CBSE says will hold Class 10, 12 board exams, give 29 subjects priority

The clarification by the CBSE officials came amid

 uncertainty over when the exams will be conducted leading to speculations that the exams will be done away with in a one-time arrangement

By : Business Standards | Web Team & PTI     |  New Delhi | April 29, 2020

The board exams for class 10 and 12 pending due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown will be conducted at the first possibility, CBSE officials said on Wednesday.

The board is prepared to conduct the exams for class 10 and 12 for crucial 29 subjects, while the HRD Ministry has directed states to start the evaluation process for the exams already conducted and facilitate the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in evaluation of answer sheets.

"Recently, there has been a lot of speculation regarding CBSE Board exams. The board's decision to take exams for 29 subjects of class 10 and 12, stands the same. There is no change in position of conducting board exams. Therefore, exams will be conducted," Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE's Controller of Examinations said.

The clarification by the CBSE officials came amid uncertainty over when the exams will be conducted leading to speculations that the exams will be done away with in a one-time arrangement.

"We are prepared to conduct board exams for class 10 and 12 pending due to the lockdown in wake of the COVID-19 situation in the country. The exams will be conducted for 29 subjects crucial for promotion and admissions to undergraduate courses, at the first possibility. The students will be given at least a 10-day notice before exams are conducted," a senior HRD ministry official said.

"States have been asked to start the evaluation process for the exams already conducted and have been advised to facilitate evaluation of answer sheets. The CBSE will also issue instructions for marking or assessment of non-important subjects not included in the list of 29 subjects," the official said.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed and exams postponed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Later, a nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which has now been extended till May 3.

The board was not able to conduct class 10 and 12 exams on eight examination days due to the coronavirus outbreak. Further, due to the law and order situation in northeast Delhi, the board was not able to conduct exams on four examination days, while a very small number of students from and around this district were not able to appear in exams on six days.

"Considering the extraordinary circumstances, the board had decided to conduct exams only for 29 crucial subjects as against over 40 remaining subjects. For the rest of the subjects, the board will not hold examinations and instructions for marking and assessment in all such cases shall be separately issued, the official said.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' on Tuesday had interacted with education ministers of states.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had suggested that students be marked on the basis of internal assessment as it is not feasible to conduct the pending exams now.

Sisodia, who is also the education minister, said students of Delhi will be more affected due to delay in conduct of exams as different states have their own boards, while the national capital only follows CBSE.

Education ministers from different states also put forward deliberations being made about their respective state boards.

The Bihar board has already announced results for three streams of class 12 and is in the process of evaluation of class 10 exams.

The Uttar Pradesh board is yet to begin the evaluation and will take a call in this regard soon.

The CBSE has already announced that it will not be conducting any exams for students in foreign countries.

"There are several CBSE schools located in 25 countries. Each of these countries are also under lockdown and have decided to close down the schools for various and differential lengths of time. Under such circumstances, it is felt that the board will not be in a position to hold differential sets of exams for each of these countries, the official said.

"Also, in the present situation, it will be difficult to bring the answer books to India for evaluation purposes. Therefore, the Board has decided to not hold any more exams for the students of class 10 and 12 schools located outside India, he said.

According to the HRD ministry officials, as of now there are plans to conduct competitive exams, including JEE and NEET, in June for admission to engineering and medical colleges.

For other undergraduate admissions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is working on an alternative calendar for the new academic session which will notify the timeline within a week.

A seven-member panel, set up to study the issue, has recommended that the undergraduate admission process be started in July-August and the new session for freshers be started from September. However, no final decision has been taken in this regard yet.

Source : https://www.business-standard.com 

CBSE Board Class 10, 12 Exam 2020 to be held at the 1st possibility: CBSE official

CBSE Board exams 2020 for class 10 and 12 pending due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown will be conducted at the first possibility.

By: Press Trust of India | New Delhi | April 29, 2020

The board exams for class 10 and 12 pending due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown will be conducted at the first possibility and there is no move to do away with the remaining exams, CBSE officials said on Wednesday.

The board is prepared to conduct the exams for class 10 and 12 for crucial 29 subjects, while the HRD Ministry has directed states to start the evaluation process for the exams already conducted and facilitate the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the evaluation of answer sheets.

