Sun Nov 24 14:31:42 UTC 2024: **Karnataka SSLC Exams Overhaul: Focus Shifts to Conceptual Understanding**
Bengaluru, November 24, 2024 – The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has announced a major revamp of the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) annual examination question paper format for the 2024-25 academic year. This is the first significant change since 2019-20.
The new format emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote learning. Marks will now be allocated based on themes encompassing multiple chapters, rather than individual chapters. This shift aims to improve the quality of learning and encourage deeper comprehension. For example, language papers will group questions around themes like prose, poetry, and grammar.
A revised marking scheme has been introduced, weighting marks based on learning objectives: remembering (20%), understanding (40%), application (20%), skills (15%), and higher-order thinking (5%). The number of one and two-mark questions has been reduced, with a corresponding increase in three, four, and five-mark questions designed to promote critical thinking and descriptive writing.
While the overall difficulty level remains unchanged (30% easy/very easy, 50% average, 20% difficult), the blueprint indicates an increase in application-based questions due to the theme-based marking system. The first language paper will have 45 questions, while other subjects will have 38, with some questions containing sub-parts. Internal choice questions, totaling 20 marks, will also be included.
KSEAB asserts that this change will ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and encourage a more holistic approach to teaching and learning. A vice principal from a Bengaluru school commented that while more application-based questions exist, students can still achieve high marks with consistent effort. The board believes these changes will significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes.
First Piper 