Although the Karnataka government had conducted class 10 state board exams for the year 2020-21 in a multiple-choice pattern owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, this academic year will see a return to the original pattern. 

 

The notification has it that the examinations will be conducted for a score of 125 for first language, 100 marks for core subjects and second and third language. Out of the 100 marks, 80 marks will be allotted for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment. For first language, where students will take the exam against a total score of 125, the theory will be for 100 marks and internal assessment for 25 marks.

 

This year, the department has also given a relaxation on the attendance percentage for eligibility to appear for the exam. Conventionally, it is mandatory for students to have 75% attendance to be able to appear for exams. Only for the year 2021-22, as schools are conducting classes in a hybrid mode, this is not mandatory. 

 

Even during the previous academic year, experts in the field of education and teachers had argued that the multiple-choice questions pattern of question paper might not be the right assessment parameter as little is known about the writing skills of students.