Chennai: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that no marks will be awarded if students write answers in the wrong sections in the Class X science and social science examinations this year.

According to CBSE, students must strictly answer questions in their respective sections, failing which the responses will not be evaluated. The new rule is part of several procedural changes introduced for the current academic year, which also includes providing students with an opportunity to appear for two public examinations.

In science, the question paper will be divided into three sections — Biology, Chemistry and Physics — while social science will have separate sections for History, Geography, Political Science and Economics. Students will be given a 30-page answer booklet, with specific pages allotted for each section.

Private school teachers said the new system could pose challenges, as different subject specialists usually handle separate portions. They warned that students unfamiliar with the format may commit errors despite knowing the correct answers.

They also pointed out that applications for revaluation would be rejected if answers are found in the wrong sections. Teachers urged students to be extra cautious while writing the examinations and called for greater awareness and training on the revised pattern.