Starting from the academic year 2025-26, students will get the chance to take their 10th and 12th grade board exams twice annually, as announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
This move, highlighted during the launch of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative in Chhattisgarh, aims to ease the academic pressure on students, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) introduced in 2020.
The scheme’s inauguration, which focuses on enhancing 211 schools in Chhattisgarh, took place at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay auditorium in Raipur.
Biannual 10th and 12th Board Exam Option
The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, announced that starting from the academic session 2025-26, students will have the choice to take their 10th and 12th class board exams twice yearly. This move is aimed at reducing academic pressure and aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.
The NEP 2020 suggests having biannual board exams to offer students more chances to perform well academically.
In line with the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) introduced by the Ministry of Education last August, board exams will now take place at least twice a year. This change ensures that students have ample time and opportunities to showcase their abilities, with the option to retain their best score.
During an event at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay auditorium in Raipur, Pradhan engaged with students to gauge their response to the new exam format. He encouraged them to strive for their best performance in both exam sessions.
10 Bag Less Days in Schools
Pradhan proposed a plan for schools to have 10 days without bags each year. These days would focus on activities like art, culture, and sports to engage students.
In line with the NEP 2020, the Ministry of Education introduced the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) last August. This framework includes holding board exams twice a year. The aim is to give students more time and chances to perform well and keep their highest scores.
Pradhan spoke to students at the event, asking if they liked the idea and urging them to keep their best scores from both exams.
PM Modi Vision for Transforming Education
He restated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan laid out in the NEP to make education easier for students, give them high-quality learning, help them stay connected with their culture, and ready them for what lies ahead. Pradhan believes this strategy will play a key role in India’s development into a fully developed nation by 2047.
Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2024
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) commenced its Class 10 and 12 exams on February 15 in various locations nationwide and in 26 other countries. This year, over 39 lakh students from India and abroad are expected to sit for these exams.
The Class 10 board exams will end on March 13, 2024, while the Class 12 exams will conclude on April 2. Last year, in 2023, a total of 38.82 lakh students participated in the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
Also Read: CBSE Introduces Chapter on Dating and Relationships in Class 9 Syllabus
Biannual 10th and 12th Board Exam Option FAQs
Q.1. What is the aim of the biannual 10th and 12th board exams?
Ans. The aim is to reduce academic pressure on students and align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Q.2. When will the biannual board exams start?
Ans. They will commence from the academic year 2025-26 onwards.
Q.3. What is the significance of holding board exams twice a year?
Ans. It provides students with more opportunities to perform well and retain their best scores.
Q.4. How will the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) affect board exams?
Ans. It introduces the concept of biannual board exams to give students more chances to excel academically.
Q.5. What other initiatives were discussed during the event in Raipur?
Ans. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan proposed having 10 days without bags in schools each year to focus on extracurricular activities.
