The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India is set to implement significant changes for the ongoing academic session (2023-24) and is contemplating additional alterations for the next academic year (2024-25). With the CBSE exams for Classes 10 and 12 scheduled to commence from February 15 onwards, several modifications have been introduced, ranging from the marking scheme to result announcements.
One notable change pertains to the Class 12 Accountancy paper, where the CBSE has opted to discontinue the use of answer books featuring tables. This decision, communicated through an official notification in October, signifies a shift towards providing normal lines answer books for Accountancy from the 2024 board examinations onwards.
Another noteworthy adjustment is the renaming of compartment exams to supplementary exams. Typically conducted in July for students who have not cleared one or more subjects, these exams will now fall under the category of supplementary exams based on recommendations from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The CBSE has also demonstrated flexibility by introducing special exams for students engaged in national or international sports events or Olympiads. Recognized sports competitions by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), as well as Olympiads recognized by the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE), qualify for these special exams. To apply, schools need to submit applications to the regional office by December 31, accompanied by recommendations from the respective sporting organizations.
However, students availing themselves of special exams for sports or Olympiads will not have the privilege of additional opportunities for compartment and practical exams. The exam schedule for these special exams has not been disclosed yet.
Amid these changes, the Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, had announced the prospect of conducting CBSE exams twice a year. This proposal includes allowing students to retain their best scores from both attempts. However, as of now, no official statement from the government has confirmed this decision.
Additional alterations include the mandatory study of two languages by Class 11 and 12 students, with at least one language being Indian. Moreover, the choices of subjects for students will no longer be restricted to streams, granting them increased flexibility in their academic pursuits.
While some of these changes have been officially communicated by the CBSE, others are still under consideration, and no official announcements have been made regarding their implementation. As the academic landscape undergoes these transformations, it remains crucial for students, parents, and educators to stay informed about the evolving examination procedures and curriculum adjustments.
