Revolutionising Education: Key Reforms for Over Three Million Indian Students

From Rote Learning to Critical Thinking: The Shift in Board Exams Begins

The 2025-26 academic session will bring notable changes to the educational system, as the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which administers the ICSE and ISC board exams has implemented reforms to align its academic framework with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These changes are expected to impact over three million students across India.

Given the profound influence of AI and robotics across various sectors, it's essential to introduce these subjects in Classes XI and XII. For younger students, key elements of AI and coding will be incorporated into the computer science curriculum, emphasizing a simplified and cohesive approach to teaching these technologies. Additionally, CISCE plans to launch a ‘holistic progress card’ to assess students' development in both academic and non-academic areas. This 360-degree evaluation system aims to provide a more comprehensive overview of students' achievements.

The structure of board examinations will also change during the 2025-26 academic session. Starting then, 25 percent of exam questions will be competency-based, with that percentage rising to 40 percent by 2026 and 50 percent by 2027. These questions will focus on evaluating students' core skills and critical thinking abilities rather than relying on rote memorization.

Digital assessments will be prominently used for classes III, V, and VIII to improve educational standards in the session 2025-26. These assessments will help identify students who need additional support or those who are excelling beyond their grade level. Furthermore, a school improvement plan will encourage high-performing schools to collaborate with state governments to elevate the quality of education in government institutions. Overall, these reforms aim to create a balanced, skills-based educational environment that better equips students to face real-world challenges.

Editor's Note:

The notable changes to the educational system for the 2025-26 academic session represent a significant step forward for the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). This new initiative aims to equip three million students with essential skills to meet the growing demands of the modern world. Given the importance of critical thinking and practical skills in education, it is entirely appropriate to incorporate AI and robotics into the curriculum. These reforms promise to enhance the overall quality of education and better prepare students for the challenges they will face in their future careers. 

Skoobuzz is optimistic that these significant changes by CISCE, in line with NEP 2020, will positively impact students and enhance the overall educational landscape.