"Recently, there has been a lot of speculation regarding CBSE Board exams. The board's decision to take exams for 29 subjects of class 10 and 12, stands the same. There is no change in the position of conducting board exams. Therefore, exams will be conducted," Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE's Controller of Examinations said.

The clarification by the CBSE officials came amid uncertainty over when the exams will be conducted leading to speculations that the exams will be done away within a one-time arrangement.

"We are prepared to conduct board exams for class 10 and 12 pending due to the lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 situation in the country. The exams will be conducted for 29 subjects crucial for promotion and admissions to undergraduate courses, at the first possibility. The students will be given at least a 10-day notice before exams are conducted," a senior HRD ministry official said.

"States have been asked to start the evaluation process for the exams already conducted and have been advised to facilitate the evaluation of answer sheets. The CBSE will also issue instructions for marking or assessment of non-important subjects not included in the list of 29 subjects," the official said.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed and exams postponed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the Covid-19 outbreak. Later, a nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which has now been extended till May 3.

The board was not able to conduct class 10 and 12 exams on eight examination days due to the coronavirus outbreak. Further, due to the law and order situation in northeast Delhi, the board was not able to conduct exams on four examination days, while a very small number of students from and around this district were not able to appear in exams on six days.

"Considering the extraordinary circumstances, the board had decided to conduct exams only for 29 crucial subjects as against over 40 remaining subjects. For the rest of the subjects, the board will not hold examinations and instructions for marking and assessment in all such cases shall be separately issued,” the official said.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' on Tuesday had interacted with education ministers of states. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had suggested that students be marked on the basis of internal assessment as it is not feasible to conduct the pending exams now.

Sisodia, who is also the education minister, said students of Delhi will be more affected due to delay in conduct of exams as different states have their own boards, while the national capital only follows CBSE.

Education ministers from different states also put forward deliberations being made about their respective state boards. The Bihar board has already announced results for three streams of class 12 and is in the process of evaluation of class 10 exams.

The Uttar Pradesh board is yet to begin the evaluation and will take a call in this regard soon. The CBSE has already announced that it will not be conducting any exams for students in foreign countries.

"There are several CBSE schools located in 25 countries. Each of these countries are also under lockdown and have decided to close down the schools for various and differential lengths of time. Under such circumstances, it is felt that the board will not be in a position to hold differential sets of exams for each of these countries,” the official said.

"Also, in the present situation, it will be difficult to bring the answer books to India for evaluation purposes. Therefore, the Board has decided to not hold any more exams for the students of class 10 and 12 schools located outside India,” he said.

According to the HRD ministry officials, as of now, there are plans to conduct competitive exams, including JEE and NEET, in June for admission to engineering and medical colleges.

For other undergraduate admissions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is working on an alternative calendar for the new academic session which will notify the timeline within a week.

A seven-member panel, set up to study the issue, has recommended that the undergraduate admission process be started in July-August and the new session for freshers be started from September. However, no final decision has been taken in this regard yet.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in

Record-breaking hole in ozone layer over Arctic closed: EU sat

By : TNN | Apr 27, 2020, 06.13 AM IST

In a good news, European satellite system Copernicus has found that a record-breaking hole ever observed in the ozone layer over Arctic has closed.

In late March, scientists had spotted signs of a hole forming and it was thought to be the result of low temperatures at the north pole. The ozone layer shields the Earth from most of Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, a major cause of skin cancer. The largest hole ever detected would only have posed a direct threat to humans if it had moved further south to populated areas. But recently (on April 23), Copernicus earth observation satellite system, comprising a constellation of six families of satellites (Sentinels) and dozens of third party satellites, found the hole had closed.

However, the closing has nothing to do with the reduction in pollution caused by Covid-19 lockdown in several countries. Instead, it's due to the polar vortex, the high-altitude currents that normally bring cold air to the polar regions. This has split in two giving the Arctic region a relative heatwave, with temperatures up to 20ºC higher than is normal for this time of year. This year the polar vortex was extremely powerful and temperatures inside it had been very cold. This generated stratospheric clouds that destroy the ozone layer by reacting with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases. However in recent days, the polar vortex had broken up and weakened.

The first time an ozone hole was observed at the North Pole was in 2011, but it was smaller and during the month of January.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/record-breaking-hole-in-ozone-layer-over-arctic-closed-eu-sat/articleshowprint/75397575.cms

CBSE Chairperson appointed Secretary, Department of Education

By : IANS | Apr 27, 2020, 03.24 PM IST

NEW DELHI: CBSE chairperson Anita Karwal was on Sunday appointed as Secretary in the Department of Education and Literacy.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Anita's appointment.

