Union Education Minister Announces Biannual Exams to Alleviate Student Stress

CBSE's Biannual Examination Initiative: A Major Shift in India's Education Landscape

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plans to introduce a significant shift in its examination system. Starting in 2026, it will conduct exams twice a year for Class 10 and 12 students. This innovative approach is designed to alleviate student stress, enhance learning outcomes, and provide multiple opportunities for students to improve their performance. The board will soon release a proposal seeking feedback from various stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to this potential transformation in India's educational landscape.

To implement this change, the board is working on the logistics of holding two exams annually. This includes restructuring the academic year to accommodate both exam sessions without disrupting undergraduate admissions. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to implement the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to overhaul India's education system by reducing student stress and offering more opportunities for academic success. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the new system will allow students to sit for the Class 10 and 12 board examinations twice a year, starting from the academic year 2025-2026. On February 18, the Minister held detailed discussions with the Secretary of School Education, the CBSE Chairperson, and other officials from the Ministry and CBSE to finalize the plan.

Currently, Class 10 and 12 students take their exams in February and March, with results announced in May. If students are dissatisfied with their performance, they can improve in one subject through supplementary exams held in July. Students who did not pass their exams can also take these supplementary exams. The National Education Policy 2020 aims to move away from high-pressure exams and provide students with more opportunities to succeed. To implement this, the Education Ministry has requested the CBSE to develop a plan for conducting biannual board exams starting in 2026. This change will allow students to take their exams twice a year, fostering a more supportive and flexible educational environment.

Editor's Note:

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is taking a significant step forward by proposing a biannual examination system for Class 10 and 12 students starting in 2026. This move will reduce the overwhelming stress associated with single annual exams and provide students with more opportunities to excel academically. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which seeks to transform the Indian education system into one that fosters continuous learning and growth. This proposal also highlights the CBSE's commitment to modernizing the examination system to better serve students' needs. This shift is expected to enhance learning outcomes and equip students with the resilience and adaptability needed in today's dynamic world.

As the board seeks feedback from stakeholders Skoobuzz thinks that  it is crucial for educators, parents, and students to engage in this dialogue and support reforms that prioritize student well-being and academic success.