‘Tough’ Class XII paper: Maths test concerns could be due to changes in curriculum, says CBSE

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This is not the first time that the CBSE has announced “remedial measures” after concerns were raised that Monday’s Class XII mathematics paper was “tough and lengthy”. The board had initiated similar measures after parents and students voiced their concerns following the physics, mathematics and chemistry papers in 2015.

“Last year, too, after the papers, students had raised objections about the difficulty level. Not only in mathematics, but two other papers as well. But if you remember, after the results were declared, people did not have any issues. We have enough checks and balances in CBSE to ensure our students do not face any problems,” said a senior official.

Speaking to The Indian Express, CBSE chairperson Seshu Kumar said appropriate “remedial” measures have been announced. “We have taken feedback from all quarters and announced remedial measures within two days of the paper. Our first priority is students, so we will address their concerns,” he said.

The “remedial measures” announced Wednesday will include some relaxation at the evaluation stage. “The subject experts who meet after every exam have to define a marking scheme. Since it is felt that some sets were lengthy, the distribution of marks will consider that. So even if some students have missed certain steps, marks will not be deducted,” said a senior official in the CBSE examination wing.

CBSE sources also said that an initial analysis of complaints, and discussions with experts had ruled out allegations that questions in the paper were out of syllabus. “But they have agreed that the paper may have been lengthy for the average student,” said another CBSE official.

Officials said subject experts had also felt the complaints could be attributed to the revised typology of the paper. “The typology has been uploaded on our website, so students can prepare for the exam according to it,” the official said.

Officials added that “problems” were faced mainly by students in Tamil Nadu and Delhi, and parts of Mumbai. “This is possibly because these difficulty levels were associated with specific sets. Students of Dehradun are largely happy with their paper,” said the official.

Changes in typology: Typology defines periods spent in teaching different topics and weightage attributed to them.

* In the 2014 maths paper, weightage for “understanding” questions was16% of the total paper. In 2015, it was increased to 22%.

* Marks attributed to “application-based” questions increased from 25% to 29% with this revision.

* Marks attributed to “evaluation” questions decreased from 18 %to 14%.

* Weightage of “remembering” questions remained the same at 20%.