CBSE to usher in a new era: Twice-a-year board exams from 2024-25 session!

Get ready, students! The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to revolutionize the board exam landscape by introducing twice-a-year exams starting from the 2024-25 academic session. This landmark decision marks a significant shift from the traditional single-exam format and promises to bring about positive changes for students, teachers, and the education system as a whole.

Here’s what you need to know about the new CBSE board exam format:

• Two exam sessions: Students will have the opportunity to take the board exams twice a year – once in November-December 2024 and again in February-March 2025 for the first batch. This flexibility provides students with a chance to improve their scores if they don’t perform as well in the first attempt.
• Best-of-two scores: The final result and merit list will be based on the better of the two scores obtained by the student in each subject. This reduces pressure and anxiety associated with a single high-stakes exam.
• Optional, not mandatory: While the twice-a-year format offers new opportunities, it’s important to note that it’s not mandatory. Students can still choose to appear for the exams once a year, as per the traditional format.

Potential benefits of the new system:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: With the pressure of a single, high-stakes exam lessened, students can approach their studies with a more relaxed and focused mindset.
• Improved performance: Having two opportunities to take the exams allows students to learn from their mistakes and potentially improve their scores in the second attempt.
• Better assessment: The twice-a-year format provides a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning throughout the academic year, not just at the end.
• Flexibility and choice: Students are empowered to choose the exam schedule that best suits their learning style and pace.

Challenges and concerns:

• Increased workload for teachers and schools: Adapting to the new format may require adjustments to curriculum planning, teaching methods, and assessment practices.
• Logistical challenges: Conducting two sets of exams within a shorter timeframe may pose logistical challenges for the CBSE board.
• Potential for score inflation: Some experts raise concerns about the possibility of score inflation with two attempts available.

Overall, the introduction of twice-a-year board exams by CBSE is a bold and progressive step that has the potential to significantly improve the student learning experience. While challenges exist, the potential benefits for students, teachers, and the education system as a whole are undeniable. This is a significant shift in the educational landscape, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming years.