Not In Accordance With Guidelines”: CBSE Drop Controversial English Questions, To Award Full Marks

CBSE Class 10 English: “...It has been decided to drop the passage no. 1 and its accompanying questions of the question paper series JSK/1,” the CBSE said on December 13.

A passage in the Class 10 English exam was “not in accordance with” the guidelines for preparing question papers, the Central Board of Secondary Education said today, amid allegations that it is regressive, and promotes gender stereotyping. Passage number 1 and questions on the passage have been dropped and students will get full marks for the questions, the board said.

“On the basis of feedback received from stakeholders, the matter was referred to a committee of subject experts. As per their recommendation, it has been decided to drop the passage no. 1 and its accompanying questions of the question paper series JSK/1,” the CBSE said on December 13.

“Full marks will be awarded to all students concerned. To ensure uniformity and parity, full marks will be awarded to students for passage no 1 for all sets of the question paper Class x English Language and Literature,” the board further said.

As the passage in one set of question paper in class X English Exam is not in accordance with guidelines of the board with regard to setting of question papers, it has been decided to drop the question and award full marks to the students for this passage .

The comprehension passage in the term 1 English paper sparked a controversy for allegedly promoting "gender stereotyping" and supporting "regressive notions" prompting the board to refer the matter to subject experts on Sunday.

Excerpts from the passage have gone viral on social media with users criticising the board for supporting "misogynistic" and "regressive opinions”.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi raised the issue in the Parliament today. The question must be withdrawn immediately and a review must be ordered into what led to the “gravest lapse”, Ms Gandhi said.