DOHA: All Class X students of Indian schools here following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum will be required to take their board examinations in the current academic year.
The CBSE has clarified that the board examinations in Class X will be abolished with effect from the next academic year.
Some earlier reports suggesting that the exams will not be mandatory from this academic year had caused confusion among a number of students and parents here.
The "no exam system" will apply to only those students who wish to continue in the CBSE system after Class X. Such students of senior secondary schools (with classes up to XII) who wish to move out of the CBSE system after Class X will be required to take the board's "external examination".
CBSE has also stated that students can still opt for "on demand proficiency test" for the purpose of self assessment, even after the existing board examinations are abolished.
Similarly, students in CBSE's secondary schools (with classes up to X) will have to appear in the external (written/online) examination because they will be leaving the secondary school after Class X.
In the Indian academic system, Class X has been traditionally considered as the gateway to higher education. CBSE"s crucial decision to abolish Class X examinations will have a direct impact on the more than 20,000 students in the seven Indian schools in Qatar.
"All students of Class X in the current academic year will be taking the CBSE Board's Class X 2010 Examination. The CBSE will be conducting this examination.
The weightage of the school based assessment will remain the same as per past practice, i.e. 20 per cent each in the subjects of science, social science and mathematics," CBSE said in a latest posting on its website, which categorically announced the abolition of Class X examinations from the next academic year.
As an alternative for board examinations, the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) will be strengthened in all affiliated schools with effect from October, this year in Class IX.
An Optional Aptitude Test developed by the CBSE will also be available to the students. The Aptitude Test along with other school records and CCE would help students, parents and teachers in deciding the choice of subjects in Class XI.
A new grading system will be introduced at secondary school level (for Classes IX and X) effective from 2009-10 academic session. CBSE said the new reforms "will reduce stress and anxiety which often builds up during and after the examination which could have an adverse impact on young students especially in the age group of 13-15 years"
It would also reduce the dropout rate as there will be less fear and
Anxiety related to performance. In the past there was practice to often finish the entire syllabus much before time and follow it up with Pre-Board examinations and study leave. Now there will be greater focus on learning rather thanteaching to the test.
"The CBSE has been discussing the matter with its stakeholders all over the country. A number of issues are likely to be raised by students/parents regarding this initiative, as it is being done for the first time by any Board in India. A compilation of such issues, and solutions offered by the Board in the form of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) will be soon available on the CBSE website," said the posting.
© The Peninsula 2009
