CBSE adopts new re-evaluation process, split Class 10 science question papers; will test on-screen marking

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to bring reforms and changes in the question papers, evaluation system and the re-evaluation process. Changes include introduction of different sections for science and social science papers in Class 10, piloting of the system of on-screen marking (OSM) and over-haul of the re-evaluation process.

The board will also revise the curriculum and textbook for applied mathematics and has also proposed permitting the use of basic calculators in the CBSE Class 12 accountancy examination.

These changes, proposed by different committees of the board, have been ratified by the governing body. The CBSE board exam 2025 started in mid-February for both Class 10 and Class 12.

CBSE Exams: On-screen marking of question paper

The board has proposed “on-screen marking” of question papers to cut short the time spent on sending answer books to evaluation centres in physical mode.

“Speedy and timely evaluation, availability of records/answer books at one place in digital form, will improve accuracy and ensure error-free evaluation, reduce number of verification cases,” the proposal made to the governing body says. “Scanned answer books could be provided to candidates [at a] later stage and better record keeping.”

CBSE had experimented with the system in 2013-14 for certain subjects. The CBSE board had roped in private agencies like TCS to provide digitised answer books to evaluation centres and evaluators.

“In regions like Panchkula the on-screen evaluation work was satisfactory, whereas in regions like Prayagraj, Patna, Ajmer it was completed with lots of difficulties,” the board stated.

The centrally-run body conducts board examinations in 204 subjects and each of these subjects has a theory component and a practical, project or internal assessment component.

Last year, the board evaluated 2,58,78,230 answer sheets by 1,43,768 evaluators for Classes 10 and 12 combined.

The board proposes that OSM may be implemented from the 2024-25 examinations in “small-volume subjects” – those with few examinees – to avoid administrative problems.

These are the CBSE exams in which the on-screen marking may be tested:

• Few subjects in main examination in both Classes 10 and 12

• Science or mathematics supplementary examination

• Mathematics for revaluation.

The board however, acknowledges that this would mean a higher financial implication.

Splitting CBSE Class 10 science question paper

In CBSE Class 10, the two subjects – science and social science – cover different disciplines. The science paper covers physics, chemistry and biology; the social sciences include history, geography, economics and political science.

While these subjects are taught by separate subject expert teachers in schools, for the board exam, the students attempt one composite paper. Plus, during evaluation, an expert in one of the science disciplines – say, biology – may be asked to evaluate the entire paper, including physics and chemistry.

The board felt that even though there is a provision of appointing one Additional Head Examiner (AHE) of each subject component to be available at each nodal center, the step does not help do justice to the examinees.

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On this the document says, “The proposal is to provide within the same question paper different clear-cut sections comprising the sub domain of the subject which the candidate appears for on three different smaller answer books provided to them. These different answer books are then evaluated according to the sub domain by the subject specialist. Therefore, it is proposed that the examination of the above subjects should have different sections for each subject. Accordingly, the paper would be prepared by the concerned subject experts only and can be clubbed by moderators at the time of finalising the paper.”

This would be implemented by the board from the 2025-26 examination.

CBSE Class 12 Applied mathematics syllabus revision

The board is also in the process of reviewing the syllabus and textbook content for applied mathematics. The revision will take place in two phases – Class 11 textbooks will be revised first in 2025 and Class 12 textbooks in 2026.

“To improve accessibility and relevance, the revised syllabus should focus more on real­ world applications, such as business, economics, and social sciences. Introducing concepts like stocks, shares, and inferential statistics, while eliminating redundancies from existing syllabus, will provide a better academic experience for students and more effectively support their chosen fields of study,” stated the board.

Also read Analysis: What CBSE’s holding Class 10 board exams twice a year means for schools, teachers, students

CBSE Board Exam 2025: New re-evaluation process

According to the present system of CBSE re-evaluation for students dissatisfied with their marks, a three-step process is undertaken. The three activities are given below.

• Candidates can apply for verification of marks

• If unsatisfied they can apply for the photocopy of their answer books and

• Then challenge any question or questions through the process of re-evaluation.

The proposed change will require candidates to

• First obtain a photocopy of evaluated answer book

• Then apply for verification of marks or re-valuation of question/s or both.

“Introduction of this system allows students to see their evaluated answer books before rechecking and gives them clarity on the marks awarded, specific comments, and any errors made, somewhere to develop more trust in the evaluation process. Students can make informed decisions about whether further rechecking is necessary or required and if so specific areas are identified where they feel marks were not awarded fairly, leading to a more targeted and justified rechecking process. When students can review their answer books, they are less likely to apply for rechecking based on their doubt area only. This can decrease the volume of rechecking applications, saving time for examiners and administrative staff,” stated the board explaining the changes.

In last year’s examination, the board had received 35,534 applications for photocopy for Class 10 and 25,949 for Class 12.

The system is set to be introduced for the main examination and supplementary examination from the 2024-2025 academic session.