Maharashtra to revamp syllabus for classes IX, X, XI, XII
MAHARASHTRA PROPOSES to revamp the syllabus for classes IX, X, XI and XII in schools in the state to bring it on par with other boards, especially ICSE and CBSE. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) proposes to introduce the changes in the syllabus for classes IX and XI in the academic session 2012-2013, and for classes X and XII in the academic session 2013-2014. According to Board Chairman Ujwala Patil, the syllabi are being changed to bring the state on par with other boards, including ICSE and CBSE. The changes will help students prepare better for the proposed National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to be conducted by the Medical Council of India (MCI) for admission to medical colleges across the country, Ms. Patil said in Pune. At present, it is estimated that the syllabi followed in Maharashtra and that prescribed by MCI for NEET differ by almost 40 per cent. The Science and Maths syllabi in Maharashtra is being upgraded so that both the syllabi will be same.
The upgraded syllabus will be in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework. The board has prepared the draft syllabus, and has invited suggestions from parents, teachers and students till November 30, 2011, Ms. Patil said. Although changes have been made in all subjects, Science, Maths, Political Science, Language (Marathi), Sports and Physical Education have undergone major revamp, she added.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: The board introduced new syllabi last year. There will now be 60 marks for theory, 20 for practical, and 20 for internal exams. The internal exams will include group discussions, interviews, projects requiring surveys, and analytical studies. The Maths paper will also have multiple choice questions. Earlier, it was 80 marks for theory. The minimum passing score in theory will be 25 per cent.
POLITICAL SCIENCE: Civics has been renamed as Political Science. New text books will have chapters on Right to Education, Right to Information, human rights, Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyaan (SSA), drafting of the constitution, fundamental rights and duties, electoral processes and an introduction to major political parties in the country.
LANGUAGE (MARATHI): The text books will give a flavour of the variation in local language. For instance, people in Kolhapur speak Marathi in a manner different from that spoken in Nashik or Nagpur. The aim is to make students aware of the regional variation in the spoken language.
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION: The sports quota will be scrapped, and an optional paper on sports will be introduced. Students can choose a specialisation from among 29 sports. There will be 40 per cent marks for theory and 60 per cent for practical. Earlier, a student could get an additional 25 marks for sports.
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: The board has proposed to introduce Agriculture Sciences as an optional subject for students of Class X. If the government accepts the proposal, the subject will be available from 2013.
