The Orissa Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) is a pivotal educational body responsible for regulating, supervising, and developing higher secondary education in the state of Odisha, India. Established on June 1, 1982, under the Odisha Higher Secondary Education Act 1982, CHSE plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the state.
History and Establishment
The CHSE was formed to address the growing need for a dedicated body to oversee the crucial 10+2 stage of education in Odisha. The council’s administrative functions commenced on September 7, 1982, initially operating from a rented building in Goutam Nagar, Bhubaneswar. In 1996, CHSE moved to its own administrative building in Samantapur, Bhubaneswar, which was christened “Prajnapitha“.
Structure and Governance
CHSE operates under a well-defined structure to ensure efficient management and decision-making:
- Chairman: Appointed by the state government for a 3-year term (extendable for another 3 years)
- Secretary: Principal administrative officer responsible for general administration, establishment, legal matters, accounts, public relations, grievance redressal, affiliation, and property of the Council
- Controller of Examinations: Responsible for all matters related to examinations
- Members: 16 ex-officio members and 44 members from academic organizations, legislative bodies, and civil society
Key Responsibilities
The CHSE’s primary functions encompass a wide range of educational aspects:
- Curriculum Development: Preparing syllabi and recommending textbooks for higher secondary schools
- Examination Management: Conducting and overseeing the Higher Secondary (HS) examinations
- School Oversight: Recognizing new schools, evaluating their performance, and conducting regular inspections
- Certification: Granting certificates to students passing the examinations
- Scholarship Programs: Instituting and awarding scholarships and prizes
- Research and Development: Engaging in educational research to improve standards and methodologies
CHSE Examinations
The cornerstone of CHSE’s responsibilities is the conduct of the Higher Secondary (HS) examinations for Class 12 students. These exams are crucial for students’ academic progression and future career paths.
Examination Details
- Level: Class 12 (Standards 11-12)
- Streams: Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational
- Timing: Usually held in February-March each year
- Result Declaration: Typically in May
For the upcoming year 2025:
- Exam Schedule: February 18 to March 27, 2025
- Exam Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Examination Pattern
The CHSE Odisha examination pattern varies across subjects. Here’s a general overview:
| Component | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|
| Theory | 70-80 marks |
| Practical/Project | 20-30 marks |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks (for non-practical subjects) |
Sample Subject-wise Pattern (Science Stream)
| Question Type | Marks per Question | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Short Answer I | 2 | 7 | 14 |
| Short Answer II | 3 | 7 | 21 |
| Long Answer | 5 | 3 | 15 |
Practical Examinations
CHSE Odisha practical examinations are an integral part of the assessment process. For the 2025 examinations:
- Practical Exam Dates: January 2 to January 12, 2025
- Internal Assessment Dates: December 23 to December 30, 2024
Curriculum and Academic Focus
The CHSE curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education that balances academic subjects with practical skills and cultural awareness. It prepares students for various career paths and further studies. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Core Subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Languages
- Practical Skills: Laboratory work, project-based learning
- Cultural Education: Incorporating local and national cultural elements
- Technology Integration: Promoting digital literacy and e-learning resources
Sample Syllabus Overview (Chemistry)
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- p-Block Elements
- d and f Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
- Organic compounds containing Nitrogen
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday life
Recent Developments and Future Directions
Digital Content Initiative
CHSE has planned to create e-content of the syllabus for both Class XI and XII students to promote blended learning. This initiative aims to:
- Allow easy access to syllabus
- Adapt classroom teaching to technological changes
- Provide opportunities for self-assessment through online tests
The e-content will include:
- HD videos in various formats
- Subject-based animated videos
- Audio files, images, and graphics
- Text files related to syllabus and textbooks
- Digital assessment content and model question papers
Merger with SEBA
The Assam government has approved the merger of CHSE with the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA). The merged entity will be known as the ‘Assam State School Education Board’ (ASSEB). This move aims to:
- Enhance the quality and standards of school education
- Streamline the education system from Class 10 to Class 12
- Optimize resources and improve administrative efficiency
Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The merger and reforms align with the broader vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to provide a more cohesive and standardized approach to school education.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While CHSE has made significant strides in education, it faces several challenges:
- Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Ensuring equal access to quality education across urban and rural areas of Odisha
- Technological Integration: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in educational technology
- Balancing Traditional and Modern Education: Preserving local cultural elements while meeting global educational standards
- Teacher Training: Enhancing the quality and frequency of teacher training programs
To address these challenges, CHSE is focusing on:
- Digital Integration: Incorporating more e-learning resources and digital literacy programs
- Skill Development: Emphasizing practical skills and vocational training
- Continuous Assessment: Moving towards a more balanced evaluation system
- Teacher Empowerment: Enhancing professional development programs for educators
Conclusion
The Orissa Council of Higher Secondary Education plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Odisha. Its comprehensive approach to curriculum development, examination conduct, and educational oversight ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges.
As education continues to evolve, CHSE’s commitment to adapting its methodologies and focusing on holistic development positions it as a crucial player in Odisha’s educational ecosystem. By balancing traditional learning with modern educational needs, CHSE continues to strive for excellence in education, contributing significantly to the state’s and nation’s human resource development.
The upcoming years will be crucial for CHSE as it implements new digital initiatives, aligns with national education policies, and addresses the challenges of providing quality education in an increasingly technology-driven world. The success of these initiatives will undoubtedly shape the future of higher secondary education in Odisha and potentially serve as a model for other states in India.
