Schools get students ready for 3-hr ICSE maths exam
Times of India | 29 December 2024
123 Kolkata: Several schools affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) are implementing three-hour ICSE mathematics tests for middle school students, preparing them for the new format that will be introduced in the 2025 board examinations. Schools have either issued notices or conducted parent-teacher meetings to communicate these changes effectively.
The ICSE mathematics examination, previously a two-and-a-half-hour test, will extend to three hours from 2025. In anticipation of this change, many city schools have begun implementing this format in lower classes. Some institutions already tested this approach during mid-term examinations for classes VIII and IX, along with modifications in question patterns.
Vivekananda Mission School issued a notice, saying that mathematics exam for classes V to X will now be three-hour long for 80 marks, aligning with CISCE guidelines. School authorities noted that parents welcomed this change, particularly considering the general anxiety surrounding mathematics. The extended duration may help students better manage their time and reduce stress.
Recent years have also seen significant modifications in question patterns for board batches, with an increased emphasis on application-based and critical thinking questions. These questions require students to analyse and think critically before formulating their answers.
Julien Day Group of Schools has implemented the three-hour format for class IX final examinations, including an additional 15-minute reading period. Director of education and development Terence John explained that class VIII would adopt the same format next year. He emphasised that parents appreciate this alignment with council guidelines, as it gives students more time to tackle the increased number of critical analysis questions.
The percentage of critical analysis questions will increase from the current 10%-15% to a minimum 25%. The focus is shifting from multiple-choice questions to problem-solving sections that demand critical thinking and analytical skills. Schools are teaching students how to derive proper conclusions and solve problems through comprehensive understanding.
DPS Newtown's vice principal Ambica Mehra highlighted that the changes were being implemented from middle school onwards. She noted that the new paper pattern requires more reading and application skills, justifying the extended time allocation.