Class 10 practice tests to begin from Mon, schedule on website

MUMBAI: A few days after announcing first-of-its-kind practice tests for Class 10 students, the Maharashtra education department has released a schedule for the exams.

The tests, aimed at helping students cope with the new paper pattern, will begin from November 26 and tests will be uploaded on Balbharti’s official website – http://ebalbharati.in – between November 26 and December 3.

“To ensure that students do not get stressed about the new paper pattern, model papers will be available on the website. Model answers will also be uploaded on the website from December 6 to help students evaluate their performance”, read a circular, issued by the education department.

This year, the state education department revised the curriculum for Class 10.

Starting this year, students

will also have to appear for a 100mark exam for all subjects, except Maths and Science, with the department’s decision to scrap orals.

Even as several educationists opposed the move to scrap orals, the education department said it will look at the results this year before calling off the move.

Students can take the tests at home or at school.

Parents said this move will benefit students.

“If the board gives model

answers, students can understand how they need to write their papers and can practice on their own” said Deepali Mhatre, parent of a Class 10 student.

Most schools in the city, however, will continue to have their own preliminary examinations.

“We will have our exams as our schedule is decided at the start of the year,” said the principal of a suburban school.

“Students can use these papers as additional resources,” the principal added.