The committee has also extended, by three months, service of Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan. A 1983-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Sudan was to retire on April 30.

"Anita Karwal, IAS, Chairperson, Central Board of Secondary Education, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development vice Amit Khare, IAS, presently holding the additional charge of the post," the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension said.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

CBSE exams will be delayed: HRD Minister

By : SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI,  APRIL 27, 2020

‘Textbooks will be made available’

Pending board exams of the will only be held when the situation is back to normal and the government decides to completely lift the lockdown, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank told students and parents during a Twitter interaction on Monday.

Across the country, exams in 12 subjects for Class 12 are yet to be held, while Class 10 and 12 students affected by the violence in north-east Delhi have even more pending papers.

Competitive examinations for entrance to medical and engineering education, such as NEET and JEE, would also be delayed until the situation is conducive, he told worried students.

Earlier, the Ministry had indicated that these exams would take place in the last week of May.

Mr. Nishank also assured them that NCERT was making every effort to make school textbooks available in all States, and that shops selling these books had been included in the category of essential services so that students would be able to access them.

Although online learning resources and televised teaching sessions had been made available for students to keep up with classes, Mr. Nishank urged parents not to pressure the children to study 24 hours a day.

The Union Minister will hold a videoconference with all State Education Ministers on Tuesday to discuss problems arising due to COVID-19 and the lockdown, the continuation of the mid-day meal scheme and the implementation of the flagship Samagra Shiksha scheme.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/

JEE Main 2020: How to prepare for exam amid coronavirus lockdown

Aspirants have an extended preparation time available, which can be put to effective utilisation. Students must stay positive and need to focus on revision and analysing their weaknesses.

By : R L Trikha  | EDUCATION | Apr 24, 2020  

  

Amid the COVID pandemic, the Nation is under lockdown, which has been extended till 3rd May. The second session of JEE Main (April Session) which were scheduled to be conducted from 5th April to 11th April 2020 has been postponed until further notice. Aspirants have an extended preparation time available, which can be put to effective utilisation. Students must stay positive and need to focus on revision and analysing their weaknesses.

As per the previous schedule, most of the aspirants must have gone through the complete syllabus and must be in revision mode now. While the whole Nation is under lockdown, and social distancing seems to be the only effective control method right now, there is an urgent need to deal positively with this crisis. The need of the hour is to utilize the extra time productively and effectively with plan in place to make the best of it.

1) Make a viable schedule - this phase should be effectively utilised for quick run through short notes and formulae and concepts at a glance of all chapters of the three subjects in a phased planned manner with equal time to each subject. The idea is to strengthen the concepts and their application by solving mock tests and past yea.rs papers. Learning as against mugging is the rule of the game.

2) Consult Online Classes - Online platforms are available that provide a virtual classroom ambience with complete notes, expert opinions, online classes, mock tests, etc. for best student preparation. One such portal is myPAT, powered by FIITJEE that allows them to learn by staying in the safety and security of their homes and ensure better learning outcomes, save time and increase the effective utilisation of time.

3) Follow Three Tier Revision - The stage has arrived where revision is the most important aspect of the preparation process and the best way to tackle the challenge is to have a well-structured and organized revision strategy. Three Tier Revision method suggests that students should first revise the topic on the same day, then after 3 days and then revise the same topic at the end of the week. This way, you will be able to get strong hold on topics and subjects which stay in your memory for longer period. If you revise a topic the same day when you study it, you find it easy to revise and grab; while on the other hand if you revise that topics after few days of studying it, it becomes difficult to understand and revise and consume more time.

“Study and application of Important Formulae: It is important to peruse and conceptually apply formulae in JEE Mains type questions even at the time of revision. This will help you in solving the questions within a short time in the exam. As most of the questions in Physics/ Mathematics will be based on conceptual application of formulae.

4) Take regular Mock tests- Mock tests play an important role in making familiar with strong and weak areas. To test and analyse your preparation, students are advised to take mock tests.

5) Stay motivated & Take regular breaks to relax - Do not sit for long hours at a stretch, but instead take small and frequent breaks at least after one to one and half hour(s) of focussed revision. These intervals are essential for the brain to assimilate, retrieve information and revive the energy, making you ready for the next sessions. There may be many distractions and thoughts running concurrently. Maintain calm and stay focussed with determination.

