Unveiling the CBSE Exam Pattern 2023-24: Essential Insights
Prepare for success in the upcoming Class 10th and 12th Board Exams 2024 with the detailed timetable released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Commencing on 15th February 2024 and concluding on 13th March for Class 10 and 2nd April for Class 12, these exams mark a pivotal moment for students.
For a convenient review of the CBSE Date Sheet 2024, refer to the provided links below:
In alignment with the revised exam pattern, CBSE board exams for Classes 10th and 12th in 2024 will showcase notable changes. Expect an augmented presence of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and competency-level questions, leading to a reduction in traditional short and long answer formats. This shift aims to steer education away from rote learning, fostering a more creative and critically thinking student base—a change guided by the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
To assist students further, the board has also disclosed subject-wise marks distribution for both classes, outlining the maximum marks for theory exams and practical/project/internal assessments in the 2023-24 session. For a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern and marks distribution, delve into the details provided.
Exploring Changes in CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exam Pattern 2024
In pursuit of Competency Focused Education, the board emphasizes a shift towards assessing students for the application of concepts in real-life scenarios. Anticipate a surge in competency-based questions, including MCQs, Case-Based Questions, Source-Based Integrated Questions, and other innovative formats in year-end board examinations. Stay ahead by preparing for this transformative approach to education.
The modifications introduced for the upcoming Class 10 and 12 (2023-24) Board Examinations are outlined below, specifically focusing on the composition of the theory question paper for the Board Examination 2024:
CBSE Class 10:
- Competency Focused Questions (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, following the existing pattern): 30%
CBSE Class 12:
- Competency Focused Questions (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, maintaining the existing pattern): 40%
These alterations reflect a deliberate emphasis on competency-focused questions, encouraging a shift towards a more holistic assessment approach. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes to optimize their preparation strategies for the upcoming board examinations.
In the preceding year’s board exams, the CBSE board introduced competency-based questions, although their weightage was comparatively lower. Review the marking scheme employed in the CBSE Board Exams 2023 outlined below:
Composition of the question paper for Board Examination 2023 (Theory):
CBSE Class 10:
- Competency-Based Questions: 40% (Multiple-Choice Questions, Case-Based Questions, Source-Based Integrated Questions, or any other type)
- Objective Questions: 20%
- Remaining 40% comprised Short Answer/Long Answer Questions
CBSE Class 12:
- Competency-Based Questions: 30% (Multiple-Choice Questions, Case-Based Questions, Source-Based Integrated Questions, or any other type)
- Objective Questions: 20%
- Remaining 50% constituted Short Answer/Long Answer Questions
While the inclusion of competency-based questions in the previous year’s exams set the precedent, the current year’s modifications highlight a continuous evolution towards a more comprehensive and diversified examination pattern. Stay informed and adapt your preparation strategies accordingly for optimal performance in the upcoming board examinations.
Understanding Competency-Based Questions:
Competency-based questions, presented in formats such as case studies, reasoning and assertion, response-based queries, or objective types, are designed to evaluate the practical application of knowledge in real-life scenarios. These questions aim to assess candidates’ higher-order thinking skills, fostering qualitative and logical learning rather than relying on rote memorization of core concepts.
Benefits of Competency Focused Education:
- Promotion of Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Competency-based questions encourage the development of students’ high-order thinking skills.
- Enhancement of Social and Emotional Skills: Competency Focused Education contributes to the improvement of students’ social and emotional skills.
- Preparation for Global Competence: It prepares students for global competence by exposing them to diverse challenges and perspectives.
- Boosting Critical and Analytical Thinking: The approach enhances students’ critical and analytical thinking, along with problem-solving abilities crucial in the competitive real-world environment.
Preparing for Competency-Based Questions in CBSE Board Exams:
As students prepare for competency-based questions, it becomes essential to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The evaluation also extends to a candidate’s creativity in responding to questions, emphasizing real-life observations and societal incidents rather than mere theoretical definitions. Key considerations for preparation include:
- Thorough Understanding of Each Topic: Study each topic with complete understanding and clarification.
- Attention to Unfamiliar Situations: Be attentive to unfamiliar situations and their potential consequences.
- Broadening Thinking Abilities: Expand thinking abilities beyond the academic curriculum.
