Kerala SSLC Chemistry 2024 Board Exam vs SSLC First Term Onam Exam 2025 – Question Paper Pattern Compared

The Kerala SSLC examinations are one of the most important milestones for Class 10 students. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the SSLC Board Exams conducted by Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan. Alongside, the First Term (Onam) Examination is held in August by SCERT as a formative assessment. Both exams play a key role, but their question paper pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level are quite different.

In this blog, let’s compare the SSLC 2024 Chemistry Board Exam and the SSLC 2025 Onam First Term Chemistry Exam in detail.

1. Exam Purpose

• SSLC Board Exam (2024) – A final, summative examination that evaluates the student’s complete learning in Chemistry across the academic year. The results directly contribute to the SSLC certification.
• Onam Exam (2025) – A formative assessment to measure student understanding in the first-term portion. It helps both students and teachers track progress before the model and board exams.

2. Number of Questions

• Board Exam 2024: The Chemistry paper had around 24 questions spread across multiple sections.
• Onam Exam 2025: The question paper is usually shorter (15–18 questions), since it tests only the first few chapters of the syllabus.

3. Mark Distribution

Board Exam 2024:

• Total Marks = 40
• Questions ranged from 1 mark, 2 marks, 3 marks, and 4 marks.
• Balanced across very short answers, short answers, diagrams, equations, and application-based problems.

Onam Exam 2025:

• Marks usually 30–40, depending on SCERT/school guidelines.
• Mostly 1 mark and 2 mark questions, with a few 3 mark ones.
• Rarely includes long 4 mark questions, as it is only a mid-term test.

4. Type of Questions

Board Exam 2024:

• Application-oriented
• Diagram-based
• Balancing chemical equations
• Reasoning and higher-order thinking skills

Onam Exam 2025:

• Direct textbook-based questions
• Simple reasoning questions
• Memory recall and short answers
• Focus on understanding of basic principles

5. Difficulty Level

• Board Exam 2024: Considered moderately difficult, with some tricky application questions. Students had to prepare across the entire syllabus.
• Onam Exam 2025: Comparatively easy to moderate, designed to test early learning and give students confidence.

 Quick Comparison Table

✅Stay connected with Skool Guru for more educational tips, exam strategies, and academic guidance.
📞 Need help? Contact our mentors today!

Visit: www.skoolguru.in