The CBSE is facing a significant challenge in implementing the new National Curriculum Framework’s (NCF) recommendation of two rounds of board exams for Classes 10 and 12. The board is exploring various options, including a semester system with biannual exams, conducting the exams in January-February and March-April, or having the second set of exams in June.
While the semester system appears less feasible due to the academic calendar and geographical challenges, the board is considering other options. Conducting exams before February faces difficulties due to winter weather conditions in some states. Holding the second set of exams in June alongside supplementary exams is another possibility, but none of these options are finalized.
The board has highlighted the complexity of conducting the current board exams, which requires over 150 steps and 310 days. Replicating this process for a second round presents a logistical challenge.
The ministry’s initial plan to introduce biannual exams from the 2024-25 academic session has been pushed back by a year.
The new NCF, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, proposed a semester system and the option for students to take board exams twice a year. While the Union Education Minister has clarified that appearing for exams twice will be optional, the CBSE is still in the process of finalizing the details and evaluating the feasibility of implementing this new system.
