Board Exams Twice A Year: Why This Can Be Beneficial For CBSE Students

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has just dropped a bombshell: starting from 2024, students in CBSE class 10 and 12 will face not one, but two board exams each year. This is a big shake-up from the old system where you only had to sweat through one big exam at the end of the year.

Two months ago, a proposal to scrap board exams was made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In the hopes of this idea being reviewed, students were perhaps the most joyful, and anticipated an outcome inclined to the best of their interests. And while everyone was just in time to celebrate the possibility of cancelled boards, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that class 10 and 12 students would now be appearing for board exams twice a year. This drafted framework by MoE has left the internet and the students in an academic dilemma, leaving us all with a big question mark as to why. 

So Why The Change? 

Well, it’s all about following the National Education Policy (NEP) from 2020. The NEP wants to cut students some slack and give them more chances to shine. We all know how board exams can bring a chill down your spine, especially if you’re the one answering it. And to appear for board exams twice, this sure can be mind bending. But the CBSE board along with MoE clarifies that this new step is bound to reap benefits from a student’s standpoint. Although the thought of answering board exams twice in a single year can be daunting, students have the choice of choosing their best-of-two score to move ahead. This means they are two separate exams and are not term-wise, so the student has the opportunity to perform better if he/she thinks they can give it another try in retaining the best score. Moreover, as per the updated curriculum framework, the choice of subjects for class 11 and 12 students will not be restricted to streams like arts, science, and commerce so this can give them the flexibility to choose.

This flexibility of choice might crawl on one’s eyebrows, but this new change is meant to ease the pressure which the students face as a result of the board exam stress. The decision, which is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), is only meant for students under CBSE, while state board exam decisions shall come from the respective state. 

The MoE asserts that this shift in the board exam pattern will serve to better prepare students, alleviate the stress typically associated with single high-stakes exams, and foster an environment conducive to improved academic achievement.

Shift In Language Choices

In addition to the revision of the board exam pattern, the MoE has also introduced changes to language requirements for class 9 students. In accordance with the NEP 2020, class 9 and 10 students will now be mandated to study three languages, of which two must be Indian languages. This represents a shift from the previous system where students were only obligated to study two languages. Class 12 students have the option of 1 Indian language.

The MoE asserts that this shift in language learning policy will not only deepen students’ appreciation of Indian languages and cultures but will also enhance their competitiveness in the global job market. 

Now, the adjusted board exam pattern is anticipated to alleviate the academic pressure on students, allowing them more chances to excel. Simultaneously, the revised language learning policy seeks to instil a richer understanding of Indian languages and cultures, thereby preparing students to compete more effectively on the global stage. In simple terms, the MoE in accordance with NEP 2020 wishes to improve the overall quality of education in India, one leap of faith at a time. These changes signify a positive stride towards rendering the Indian education system more student-centred and adaptable to the challenges of the future.

How Mentoria Can Help

While a section of students, educators, and parents may have accepted this change, the remaining mass is still in anticipation of the guidelines to be drafted and shared across soon, since there is still some clarity needed on its execution of this new curriculum. If you’re one among them and still need more clarity on the subject, get in touch with Mentoria’s A-grade counsellors who are well equipped to provide you with the insight you need, be it a parent who is concerned for their child’s future, or a student who is stressed out about these changes. 

Besides, who doesn’t like planning ahead? Try our assessment which is absolutely free, and book a session with one of our counsellors to help you decide the career that best fits not just your dream, but also your talent! Kick-start your career discovery journey with Mentoria & be sure to find the right career fit for you. Our 4-step career guidance solution, helps us find the right career fit for you from 3 streams, 850+ courses & 12,000+ careers.

Don’t wait, let’s talk!