The Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen (PBCC) has recently announced a significant shift in the paper pattern for the upcoming 9th, 10th, 1st-year, and 2nd-year exams. This decision was made during a meeting held on June 15th, 2023, with the aim to enhance the quality of education and assessment in Punjab.
One of the major changes is the introduction of the syndicate marking system, which will be implemented from the 2nd Annual 2023 Examinations for both SSC Matric and HSSC Intermediate. This new system will be adopted by all the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) in Punjab, marking a significant step toward improving the examination process.
In addition to this, the PBCC has decided to incorporate analytical and conceptual questions into the exam papers. This move is designed to promote a deeper understanding of the subjects among students and improve the overall quality of assessment. Starting from the 1st Annual 2024 exams, 25% of the total marks in all subject papers for both SSC and HSSC will consist of these types of questions.
To ensure a smooth transition to this new format, the BISEs will collaborate with paper setters to develop ten model papers for each subject. These model papers will be shared with teachers at the class level, providing them with the necessary tools to prepare their students for the upcoming exams.
Furthermore, the PBCC has emphasized the importance of paper setters having a thorough understanding of Bloom’s Taxonomy. This educational framework is crucial for creating assessments that align with the desired cognitive levels and encourage critical thinking among students. As such, only those paper setters who have a command of Bloom’s Taxonomy will be appointed.
PBCC’s decision to revise the paper pattern for SSC and HSSC exams represents a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education and assessment in Punjab. By incorporating analytical and conceptual questions and implementing the syndicate marking system, the PBCC aims to foster a deeper understanding of subjects and promote critical thinking among students.
