You have already passed in flying colours, CBSE chairperson to students

Printed from TOI-Online | Feb 12, 2020, 09.43 AM IST

You have already passed in flying colours, CBSE chairperson to students

NEW DELHI: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) chairperson Anita Karwal wrote a letter to the students who are going to appear for the Board examination this year.

The CBSE Board examinations for 2020 are beginning from February 15 and to continue up to March 30, 2020.

Ahead of the examination, the CBSE chairperson wishes students all the best and suggested them not to take stress as board exams do not and cannot rule your life.

In her letter to students she suggested that schooling is surely about exposure to various subjects, but it is much more about learning to become a life-long learner and about acquiring values and skills.

CBSE chairperson opined that students should not bother too much about the marks as their future employers will want to know instead, whether your are capable of working hard or are a creative person. But all will want to know if you are honest and principled in your dealings, are gender sensitive and a good citizen, are inclusive and can be a part of a team. Known or unknown to you, I am certain that you have already imbibed these and many more skills and values, and therefore, as far as your future is concerned, you have already passed in flying colours!

A creative future of your own making, bedecked with your values and competencies, awaits you just around the corner. Therefore, armed with the knowledge of all your inimitable capabilities, now go forth and attack your worries, lay them to rest, work hard and do your best, she concludes.

Text of CBSE Chairperson's Letter to Students _11th Feb. 2020

Dear children,

I have a colleague who recounts the story of his lawyer daughter with much pride today. A few years back his daughter was taking the board exams. Like many other parents these days, he had several sleepless nights and stress-torn days, for he would sit with her and make her revise. When her results came out, my colleague was disappointed, because according to him she had performed averagely. When his daughter showed up bright-eyed at his office later that day with her report card, and saw her father's crestfallen face, here is what she had to say: "Don't feel bad Papa. You did your best"! I can't but help appreciate the gumption and spirit of this rare kid, for it reflects a true understanding of how board exams do not and cannot rule your life!

Schooling is not only about board exams. Now that I look back, I often wonder what I really took home from my school studies. I remember the picnics, the yearly fairs, sports and annual days, the friends and the fun, the sharing and the caring, the laughter and the tears. But in studies, I remember vague things, like in History there were loads of dates which I had memorized then, but really cannot recall today. I would time and again tell my friends, "Do anything in life, but refrain from creating history. Kids of the next generation will never forgive you". In geography, I would often curse the Americas for having a completely different set of flora and fauna as compared to Africa. Why could the world not be uniformly simple? With Mathematics, I was like an Alice in Wonderland. In Physics I understood its applications very well, but practiced inertia or "staying-at-rest-unless-force-is-applied". Chemistry for me was just trillions of different combinations of the English alphabet and the Arabic numerals. But Biology was a subject that aroused my curiosity. I loved the subject so much that just for fun I would write autobiographies of a red blood corpuscle or a mitochondrion. I found my niche there. It was in the Art room and in extra-curricular activities that I tended to outshine more than in academics. I loved the fact that I could create anything on a blank canvas with a bunch of colours at hand, or tax my mind for the Just A Minute debates or a game of dumb charades, or remember the longest dialogues while acting on stage. I think these are what made me outgoing enough to try out adventurous activities, such as a life in bureaucracy! What I don't remember however, is what questions were asked in my board exams or how did they go.

I am sharing all this with you because I want you to know that we adults do not get to where we are today by being good at every subject and every activity in our school days. Schooling is surely about exposure to various subjects, but it is much more about learning to become a life-long learner and about acquiring values and skills.

You are 21st century kids! Your future employers may not always bother too much about the marks you get in school. They will want to know instead, whether you are capable of working hard or are a creative person. Some may want to check out your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Others may focus on good communication or collaboration skills. But all will want to know if you are honest and principled in your dealings, are gender sensitive and a good citizen, are inclusive and can be a part of a team. Known or unknown to you, I am certain that you have already imbibed these and many more skills and values, and therefore, as far as your future is concerned, you have already passed in flying colours!

You have also scaled many peaks in your life; from crawling you learnt to walk, from gibberish you learnt to talk, you learnt to make friends, do teamwork, read, write, play, paint, dance, sing, search internet, cook, do gardening, respect your elders, imbibe your culture, and the list goes on and on. Each of these have helped hone your personality to become the incomparable gem that you are today. Exams are just one among the thousands of things in that list; really, they are not as big a deal as they are made out to be. They are just milestones in your journey towards discovering the real potential and uniqueness in you. And like every other thing in that list that you have learnt to do, it all begins with one belief: I can do it!

