Govt decides to cut MCQ test scores in SSC, HSC exams

The education ministry has decided to reduce the marks of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in relevant papers of the SSC and HSC exams by 10 points.

These 10 points will be added to the creative question-answer segment of the tests.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on Wednesday, said a ministry media statement.

The new score will be applicable to students taking the exams in 2017.

According to the decision, the MCQ tests will be taken first to be followed by the creative tests in the next year’s SSC and HSC exams.

For most of the papers, students have to answer MCQ of 40 marks. The remaining 60 marks are for written and practical tests.

The minister at Wednesday’s meeting said there was a growing need for an improved test system which would increase the teaching time at educational institutions, correct the flaws of the current system and discourage the students from going to coaching centres.

He also urged the education officials to find a system that would properly evaluate the standards of the students.

“The reform process is on the very preliminary and ‘brain storming’ stage. The final decision will be taken on the basis of everyone’s opinion after discussing the matter with the students, teachers, guardians, educationists and specialists by conducting seminars and workshops,” Nahid said.

The meeting discussed automation of BG Press to maintain secrecy in printing and packaging public exam question papers in order to avoid leak, the statement said.

It also discussed ways to complete the JSC, SSC and HSC tests within ‘shorter’ period, it added.