The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will continue with the new question paper pattern for the half-yearly examinations too. The new pattern was introduced for the first-term examinations in State schools just ahead of Onam.
Post exams, the SCERT and Samagra Shiksha Kerala conducted a random analysis of students’ results as part of the State government’s comprehensive quality education programme and found that it did not seem promising. Students scored fewer marks, likely because the questions in the new question paper pattern were not direct and required critical thinking and analytical responses. Data showed that the number of schools where students secured very high marks had come down. Also, Mathematics and Social Science remained a tough nut to crack for many students.
Officials point out that in Grades II, IV, VI, VIII, and X, new textbooks had been introduced only this year. Lack of familiarity with the content could have played a part in the disappointing show. Even in Grades I, III, V, VII, and IX, students were only into the second year of the new textbooks.
SCERT officials say they would conduct an analysis of the second-term results too in order to check for any improvement, especially as the academic year progresses and students get a better idea of what kind of questions to expect in the coming examinations.
Annual exams
Even if the second-term results are less than optimum, the department plans to stay on course with the competency-based questions for the annual examinations. In the case of the SSLC examinations, around 70% of the total questions will be those that can be attempted by average students and those who tend to lag behind in class, if they put in some hard work. The remaining 30% questions will be of a challenging nature, aimed at very bright students, say officials.
This will clearly distinguish exemplary students from those who get average grades. Consequently, the number of students securing A+ grade may very well come down in the SSLC examinations, even if a significant change in the pass percentage is not expected.
Failing students is not the department agenda. However, only deserving students will get very high marks in the new format, points out an official.
The SCERT has published three sets of question papers in the new pattern for Class X students already so that they can get more practice. It is also mulling providing some more practice questions, chapter-wise, to support them.
Officials point out that teachers have a critical role in meeting the challenge of good results by ensuring effective classroom transaction in the backdrop of the new textbooks and equipping students to attempt the new question paper pattern successfully. They cite the support of many teachers’ organisations for the minimum marks initiative of the State government in a bid to enhance quality in education.
Published – December 01, 2025 06:18 pm IST
