‘Won’t be hard for students to tackle ICSE changes’
Times of India | 18 February 2025
Kolkata: Students taking their ICSE exams this year will get more competency-based questions. On the other hand, they will get an additional half-hour for the 80-mark mathematics examination. Reacting to the changes, the principals of several city ICSE schools felt it won't be hard for the students to tackle the changes since they have had enough practice.
A total of 44,044 candidates from 435 schools across Bengal will take the exams this year.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) had changed the exam pattern last year by introducing 10% questions that require greater analytical skills. It is likely to increase to 25% this year.
These questions require a different form of preparation, which is slightly different from memorising text and involves critical thinking. Principals of the affiliated schools emphasised that the new pattern required more focus and practice. St Xavier's Collegiate School principal Fr Roshan Tirkey said: "We provided extensive practice on these types of questions. Subject teachers spoke to the children about the right approach to such questions. They specifically focused on time management."
St Augustine's Day School, Shyamnagar principal Rodney Borneo said: "We took special classes and conducted different workshops to make it clear to children how to answer these questions." DPS Newtown principal Sonali Sen said: "The council conducted workshops that our teachers attended. They learned all the instructions, which they followed while preparing our board children. They did enough practice throughout the year. I have full faith in them that our children will do well."
Another major positive change this year is the three-hour mathematics test. Principals stated that this change aims at provide a comprehensive assessment of students' mathematical abilities over a longer period. The ICSE board believes that this change will better prepare students for future academic challenges and improve their overall learning experience. "They will have more time to think and understand," Fr Tirkey added.