Board Exams will be Conducted Twice a Year According to NEP 2020

Have you heard about the changes coming to board exams? The National Education Policy (NEP) is introducing the option for students to take Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year. This aims to reduce the stress caused by the pressure of a single exam.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan believes this move will help address the issue of “dummy schools” and provide students with more opportunities to succeed. The new curriculum framework supports twice-yearly exams, allowing students to choose their best score.

Pradhan emphasises that this is completely optional. Students can choose to take only one exam if they are satisfied with their performance. The goal is to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with a single-chance exam.

Let’s explore the potential benefits of this change and why it’s needed.

3 Important Reasons for Conducting Board Exams Twice a Year

1. To Reduce Exam Stress

   Exam stress has been a significant concern for students and parents alike. In India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself emphasises the importance of staying stress-free during exams, implementing a twice-yearly board exam system could be a valuable reform.

   With the recent spike in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, the issue of exam-related stress has become even more pressing. The intense pressure of competitive exams like JEE and NEET can take a toll on students’ mental health. By dividing the board exams into two sessions, we can potentially reduce some of this stress and provide students with more opportunities to succeed.

2. Tackling the Problem of “Dummy Schools”

   One of the primary motivations for conducting board exams twice a year is to address the concerning rise of “dummy schools.” These schools are institutions where students primarily focus on coaching for competitive exams like NEET and JEE, neglecting regular school attendance.

   The issue of “dummy schools” has been flagged by experts who believe that this approach hinders students’ overall development. By not participating in a traditional school environment, students may miss out on essential social, emotional, and personal growth opportunities.

3. Setting Up Offshore Campuses

   One of the main reasons for considering twice-yearly board exams is to facilitate the establishment of offshore campuses for Indian educational institutions. This move aligns with the government’s goal of expanding higher education opportunities and promoting international collaboration. By conducting exams twice a year, students can have more flexibility in pursuing study abroad options and aligning their academic calendars with those of foreign universities. Additionally, it can attract more international students to Indian institutions, helping with better cultural exchange in our country.

Highlights of the CBSE Boards Exam Twice a Year

Starting in 2024-2025, the CBSE will have a new system where board exams are held twice a year. Here are some important points:

• First Year: The upcoming academic year will be the first to use this system.
• Not Mandatory: Schools can choose to participate.
• Timing: The first exams are likely in November-December 2024, and the second in February-March 2025.
• Optional: Students in classes X and XII can take both exams, but it’s not compulsory.
• Purpose: The second exam is meant for students who want to improve their scores.
• Final Results: The higher score from both exams will be used for final grades and rankings.
• Reduced Stress: This system aims to ease stress for students worried about failing.

Benefits of Board Exams Twice a Year

1. Flexibility in Subject Choices

   With board exams conducted twice a year, students have the option to improve their grades in subjects where they might have struggled in the first attempt. This provides them with greater flexibility in their subject choices for higher education, allowing them to pursue courses that align better with their interests and career goals.

2. Prepares Students for The Future

   The frequency of board exams can better prepare students for the dynamic and competitive world they will enter after graduation. It simulates the real-world scenario where performance is evaluated consistently, encouraging students to develop time management skills, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure.

3. Reduced Stress and Anxiety on Students and Teachers

   The burden of a single, exam that defines the year for students is significantly reduced. This allows students to pace their studies better and reduces their overall stress levels. Teachers can also focus on teaching and learning without the pressure of preparing students for a single, high-stakes board exam.

4. Retaining Best Scores Out of Two Exams

   A significant advantage of conducting board exams twice a year is that students can choose to retain their best scores from both attempts. This policy ensures that students are rewarded for their hard work and effort, regardless of any fluctuations in their performance.

5. Makes the Assessment Process More Holistic

   Conducting board exams twice a year offers a more holistic assessment of students‘ abilities. It allows for a more accurate evaluation of their growth and development over time, considering factors such as consistency, improvement, and resilience. This approach provides a better understanding of each student’s strengths and weaknesses.

How Extramarks is Delivering NEP-Ready Solutions for Board Exam Preparations

With changes in the New Education Policy, like board exams being held twice a year, Extramarks’ Smart Class Plus offers the tools and resources students need to stay on top. It provides NEP-aligned content and real-time updates, helping students prepare effectively for exams and achieve better results.

Closing Thoughts

The introduction of twice-yearly board exams under NEP 2020 could be a game-changer for students. By offering more opportunities to succeed and reducing exam-related stress, this policy aims to make education more flexible and supportive. While it’s optional, it provides students with a valuable chance to improve their scores and approach their studies with less pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are CBSE Board exams now held twice a year?

CBSE Board exams are held twice a year to reduce student stress, promote holistic development, and encourage practical learning.

2. Will the 10th board exam be removed under the new education policy?

No, Class 10 board exams are not being removed. However, students will have the option to take them twice a year starting in 2025-26.

3. What changes are happening to CBSE Board exams in 2024?

CBSE Board exams will be held twice a year, providing students with more opportunities to succeed and reducing exam-related stress.

4. What is the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023?

The NCF 2023 outlines the curriculum for students aged 3 to 18 across various educational institutions in India.

Last Updated on September 13, 2024