The government is considering a significant change for Class 12 students studying in CBSE schools, based on recommendations from the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE). Currently, these students typically sit for their board exams once a year, usually in February-March. Results are then announced by May, and for those seeking to improve their scores, there's an option to retake exams for one subject in July.
However, the proposed reform suggests introducing biannual board exams starting in June 2026. This change is driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the pressure of high-stakes exams and provide more opportunities for students to excel. Under the new system, students would have the chance to take two sets of board exams each year.
The first set would still be held in February–March, and the second set would occur in June. One of the key benefits of this proposed change is flexibility. Currently, students can only retake exams for one subject if they're not satisfied with their scores. But with the biannual exams, students would be able to retake exams for any subject they choose, providing them with greater control over their academic performance. Implementing this new system would require careful planning.
CBSE estimates that conducting the second set of board exams would take about 15 days. If exams are held in June, results will likely be announced by August. This timeline is crucial for students planning their next steps, such as applying to colleges or universities.
To manage logistical challenges and reduce the workload on teachers, the government has suggested that the first board exam should not start before February. This approach aims to strike a balance between giving students ample preparation time and ensuring that teachers have enough time to assess and grade the exams effectively. Additionally, it's expected that not all students will opt to take the second set of exams, which would help distribute the evaluation workload more evenly.
The underlying philosophy behind these proposed changes is to create a more student-friendly exam system. The NCFSE and NEP 2020 emphasize moving away from a single, high-stakes exam towards a more continuous and comprehensive assessment approach. This shift aims to evaluate students based on their understanding and skills developed throughout the year, rather than just relying on one final exam.
In essence, the proposed biannual board exams for Class 12 students represent a progressive step towards modernizing the education system. By providing students with more opportunities to showcase their learning and improve their scores, the reforms aim to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, the flexibility in exam scheduling is designed to cater to the diverse academic needs and aspirations of students across CBSE-affiliated schools. As these reforms are deliberated and potentially implemented, they underscore a commitment to evolving educational practices in India. The goal is to enhance the overall learning experience for students, equipping them better for their future endeavors in higher education and beyond.