CBSE to Introduce Two Board Exams for Next Year News: School life is often seen as a period filled with fun and unforgettable memories for students. However, the two most stressful years during this time are known as the ‘Board Years’, which are when students have to sit for Board Examinations in Class 10 and Class 12.
For those attending a CBSE-affiliated school and preparing for the Boards in the upcoming years, there is important news to be aware of. As per the Ministry of Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is going to conduct the Board Exams twice a year starting from the academic session 2025-26. Although the Two Board Exams in One Year system was initially set to commence from this current session, it has been postponed by a year. Here is everything you should be informed about.
CBSE to Introduce Two Board Exams From Next Year
According to information obtained by Media Reports, the Government is contemplating the introduction of a Two Times Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exam for Class 12 students in June starting from 2026, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) recommendation to hold board exams twice a year.
Currently, students in Class 12 take the CBSE board exam in February-March, with the option to appear for “CBSE Board supplementary exams” in July to enhance their performance in one subject after the results are announced in May. Those who have not passed their exams and have been marked as “compartment” can also participate in the “supplementary exams”.
CBSE plans to conduct two board exams annually
The new National Education Policy, 2020, aims to shift away from high-stakes exams and proposes biannual board exams to offer students more chances. Consequently, the Education Ministry has requested the CBSE to develop a plan for conducting two board exams annually.
While the final structure of the two-board exam system is still pending government approval, one potential option being considered is for students to take a second set of exams in June. This would replace the current practice where Class 12 students can only sit for “supplementary exams” to enhance their performance in one subject. Instead, students would have the opportunity to retake their exams in any or all subjects of their choice in June.
Board exams twice a year from 2025?
Based on the information provided, it has been indicated that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) would require approximately 15 days to administer the second set of exams, with CBSE Board Exam results expected to be declared within a month. Consequently, the announcement of the results for the second board exam is anticipated to take place in August.
Factors Affect Two Board Exams in a Year System
The government is considering various factors, including the timing required for conducting the second board exams, the scheduling of other entrance exams that students must undertake, and the assessment burden on teachers. Additionally, due to the presence of schools in snowbound regions, the commencement of the first set of board exams, as part of the proposed two-board exam system, is unlikely to occur earlier than the current schedule in February.
It is currently anticipated by the government that not all students will choose to sit for all papers in the second board exam, with most opting for two to three subjects at most. In such a scenario, the evaluation workload for the second exam is projected to be approximately 4-5% of the evaluation workload for the first exam.
In the initial year, CBSE may provide students with the opportunity to take the second exam for “difficult” papers in June. The NCFSE 2023 has given the choice of students to take board exams at least two times in a school year, and only the best result will be taken into consideration as per the guidelines of the National Education Policy 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the new CBSE Board Exam system being introduced?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct board exams for Class 12 students twice a year starting from the academic session 2025-26.
2. When will the new system be implemented?
The new system is set to commence in the 2025-26 academic session. It was initially planned to start earlier but has been postponed by a year.
3. What are the benefits of having two board exams a year?
The biannual board exams aim to reduce the high-stakes nature of the exams, offering students more opportunities to improve their performance. This change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes providing students with multiple chances to succeed.
4. When will the two board exams be conducted?
The first board exam will be held in February-March, similar to the current schedule. The second exam is proposed to take place in June, with results expected to be announced in August.
5. What happens to the current supplementary exams?
The second board exam in June will replace the current supplementary exams held in July. This allows students to retake any or all subjects instead of only one.
6. How long will the second board exam period be?
The CBSE will require approximately 15 days to conduct the second set of exams.
7. Will all students be required to take the second board exam?
No, it is anticipated that not all students will choose to sit for all papers in the second board exam. Most students are expected to opt for retaking exams in two to three subjects at most.
