For the first time in Madhya Pradesh, Class 10 Maths board examination has offered students a choice between Basic and Standard Maths, with two separate question papers to be conducted in the coming upcoming exams. While, according to the officials the move is intended to help students select the paper that matches their comfort level with the subject, the absence of separate syllabus, curriculum, or textbooks has left students, parents, and school authorities confused, especially with exams scheduled to begin this week. The Board has assigned separate subject codes, 100 for Standard Mathematics and 101 for Basic Mathematics, but officials have confirmed that the textbook and most of the content remain the same, with only a slight difference in the difficulty of the question paper. Many parents and students say the new system has added stress at a critical stage of exam preparation. “I chose Basic Maths for my son thinking it would be easier, but now I am unsure if it’s the right choice,” said a parent. A student on the promise of anonymity added, “We’ve been studying from the same book, but now the idea of Basic and Standard is creating confusion. It’s hard to focus with the exams so close.” The Private School Association has also raised concerns, particularly about subject-change procedures and the Rs 500 fee required to switch options before the portal closed. Many students reportedly faced challenges when trying to correct their choice, adding to the anxiety.

 

 

Responding to the concerns, Bhupesh Gupta, Chief State Officer of MPBSE, said that the distinction is intentional but slight. “Students who opt for Standard Maths will face a slightly more challenging paper than those taking basic. This system, introduced in Class 9 last year, is now being implemented in the Class 10 board exams for the first time,” he explained. Gupta added that the option is aimed at students who find Maths comparatively difficult. He also clarified that students were informed well in advance: after form submission, dummy admit cards showing all subjects and codes were issued, and the window for changes remained open until January 10. He said that ample amount of time was given to the students to make the changes desirably and the portal was closed after that to allow exam preparations to proceed, as the first papers start February 13,” he said.

 

 

“The Madhya Pradesh Board’s decision regarding Class 10 Mathematics has caused confusion and distress among students and parents, as well as principals of Government and private schools. The Board has provided two options, Basic and Standard Maths, but separate syllabi have not been issued, only different subject codes. No training was given to schools or teachers, and officials are avoiding clear answers. If a student wants to change from Basic to Standard or vice versa, they must pay Rs 500 per student, even though the textbooks and papers are largely the same. The number of affected students is very high, and parents are repeatedly visiting the Board office, but security does not allow them to meet officials, and even the PRO has not stepped in to resolve the issue. The Private Schools Association demands that the board allow uninterrupted subject changes and refund the Rs 500 fee, as the board exams begin on February 13,” said Ajit Singh, President of the Private Schools Association.