After analysing the mistakes, doubts, wrong attempts and weak areas from the round 1 of JEE Main, aspirants need to work on those areas more and more, without wasting time. This time should generally be made use of in consolidating one’s preparation, focusing on problem solving and overcoming the weaker areas in preparation. This extra time must be wisely utilised to perfect the ability to solve problems with a deep perception of concept involved, improving the time needed to solve the given problem, identifying the weak spots and correcting them. By taking regular mock tests and solving of past papers

Speed and accuracy must be increased.

Right Strategy and Time Management play a vital role in deciding the rank for an aspirant. The remaining weeks should be wisely used for revision, increasing speed and accuracy to solve problems,

Finally, it is the relative performance that will matter on the exam day. So, put in your best performance and you will ace JEE Main 2020.

(Author R L Trikha is Director, FIITJEE Group. Views expressed here are personal)

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com

CBSE Results 2020: Officials share roadmap on evaluation, remaining exams, 10th 12th syllabus for new sessionEducation

By: Kanika Khurana Kanika Khurana Updated Apr 24, 2020 | 13:25 IST

CBSE Board Exam Dates, Results and Syllabus for new session were a few things discussed in a recent interaction with over 100 principals and CBSE officials. Check out key highlights on CBSE's roadmap as shared.

In a web meeting with over 100 school principals and educators, Central Board of Secondary Education - CBSE’s Controller of Examination, Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj shared the board’s roadmap for resuming evaluation work, conducting the remaining examinations as well as the plan for class 10th 12th syllabus for new academic session. Excerpts from the meeting are listed below.

CBSE Board Examination 2020 and Results thereof have been deferred by over a month now. With extended lockdown, the board has had to further defer its plan of conducting the remaining board examinations in April. Reduced academic session has also prompted CBSE to start working on a reduced syllabus for the new academic session for Classes 10 and 12.

Key highlights of the meeting as shared by one the the members in attendance are listed below. Parents may please note that the board is expected to release the official notification regarding the changes. These are proposals that were discussed with the Principals and educators of various schools, and are only indicative but not absolute.

CBSE Board Exams & Results 2020 Roadmap: Key Highlights On Remaining Exams, Evaluation process and Results

•       

Speaking on the most pressing matter, Dr. Bhardwaj mentioned that the board is planning to resume the evaluation work within 4 days of removal of the lockdowns. The board is considering the feasibility of work from home for the evaluators. This, however, has not been finalized as yet.

•       

As for the evaluation work, the board would be changing the process and involving all head examiners as well as the assistant head examiners in the evaluation work. This would further hasten the process of evaluation and help in timely results.

•       

As for the pending examinations, officials stated that the examination dates would be shared once approved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development based on the situation. The 29 examinations, officials shared, would be conducted. CBSE may, he added, conduct the exams even on a Sunday to accommodate for the lost time.

•       

CBSE would be finalizing the revaluation policies and may also use the statistical tools as detailed in byelaws for promotions, if required.

On Syllabus, attendance and evaluation in the new academic session

•       

Dr. Bhardwaj has clarified that the board would not be deleting any chapters. Instead, chunks of the existing chapters would be removed to reduce the syllabus for Classes 9 to 12. The same is being worked upon by NCERT and would be conveyed to the schools soon

•       

CBSE is also considering introduction of a continuous evaluation like MCQs, school based examination for academic year 2020-21. (A notice hinting the same was shared with schools by CBSE, wherein the board has asked teachers to focus on the new evaluation pattern and learning outcomes).

•       

CBSE has also asked schools to monitor the attendance of their students and is contemplating making 75% attendance mandatory for online classes. These would be considered for the board examinations 2020-21.

•       

For online classes, CBSE has advised the schools to use the government portals for mass teaching. Portals like Diksha as well as various broadcast channels are widely available for mass learning.

•       

Also, for classes 11 and 12, CBSE’s new mathematics subject, Applied Maths has started. The subject is applicable for Commerce, Humanities and PCB students who do not wish to pursue technical courses after their 12th.

Apart from these broad points, the CBSE official also spoke about the importance of encouraging students to aim on maximum outcomes. Teachers should also try and devise online classes in a manner that suits both parents and students.

