Bihar Board classes 10th, 12 exam: BSEB plans 50% objective questions in 2018

Facing flak over poor results in Class X and Class XII in 2017, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is all set to introduce 50 per cent objective questions in all papers from 2018 examinations.

All objective questions have to answered on OMR sheets to ensure transparency. Earlier, only science papers had 40 per cent objective questions.

While the pass percentage in Class X was 50.12 per cent this year, it was a dismal 35.25 — the worst in two decades — in Class XII.

The board, which has introduced several corrective measures since the topper scam such as barcoding of answer sheets to protect identity of students, is now looking to improve pass percentage and overall marks. BSEB chairman Anand Kishor told reporters here: “We have decided to change the examination pattern for Classes X and XII from 2018. All theory papers will have 50 per cent objective marks. There will also be short questions of two marks each.”

Students will have to answer questions on OMR sheets only, he said. “We are changing the examination pattern with two targets — to improve pass percentage and ensure meritorious students getting high percentage can compete with students of other boards.”

This year, the Class X topper got 93 per cent. The Class XII science topper got 86.2 per cent, arts topper 82.2 per cent and commerce topper 81.6 per cent. The state board has said that these marks are not enough to ensure admission in any good college in Delhi.

After the 2016 toppers scam, the BSEB introduced corrective measures, including deaffiliating 202 private schools. The Indian Express had carried a series “school of scandal” in July 2016 showing there were ghost schools and ones running from godowns and tinshade structures.