Sun Mar 08 23:15:00 UTC 2026: # CBSE Clarifies Exam Evaluation and Rules Amid NEP Implementation

The Story: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has addressed common questions from students and parents regarding evaluation and exam rules as the board examinations continue under the National Education Policy (NEP) framework. In a statement released through The Indian Express, CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bharadwaj clarified aspects such as step marking in Mathematics and Science, the importance of presentation, pen usage, and the increasing integration of competency-based questions.

Key Points:

  • Step marking will be implemented in both Mathematics and Science exams, awarding marks for each correct step even if the final answer is incorrect, provided the method is valid.
  • No extra marks are given for handwriting, but neat and organized presentation helps evaluators understand the answers clearly.
  • Students are advised to use only blue ballpoint pens for writing answers, and any mistakes should be neatly crossed out with a single line. Ink should not identify a particular answer book.
  • CBSE is gradually introducing competency-based questions, which now constitute 50% of the questions in both Class X and Class XII papers, to align with NEP 2020.
  • CBSE provides resources such as sample papers, marking schemes, and training modules on its official website, along with teacher orientation programs and webinars.

Key Takeaways:

  • CBSE is actively adapting its examination system to align with the principles of NEP 2020, emphasizing understanding and application over rote memorization.
  • The board is taking steps to ensure fairness and clarity in the evaluation process, addressing concerns about marking schemes and presentation.
  • Students are encouraged to focus on understanding the underlying concepts and presenting their answers in a clear and organized manner.
  • The communication highlights CBSE’s commitment to transparency and support for both students and teachers during this transition.

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