A creative future of your own making, bedecked with your values and competencies, awaits you just around the corner. Therefore, armed with the knowledge of all your inimitable capabilities, now go forth and attack your worries, lay them to rest, work hard and do your best.

Kiddos, you've totally got this!

Best of luck and God bless you.

Chairperson

CBSE

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Printed from TNN | Feb 11, 2020, 08.36 AM IST

CBSE 12th Board Exams 2020: Tricks & strategy from last year's Commerce stream topper

LUDHIANA: Preeti Dhaiya is pursuing B.Com (honours) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University. She was a Commerce stream student of DCM Presidency School in Jamalpur Colony when she scored 98.6% in her Class XII exams. She also received a certificate of merit from Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for being among top 0.1% students in accountancy in Class XII.

Did you do anything special to prepare yourself?

I always stayed positive and did not worry about end results. For me, the most important thing were the blessings and guidance of parents and teachers. To some extent, luck also played an important role, I would say.

Tips and tricks for the students appearing for exams?

Keep revising important topics and start now, don't wait for tomorrow. Early mornings worked best for me. Figure out the time when you are at your optimal best. I used to study for nearly 2 hours in the morning everyday. This is when I am more focused. I used to make notes in classes and coaching centre. Highlighting important points in different topics works really well. Also, NCERT books are a must.

How did you keep yourself relaxed both before and during exams?

By not letting myself feel overburdened by my studies. I slept for seven to eight hours every night, no matter what. Proper sleep is important to maintain concentration during exams. I also solved sample papers within three hours. It provides an exam-like atmosphere and helps in maintaining pace during exams. I also tried to eat a balanced meal every day, this too is quite important, I feel.

So, what did you do to not to feel 'overburdened'?

I listened to music, read novels during breaks and was also on social media for very short spans of time to relax. It worked fine for me. I also loved to take morning and evening walks.

How was the actual experience of writing the exams?

My experience was very good, as I got sufficient time to prepare for all subjects. I focused on completing the paper within the specified time period. I followed what I called 'backward paper solving' -- I solved the last questions first and then gradually proceeded. It helps in solving maximum questions of highest weightage.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

7 days to CBSE Board exam 2020: 10 tips which can make you score high in your paper

In the next 7 days, the CBSE Board exam 2020 will start for both class 10th and class 12th. These are some important tips which will help the students to score good marks in their exams.

Karan Yadav | New Delhi | February 8, 2020

In the next 7 days, the CBSE Board exam 2020 will start for both class 10th and class 12th. These are some important tips which will help the students to score good marks in their exams.

CBSE Board exam 2020: In the next 7 days, the finale for class 10th and class 12th will commence. The board exam 2020 is upon the students and we hope that each and every student is all set with his or her preparation. The class 10th and class 12th board exam will commence from February 15, 2020, and will finish on March 20, 2020 (class 10th board exams) and March 30, 2020 (class 12th board exams).

Last year around 27 lakh students appeared for the CBSE Board exams alone.CBSE has also started its board exam counseling session. This will be the 23rd consecutive year when the board is providing free counseling to students who are appearing for their board exams. With students, CBSE is also giving its teachers suggestions to help students cope with stress.

10 important tips to keep in mind for the board exam:

1. Get a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep. It is important to have a good amount of sleep to calm your brain. If you will sleep well, then only you can perform well.

2. Revise your subjects as per the date sheet. Now is the time when you do your final revision. Allot dedicated hours to a particular subject and do your best.

3. Take adequate breaks in between your study hours to relax your mind. Take a 40 to 45 minutes break and utilize it in relaxing your mind and body.

4. For the next 1 and the half month, keep your social media at bay. Don't waste too much time there, rather invest your spare time in activities like yoga and meditation, to make increase your concentration power.

5. Practice different sample papers and last year's question papers to know the pattern and marking schemes. Try to finish the sample paper or the last year question paper in the allotted time only, so that you will be ready when for the final exam.

6. Download the admit card and take out the physical copy. Remember that without it, you will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.

7. Remember that preparation from the NCERT book is most important. The paper will come from NCERT books only. Read every line of your textbooks; highlight all the important points and keywords. Skipping chapters may be detrimental if questions are set from that section.

8. While giving the exam, always highlight the important points and keywords. Give at least a gap of two lines between your questions, and attend them section wise only. Make your paper neat and clean, it will leave a good impression on the examiner. Presentation is the key.

