Transforming CBSE Board Examinations in India – NEP 2020

The Government of India has introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, bringing significant changes to the country’s education system. One of the key aspects of this policy is the reform of Board examinations, aiming to eliminate the dependency on coaching classes and promote holistic development among students. CBSE has released a Draft Policy on implementation of two board exams in class 1oth.

Key Changes in CBSE Board Examinations under NEP 2020

Making Board Exams More Student-Centric

The NEP 2020 proposes crucial reforms to make Board exams more student-friendly. Instead of encouraging rote memorization, the new system will focus on testing core competencies and essential skills. So, you will get easier questions in your board exams from next year. Especially in class 10 board exams, you can follow myCBSEguide for a better understanding of the exam pattern.

Key changes include:

• CBSE Board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will continue but with a reformed structure.
• Students can choose the subjects they take Board exams in, based on their interests.
• Exams will be designed to be ‘easier’ in terms of reducing the reliance on coaching and excessive memorization.
• The focus will shift towards assessing core capacities rather than months of preparation.

Reducing the High-Stakes Nature of Board Exams

To relieve students from the immense pressure of Board exams, NEP 2020 introduces the following measures:

• Students will be allowed to take Board exams twice a year—one main examination and an improvement attempt, if needed.
• The idea is to ensure that every student who attends school regularly and puts in basic effort can pass and perform well.

Future Models for Board Examinations

The policy outlines several possibilities to reduce exam-related stress and improve the overall assessment system:

Semester-Based and Modular Examinations

A system of annual, semester, or modular Board exams could be introduced. This means:

• Each exam will cover a smaller portion of the syllabus, making it easier for students to prepare.
• Exams will be conducted immediately after completing the corresponding course in school.
• Pressure from exams will be more evenly distributed across the secondary stage.

Dual-Level Assessments for Subjects

To further cater to students’ varied learning abilities:

• Subjects like mathematics could be offered at two levels: standard and higher.
• Students can opt for the level that best suits their aptitude and career aspirations.

Objective and Descriptive Exam Formats

CBSE Board exam question papers could have two components:

• An objective section with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• A descriptive section to evaluate conceptual understanding and analytical skills.

Implementation by CBSE

To align with NEP 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has initiated steps to implement these recommendations:

1. A draft scheme for conducting two Board examinations for Class X has been developed.
2. This scheme is proposed to be implemented starting from the 2026 Class X examinations.

Conclusion

The NEP 2020 aims to revolutionize the Indian education system by making Board exams more flexible, less stressful, and more competency-based. With CBSE taking the first steps towards implementation, these changes will provide students with a more balanced and effective learning experience. The reforms will help shape an education system that nurtures critical thinking and holistic development rather than rote learning. You can always use myCBSEguide for better insight on this policy.