Starting this year, preparatory examination question papers for SSLC (class 10) students would be drafted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board itself.

In a government order that was passed on February 17, the state government has said that the board would prepare question papers and send them to the Block Education Officers for printing and distribution at their level. The orders have it that the papers would be set on lines of the board exam papers.

Block Education Officers will be entrusted with the responsibility of printing the question papers and having them distributed to schools.

“Previously, the teacher’s association was entrusted with the responsibility of setting preparatory exam papers. There were discrepancies and many expressed displeasures. Later, the board began inviting subject matter experts and asked them to give them at least five sets of question papers. They were then sent to the BEO who would have a choice and distribute it to schools,” explained HK Manjunatha, former president, Karnataka State High School Assistant Headmasters Association.

He said that setting a uniform preparatory exam paper for all students across the state was a welcome move. “Making sure these question papers don’t leak is important. It allows students to get accustomed to the pattern of board exams, follow a blueprint and it can also ensure that a standard is maintained statewide. 10 lakh students face the board exams annually. If they realize their mistakes in these preparatory exams, they are bound to do well in their boards,” he remarked.

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