Jharkhand Board introduces Competency-based format with new 30-50-20 formula

The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) has announced a major overhaul of the Class 10 and 12 board examinations, set to take effect in 2026. Moving away from the traditional syllabus-based format, the new system will emphasise competency-based and application-oriented questions aimed at testing students’ critical thinking and real-world problem-solving abilities.

The reform aligns JAC with national educational standards, including CBSE and ICSE, and seeks to better prepare students for competitive exams and future careers. Historically, JAC exams have primarily featured direct, textbook-based questions, but the 2026 update marks a significant departure from this approach. Question papers will now be designed to assess core competencies, analytical skills, and practical understanding, rather than rote memorisation.

Key Features of the New Pattern

• Competency and skill-based questions: Students will face questions evaluating logical reasoning, analytical thinking, social awareness, and sensitivity.

• Focus on real-life applications: Theoretical knowledge will now be tested in practical, real-world contexts.

• Interdisciplinary approach: Questions may integrate concepts from multiple subjects to encourage holistic learning.

• Revised traditional questions: Even conventional short and long-answer questions will prioritise conceptual clarity over memorisation.

“30-50-20” Assessment Formula

• The new assessment structure divides the exam into three components:

• 30% Objective Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) focusing on fundamental knowledge and quick reasoning.

• 50% Subjective Questions: Short and long-answer questions designed to be analytical and application-oriented.

• 20% Practical/Internal Assessment: Marks from practical exams, projects, or internal evaluations, emphasising continuous assessment and hands-on learning.

This shift follows a trend seen in national boards like CBSE and ICSE, which have gradually increased the weight of competency-based questions to 50 percent over the past two years.

The JAC’s reforms aim to ensure Jharkhand students develop critical skills on par with peers nationwide, reflecting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to reduce rote learning and promote cognitive abilities, creativity, and logical reasoning.