CISCE revamps ICSE 2025 Class X exams for deeper understanding and lasting success

CISCE has introduced significant changes to the ICSE Class X exam pattern for 2025, shifting the focus towards conceptual learning. This year, the board is increasing the number of analytical and application-based questions in the exam, moving away from rote memorization. The recently released specimen question paper highlights this shift, showing a notable rise in questions that assess students' analytical skills and understanding of concepts, compared to previous years. This change aims to encourage critical thinking and a deeper grasp of subjects, better preparing students for real-world challenges.

With the ICSE Board exams scheduled to begin in February 2025, students of Classes 10 and 12 are in the final stages of their preparations. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has implemented several significant changes in the exam pattern for Class 10 ICSE students. One of the most notable shifts this year is the increase in the number of analytical and application-based questions for the upcoming exam.

The specimen question paper issued by the board clearly reflects this change, showing a marked rise in analytical, understanding-based questions compared to previous years. "The NEP emphasizes that students need to apply their knowledge rather than relying on memorization. The new exam pattern focuses on application-based questions, moving away from knowledge-based ones," explained Seema Sapru, Principal of Heritage School. She further noted that in the 2024 exam, only 10 percent of the questions were analytical, but this year, that number is expected to rise to 25 percent.

According to many educators familiar with the changes, this revised question pattern will greatly enhance students' holistic learning, helping them perform better in competitive exams that require conceptual understanding. "The specimen paper released by the board indicates a substantial increase in analytical, application, and understanding-based questions for this year's exam. Students must adjust their preparation strategies accordingly to achieve high scores," commented a senior teacher from a Kolkata-based CISCE school. This shift signals that rote learning will no longer be sufficient; students must develop a deep understanding of their subjects.

In order to secure good marks in the exam, educators recommend that students focus on gaining conceptual clarity about the material they are studying. They should ask questions to deepen their understanding and ensure they fully comprehend the demands of the questions before attempting to answer them. "Scoring well in this examination will require students to be avid readers, grasping the nuances of their subjects. They should be prepared to tackle questions that are analytical and perceptual. It’s essential that students broaden their learning horizons to excel," said Tilottama Mallik, Head of DPS Megacity, Kolkata.

Mallik also mentioned that the CISCE is organizing workshops to train teachers on the new exam pattern, ensuring they are well-prepared to help students succeed. "Teachers, too, must stay updated with these changes. Teaching now needs to target core skill improvement and emphasize conceptual and experiential learning," she added.

The board is expected to release the examination date sheet in December, with exams commencing in February 2025 and continuing through March 2025.