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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is contemplating a significant overhaul of its examination system for Class 10 students, proposing the introduction of a dual board exam system slated to commence from the academic year 2026. This initiative, currently in its draft stage, aims to conduct board examinations twice a year, potentially reshaping the academic landscape for millions of students across the country. The rationale behind this proposed change remains somewhat ambiguous, with proponents suggesting it could alleviate the pressure on students by distributing the assessment load, while critics raise concerns about logistical challenges and the potential for increased stress and anxiety. The draft norms, which have been approved by the board, are now open for public scrutiny, allowing stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, to provide feedback until March 9th. This period of consultation is crucial, as the policy will be finalized based on the input received, underscoring the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping educational reforms. The proposed scheme outlines several key features, including a fixed schedule for examinations, enhanced examination fees, and provisions for students with special needs. Notably, both examinations will cover the full current syllabus and textbooks, ensuring continuity in the curriculum. However, the scheme also introduces some novel elements, such as the grouping of certain subjects for examination purposes and the provision for students to improve their scores in subsequent examinations. The implementation of this dual board exam system is expected to impact a substantial number of students, with estimates suggesting that approximately 26.60 lakh students in Class 10 and 20 lakh students in Class 12 will participate in the examinations in 2026. This large-scale implementation necessitates careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions. The CBSE's decision to conduct two board exams raises several pertinent questions. Will this new system genuinely reduce stress and improve student performance, or will it simply add to the existing academic pressures? How will schools and teachers adapt to the new examination schedule and curriculum requirements? And what impact will this change have on the overall educational ecosystem in India? These are just some of the critical issues that need to be addressed as the policy moves towards finalization.
The proposed scheme details specific guidelines for the conduct of examinations. Class 10 and Class 12 examinations are slated to begin on the first Tuesday after February 15th. This fixed schedule aims to provide clarity and predictability for students and schools. Furthermore, the examination of core subjects like Science, Maths, Social Science, Hindi, and English will be conducted on a fixed day, mirroring the current practice. However, examinations for Regional and Foreign Languages will be conducted in a single day, indicating a potential streamlining of the examination process for these subjects. The scheme also emphasizes the importance of providing facilities for Candidates With Special Needs (CWSN), ensuring that they receive the necessary support and accommodations during the examinations. For sports students, the scheme offers the flexibility to appear in either of the two board examinations, eliminating the need for separate examinations. This provision recognizes the unique demands and commitments of student-athletes, allowing them to balance their academic and sporting pursuits. The examination centers will remain consistent for both examinations, minimizing logistical challenges and ensuring familiarity for students. This consistency also simplifies the administrative burden for schools and examination authorities. The timeline for completing the List of Candidates (LOC) is set for the end of September of the preceding year. This early deadline allows for ample time to prepare for the examinations and ensure accurate registration of all participating students. Once the LOC is submitted, no changes to the subjects offered will be permitted, except in the second examination. This restriction aims to maintain order and prevent last-minute alterations to the examination schedule. Filling the LOC for the first examination is mandatory, and students must indicate their option for both examinations when filling the form for the first examination. No new names will be added to the LOC for the second examination, further emphasizing the importance of early registration and planning.
The CBSE has also outlined specific procedures for students who wish to opt out of the second examination. The LOC for the second examination will be made live immediately after the result declaration, allowing students to indicate their decision to opt out. This streamlined process ensures that students have a clear and efficient way to communicate their intentions. All schedules will be fixed, and no deviations will be permitted. This strict adherence to the schedule aims to maintain fairness and consistency throughout the examination process. The examination fee will be enhanced and collected for both examinations at the time of filling the LOC for the first time. This fee is non-refundable once paid, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions about participating in both examinations. The first and second examinations will also serve as supplementary examinations, providing students with an opportunity to improve their scores. This integration of supplementary examinations into the regular examination schedule simplifies the process and reduces the need for separate supplementary examinations. No special examinations will be conducted under any circumstances, underscoring the importance of adhering to the established examination schedule. The facilities for verification, photocopy, and revaluation, which are currently extended after the result declaration, will be reviewed and framed in accordance with the availability of time. This review aims to ensure that these services are provided efficiently and effectively. Schools will be assessed for becoming examination centers, and they will be issued a letter/certificate to ensure the quality of examination centers. This assessment process aims to maintain high standards for examination facilities and ensure a fair and conducive environment for students. No self-centers will be fixed, preventing potential biases and ensuring impartiality. If there is no school near a sponsoring school, the sponsoring school will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate students. Examinations will only be suspended on National Gazetted Holidays. The examination schedule will be fixed and conducted accordingly on restricted holidays and state holidays, thus maximizing instructional days for students.
Candidates who meet the defined eligibility criteria will be allowed to appear in the first examinations. This eligibility requirement aims to ensure that only prepared and qualified students participate in the examinations. No passing document will be issued after the result of the first examinations. This policy prevents students from using the first examination results as a substitute for the final passing certificate. The performance of the first examination will be made available in DigiLocker, allowing students to access their results conveniently and securely. This digital record can be used for admission to Class 11 if the student does not wish to appear in the second examination. All candidates will be issued passing documents after the second examination result, providing them with official recognition of their academic achievements. The practical/internal assessment will be done only once, reducing the assessment burden on students and teachers. The mark sheet cum passing certificate will include the marks secured in the first examination, the second examination, the marks secured in the practical/internal assessment, and grades. The better of the two marks will also be mentioned, allowing students to showcase their best performance. Students who are not qualified in the first examination may be allowed admission in Class 11, and their admission will be finalized based on the result of the second examination. This provision provides students with a second chance to demonstrate their academic abilities. A merit certificate will be issued after the second examination, recognizing the top-performing students. Students who qualify in all five subjects will be declared as pass. Students who fail to pass from one to five subjects in the first examination will be placed under the “Improvement Category” and will be allowed to appear in the second examination. The syllabus for any examination will be the syllabus of the year of examination. Additional subjects will not be permitted. This means that after passing Class 10, students will not be allowed to enroll in stand-alone subjects.
If a student is declared pass by replacing the 6th/7th subject, they will be eligible for improvement in the failed subject only for the next two examinations from their first examinations. After submission of LOC, no subject will be changed. If any student wishes to change the subject after submission of LOC, this will only be allowed in the second examination. Such students can opt not to appear in that subject during the first examination. If they appear in the first examination, they will not be permitted to change the subject in the second examination. Students who appeared only in the second examination will not be permitted to appear in any further examinations. Such students will be allowed to appear in the first examination of the subsequent year, but the syllabus shall be the syllabus applicable for the subsequent year. After receiving feedback, the policy will be reviewed, revised, and finalized. The Examination-Bye-Laws will be amended suitably to reflect the new examination system. The implications of these proposed changes are far-reaching and warrant careful consideration. While the CBSE aims to reduce student stress and improve academic outcomes, the implementation of a dual board exam system presents several challenges. The potential for increased logistical complexities, the need for enhanced teacher training, and the impact on student well-being are all crucial factors that must be carefully addressed. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of the CBSE to effectively communicate the changes, provide adequate support to schools and students, and address any concerns that may arise during the implementation process. The public consultation period is a vital opportunity for stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of Class 10 education in India. Ultimately, the goal should be to create an examination system that is fair, equitable, and conducive to student success.
Source: Highlights Of The Proposed Scheme For Class 10 CBSE Dual Board Exams