Calculator to be Allowed in Class 12 Exams Soon, CBSE Examining Proposal

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is currently examining a proposal to allow the use of basic non-programmable calculators in Class 12 accountancy exams. The aim is to reduce the load of lengthy calculations, enabling students to focus more on analytical responses and case studies. A panel will be set up to define acceptable calculator models and ensure uniform guidelines.

Calculator Allowed in Class 12 Exam      

Meanwhile CBSE permits calculators for students with special needs in Classes 10 and 12, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) introduced calculator usage for Class 12 students in 2021.

"The board's curriculum committee had proposed that basic, non-programmable calculators be allowed in class 12 accountancy examination, limited to functions necessary for typical financial calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentage calculations," a senior board official said.

Acceptable Calculator Models  

"A panel will be formed to provide clear guidelines regarding acceptable calculator models to ensure uniformity and prevent the use of advanced or programmable devices. The curriculum committee has argued that the move will allow students to allocate more time to analytical responses and case study assignments," the official added.

ALSO READ: HBSE Class 10th & 12th Results to be Out Soon at bseh.org.in, Check Details 

On-Screen Marking

The curriculum committee supporting this move believes it will reduce exam stress, improve performance, and align with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) emphasis on higher-order thinking. CBSE also plans to pilot an On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for digital evaluation in select subjects to streamline the process. 

According to board officials, The proposal of OSM may be rolled out on a pilot basis in a few subjects in the main examination in both Classes 10 and 12; science or mathematics supplementary examination and mathematics for revaluation from 2024-25 academic session.