Students may choose to take Board exams once or twice a year: Pradhan

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that students now have the option to appear for class X and XII Board exams twice a year, providing them with greater flexibility and reducing the stress associated with a single opportunity. This change, inspired by the format of the JEE engineering entrance exam, is entirely voluntary. Students can select their best score without any compulsion.

Pradhan emphasised that this option is intended to alleviate the anxiety students often experience, fearing they may have missed their chance or could have performed better. If a student feels adequately prepared and content with their initial exam score, they can choose not to participate in the subsequent exams. The decision is entirely at their discretion.

In August, the Ministry of Education introduced the New Curriculum Framework (NCF), which includes biannual Board exams. This adjustment aims to grant students ample time for preparation and achieving their best performance.

Addressing the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, Pradhan noted the collective responsibility to establish a stress-free environment. He also expressed deep concern, emphasising that no lives should be lost, and urged for measures to support the well-being of students.