Frequently Asked Questions based on ‘Problem Solving Assessment’ (PSA)

Query.1 Will ‘Problem Solving Assessment’ be a part of FA4?

Reply : Yes, the `Problem Solving Assessment’ will be counted towards FA-4 which is 10% of total assessments of Class IX. This assessment will also be carried forward towards the FA-4 in Class X. This score will be reflected in one Language (English or Hindi), Mathematics, Science and Social Science w.e.f the session
2012-2013 for Class IX and 2013 – 14 for Class X. The same score will be reflected in FA-4 for class IX and Class X.

Query.2 Will the Question paper for PSA for classes IX and XI be sent by the Board?

Reply : Yes, the Question Paper containing OMR Answer Sheet will be provided by the Board.

Query.3 Can we conduct any other tests /assignments/projects etc. for FA4 in class IX?

Reply : Yes, you may conduct activities but such activities will not be counted towards FA4 in the subjects mentioned at upto Sl. No.1 above. Schools may club such tasks in FA3

Query.4 The student has to opt for one language for PSA (English/Hindi). Does this mean that the FA4 score of second language in class IX to be submitted by the school? Will there be one set of Question paper in PSA or questions in PSA will be asked for separate section of language?

Reply: 1. The PSA score will be reflected in the opted language. Regarding second language, the FA 4 score will be provided by the school.

2. PSA will comprise one question paper with following domains:

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

• Language conventions

Query.5 Suppose a student has scored 40 marks out of 60 in PSA of class IX then those 40 marks will taken in all subjects like English, Hindi, Maths, Science and Social Science.

Reply : The Problem Solving Assessment in class IX will comprise of a Question Paper of 90 marks having 60 Multiple Choice Questions. If a student gets 40 out of 90, then its 10% i.e., 4.4 will be reflected in one language (English or Hindi), Mathematics, Science and Social Science.

Query 6. When will `Problem Solving Assessment’ be conducted?

Reply : Conduct of Examinations for Classes IX and XI: The Examination will be held on 10th January 2014 (Friday) from 10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon in all schools except the schools falling in Winter Bound areas. For these schools it will be on 19th October, 2013 (Saturday)

Query 7. Does PSA help the average students?

Reply : Yes, the items in Problem Solving Assessment’ (CBSE-PSA) will be designed in such a way so as to improve the generic and higher order thinking skills. This will also result in improving scores within the core school subjects.

Query 8. Will there be any separate time table and specific syllabus for PSA for classes IX and XI?

Reply : As indicated in the circular nos. 40 and 41 there will be no separate time table or periods for teaching or practice of PSA in schools

There is no specific syllabus for `Problem Solving Assessment’ (CBSE-PSA). The question paper will be designed to assess the following areas:

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Qualitative Reasoning

• Language Conventions

Query 9. When will the students of class IX improve their PSA score?

Reply : The students will have the option to improve their PSA Score in Class X, as they can sit for the test with Class IX students of the Session 2013-2014 the actual date would be announced by the Board. The best scores will be reflected in the final certificate in case of those applying for improvement.

Query 10. Will the PSA for Class IX and XI be conducted by school or Board? If it is to be conducted by board then will there be any registration procedure or not?

Reply : Yes, PSA for classes IX & XI will be conducted by the Board. Registration number already issued will also be applicable for PSA.

Query 11. If marks of newly introduced PSA for class IX are included in one language then which marks will be included in the other language for FA4?

Reply : Regarding second language, the FA 4 score will be provided by the school based on Formative Assessment activities conducted.

Query 12. Is PSA going to be the only assessment for FA4 in one language and 3 other subjects or PSA conducted by CBSE will be of the assessments of FA4. As 3-4 item have already planned for FA4 of all the subjects, will score of PSA is to added with them in order to obtain 10% or 10% of PSA score will become FA4. Please clarify.

Reply : The schools which have already planned their time table and other details regarding FA-4 can take the best scores of FA-3 and FA-4 to count towards the
total 10%, now available for FA-3 and FA-4 taken together.

Query 13. Is it mandatory for all the students of classes IX and XI to appear in PSA?

Reply : Yes, it is mandatory for all students of Class IX and Class XI form academic session 2012-13 onwards to appear in Problem Solving Assessment (PSA).

Query 14. Where will `Problem Solving Assessment’ be conducted?

Reply : The `Problem Solving Assessment’ will be conducted in the respective schools.

Courtesy : CBSE Academic