How the 2021 ICSE Board Exam is Expected to Be

ICSE students have been asking about the upcoming 2021 ICSE board exam for quite some time now. As someone who has sat for the ICSE exams and understood the difficulties students face during these exams, I can share my insights. The ICSE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) usually takes into account the current scenario and tends to show some leniency during such times. Thus, it is expected that students will get better marks than they might have earned under normal circumstances.

ICSE Board's Response to the Pandemic

This year, the CISCE (Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations) announced a postponement of board exams for Class 12 and made the written exams optional for Class 10. The decision for the exact dates of exams will be made in June after reviewing the COVID situation. Unlike the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), which canceled the exams altogether and assessed students based on a new scheme, CISCE offered an option to students to opt for an "unbiased criterion" for assessing those who chose not to write the exams at a later stage.

Changes Expected in the 2021 Exam

Considering the disruptions caused by the pandemic, it is clear that the ICSE board will be student-friendly. They are likely to reduce the syllabus for all board classes, making mathematics and English worth 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. The exams will also be conducted in a manner that ensures that students can showcase their efforts and aptitude despite the challenging circumstances. The roles of online learning and home-based study will be acknowledged in the preparation of question papers.

Possible Adjustments in the Exam Format

Given the ongoing pandemic, the ICSE board may adopt several strategies to ensure a fair assessment of the students. These include:

Reducing the syllabus by 25-30% for all board classes to ease the burden on students. Decreasing the competition level of the board exam by adjusting the marking system to be more lenient. Motivating students' effort by conducting an exam review in a light manner to reduce the pressure of rigorous correction. Shifting the exam dates to later months to provide more time for students to prepare.

For students who are concerned about their upcoming exams, using resources like Toppr: The Better Learning App can be highly beneficial. This app provides comprehensive study materials, mock tests, and personalized learning support that can help students maximize their performance even under these challenging circumstances.

While the specific details for the 2021 ICSE board exam are still to be finalized, it is clear that the board is taking the students' well-being and educational continuity into account. By being prepared and utilizing the resources available, students can navigate this year with greater confidence and ease.