Teachers frequently complaining about the “deteriorating ethical values” of students have welcomed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s decision to introduce value-based questions in all major subjects from the 2012-13 academic session.

Sources in the board said value-based questions would be introduced in English, Hindi, mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, accountancy, history, geography, business studies, entrepreneurship and economics.

At present, children in CBSE schools have moral science as a subject from classes I to VIII. Notre Dame Academy is among the few schools to introduce moral science in the senior-secondary level as well.

“The CBSE has decided to follow an inter-disciplinary approach in value education where values are intermingled with the content of all major subjects in classes XI and XII,” a CBSE officer posted in the board’s New Delhi office said.

“The board has decided to add the questions in the major subjects like English, Hindi, mathematics among others in classes XI and XII,” he added.

A number of schools affiliated to the CBSE in the state capital have received circulars from the board. “We received the circular around a month ago. It says value-based questions would be asked in all major subjects from the 2012-13 academic session. I can’t shed much light on the patterns of questions because the circular doesn’t mention about their nature,” said Gautam Priyadarshi, the acting principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Danapur.

Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kankerbagh, principal R.K. Sinha said: “There has been a decline in moral values among the students following the advent of technology and globalisation. Television channels often broadcast programmes that do not enrich the values of the children. Comics and magazines often contain languages and pictures that are provocative.”

The students, however, appear divided in their reaction to the CBSE’s move. Shashi Ranjan Singh, a Class XII student of St Dominic Savio’s High School, said, “This will certainly help us become better human beings.”

Stuti Khosla, a Class XII student of Notre Dame Academy doesn’t agree, though. “Children inculcate moral values from their surroundings, parents, teachers and other people. I do not think that they will benefit a lot by reading some textbooks or answering some questions on moral values,” she said.