The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) introduced some significant changes in its examination for class 10 and class 12 from the upcoming year. On July 24, the education board announced to give more weight to theory-based questions. It further changed the exam pattern from class 9 to class 12. GSHSEB will now follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s examination pattern for classes 9 to 12 in its affiliated schools. The decision came in after the students’ deteriorated performance in writing especially in higher standards.

From this year, the Gujarat Board introduced NCERT textbooks for class 9 and class 11. Now, it has decided to include the same for class 10th and class 12th from next academic session. In 2011, to increase the competitiveness among students, the board had implemented 50 per cent MCQ and 50 per cent theory pattern from class 9 to class 12 (Science). However, over the time, it was witnessed that the writing ability of the students drastically reduced. With the revised pattern and introduction of NCERT books, the exam pattern of CBSE will also be replicated here.

Now, the board exam question paper will have 80 per cent theory and 20 per cent MCQs. A principal of Amrit Jyoti High School, Angana Mankad was quoted in Ahmedabad Mirror saying, “The decision is good. It will also cut down on cheating as it is easier to copy MCQ answers. Answers are dictated in remote centres during Board exams. Now, only those students who study hard will score better.”

Talking about the recent decision, GSHSEB Joint Director BN Rajgor said in the same report, “During a meeting of experts, it was decided that changing books alone will not help. Exam pattern also needed to be changed. The CBSE pattern was recommended. The changes were proposed in the Board’s academic committee, then sent across to the State government for approval.” He further added, “The reason for reducing objectives is to improve students’ writing skills. Also, the school-based comprehensive evaluation has been changed to internal evaluation. We have not thought of increasing or decreasing exam timing right now.”

With the revised pattern, class 9 and class 11 (Science) students from 2018-19 will have to answer 80 per cent theory-based short, long and essay related questions and 20 per cent MCQs in 80 marks paper. Remaining 20 marks will of internal evaluation. On the other hand, for class 10, from 2019-20 board exam of 80 marks will consist of 64 marks of short, long and essay-related questions and 16 marks will be of objective ones. For class 12 (Science stream) from 2019-20 board exam of 100 marks will have 80 per cent theory-based questions and 20 per cent MCQs. Practical marks will be of 50 marks for Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2018 10:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).