CBSE Introduces Biannual Board Exams from 2024-25 Academic Year

New Delhi: In a major reform aimed at reducing the examination stress on students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the introduction of biannual board exams starting from the academic year 2024-25. The new system will apply to students in both Class X and Class XII.

Under this innovative approach, students will have the opportunity to appear for board exams twice a year, with the first set scheduled for November-December 2024 and the second set in February-March 2025. This initiative allows candidates who feel adequately prepared and content with their performance in the first set to opt-out of the second set, offering flexibility and reducing unnecessary stress.

The decision comes in response to concerns about the anxiety and pressure faced by students, providing them with a chance for a more comprehensive evaluation. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in an interview in 2023, emphasized that the biannual exam format aligns with the government’s commitment to student-centric reforms and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“If any student feels their preparations are complete and fully satisfied with the score in one set of exams, he/she can choose not to appear for the next exams. Nothing will be made mandatory,” stated Minister Pradhan during the announcement of the new examination system.

The best scores from the two exam sets will be considered for calculating the final result and merit list, fostering a more holistic evaluation process. The move is part of the broader changes outlined in the new national curriculum framework (NCF) prepared by the national steering committee, led by former Isro chairman K Kasturirangan, in accordance with the NEP 2020.

The CBSE’s initiative is poised to bring about a positive shift in the education system, promoting flexibility, reduced stress, and an overall enhanced learning experience for students.