9. The next important thing is time management. The reading time is the most crucial, use it carefully. If you're stuck on a question, leave some space and keep moving forward. You can revisit it later with a fresh mind.

10. Prepare a key of your own. Write down all the important formulas, pointers of the chapters, keywords, patterns, dates, etc so that in the end moment you will not be frantically going through different books; rather you can look through your keynotes easily.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today

CBSE Class 12 board exam: 7 tips to score maximum marks in your CBSE Chemistry exam

Many students might find CBSE Class 12 Chemistry a tad difficult to prepare for. Check out these CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam tips and smooth out your last-minute preparation plans.

India Today Web Desk | New Delhi | February 7, 2020

Check out these CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam tips and smooth out your last-minute preparation plans.

With less than two weeks left for the CBSE class 12 board exams, there’s much need for last-minute study tips. Chemistry is one of the more important and challenging subjects of CBSE Class 12 Science stream. The syllabus is huge, which poses a difficulty during revision within a short span of time, especially for students who have not studied all the CBSE Class 12 Chemsitry chapters earlier and are not clear on the fundamentals.

So, here are some helpful study tips that may help you to effectively prepare for your CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam:

1. Practice sample papers and previous years’ papers

Examiners follow a pattern of repetition for specific important questions over a number of years, which is why it is very important to go through previous years’ papers.

While doing so, make sure you highlight the important sections and recurring topics, so that you can scan through it one day before your exam.

2. Preparation from NCERT textbooks is the most important part

A major chunk of the CBSE exam papers comprises questions and topics from NCERT textbooks. In order to ace your Chemistry paper, cover all the topics, including the diagrams and graphs, followed by solved examples and exercise questions.

Keep marking the important and difficult questions while doing so, and make sure to keep a reference book alongside your NCERT textbooks, for immediate clarification on complex topics.

The volume of questions might be overwhelming at first, so you may start off with chapters carrying maximum weightage under different sections.

3. Focus on numericals, name reactions, and product

Time is a major constraint while writing any exam. While attempting a descriptive question may seem feasible in the moment, not only does it tend to take up a lot of time but it also does not promise full marks at the end of it, because you can always miss out on some keywords or important points, while also compromising on other answers.

Therefore, it is advisable to:

•        Practice as many numericals as you can from chapters such as 'Electrochemistry'

•        Focus on name reactions from Organic Chemistry

•        Highlighting the product, properties and anomalous behaviour in chapters such as p-Block Elements’ from Inorganic Chemistry

•        Pay attention to name reactions like Williamson, Wolff-Kishner, Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky, Clemmensen reduction.

4. Writing skills are very important

There’s usually a lot of content to write while also adhering to the permissible time. Practice by writing and solving equations not only boosts your speed and confidence but also enables you to understand the keywords and highlights that are supposed to be included in an answer.

In Organic Chemistry, mentioning the names of reactants and products increases the credibility of the solution. Neat work is a non-negotiable perk that always benefits a student.

While writing long and descriptive answers, always try to present it in points, followed by labelled diagrams acting as a visual aid.

Similarly, a comparative analysis should be presented in a tabulated format. These little things could make your answer script stand out from the rest.

5. Preparation of tail chapters

'Biomolecules', 'Polymers' and 'Chemistry in everyday life' have often been identified as residual chapters carrying 10 marks, which are usually neglected by a majority of students.

However, these three chapters are potentially very scoring. Students can prepare short notes from these chapters in a tabular form, so that they can revise it anytime in the last week of the exam, without sacrificing the time devoted for more important and complex topics.

6. Self-evaluation

The anxiety that builds up while preparing and studying for an examination is an inevitable part of the process.

It is only natural to feel frustrated over your lack of preparation or the inability to speed up your pace of learning, but you cannot make yourself feel too guilty about it but you could identify your weaknesses and devote more time to improving them instead of feeling sorry for yourself.

7. Time management

The reading time is the most crucial and must be used judiciously. If you’re stuck on a question, leave some space and keep moving forward.

A few experts have also advised students to leave questions on Organic Chemistry to be answered towards the end as they are more complex in nature as compared to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.

Always allocate your time in such a way so that you have 15 minutes buffer time for revising your answers at the end.

---

Follow these tips diligently and you are sure to ace your Chemistry board exams.

- Article by Prashant Jain, CEO of Oswaal Books

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/

CBSE to open DigiLocker accounts for all Class IX & XI students

TNN | Feb 4, 2020, 04.32 PM IST

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/73934186.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

CBSE principals made Class XII practical exam  observers

By Rahi Gaikwad, Mumbai Mirror | Feb 4, 2020

Meant to curb malpractice; principals say it’s cutting into their school duties.

