It replaced the earlier school-level assessment system.

Punjab Board Introduces Major Reforms in Computer Science Evaluation

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has announced major reforms to the teaching and evaluation of computer science. This is a landmark step towards modernising digital education.  The changes were approved during a meeting of the academic council led by Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh. The aim is to ensure that the subject reflects students’ overall academic performance more accurately.

Previously, computer science was compulsory from Class 6 onwards, but it was treated primarily as a grading subject, which means marks did not significantly contribute to a student’s board results. Dr Amarpal Singh highlighted the need for these reforms. He stated, "Our focus is to make sure that computer science is not just a supplementary subject but a core part of students’ academic journey, emphasising practical skills essential for modern life and future careers."

Under the new curriculum, for Classes 10 and 12, the Board will now be responsible for preparing question papers and evaluating them centrally. It replaced the earlier school-level assessment system. Additionally, practical examinations will be conducted by external examiners to maintain objectivity and uphold higher standards for evaluation. Officials emphasised that these steps are designed to shift the attention of both teachers and students towards the practical application of digital skills.

The reform also includes structured assessment: for Class 12, the marks will be distributed as 50 for theory, 45 for practicals, and 5 for projects or internal evaluation. Students must achieve a minimum of 33 per cent in both theory and practical components to pass. This ensures that students engage deeply with coding, networking, and project-based learning, fostering practical digital literacy from an early stage.

While the policy promises to elevate computer science, challenges remain in implementation. Many government schools, especially in rural areas, face infrastructure and resource limitations. A senior computer science teacher in Ludhiana remarked, "The reforms are a positive step, but adequate computer labs and trained teachers are essential for students to take full benefit from this evaluation system." Students too recognise the higher stakes: a Class 12 student in Chandigarh noted, "With our marks now counting toward board results, we are motivated to focus more seriously on practical projects and coding skills."

Education experts view these reforms as a pivotal step in digital literacy, which prepares students for a technology-driven future. The PSEB plans to issue detailed guidelines to schools soon to ensure that the reforms are implemented effectively. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Punjab’s effort to strengthen its education system and equip students with practical digital competencies.