Mumbai: In a first of its kind, all education boards in the country, under the ministry of human resource development, are contemplating to introduce common practices, including exam schedules and declaration of results.
With most students competing in national-level exams, four committees will work towards creating a level-playing field for all. The committees will look into common core syllabus, question paper patterns, teacher training and exam schedules, and tackling unfair means. The boards have also decided to declare results by May 31 so no student loses out on a chance for admission at national institutes.
Council of Boards of School Education, a body of over 55 education boards, met Ministry officials on October 28 in this regard. The committees consist of chairmen of various boards and members of the National Council of Educational Research and Training will meet and submit their report before December 31.
According to TOI, YSK Sheshu Kumar, joint secretary, MHRD and in-charge chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education said "We could look into ways to have a common curriculum across boards so that all students are on common ground when they compete in national-level tests".
The committee is also working towards developing common subject codes and roll number patterns. While one committee will work out ways for common question paper patterns across boards.
A common question paper pattern will ensure to have equal weightage to various components in exams to avoid inflation of marks.
Presently, some boards follow a common question paper design for maths and science. The committee on teacher training will look at best ways for capacity building.
"There is a need to exchange information on what can be done to tackle unfair means during exams," said Gangadhar Mhamane, chairperson, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education.