Days ahead of board exams, CBSE school principals are being sent to observe Class XII practical exams.

Earlier, observers had to only monitor exam centres. Practical exams began on January 1and will conclude on February 7. Written exams begin on February 15.

The CBSE introduced external observers for Class XII practical exams for the first time this year to curb malpractices. Class X students’ practical exams are conducted by their teachers, but Class XII students have to face an internal and an external examiner.

External observers are tasked with overseeing the conduct of an exam, check if marks are entered and papers set as per the board’s guidelines, and ascertain if laboratories meet the standards.

School principals said the board likely introduced such observers for practical exams to break the alleged nexus between certain schools and coaching classes. “There are instances, where students are on the rolls, but learn at a coaching centre without attending school,” said one of them.

Some principals are miffed that the additional work is coming in the way of pre-exam duties at their own schools. “A principal has to go to two to three schools. This keeps them away from their own school at such a critical time,” said a city school principal, who recently visited two schools.

Some others are exhausted by long commutes between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. “A Navi Mumbai principal has to go to a Mumbai school and vice-versa. Each principal is given multiple subject exams. I have been away from my school for 10 days. It is important for us to be at our school for exam preparations,” said a principal from Navi Mumbai.

Source : https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/cbse-principals-made-class-xii-practical-exam-observers/articleshow/73921105.cms

Precautions for State Board, CBSE students ahead of Exams as Kerala declares Coronavirus a 'state disaster'

Education | Kanika Khurana  | Feb 04, 2020

State Board Examinations, CBSE Boards, and annual examinations have either started or about to start across India. Amidst the confirmation of Coronavirus cases in Kerala, here are a few precautions to follow.

After the third confirmed case of coronavirus, Kerala government has declared the epidemic as a state calamity on Monday night. Reports suggest over 2000 people are under watch in houses and hospitals across the state. Students are at a particular risk. While every measure is being taken by the state and country to contain the spread, here are a few precautions for all students appearing or about to appear for state board or CBSE Board examinations 2020.

Parents and students may please note that though there is no reason for panic as yet, precautions are advised strictly. Board students are especially advised to take extra precautions as they would be appearing for the examinations in large numbers. Union Health Ministry has also shared the concern and would reach out to schools to sensitise students and parents regarding the precautions.

Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan speaking to ANI noted, "Now that the nCoV case are being detected in India, school administrations should sensitise their students on preventive measures related to flu-like symptoms. The parents should also take care of it." This is especially important as schools and examinations – due to large collection of people, can quickly lead to spreading of a disease.

Parents and students can follow these precautions and are advised to keep a strong check. Needless to say, there is a need to be aware and cautious to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in India.

Precaution, Guidelines for Students, Parents against Coronavirus

1.   Maintain personal hygiene at all costs. This includes washing your hands regularly with alcohol based soap.

2.   Avoid close contact with other students – especially if you recognise flu like symptoms. Parents are advised to education their children regarding the same.

3.   Children susceptible to cold, flu, etc. are advised to take extra measures and wear masks when in examination hall.

4.   All must Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Parents should also advise their wards to stick to home cooked meals and avoid sharing with their friends.

5.   Carrying a hand-sanitizer may be advisable and parents must ask their wards to use it regularly when in contact with public property. This is especially important for students who would be travelling to different schools, institutions for various examinations.

6.   If your child develops fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Parents are especially requested to ensure that their ward stays at home and is properly monitored – especially if you or your child has travelled to China recently or have come in contact with someone who did.

7.   World Health Organisation (WHO) also advises all to ‘Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices’.

8.   Parents of students who are preparing for various annual examinations – boards or otherwise, are advised to follow these precautions and stay safe. What is more important is to avoid spreading misinformation regarding the virus or its outbreak. Parents, especially, must education their children against believing false information or spreading WhatsApp messages with no known origins.

Refer to the Ministry or Health and Family Welfare website or WHO website for more information regarding the coronavirus infection. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/precautions-for-state-board-cbse-students-ahead-of-exams-as-kerala-declares-coronavirus-a-state-disaster/549100

Akhilesh Nagari | Hindustan Times | Feb 03, 2020

ISRO Young Scientist Programme 2020 application process begins at isro.gov.in

ISRO will be selecting three students from each state and union territories for the programme, who will later get lectures by ISRO scientists and will also get access to the space agency’s laboratories.

