Himachal Pradesh School Education Board Introduces Stepwise Marking and MCQs for March 2025 Exams
Aiming to Boost Pass Percentages with New Marking System
The Himachal Pradesh School Education Board has announced a significant change in the examination system for classes 10 and 12, set to take effect from March 2025. In a bid to improve students’ pass percentages, the board will implement a stepwise marking system alongside the introduction of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for the upcoming board exams.
This new system is designed to motivate students to attempt all questions, even if they are unsure of the complete answer, by awarding partial credit for each step they correctly attempt. This approach aims to reduce exam anxiety and provide more opportunities for students to earn marks.
Stepwise Marking: Earning Credit for Every Attempt
Under the new marking scheme, students will receive marks not just for the correct final answer, but for each step they successfully complete. This change ensures that students who struggle to reach the final solution can still earn credit for their partial work. For example, a student who correctly solves part of a math problem or shows the right method, even if the final answer is wrong, will still be rewarded for their effort.
Board Secretary Major Vishal Sharma explained that this system is designed to encourage students to attempt all questions and not leave them unanswered. “The stepwise marking system will reduce the pressure and boost the confidence of students, knowing that they can earn marks for every correct step they take,” he said.
Introduction of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Separate OMR Sheets
In a further step towards modernization, the board has introduced MCQs, which will account for 20% of the total marks in the new exam format. To accommodate this, a separate OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet will be provided for these questions, marking a significant shift in the evaluation process. The OMR sheet will allow for quicker and more efficient grading of the MCQ portion.
The introduction of MCQs alongside the stepwise marking system is expected to make the exam process more dynamic and interactive. Students will now have a better chance of scoring high marks by correctly answering objective questions, while also benefiting from partial credit in subjective sections through the stepwise approach.
Preparing Students for the New System
To help students familiarize themselves with these changes, the board has released model question papers for classes 10 and 12 on its official website. These papers provide detailed examples of how marks will be allocated for both MCQs and stepwise questions. By studying these models, students can better understand the new format and fine-tune their exam strategies.
“The stepwise marking system, along with MCQs, will reduce failure rates and help students perform better in the exams,” Major Sharma added. “By encouraging students to attempt all questions and giving them the opportunity to earn marks for partial answers, we are creating a more supportive exam environment.”
Positive Impact on Student Performance and Reducing Exam Anxiety
The introduction of the stepwise marking system and MCQs is expected to significantly reduce exam-related stress, which often leads to students leaving questions blank due to fear of making mistakes. With this new approach, students can approach their exams with greater confidence, knowing that every correct step and every attempted question can contribute to their final score.
This change marks a progressive shift in the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board’s examination system, making it more student-friendly and focused on improving overall academic performance.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
