Question : INTRODUCTION OF HIGH ORDER THINKING SKILLS BY CBSE



(a) whether CBSE has introduced High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) for students appearing in Board exams this year;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Ministry of Human Resource Development is aware that HOTS is causing anxiety among the students; and

(d) the remedial steps taken to ease the tension of the students?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a) & (b): Based on the recommendations contained in National Curriculum Framework (NCF) – 2005 on examination reforms by way of a shift from content- based testing to problem solving and competency based testing, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) made the following changes in the design of question papers this year :

(i) A larger number of questions with very short answers.

(ii) About 20% questions on assessment of higher order thinking skills.

(iii) Question papers to make good correlation between speed and accuracy.

(iv) Shift from content based testing to problem solving and competency based testing.

(c) & (d): CBSE had informed the schools about the change in the structure of the question paper in the beginning of the academic session. Sample question papers with marking scheme based on the revised design and guidelines were also made available to the schools.

In addition, 15 minutes additional time was given to the students during the examination to read question papers thoroughly. Counseling facilities through helpline programme have also been provided.