CBSE Board Exams NOT To Be Held Bi-Annually? Board Releases Important Statement

• CBSE refutes claims of informing the education ministry about the unfeasibility of bi-annual board exams.
• The board clarifies that recent media reports are incorrect and lack any basis in official communications.
• The education ministry plans to implement bi-annual exams starting from the 2025-26 academic session.

Did CBSE Really Say Bi-Annual Board Exams Are Unfeasible?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has firmly denied reports suggesting that it informed the education ministry about the unfeasibility of conducting board exams twice a year under the current academic schedule. The board labeled the information as “totally incorrect” and clarified that it has no foundation in any communications between the board and the ministry.

A recent article by Hindustan Times, along with similar reports from other media outlets, implied that CBSE officials had highlighted logistical challenges in conducting bi-annual exams for Classes 10 and 12 during a National Curriculum Framework (NCF) program. According to the reports, CBSE had outlined that more than 300 days are needed for preparing the exams, with an additional 55 days required for conducting them, making it impractical to hold exams twice a year.

What Is CBSE’s Official Stance?

CBSE, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), discredited these claims, stating: “The implication that these views represent CBSE’s stance on the matter is denied. It is entirely incorrect and has no foundation in any communication between the Ministry and CBSE.” The board further explained that conducting board exams in two shifts is impractical under the present system and policies, especially considering the global spread of CBSE schools.

What Are the Education Ministry’s Plans?

Earlier in April, the education ministry tasked CBSE with developing logistics for holding board exams twice a year starting from the 2025-26 academic session. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that this format would begin in the 2024-25 academic year, as outlined in the National Curriculum Framework. The framework aims to provide students with more opportunities to perform well and select their best scores by having board exams held biannually.

As the CBSE clarifies its position, the education ministry remains committed to implementing the bi-annual exam format, ensuring that students are given ample opportunity to excel in their academic pursuits.