The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced Competency-Based Questions (CBQs) to transform the way students learn and perform in exams. Instead of memorising answers, students are now expected to understand concepts, apply knowledge, and think critically.
This new exam pattern aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and aims to prepare students for real-life problem-solving rather than rote learning. In this blog, we explore examples of competency based questions and explain how they help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What Are Competency-Based Questions in CBSE?
Competency-Based Questions test a student’s ability to:
Apply concepts in real-life situations
Analyse and evaluate information
Solve unfamiliar problems logically
Think critically and creatively
Unlike traditional questions, these do not ask for direct definitions or textbook lines. Instead, they assess learning outcomes and skills.
Simple Definition:
Competency-based questions focus on what students can do with what they know.
Why Did CBSE Introduce Competency-Based Questions?
CBSE introduced this system to move away from rote learning and to:
Encourage conceptual clarity
Develop critical thinking skills
Improve problem-solving ability
Prepare students for competitive exams and real-world challenges
Match international education standards
According to CBSE, a significant percentage of questions in board exams will now test application-based learning.
CBSE New Exam Pattern: Weightage of Competency-Based Questions
CBSE has gradually increased the weightage of competency-based questions in board exams.
Expected Question Distribution:
Competency-Based Questions: 40–50%
Case-Based / Source-Based Questions: Included within CBQs
Short & Long Answer Questions: Reduced weightage
Objective Questions (MCQs): Still important but concept-based
Note: The exact percentage may vary by subject and class.
Types of Competency-Based Questions in CBSE Exams
Let’s understand the major types of CBSE competency-based questions with clarity.
1. Case-Based Questions
These questions are based on a real-life situation, passage, graph, or data followed by multiple sub-questions.
Skills Tested:
Comprehension
Application of concepts
Logical reasoning
Example (Science – Class 10):
A case study based on electricity usage in a household with questions on current, voltage, and power consumption.
2. Assertion-Reason Questions
Students must analyse two statements:
Assertion (A)
Reason (R)
Then choose the correct relationship between them.
Skills Tested:
Analytical thinking
Conceptual understanding
3. Source-Based Questions (Social Science)
Students are given:
Historical sources
Maps
Charts
Extracts from speeches or documents
Skills Tested:
Interpretation
Historical and geographical understanding
4. Application-Based Numerical Problems
These are higher-order thinking questions where formulas alone are not enough.
Skills Tested:
Problem-solving
Logical application
Multi-step thinking
5. Situational or Real-Life Questions
Questions are framed around daily life situations.
Example:
Budgeting expenses, understanding environmental issues, analysing social situations, etc.
Subject-Wise Examples of Competency-Based Questions
Mathematics Example
Traditional Question:
Find the value of x.
Competency-Based Question:
A shopkeeper offers a discount and calculates profit using linear equations. Find the unknown value and justify the result.
✔ Tests reasoning, not just calculation.
Science Example
Topic: Chemical Reactions
A scenario involving rusting of iron in coastal areas with questions on:
Type of reaction
Prevention methods
Environmental factors
✔ Tests conceptual understanding and application.
Social Science Example
History Case Study:
An extract from the Civil Disobedience Movement followed by questions on:
Causes
Impact
Role of leaders
Tests interpretation and analytical ability.
English Example
Competency-Based Question:
Read a passage and:
Infer the tone
Analyse the author’s intention
Answer based on context, not memorisation
Tests comprehension and language skills.
How Are CBQs Different from Traditional Questions?
| Traditional Questions | Competency-Based Questions |
| Memory-based | Application-based |
| Direct answers | Analytical responses |
| Textbook-focused | Real-life focused |
| Limited thinking | Higher-order thinking |
How to Prepare for CBSE CBQs
1. Focus on Conceptual Clarity
Understand why and how, not just what.
2. Practice Case Study Questions
Solve:
Sample papers
CBSE question banks
Previous year case-based questions
3. Learn to Read Questions Carefully
Most CBQs are lengthy and require proper interpretation.:
4. Use Mind Maps & Flowcharts
Helps in linking concepts and improving retention.
5. Solve Real-Life Problems
Relate topics to:
Daily life
News articles
Practical situations
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Memorising answers without understanding
Ignoring case-based questions
Skipping NCERT examples and activities
Not practising competency-based sample papers
Benefits of Competency-Based Learning
Builds strong fundamentals
Reduces exam fear
Improves performance in competitive exams
Develops lifelong skills
Encourages independent thinking
Conclusion
CBSE competency-based questions mark a positive shift in the Indian education system. While the new pattern may seem challenging initially, it ultimately helps students become confident, skilled, and future-ready learners.
With the right strategy, practice, and mindset, students can score well and truly enjoy learning. Angle Belearn offers personalized guidance to help students master these competency based questions and excel in CBSE Maths exams.
