Proposed change in SSC exam pattern welcomed

Tirupati: The proposed major changes in the examination pattern in SSC examinations from 2020 have been welcomed by many stakeholders. In the equal measure, the proposal has been opposed on the ground it may put the students at disadvantage. Every new system should be introduced from lower classes and it should be gradually extended to higher classes, according to critics of the proposal.

When The Hans India spoke to many teachers and parents on the new examination format, they welcomed the proposal. But the teachers and parents wondered as to why the government is in such a hurry to go ahead with the new system.

Senior teachers recalled that the continuous and comprehensive education (CCE) system was also introduced from elementary classes and it was extended gradually to X class.

If the government introduce the system from class VI or at least class VIII, students will become accustomed to the new pattern and face the examinations without difficulty in X class.

Though the intention to go for analytical approach in answering the questions is good and improve the standards, they feel that students will be at a disadvantageous position as they are used to the old pattern. In the new pattern, there will not be multiple choice questions and students have to write answers in sentence form or in words.

As per the blueprint of new examination format, the SSC students will have to be thorough in the entire subject to score more marks and the average students will face difficulty in this system. United Teachers Federation (UTF) Chittoor District President K Muthyala Reddy said that in the new format questions will be more analytical and the students should be taught to cope with the new model, the syllabus needs to be revised and reduced scientifically.

He added that the proposed 18-page booklet for students to write their answers is not sufficient and the suggested that it be made a 24-page booklet. District Science Officer and Biology teacher P Neelakanta said that after proper exercise, the government has been introducing the new format.

But it would have been better if it starts with lower classes first. He said the reform has been made with a view to check copying and to make constructive changes in the system which is presently results based.

Several teachers have also felt that without changing the education system, changing the examination pattern alone cannot yield desired results. The government is lacking administrative control over private and corporate schools. Without getting control, it simply thinking of alternatives and the removal of internal assessment is one such example.

"It was true, several corporate schools were misusing it and many of their students are getting 10/10 GPA. But there is a moderation committee in the system which should visit all the schools and examine the records and books of students. The committee can reduce the marks also. Unfortunately, the committees are not visiting schools or make a nominal visit", a teacher regretted.

Member of Legislative Council Vithapu Balasubramanyam also expressed opinion that controversy arose at the time of introducing internal assessment and removing it. But the government is not going into the roots of the problem to decide whether its scientific or not. He stressed the need for discussion before introducing the new pattern. He, however, felt that the proposed change would augur well and ensure that students read entire syllabus.