Are CBSE Grade Nine Annual Exams ‘Board Exams’?
There is often confusion surrounding the nature of annual exams for students in certain grades, particularly in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)/ISC (Indian School Certificate) systems. Let’s clarify the definitions and characteristics of these examinations.
CBSE Grade Nine Examinations
CBSE grade nine annual exams are indeed a crucial milestone for students as they mark the transition from middle to high school education. However, these exams should not be confused with ‘board exams’ in the traditional sense, as conducted for 10th and 12th classes. Rather, they serve as a formative assessment to prepare students for the more rigorous examinations in higher classes.
Conduct of CBSE Grade Nine Exams
CBSE announces the exams for grade nine to be conducted on common question papers similar to board tests in all core subjects. This is a practice drill to acquaint students with the examination process and logistical aspects. It helps in building confidence and reducing apprehensions associated with the high-stakes examinations of 10th and 12th grades.
ICSE/ISC Class 9 Examinations
For ICSE/ISC schools, a similar announcement was made last year, stating that students in classes IX and XI would sit for common question papers in all core subjects during their annual examinations this year. The exams are scheduled for February-March next year, providing ample time for preparation.
ICSE Class 9 Exam Schedule 2019
Day and Date Subject Name Duration (in hours) 11 Feb 2019Monday English Language – English Paper 1 2 12 Feb 2019
Tuesday Literature in English – English Paper 2 2 13 Feb 2019
Wednesday History Civics – H.C.G. Paper 1 2 14 Feb 2019
Thursday Geography – H.C.G. Paper 2 2 15 Feb 2019
Friday Economics Group II Elective 2 18 Feb 2019
Monday Mathematics 2.5 20 Feb 2019
Wednesday Physics- Science paper 1 2 21 Feb 2019
Thursday Commercial Studies Group II Elective 2 22 Feb 2019
Friday Chemistry – Science Paper 2 2 25 Feb 2019
Monday Biology – Science Paper 3 2
Nature of the CBSE Grade Nine Exams
It is important to note that while the question papers for CBSE grade nine annual exams are set by the educational board, the actual conducting and evaluation of the exam are done by the respective schools. The results are also prepared and declared by the school in consultation with the board.
These annual exams are not fully equivalent to traditional board exams at the 10th or 12th grade level. They are more of a preparatory phase, designed to mimic the conditions and format of board exams, thereby enabling students and teachers to identify areas that require further attention and improvement.
Conclusion
While CBSE grade nine annual exams serve as valuable practice for the more significant examinations in higher classes, they should be understood for what they are—preparatory assessments tailored to ease students into the rigorous environment of herculean exams like 10th and 12th board exams. Providing clarity on this distinction is crucial for academic success and reducing the anxieties of students.
Related Keywords: CBS Grade Nine, Board Exams, Annual Examinations