“CBSE Board Exams (Class 11-12) 2025-26: The Increasing Role of Competency-Based Questions”

 

What are Competency-Based Questions?

• Competency-based questions (CBQs) woh sawal hote hain jisme sirf rote learning ka test nahi hota, balki concept samajhna, apply karna, analyze karna padta hai.

• In questions mein MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions ya life-situation applications shamil ho sakte hain. News18+3mint+3Business Standard+3

• Ye questions NEP-2020 ke principle ko follow karte hain: meaningful learning, critical thinking, problem solving etc. Hindustan Times+2News18+2

---

What Has Changed for CBSE Classes 11-12 (From Session 2024-25 Onwards)

Purana Pattern (2023-24)	Naya Pattern (2024-25 onward)
Competency-based + case/source-based etc. questions ka weight ~ 40% of theory paper. mint+3www.ndtv.com+3News18+3	Ab 50% questions honge competency-focused (MCQs, case-based, source-based integrated etc.). The Times of India+3mint+3Business Standard+3
Constructed Response Questions (Short & Long Answer type) ka weight ~ 40%. www.ndtv.com+2News18+2	Isko reduce karke 30% kar diya gaya hai. mint+2Business Standard+2
Select Response / MCQs kuch proportion mein the, aur baaki formats mixture se aate the. www.ndtv.com+1	Select response (MCQ / etc.) ka weightage same ya stable hai (20%) in many cases. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2

---

Why CBSE Is Doing This (Objectives / Rationale)

• To move away from rote memorization and make students truly understand concepts, so they can apply them. Business Standard+2Hindustan Times+2

• Align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses competency-based education, experiential learning, application, real life context etc. mint+2Hindustan Times+2

• To improve critical thinking, analytical skills, problem solving ability in students so they’re better prepared for higher education / real world tasks. mint+1

---

Implications / What Students Should Do Differently

• Practice more case-based, source-based & real-life scenario questions: MCQs alone nahi, par un types ke scenario questions jo concept ko test karte hain.

• Balance speed + thinking: Competency questions may require reading, interpreting, analyzing — zyada time lag sakta hai. Time management pe dhyan dena hoga.

• Understand NCERT deeply: Concepts, examples, applications; NCERT often used as base for source or case questions.

• Revise and practise previous years’ sample papers under new pattern: Dekh CBSE ne sample papers aur exemplar material jari kiya hai in competency based formats. Unse practise karo. www.ndtv.com+1

• Focus on internal assessments and projects too, kyunki holistic evaluation ho raha hai. (Though not all changes might directly affect them, lekin concept clarity helps sabme.)

---

Possible Blog Headings / Outline Suggestion

1. Introduction: What Are Competency-Based Questions?

2. CBSE’s Recent Changes in Exam Pattern for Classes 11-12

   • Increase in CBQs to 50%

   • Reduction in constructed responses

   • Consistency across subjects

3. Why These Changes? NEP-2020 and Its Influence

4. How This Affects Student Preparation

   • Study methods

   • Time management

   • Practice material

5. Sample Question Types / Examples

   • MCQs

   • Case-based questions

   • Source-based integrated items

6. Tips & Strategy to Excel in Competency-Based Exams

   • Regular reading & comprehension practice

   • Taking mock tests with new pattern

   • Focusing on conceptual clarity

7. Conclusion: The Shift from Rote to Real Understanding