The CBSE board exams for classes 10th and 12th in 2024 will feature an altered exam structure. The question papers will now include a higher number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and an increased emphasis on competency-level questions. Consequently, there will be a reduction in the quantity of short and long answer questions compared to previous years’ exams. These modifications are implemented with the objective of shifting away from memorization-based learning towards an approach that prioritizes the cultivation of students’ creative and critical thinking skills. These changes have been introduced in line with the recommendations mentioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Furthermore, the board has unveiled the subject-specific allocation of marks for classes 10 and 12 in the upcoming board exams of 2024. In this context, the board has specified the maximum marks allotted for the theory exam, practical assessments, projects, and internal assessments for the academic session 2023-24. To delve deeper into the details of the exam pattern and marks distribution, continue reading here.
The board aims to adopt a Competency-Focused Education approach, incorporating a higher number of competency-based questions that evaluate students’ ability to apply concepts in real-life scenarios. In the year-end board examinations, the question paper will feature an augmented presence of application-based questions, presented in various formats such as MCQs, Case-Based Questions, Source-Based Integrated Questions, or other relevant formats.
The changes for classes 10, 12 (2023-24) Board Examinations are as follows:
| Composition of question paper for Board Examination 2024 (Theory) | |
| CBSE Class 10 | CBSE Class 12 |
| >> Competency Focused Questions in the form of MCQs/Case Based Questions, Source-based Integrated Questions or any other type = 50% >> Select response type questions(MCQ) = 20% >>Constructed response questions (Short Answer/Long Answer type Questions, as per existing pattern) = 30% | >>Competency Focused Questions in the form of MCQs/Case Based Questions, Source-based Integrated Questions or any other type = 40% >>Select response type questions(MCQ) = 20% >>Constructed response questions (Short Answer Questions/Long Answer type Questions, as per existing pattern) = 40% |
CBSE board had included competency based questions in the last year’s board exams as well, although the weightage of these questions was less at that time. Check the marking scheme followed in CBSE Board Exams 2023 below:
| Composition of question paper for Board Examination 2023 (Theory) | |
| CBSE Class 10 | CBSE Class 12 |
| >> Competency Based Questions are 40% in the form of Multiple-Choice Questions, Case Based Questions, Source Based Integrated Questions or any other type. >> Objective Questions are 20% >> Remaining 40% Questions are Short Answer/ Long Answer Questions | >> Competency Based Questions are 30% in the form of Multiple-Choice Questions, Case Based Questions, Source Based Integrated Questions or any other type. >> Objective Question are 20% >> Remaining 50% Questions are Short Answer/Long Answer Questions |
What are Competency Based Questions?
Competency-based questions are generally asked in the form of case studies, reasoning and assertion, response-based, objective type or any other format of questions. These questions test the application of learning in real-life situations, thereby assessing the candidates’ higher-order thinking skills. Thus, it aims at enhancing qualitative and logical learning among students as opposed to memorisation of core concepts.
Advantages of Competency Focused Education
Competency-based questions typically manifest in the form of case studies, reasoning and assertion, response-based queries, objective types, or any other relevant format.
How to prepare Competency Based Questions for CBSE Board Exams?
Through competency based questions, students will be tested for their critical thinking and problem solving skills. At the same time, a candidate’s creativity will also be evaluated through his/her way of answering the questions. Thus, the times are gone when students had to follow definitions and learn theories. Now, they are expected to be more observant towards the real life situations and miscellaneous incidents taking place in the society.
Some of the major points to consider while preparing the competency based questions include:
- Try to study each topic with complete understanding and clarification.
- Be attentive towards unfamiliar situations and their consequences.
- Broaden your think abilities beyond the academic curriculum.
- Read the given question carefully before arriving at an answer.
- Read the given statements or paragraph at least twice to clearly understand the situation.
- Practice several questions of similar format.
- Solve question banks, previous year papers and sample papers.
These inquiries are designed to evaluate the practical application of acquired knowledge in real-life scenarios, thereby assessing candidates’ higher-order thinking skills. The primary goal is to foster qualitative and logical learning, emphasizing a deeper understanding rather than mere memorization of fundamental concepts.
CBSE Board Releases Marks Distribution for Class 10 and 12 Exams 2024
Each subject carries a maximum of 100 marks, distributed among theory, practical, project, and internal assessment components, as outlined in the list available on CBSE’s official website at cbse.gov.in. The marks are segregated into two components: 80 marks for the theory exam and the remaining 20 marks allocated for practical/project work/internal assessment.
As per the CBSE circular, the practical exams, projects, and internal assessments must adhere strictly to the guidelines and details provided in the latest CBSE circular and the CBSE Syllabus.
The CBSE has also prescribed the following dates for the conduct of practical exams/project/internal assessments:
- Winter Bound Schools: 14th November to 14th December
- Regular Session Schools: 1st January to 14th February
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2023-24: Highlights
CBSE class 12 exam pattern 2023-24 highlights can be checked from the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Question Paper Pattern | MCQs – 20%Competency-based questions in the form of case-based questions, source-based questions, or any other types – 30%Short answer/long answer type questions- 50% |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Medium | English / Hindi Note: Regional languages are an optional language exam for candidates and will not be used as the main form of examination. |
| Mode | Offline |
| Number of subjects | 5 or 6 (as elected by the student) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 (theory + practical)80 marks theory + 20 marks Project works for Commerce subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies & Economics) 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical for Physics, Chemistry & Biology 80 marks Maths written exam + 20 marks internal assessment |
| Passing marks for each subject | 33% |
| Passing marks for the overall exam | Aggregate 33% |
Subject-wise Changes in Marking Scheme for Class 12 CBSE 2023-2024
Below is the updated 2023-24 CBSE Class 12 exam pattern for different subjects and the marking scheme associated with each subject:
| Subject | Theory marks | Practicals |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 |
| Physics | 70 | 30 |
| English | 80 | 20 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 |
| Geography | 80 | 20 |
| History | 80 | 20 |
| Hindi | 80 | 20 |
| Sociology | 80 | 20 |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 |
