The "Basic" Mathematics curriculum is strategically designed to focus on fundamental NCERT concepts, serving students who do not intend to pursue math in higher secondary education. Yet, the consensus among both candidates and seasoned educators suggests that this year's iteration veered into territory usually reserved for the "Standard" tier. Feedback from the ground indicates that the paper was plagued by lengthiness and a disproportionate number of intricate graphs and case-study-based questions. These sections, which require high-level analytical skills, reportedly consumed the time meant for foundational arithmetic, leaving many students unable to complete their answers despite their thorough preparation.
Educational experts have weighed in on the discrepancy, noting that while some high-achieving students felt the paper was manageable, the average taker found the "Basic" version to be relatively tough and misaligned with the difficulty curve established in previous years. The disconnect between the students' expectations and the actual complexity of the paper has sparked a growing movement online and in academic circles, with parents and teachers calling for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider a "moderation" policy during the evaluation process to ensure that students are not unfairly penalized for a paper that exceeded the prescribed difficulty level
As of February 19, the CBSE administration has maintained a formal silence, offering no official response to the escalating complaints or the emotional pleas from the student community. This lack of administrative clarity has only added to the anxiety surrounding the 2026 board season. The incident underscores a recurring tension in the Indian education system: the delicate balance between maintaining rigorous academic standards and ensuring that the testing mechanisms remain equitable for students of varying aptitudes. The coming weeks will be critical as the board decides whether to address these grievances or proceed with a standard grading curve, a decision that will undoubtedly impact the academic futures of over two million students
About The Author
Comment List