The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Kerala will continue using the new question paper pattern for the upcoming half-yearly exams. This pattern was first introduced in the first-term exams just before Onam. After the exams, SCERT and Samagra Shiksha Kerala analyzed students' performance as part of the State government's quality education program. The results showed students scored lower marks. Officials believe this happened because the new pattern asks for critical thinking and analytical answers rather than direct questions. Data revealed fewer students scoring very high marks. Subjects like Mathematics and Social Science were especially tough. Officials note that new textbooks were introduced this year for classes II, IV, VI, VIII, and X, which may have confused students. For classes I, III, V, VII, and IX, this is only the second year with the new books. SCERT plans to analyze second-term results to see if students improve as they get used to the new question types. For the annual exams, the department will keep the competency-based questions. Around 70% of the SSLC exam questions will be suitable for average students who work hard. The other 30% will challenge very bright students. This will help separate top performers from average ones. Officials expect fewer A+ grades but no big change in pass rates. An official said, "Failing students is not the department agenda. However, only deserving students will get very high marks in the new format." SCERT has already published three sets of question papers for Class X to help students practice. They may provide more chapter-wise practice questions soon. Teachers play a key role in helping students succeed with the new textbooks and question pattern. Many teachers' organizations support the government's minimum marks initiative to improve education quality.