A report from the National Council of Educational Research and Training's (NCERT) Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) body has uncovered significant disparities in the difficulty levels of Class 10 and 12 board exams across India. By analyzing English and Mathematics question papers from 17 school education boards, the study finds that students in some states face more challenging exams, sparking a debate on the differing educational standards nationwide.
Most Difficult Board Exams of India
The PARAKH report identifies Tripura as the state with the highest proportion of 'hard' questions in its exams. Maharashtra follows closely, with Goa, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal also featuring prominently among states with more challenging exams. These states consistently demand deeper understanding and problem-solving skills from students.
Boards with the Highest Proportion of Hard Questions
S. No. | Name of the Board | Percentage of tough questions |
1 | Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) | 66.60% |
2 | Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) | 53.57% |
3 | Goa Board | 44.66% |
4 | Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) | 44.44% |
5 | West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) | 33.33% |
In Chhattisgarh, students performed better since their exams included a considerable proportion (47.62%) of 'easy' questions. Conversely, Goa's exams contained only 'hard' and 'medium' questions, with 55.34% of questions classified as 'medium' and none as 'easy'. The PARAKH evaluation notes that Maharashtra's exams had an even distribution of 'easy,' 'medium,' and 'hard' questions.
The report defines questions into three levels: easy, medium, and hard. Easy questions are those that most students, having had the necessary learning opportunities, would correctly answer. These questions assess basic understanding and knowledge mastery. Medium questions require moderate understanding and application of knowledge, aimed at a substantial portion of learners but not as many as those answering easy questions. They are designed to assess deeper understanding and complex applications of knowledge. Hard questions challenge a minority of learners, necessitating higher-order thinking skills and the ability to apply knowledge in novel or complex situations. These questions assess the depth of understanding and the capacity to synthesize and evaluate information.
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Basics of Generative AI : Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Office Productivity
Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Astrology
Vastu Shastra Course
By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri
Data Science
SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Web Development
A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Office Productivity
Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365
By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, Developer and Lead Instructor
Marketing
Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development
By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert
Finance
Financial Literacy - TDS, Budget, Income Tax Act, GST, Indirect tax
By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of domain experience, trainer
Leadership
Business Storytelling Masterclass
By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs
Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass
By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor at Haas School of Business
HR & People Management
Human Potential and the Future of Employment
By - Lynda Gratton, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on Work, Wages and Job Creation, Professor of Management Practice
Strategy
ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy
By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader
Finance
Financial Reporting and Analytics
By - Dr. C.P. Gupta, Professor: Department of Finance and Business Economics, University of Delhi
The PARAKH study revealed that question papers from 17 educational boards, including those in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Manipur, Odisha, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, mainly fell within the 'easy to medium' difficulty range. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which oversees ICSE and ISC exams, was also part of this analysis.
Summary of the findings for selected boards:
Name of the Board | Cognitive Demand | Percentage |
Board of Secondary Education Haryana (HBSE/BSEH) | Rote Memory | 64.71% |
Goa Board | Rote Memory | 57.89% |
Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education | Rote Memory | 53.13% |
Odisha Board | Rote Memory | 50.77% |
Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad | Understanding | 87.76% |
Nagaland Board of Secondary Education | Understanding | 73.00% |
Tripura Board of Secondary Education | Understanding | 61.70% |
Kerala Board of Public Examination | Understanding | 61.54% |
The analysis further evaluated the 'cognitive demand' of question papers by examining the proportion testing rote memory versus understanding. Key findings include disparities across the board in cognitive demands, with variations in questions testing rote memorization compared to those assessing deeper understanding.
The PARAKH report's findings have prompted concerns about the disparity in board exam difficulty levels across states. While some argue that challenging exams promote academic rigor and identify top talent, others worry about the potential negative impact on students' mental health and overall learning experience.
Education experts have called for a thorough review of the board exam structure and a standardized evaluation process to ensure fair assessment of students' abilities. They stress the need to balance rigorous evaluation with students' overall well-being and holistic development.
"The findings highlight a critical need for balancing academic rigour with the well-being of students," stated an educational expert. "This disparity could undermine the equitable opportunities that all students deserve."
"The report underscores the importance of standardizing examination patterns across states," another expert noted. "While challenging exams may identify top talent, less stringent assessments can provide a better overall learning experience, ultimately benefiting students' holistic development."
The debate continues as stakeholders seek solutions that promote both academic excellence and equitable opportunities. As the discussion on exam standards intensifies, it becomes crucial to find a path forward that supports students' academic and personal growth equally.
Haltingly, the report brings to light the urgent need for a harmonized approach to board exams to provide fair and balanced assessments. Clear disparities in difficulty levels highlight the uneven playing field and potential stress and strain on students in more challenging regions.
Educators and policymakers are urged to take note of these findings and strive towards an educational framework where all students, irrespective of their geographical location, face a consistent and fair examination environment. This change would not only ensure unbiased assessment but also align with global educational standards, preparing students for competitive opportunities both within and outside India.
In conclusion, the PARAKH report opens up crucial discussions about the future of educational assessments in India. As educators and policymakers revisit these findings, the goal remains clear: to foster an environment where rigorous academic standards and student well-being co-exist seamlessly.
(The article originally published in TOI)
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information available in the PARAKH report. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the original report.