- Careful Reading of Questions: Read the given question carefully before formulating an answer.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Situations: Read statements or paragraphs at least twice to fully comprehend the situation.
- Practice and Familiarization: Practice several questions of similar formats and utilize question banks, previous year papers, and sample papers.
CBSE Class 10, 12 Marks Distribution 2024 (As Released by CBSE Board):
The CBSE Board has allocated a maximum of 100 marks to each subject, distributing them among theory, practical, project, and internal assessment components. The theory exam constitutes 80 marks, while the remaining 20 marks are reserved for practical/project work/internal assessment.
The CBSE circular emphasizes that practical exams/project/internal assessment must adhere strictly to the guidelines provided in the latest CBSE circular and the CBSE Syllabus.
Important Dates for Practical Exams/Project/Internal Assessments:
- Winter Bound Schools: 14th November to 14th December
- Regular Session Schools: 1st January to 14th February
It is crucial for schools to adhere to these prescribed dates, as extensions beyond the stipulated period are not permitted. These measures are implemented by CBSE to ensure the efficient and accurate conduct of practical exams and the correct uploading of internal marks, ultimately providing students with a fair and precise assessment of their performance.
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024
Students must develop a clear understanding of the CBSE 10th exam pattern 2024 in order to create an effective preparation strategy for the board exams. The exam pattern will be different for different subjects.
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024: Mathematics (Basic)
Sections in the question paper | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Weightage (in terms of Marks) |
Section A (MCQs) | 20 | 1 | 20 |
Section B (Short Anwer Type-I) | 5 | 2 | 10 |
Section C (Short Anwer Type-II) | 6 | 3 | 18 |
Section D (Long Answer Type) | 4 | 5 | 20 |
Section E (Source-based/case-based/passage-based) | 3 | 4 | 12 |
TOTAL MARKS | 80 |
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics 2024: Topic-wise Weightage
Unit and Topic | Weightage (in terms of marks) |
Unit 1: Number Systems | 6 |
Unit 2: Algebra | 20 |
Unit 3: Coordinate Geometry | 6 |
Unit 4: Geometry | 15 |
Unit 5: Trigonometry | 12 |
Unit 6: Mensuration | 10 |
Unit 7: Statistics and Probability | 11 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024: Science
Sections in the question paper | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Weightage (in terms of Marks) |
Section A (Objective Type Questions) | 20 | 1 | 20 |
Section B (Very Short Answer Type Questions) | 6 | 2 | 12 |
Section C (Short Answer Type Questions) | 7 | 3 | 21 |
Section D (Long Answer Type Questions) | 3 | 5 | 15 |
Section E (Source-based/case-based questions) | 3 | 4 | 12 |
TOTAL MARKS | 80 |
CBSE Class 10 Science 2024: Topic-wise Weightage
Unit and Topic | Weightage (in terms of marks) |
Unit 1: Chemical Substances: Nature and Behaviour | 25 |
Unit 2: World of Living | 25 |
Unit 3: Natural Phenomena | 12 |
Unit 4: Effects of Current | 13 |
Unit 5: Natural Resources | 5 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024: Social Science
Sections in the question paper | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Weightage (in terms of Marks) |
Section A (MCQs) | 20 | 1 | 20 |
Section B (Very Short Answer Type) | 4 | 2 | 8 |
Section C (Short Answer Type) | 5 | 3 | 15 |
Section D (Long Answer Type) | 4 | 5 | 20 |
Section E (Case-based Questions) | 3 | 4 | 12 |
Section F (Map) | 1 | 5 | 5 |
TOTAL MARKS | 80 |
CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2024: Topic-wise Weightage
Unit and Topic | Weightage (in terms of marks) |
Unit 1: India and Contemporary World II | 20 |
Unit 2: Contemporary India II | 20 |
Unit 3: Democratic Politics II | 20 |
Unit 4: Understanding Economic Development | 20 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024: English Language and Literature
Sections in the question paper | Weightage (in terms of Marks) |
Section A: Reading | 20 |
Section B: Writing and Grammar | 20 |
Section C: Literature | 40 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2024: Hindi Course-A
Sections in the question paper | Weightage (in terms of marks) |
Reading (Unseen Passages) | 10 |
Writing and Grammar | 16 |
Literature | 14 |
Descriptive Answers | 20 |
Writing | 20 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |