The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently addressed media reports suggesting that it had informed the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the impossibility of conducting biannual board exams. Through a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CBSE dismissed these reports, asserting that no such communication had been made to the MoE.
CBSE’s Official Statement
On Monday, CBSE clarified that it had not discussed the feasibility of conducting board exams for classes 10 and 12 twice a year with the Ministry of Education. The board emphasized that media claims about such a communication were baseless and incorrect. CBSE stated on X that the imputation in the news item as regards CBSE’s views on the matter is denied.
Media Reports and CBSE’s Rebuttal
Earlier, some media outlets reported that during a National Curriculum Framework (NCF) program on June 25 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, CBSE had outlined the challenges of conducting biannual exams. According to these reports, CBSE reasoned that given the global presence of CBSE schools, conducting board exams twice a year was impractical within the current system and policies. The reports also suggested that preparing for biannual exams would require over 300 days, with the actual conduct of exams needing 55 days.
CBSE, however, debunked these claims, reiterating that no such communication had occurred. The board stressed the importance of accurate information and transparency in educational matters.
Background and Recommendations
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, unveiled by the Ministry of Education, recommended biannual board exams to provide students with additional opportunities to perform well and choose their best scores. The framework suggested that holding exams twice a year could reduce the workload and stress on students.
In April, the education ministry tasked CBSE with developing logistics for conducting biannual board exams starting from the 2025-26 academic session. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had announced that this format would be implemented beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.
Moving Forward with CBSE Clarification
CBSE’s recent clarification ensures that the board remains committed to transparency and accuracy. As the education sector evolves, it is crucial for students, parents, and educators to rely on verified information from official sources. The discussion around biannual exams continues, with CBSE and the Ministry of Education working towards implementing policies that best support student learning and well-being.
By maintaining open communication and focusing on student needs, CBSE aims to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fair assessment opportunities for all students.
FAQs about CBSE’s Position on Biannual Board Exams
Q1. Has CBSE communicated with the Ministry of Education about conducting biannual board exams?
Answer: No, CBSE has clarified that it has not communicated with the Ministry of Education about conducting biannual board exams for classes 10 and 12. The board dismissed media reports suggesting such communication as incorrect and baseless.
Q2. What were the media reports about CBSE’s stance on biannual exams?
Answer: Some media reports claimed that CBSE had told the Ministry of Education that conducting board exams twice a year was impractical within the current academic schedule. These reports suggested that logistical challenges, including the global spread of CBSE schools, made biannual exams unfeasible. CBSE has denied these claims.
Q3. What does the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 recommend regarding board exams?
Answer: The National Curriculum Framework 2023 recommends conducting biannual board exams to provide students with additional opportunities to perform well and select their best scores. This approach aims to reduce the workload and stress on students.
Q4. What steps has the education ministry taken towards implementing biannual board exams?
Answer: The education ministry has tasked CBSE with developing logistics for conducting biannual board exams starting from the 2025-26 academic session. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that this format would be implemented beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.
