The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is contemplating a major shift in how it conducts board exams for Classes 10 and 12. Currently, these exams are held once a year in February-March, and the results play a crucial role in shaping students' future academic and career paths. However, a new proposal inspired by the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 suggests that CBSE might start conducting two board exams annually starting from 2026. This idea is still in the planning stages, and no final decision has been made yet.
Source: Safalta
The proposal to hold two board exams a year aims to reduce the immense stress and pressure that students face with the current single high-stakes exam system. By spreading the syllabus over two exams, students can focus on a smaller portion of the material at a time. This change could potentially improve their understanding and retention of the subject matter, leading to better learning outcomes. The proposed system would align with modern educational practices that emphasize continuous assessment over high-stakes, end-of-year exams.
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Three main options are being considered for scheduling these exams. The first option is to conduct the exams in a semester system, with the first board exam in January-February and the second one in March-April. The second option is to conduct the first exam in January-February and the second in June, alongside supplementary or improvement exams. The third option involves a semester system where the academic year is divided into two terms, each ending with an exam. However, the semester system seems less feasible due to the way the academic calendar is currently designed and the logistical challenges involved.
The CBSE has highlighted that at least 55 days are needed to conduct two exams, which adds complexity to the already packed schedule. Additionally, conducting exams in January-February could be problematic due to harsh winter conditions in some states. The current schedule begins around February 15, which avoids the peak of winter. Therefore, the academic calendar must be carefully synchronized with the schedules of various competitive exams to avoid conflicts and ensure students have adequate preparation time.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has clarified that appearing for board exams twice a year would be optional, similar to the JEE system. Students would have the choice to take the exams twice and use their best score, but it would not be mandatory. This flexibility would allow students to retake exams in any or all subjects of their choice in June, providing them with more opportunities to improve their performance.
However, implementing two board exams requires significant adjustments to the academic calendar and careful coordination to manage the entire process. The current system involves over 150 steps and a minimum of 310 days for the entire process—from filling out candidate lists to the declaration of results and revaluation. Teachers would need to adapt to preparing students for exams twice a year, increasing their workload and potentially impacting the quality of education.
Many education systems globally have adopted continuous and formative assessment models to reduce the pressure of high-stakes exams. Countries like Finland, renowned for their advanced education systems, focus on continuous assessment and personalized learning. The proposed changes by CBSE could align with these global best practices, promoting a more holistic and balanced approach to education.
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Stakeholders have mixed reactions to the proposed changes. While some students and parents welcome the initiative, anticipating reduced pressure and better learning outcomes, others are concerned about the increased frequency of exams and the associated stress. Teachers have mixed reactions as well; some appreciate the move towards continuous assessment, while others are wary of the increased workload and the challenges of adapting to a new system. Experts generally view the proposal positively, considering it a progressive step towards improving educational quality. However, they emphasize the need for careful planning and execution.
This is not the first attempt at reforming the board exam system. In 2009, CBSE introduced the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) for Class 10, which was later revoked in 2017 due to various challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the board also experimented with splitting the exams into two terms as a one-time measure, but it reverted to the traditional end-of-year exams in the following years.
The CBSE is currently in the consultation phase, engaging with various stakeholders to gather feedback and explore the feasibility of different options. The potential introduction of biannual board exams has been pushed back to the 2025-26 academic session to allow for thorough planning and preparation. Extensive consultations with stakeholders, including educators, students, parents, and policymakers, will be crucial. Pilot programs and phased implementation could help identify potential challenges and refine the system before a full-scale rollout.
The potential shift to conducting two board exams by CBSE represents a significant transformation in the Indian education system. While the proposed change aims to reduce stress and promote continuous assessment, its success will depend on effective planning, execution, and ongoing evaluation. As we await further details and official confirmation from CBSE, it is essential to stay informed and prepared for the potential changes. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, or educational stakeholder, understanding the implications of this shift will be crucial in navigating the evolving educational landscape in India.
The new system offers a promising approach to reducing student stress and aligning with modern educational practices, but its implementation will require careful consideration and collaboration among all involved parties. If executed well, this change could provide a more balanced and holistic educational experience for students across India.