Science Theory Topics to be reduced in CBSE X and XII

The CBSE Board is planning to reduce the number of theory topics in science papers and add more weightage to lab and project work in Classes X and XII.

This decision has been arrived at after the board analysed the Class X and XII results, which indicated that a large number of students are unable to perform at their optimum level in science and move away from the stream because of faulty orientation.

A list of experiments will be drawn up, over and above those done in schools till now. From class IX onwards, children will compulsorily have to do lab work and related projects for every topic taught. The total marks for theory had been reduced from 75 marks to 60. The Board is reviewing the necessity of reducing this further.

A number of topics were recently deleted from the class IX-X syllabus. These include colloids, atomic theory of matter, thermometers, harmonic waves and sound, pH scale, working of compound microscope, solar system and constellations.

“Science is a dynamic stream and needs reviewing every now and then. We want more and more students to develop a penchant for the pure sciences and take them up for research. This can only be possible if they graduate from learning by rote to knowing the reasons behind each scientific theory through experiments and projects. It is possible that we might go in for equal marks division between theory and projects plus lab work,” said a CBSE spokesperson from Delhi.

While upgrading and trimming the syllabus recently, the Board had enlisted 15 experiments each for classes IX and X. It had even introduced a written test based on lab work to find out if children have actually performed all the experiments. “There might be a change in the weightage of this exam also,” the spokesperson stressed.

“This is a very good move. Often extremely bright students start losing interest in science because so long the syllabus and the mode of delivery did not allow them to have hands-on experience in the subject. This will now enable children to stop learning by rote and appreciate a scientific theory for the reason it upholds,” explained Mukta Nain, principal of Birla High School for Boys.