questions and not on knowledge-based questions. In 2024, the board examination had 10 percent of these analytical questions. However this year, it is expected to go up to 25 percent," said Seema Sapru, Principal of Heritage School, speaking to The Telegraph Online Edugraph.
According to several people aware of the matter, this change in the question pattern will be a major boost to the holistic learning of students and help them score good marks in competitive examinations that require conceptual understanding.
"The specimen question paper issued by the board shows a significant rise in the number of analytical, application and understanding based questions in the upcoming exam. Students need to prepare accordingly to secure good marks in the exam," said a senior teacher with a Kolkata-based CISCE school.
"Students need to have a clear understanding of the subjects they are studying. This is a major shift from rote learning as it won't help them anymore," the teacher added.
So, how to secure good marks in the exam?
According to several educators, students should try and get conceptual clarity of what they are studying and why. They should try to ask questions based on their understanding. Also, they need to understand the demands of the question clearly before answering it. Only then, they will be able to answer such analytical, application and understanding-based questions.
"To score good marks in the examination, a student has to be an avid reader. They have to understand the nuances of the subject they are studying and prepare questions that are analytical and based on perceptions. Students need to broaden their horizons. Apart from understanding, they need to develop perceptions, which is very important to secure good marks," said Tilottama Mallik, Head of DPS Megacity, Kolkata.
She said that the council is organising several workshops to provide training to the teachers and conducting workshops for them to make them aware of the change in the pattern of the exam.
"Teachers will also have to keep themselves updated with the changing times. Teaching should be targeted toward improving students' core skills and focus on conceptual learning. Teachers should focus more on experiential learning," she added.
The board is expected to release the date sheet of the examination in December and the examination will commence from February 2025 and continue till March 2025.
Last updated on 23 Oct 2024
