HSC Physics Board Exam Paper Checking Process: Moderator Secrets & Marking Scheme Explained

Overview: This post details the Physics Board Exam paper checking process based on an expert interview with Moderator. It covers how examiners check papers, common mistakes to avoid, and hidden scoring opportunities.

1. The Paper Checking Hierarchy & Process

Who checks the board exam papers and what pen colors do they use?

The paper checking process involves three levels of scrutiny:

• Examiners: The first level of checking is done by examiners using a Red Pen.
• Moderators: Every single paper (100% moderation) is reviewed by a Moderator using a Black Pen. Even papers with low scores (e.g., 10 marks) are moderated to check if marks were unfairly deducted.
• Chief Moderators: They review "Top Cases" using a Green Pen.

What are "Top Cases" that go to the Chief Moderator?

Top cases are high-scoring papers that require extra verification. The threshold depends on the difficulty of the paper shift:

• Difficult Shift: Scores above 60/70.
• Easy Shift: Scores above 63/70.

2. Section A: MCQs & VSA Rules

What is the correct format for writing answers in Section A (MCQs)?

While rules may vary slightly by year based on the Chief Moderator's instructions, the safest and perfect method is to write BOTH the Option Alphabet and the Answer Text.

Example: (b) Electron

Important: Do not change the sequence of questions blindly. If you write "Q.6" but write the answer for Q.5, it will be marked wrong because the answer doesn't match the question number.

Where should students do rough work?

Strictly use the last page of the answer booklet for rough work. You can label it as "Rough Work".

Strict Warning: NEVER write anything on the Question Paper. Even a single tick mark or calculation on the Question Paper is treated as a Copy Case.

3. Section B, C, D: Numericals & Step Marking

Is there step marking for Numericals and Derivations?

Yes, the board follows a strict step-marking scheme (e.g., ½ mark per step). Marks are distributed as follows:

• Formula: ½ mark (Write the formula even if you cannot solve further).
• Substitution: ½ mark (Correctly substituting values).
• Calculation/Diagrams: Marks allocated for logical steps or correct diagrams.
• Final Answer: 1 mark (Must include the correct Unit).

Tip: If you substitute values directly into the final formula without showing intermediate steps, you might still get full marks if the answer is correct, but showing steps protects you if the final answer is wrong.

What happens if the Unit is missing in the final answer?

In numericals, if the final answer is numerically correct but the Unit is missing or wrong, you get Zero marks for that specific final answer part.

Hint: Often, the unit can be derived from the formula (e.g., Electric Field Intensity \( E = \frac{F}{q} \) implies N/C).

How strict is the checking for Log Calculations?

For calculations involving log tables:

• Small deviations in the last digit are acceptable (e.g., if the answer is \(53^\circ 6'\), writing \(53^\circ 7'\) or \(53^\circ 8'\) is often accepted).
• However, major deviations are not allowed.
• Constants: Always use the values given on the front page of the question paper. If \( g = 9.8 \), do not use \( 10 \).

4. Final Score Calculation

How does Section-wise Rounding Off work?

Marks are rounded off at the end of each section (Section B, C, D). There are no fractional totals for a section.

• If you score 7½ in Section B, it is rounded up to 8.
• If you score 9½, it becomes 10.

This is why you should attempt questions even if you only know the formula—those half marks add up and get rounded up!