As for the syllabus for classes 1 to 8, the board asked schools to reduce the same if they so required. More details would be made available on the websites. Addressing the concerns of principals regarding affiliation of schools, CBSE instructed schools to write to the board for extension of the affiliation to the Secretary and request for extension till June 30, 2020.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com

CTET topic-wise preparation tips for July 2020 exam

TOI-Online | Apr 24, 2020, 08.27 AM IST

NEW DELHI: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Delhi will conduct the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) test on Sunday, July 5, 2020 for both papers - Paper I and Paper II.

The Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown is still going on in the country and the same will continue till May 3, 2020, there are no chances of CBSE deferring the CTET July exams.

The All questions in CTET will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with four alternatives out of which one answer will be most appropriate. Each carrying one mark and there will be no negative marking.

There will be two papers of CTET

(i) Paper I will be for the candidate who intents to be a teacher for classes I to V.

(ii) Paper II will be for the candidate who wants to be a teacher for classes VI to VIII.

If a candidate wants to be a teacher for both levels (classes I to V and classes VI to VIII) he/she will have to appear in both the papers (Paper I and Paper II).

Paper I (for Classes I to V) Primary Stage; Duration of examination-Two-and-a-half hours Structure and Content (All Compulsory):

S. No.	Subject	Question Type	Marks
1	Child Development and Pedagogy	30 MCQs	30 Marks
2	Language I (compulsory)	30 MCQs	30 Marks
3	Language II (compulsory)	30 MCQs	30 Marks
4	Mathematics	30 MCQs	30 Marks
5	Environmental Studies	30 MCQs	30 Marks
	Total	150 MCQs	150 Marks

Paper II (for Classes VI to VIII) Elementary Stage; Duration of examination - Two-and-a-half hours

Structure and Content (All Compulsory)

S. No.	Subject	Question Type	Marks
1	Child Development & Pedagogy (compulsory)	30 MCQs	30 Marks
2	Language I (compulsory)	30 MCQs	30 Marks
3	Language II (compulsory)	30 MCQs	30 Marks
4	Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teacher) OR	60 MCQs	60 Marks
5	Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/ Social Science teacher)	60 MCQs	60 Marks
	Total	150 MCQs	150 Marks

For any other teacher - either (4) or (5)

How to prepare for CTET July 2020

Child Development and Pedagogy: The questions in this section will be asked on educational psychology of teaching and learning relevant to the age group of 6-11 years (for Paper I) and 11-14 (for Paper-II). The focus will be on understanding the characteristics and needs of diverse learners, interaction with learners and the attributes and qualities of a good facilitator of learning.

Important topics on Child Development and Pedagogy: CD and its relation to learning, Pedagogy Issues, Cognition & Emotions, Motivation and learning, Questions Related to Education Act, Socialisation processes, Influence of Heredity & Environment, Concept of Inclusive Education, Individual differences, Specially-abled Learners, Assessment and Evaluation, Questions Related to Theories, Processes of teaching and learning, Practical Questions and etc.

Language I: The questions in language I will focus on the proficiencies related to the medium of instruction.

Language II: A candidate may choose any one language as Language I and other as Language II from the available language options. Language II will be a language other than Language I. The questions in language II will focus on the elements of language, communication and comprehension abilities.

Mathematics and Environmental Studies (Paper-I): The questions will focus on the concepts, problem solving abilities and pedagogical understanding and applications of the subjects.

In all these subject areas, the test items will be evenly distributed over different divisions of the syllabus of that subject prescribed for classes I-V by the NCERT.

Mathematics and Science, and Social Studies/Social Science (Paper-II): The questions will focus on the concepts, problem solving abilities and pedagogical understanding and applications of the subjects.

The test items of Mathematics and Science will be of 30 marks each. The test items will be evenly distributed over different divisions of the syllabus of that subject as prescribed for classes VI-Vlll by the NCERT.

The questions in the test for Paper II will be based on the topics prescribed in syllabus of the NCERT for classes VI - VIII but their difficulty standard as well as linkages, could be up to the Senior Secondary stage.

Schedule of CTET - July, 2020

(The Paper-l will be held in the morning session and Paper-II in the evening session)

Date	Day	Paper	Timing	Duration
05-07-20	Sunday	Paper-I	09.30 AM to 12.00 Noon	2.30 Hours
05-07-20	Sunday	Paper-II	02.00 PM to 04.30 PM	2.30 Hours

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com