CBSE Class XII Mathematics Exam Sparks Student Frustration Over Errors and Complexity
Students who appeared for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class XII mathematics examination on Monday encountered significant challenges, with many reporting difficulties in understanding questions and managing their time effectively. The exam, held across various centers, was marred by printing errors in both the mathematics and applied mathematics papers, leading to widespread confusion and frustration among examinees.
Varied Experiences Across Different Question Paper Sets
Student experiences varied depending on the question paper set they received. Those who were allotted Set 3 found the paper to be excessively lengthy, requiring them to rush through sections to complete it within the allotted time. In contrast, students who attempted Sets 2 and 1 described the case study questions and even the multiple-choice questions as particularly tricky and demanding.
K Shivani, a student from Chennai Public School, shared her ordeal: "During our pre-board exams at school, we were trained to finish the paper in 160 minutes and use the remaining 20 minutes for revision. However, in the actual exam, I barely finished on time. I don't even recall what I wrote in some sections due to the pressure."
Printing Errors Compound Student Difficulties
A specific printing error involving missing brackets in a sum meant to prove an equation caused considerable trouble. Many students reported wasting over ten minutes on this single question before realizing the error. The principal of a prominent school in Gerugambakkam commented on this issue: "While exceptional students might have spotted the error immediately, not all students possess that level of insight. We cannot blame the students for struggling with such technical flaws in the question paper."
Mixed Reactions from Educators
Despite the widespread student complaints, a section of teachers and school heads offered a more balanced perspective. They described the paper as only moderately difficult, though they acknowledged its length. Charles, a teacher from KSN Senior Secondary School, stated: "In our school, students reported that the paper was moderately hard but manageable. Everyone was able to finish it. With repeated practice, students can certainly excel in such exams."
Looking ahead, educators emphasized that this trend towards more challenging questions is likely to continue. Haribabu, senior principal of Maharishi Vidya Mandir, explained: "Competency-based questions that require students to think creatively and apply concepts in novel ways will be prioritized in future examinations. This shift aims to develop critical thinking skills rather than rote memorization."
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for greater scrutiny in paper setting and printing processes to ensure fairness and clarity for all students. As the CBSE continues to evolve its examination patterns, balancing innovation with accessibility remains a key challenge for educators and policymakers alike.
