Introduced nearly two years ago, HOTS aims at testing the analytical and interpretative skills of students. Schools say that exercise like this comes handy, particularly during examination time.

“HOTS makes students think beyond what is taught in books. Since CBSE has been designing question papers on the same lines, it has widened a student’s ability to analyse,” says Rakesh Sachdeva, principal, DAV Model School, Sector 15.

Arnav G, a Class XII student, agrees: “The sample test paper of CBSE comprises many questions, which can be solved only after interrelating different topics. This sets my brain ticking on all possible lines and tests both my imagination and reasoning. It is no longer about studying the Ohm’s law, but applying it in real-life situations.”

“It is difficult as well as boring to answer science-based questions without thinking. Moreover, the more indirect a problem is, the more challenging it becomes,” Abhimanyu, another Class XII student says.

With a view to provide a breather to students from cramming, the board has incorporated high-order thinking questions on this concept for Class X and XII students. The objective is to assess a students’ understanding and analytical ability.

“This concept is a hit with students as it focuses more on logic and reasoning than rote learning. Twisting questions is a good idea as it forces a student to think over and relate to different topics for a single answer. Apart from exercising his brain, it also allows him to learn beyond what books have to offer,” says Sanjay Sardana, director, Manav Mangal Smart School.

According to CBSE, memorising certain concepts and their relationship does not help understand the subject and it is important to understand the why and how of things and to apply this to various situations.