CBSE class X exam gets tougher

Bengaluru:  The CBSE class X board examination for  2017-18 promises to be a tough one with 20 out of the 100 marks in a subject reserved for internals, that will include three tests spread over the academic year.

In a circular issued to its affiliated schools, the CBSE said while  80 marks would be for the final theory examination in any given subject, of  the 20 marks reserved for internals, 10 would  be for a student's two best performances in three periodic examinations held during the academic year.

It also directed schools to consider classroom -based academic activities such as notebook submission and subject enrichment attempts for the other 10 internal marks. Far from enthused by the new break-up of marks for the board examination, principals of several city schools warned it would only make  students less versatile and one dimensional.

 "Read, read and read is the message by the board to all  Class X students through this examination pattern. There is no scope for laboratory activities , sports or other extra-curricular activities. Three periodic tests in a year will definitely increase the pressure on the students, parents and teachers.

But everything has been decided without taking the stakeholders into confidence," regretted a principal of an elite CBSE school in the city, adding,  "If we raise our voice, we are targeted. But this new examination system will make bookworms out of students and nothing more."