CBSE 12th Exam 2021: Question paper format for class XII board exams changed

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reportedly changed the question paper pattern for class XII board examinations, focusing more on multiple-choice questions and those based on case studies. Notably, several schools, after the release of sample question papers for Classes X and XII, observed that weightage for MCQs has been increased by 10% Speaking to Times of India, Geetha Govindarajan, principal of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School asserted that the new pattern was intended to test students’ ability to understand. Earlier, the question paper would focus on knowledge-based questions. Now, they are shifting to understanding and application-oriented questions. But the paper appears to be lengthy, hence we are giving practices to students”, TOI quoted Govindarajaas saying. 

Meanwhile, the board has released the tentative dates for the class XII practical exam. As per the notification, the practical examinations will be held from January 1 to February 8. The CBSE, however, has clearly stated that these are the tentative dates and the exact dates for the practical exams will be announced soon.The board has also issued an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for conducting each examination. The board has said that different dates will be sent to schools for practical examinations. An Observer will be appointed on behalf of the Board which will supervise practical examinations and project evaluation. 

Practical examination will have both internal and external examiners like previous  years. It will be the responsibility of the schools to conduct practical examination only by the external examiner appointed by the CBSE board. After the assessment is over, schools will have to upload marks on the link provided by the board. Practical exam and project evaluation work will be conducted in the respective schools. In terms of rules, all schools will be provided an app link on which they will have to upload the group photo of every batch of students during the practical exam. The group photo will have all the students of the practical giving batch, external examiner, internal examiner and observer. Everyone's face should be visible in the photo.