CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Commences with Calculator Ban
As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams began nationwide, Class 10 students faced their mathematics paper under heightened nerves and a strict ban on calculators. Approximately 85,000 students appeared on the first day, with nearly 39,000 of them from Class 10. In Ahmedabad alone, roughly 8,900 candidates took the test, marking a significant start to the examination season.
Teachers Assess Paper Difficulty and Structure
Educators provided detailed insights into the two versions of the paper: basic and standard mathematics. Manjula Mehta, a Class 10 maths teacher at Udgam School for Children, described the basic paper as easy, while the standard paper was balanced but included a few tricky questions. She noted, "One question each in two of the sets can be considered from the rationalised syllabus." Despite some challenging parts, she characterized the overall level as manageable for students.
Devashish Divyam, a mathematics teacher at Doon Castle International School, termed the paper well-structured and aligned with the prescribed syllabus. He emphasized, "The paper reflected a strong linkage with the concepts and practice covered during preparation. The overall difficulty level was easy to moderate and student-friendly." According to his analysis, Sections A, B, and C of the standard paper were very easy and closely mirrored classroom practice. Section D carried one competency-based question in each set, while Section E was of average difficulty. The basic paper, though easy overall, was slightly lengthy.
Challenges in Time Management and Conceptual Clarity
Arti Maheswari, a teacher at DPS Bopal, highlighted that the standard paper was moderately challenging and somewhat lengthy, requiring careful time management due to detailed calculations. She explained, "Geometry questions tested conceptual clarity, and case-study questions integrated multiple chapters. Some students struggled to complete the standard paper within the allotted time." In contrast, she noted that the basic paper was comparatively more accessible and balanced, offering a smoother experience for candidates.
Flexibility and Fairness in Exam Design
Teachers welcomed the internal choices provided across sections, stating that they gave students flexibility in tackling questions. Overall, educators described the paper as fair, comprehensive, and appropriate for a board-level exam. The combination of varied difficulty levels and structured sections aimed to assess students' understanding while accommodating different learning paces.
The commencement of the CBSE exams sets the tone for the upcoming tests, with students and teachers alike navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the new academic year.
