With 30 multiple-choice questions, SSLC a breeze

Students preparing for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (SSLC) can heave a sigh of relief as the Department of Public Instruction has decided to go easy on question papers.

Considering the fact that most of the academic days were lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown and long closure of schools, and difficulty in accessing online classes, the department has decided to provide at least 30 questions carrying one mark.

This decision will help students easily secure passing marks as they have to secure 28 marks in theory and 20 in internal assessment to sail through the board exams.

In the previous year, the multiple-choice/one mark questions were for 20 marks, which has been increased to 30 this year.

Officials from the department confirmed this to DH and said, “It is true that the number of multiple-choice questions has been increased to 30 this year. To attempt more application-based questions, children need more time for preparation. This year, considering the pandemic situation and fewer academic days, we have taken this decision.”

Read | Karnataka SSLC exams to begin from June 21

The theory examination will be conducted for 80 marks and an internal assessment for 20 marks for core subjects and other language subjects except for the first language. The first language will be conducted for 125 marks where theory will be for 100 marks and internal assessment for 25 marks.

With this change in the mode of framing, there will be a decrease in the number of descriptive questions.

However, officials said that except for the increase in the number of one mark/multiple-choice questions, there will not be any changes in the quality or pattern.

The model question papers have already been sent to schools and also uploaded on the website of the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board for the benefit of students.

Speaking to DH, H K Manjunath president of Karnataka High School Assistant Masters Association said, “This was needed this year as students are under pressure. The lack of offline classes has dented their confidence.”