Impact of Pre-Board Marks on Class 10 Assessment in 2021

India's education landscape underwent significant changes in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) implemented a new assessment framework for Class 10 board examinations. This article provides an in-depth look at how pre-board marks were integrated into the internal assessment process for Class 10 students in 2021.

Alterations to Assessment Criteria Due to the Pandemic

The 2021 Class 10 board examinations saw a shift in the evaluation methodology. The CBSE announced that the final marks would be calculated based on a combination of various assessments, including:

Internal Assessments encompassed a range of periodic tests and half-yearly exams conducted by schools. Pre-Board Exams were particularly highlighted as a component of the internal assessment. Schools were instructed to consider these marks when calculating the final grades.

Pre-Board Marks as Part of Internal Assessment

According to the CBSE guidelines, pre-board marks were explicitly counted as part of the internal assessment for the 2021 Class 10 board exams. This decision was made to ensure a more holistic evaluation of students' performance throughout the academic year. The final evaluation formula took into account the performance in periodic tests, half-yearly exams, and pre-board examinations.

The Criteria for Internal Assessment

While the CBSE framework for 2021 was clearly defined, the scenario for the Indian Council for Secondary Education (ICSE) is different. As of now, the ICSE has not provided specific criteria for the internal assessment of Class 10 marks. It is imperative for schools to follow the ICSE guidelines strictly to ensure consistency and fairness in the assessment process.

Teacher Grading and Internal Marks

During the 2021 academic year, many students sought clarity regarding their internal marks, especially those who performed poorly in pre-boards. However, educational institutions have reported that teachers typically give a standard score to students who have exhibited good behavior and engaged positively in class mechanisms.

For instance, a good student who consistently participated and engaged in class activities might receive a straight '20'. In contrast, students who performed poorly in pre-boards but maintained good classroom behavior could still expect a reasonable score from their teachers. Teachers are also known to give scores in the range of 17 to 18, even if the student's performance was not optimal.

Conclusion

The integration of pre-board marks into the internal assessment was a pivotal decision made by the CBSE in 2021. This approach aimed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' academic performance. For ICSE students, it is crucial to stay updated with the council's guidelines to ensure fair and transparent assessment. Teachers play a crucial role in these evaluations, and their consistent and fair grading practices are essential for maintaining academic integrity.