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What Is CBSE’s New Twice-A-Year Format Board Exams?

In a notable change aimed at alleviating exam-related stress and providing more flexibility, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is introducing a twice-a-year board exam format starting with the 2025-26 academic session. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Education, allows students to take board exams in both February-March and June-July, with the highest score from either attempt being considered for their final results.

Understanding The New CBSE Exam Format

Under this new system, students in Classes 10 and 12 will have the opportunity to appear for board exams twice a year. The first set of exams for the 2025-26 academic year is expected to take place in November-December 2024, followed by the second set in February-March 2025.

The key feature of this format is that the final results and merit list will reflect the best scores achieved by students across their two exam attempts. This means that if students are satisfied with their performance in the first exam, they have the option to skip the second one.

Reasons Behind Twice-a-Year Board Exams

The primary aim of this change is to reduce the immense pressure and stress associated with the current single-attempt board exams. The introduction of two opportunities allows students a safety net, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities.

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes moving away from high-stakes exams with extensive syllabi towards a more holistic and less stressful assessment system. The twice-a-year board exams are a significant step in this direction.

Benefits of the New CBSE Exam Format

  1. Reduced Exam Stress: Students can better manage their preparation and performance, as they are not solely reliant on a single attempt to demonstrate their learning.
  2. Improved Performance: With two chances to take the exams, students can work towards improving their scores, showcasing their true potential.
  3. Flexibility in Preparation: Students can choose to take the first set of exams if they feel well-prepared or opt for the second set if they need additional time to study.
  4. Wider Opportunities: The new format opens up more options for students to explore their interests and pursue higher education or career paths.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the positive intentions behind the new exam format, there are several challenges and concerns that need to be addressed:

  1. Logistics and Scheduling: Conducting two sets of board exams alongside existing entrance examinations and admission processes will require careful planning to ensure smooth implementation.
  2. Evaluation Workload: The increased number of exam papers will place a significant burden on teachers and evaluators, necessitating training and resources to handle the additional workload effectively.
  3. Impact on Undergraduate Admissions: The timing of the second set of exams in June-July may coincide with the undergraduate admission process, potentially creating logistical challenges for students.

Conclusion

The introduction of the twice-a-year board exam format by CBSE represents a progressive step toward a more flexible and supportive education system. By offering students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, this change aims to alleviate exam-related stress and promote a healthier approach to assessments. However, addressing the associated challenges will be crucial for the successful implementation of this new format.

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