The application process for Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Young scientist programme 2020 began on Monday, February 3, 2020. Students interested and eligible for the programme can apply online at isro.gov.in on or before February 24, 2020.

ISRO will be selecting three students from each state and union territories for the programme, who will later get lectures by ISRO scientists and will also get access to the space agency’s laboratories.

The initiative is conceptualized on the lines of a similar programme run by American space agency NASA. The main aim of such programme is to attract young minds and arouse interest in this arena.

The programme will be for two weeks of duration during the summer holidays, i.e. from May 11 to 22, 2020.

Who all can participate?

Students who have completed their 8th standard and are currently pursuing 9th grade can apply for the programme. Students should be from CBSE, ICSE or any other state board that is recognized by the Government of India.

“The list of the provisionally selected candidates from each state will be announced on March 2, 2020. The provisionally selected candidates will be requested to upload the attested copies of the relevant certificates on or before March 23, 2020. After verifying the relevant certificates the final selection list will be published on March 30, 2020,” reads the notice published on the official website.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/

CBSE Board Exam 2020 Counselling begins, check helpline number here

PTI | Updated: Feb 1, 2020, 09:51 IST

TimesPoints

NEW DELHI: The CBSE will provide psychological counselling to Class 10 and 12 students and their parents on how to deal with anxiety and stress due to exams from Saturday. The 23rd edition of the counselling programme will also use social media platforms to connect with the students in a proactive way.

"The psychological counselling will begin from February 1, when the students prepare for exams, and will continue up to March 30 when they appear for exams," a senior official of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said.

The counselling will be available free of cost through IVRS and telephone on toll free number 1800 11 8004 between 8 am and 10 pm.

"People can access from our website the comprehensive audio-visual presentations on 'Knowing Children Better'. There are videos on various topics like aggression, internet addiction disorder, depression, exam anxiety, specific learning disability, substance use disorder and life skills," the officials said.

He said the Board will also utilise YouTube, Facebook and Instagram platforms to promote healthy practices, share important messages and connect with the students in a proactive way. Tips and FAQs will also be shared on these platforms for the benefit of the students.

The CBSE Class 12 exams will be held from February 15 and conclude on March 30, while Class 10 exams will be held from February 15 to March 20.

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/73828543.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

CBSE Class 12 Business Studies Board exam: How to prepare for the exam

The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct Class 12 Business Studies exam on March 24, 2020 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. Read on to know more...

Hindustan Times, New Delhi : Jan 30, 2020

CBSE Class 12 students who opted for Commerce stream have to pick Business Studies as one of the subjects.

The study of business is about how people organize and act to develop goods and services to satisfy consumers. It focuses on how to make a business successful.

The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct Class 12 Business Studies exam on March 24, 2020 from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. The theory exam will be of 80 marks, while project will make up for the rest 20 marks.

There are three parts to the CBSE Class 12 syllabus of Business Studies.

Principles and Functions of Management is one of the most important part carrying 50 marks of the total 100.

It has further 7 divisions, of which Organising carries the highest marks. Next is the Business Finance and Marketing portion that carries 30 marks. Every student has to submit a project work, which will carry 20 marks weightage.

The concepts in Business Studies need to be understood thoroughly. Reading the chapter soon after it has been taught in class is a model practice.

Students should not get disheartened if the scores are not on a par with practical papers like Accountancy.

Here are some preparation tips which can help candidates

Understanding concepts: By reading the definitions, features and reasoning of a concept, understanding it would be easy.

Completing syllabus: The syllabus of CBSE Class 12 is to be covered entirely to be able to answer every question on the paper.

Start early: Business studies cannot be crammed just before the exam. Students need to start early. Without taking stress, one can just go through the chapter taught in class, so that it gets retained better.

Important parts: Capital Structure is a crucial concept of financial management that students need to handle with care. One should try to understand how the statement or format is being derived instead of simply mugging it.

General Tips

Written practice: In order to remember the chapter or lesson better, write down whatever you are reading to retain the information better.

Sample questions: Question papers from previous years are easily available on the Internet. Practicing them within the speculated time frame will help students in adjudging their speed and ability of comprehending what the question actually demands.

Textbooks are key: For scoring good marks in Business Studies, reading from the CBSE’s NCERT textbooks is good enough. Additional guides can be used to practice mock questions.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/cbse-class-12-business-studies-board-exam-how-to-prepare-for-the-exam/story-1yrxrZ7qPU0lKQBUn8hWTN.html