CBSE: Holding Board exams twice-yearly unfeasible under current schedule

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has informed the education ministry that conducting board exams for classes 10 and 12 twice a year is not feasible under the current academic schedule. At present, the main exams are held between February and April, with results declared in May. Supplementary exams follow in July and August, with results announced at the end of August. 

During a programme on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, CBSE outlined the challenges of implementing biannual board exams. The NCF, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, recommends allowing students to take board exams twice a year, retaining only the best scores. The education ministry had requested a road map for this initiative, aiming for optional implementation by the 2025-26 academic year.

CBSE highlighted the complexity of the current system, which requires over 150 steps and at least 310 days to complete the entire exam process. This includes candidate registration, center notifications, roll number releases, practical and theory exams, result declarations, and verification. Conducting exams twice annually would require at least 55 additional days. The board also cited logistical challenges, as its schools are spread globally.

CBSE conducts exams in 88 subjects for class 10 and 121 subjects for class 12. The scheduling of competitive exams, holidays, and the different timings for practical exams in winter and summer-bound schools further complicate the process. Additionally, over 4,000 question papers and 200,000 questions are prepared, with around 2.5 crore answer sheets evaluated. Teachers are involved in exam-related activities for about 55 days and evaluation for 15-20 days.

The NCF’s recommendation aims to reduce student pressure by providing another opportunity to improve performance. The ministry will collaborate with stakeholders to implement the recommendations and has invited suggestions from CBSE school principals.