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Time of India
12 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
CBSE's 2-exam plan ‘rooted in compassion': Principals
Mumbai: From 2026, CBSE class 10 students will sit not for one board exam, but two sets of board exams, if they choose to. The first, in February, will cover all subjects and will be compulsory. The second, in May, will offer students the option to reappear for up to three papers to improve their scores. For many, it's a quiet revolution. A policy rooted in empathy, said school heads, and one that allows students to breathe—perhaps for the first time in board season. "This is a policy that gives students dignity and space," says Avnita Bir, director-principal of RN Podar School. "It reduces the stress of a make-or-break exam and offers flexibility of a second chance. But let's not ignore logistical hurdles—it will be challenging to conduct and evaluate two exams back-to-back..." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Overall, the move has found support among educators. Educationist Francis Joseph calls it a "well-being" move. "This kind of flexibility was needed yesterday. We must allow our children to experience assessment with less fear and more fairness. I hope state and national boards take note. But I urge parents, especially, to avoid turning both attempts into battlegrounds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Let this be a cushion, not a crucible." Anjali Bowen, principal of Ryan International School, Kandivli, said: "This change acknowledges what we've always known — that stress erodes learning. By allowing students to retake exams, CBSE is not diluting the rigour—it's deepening the compassion. It gives students more than one moment to shine." As educators, she added, "we were aware of this potential shift, and now that it's officially being implemented, our school and teachers are actively working on integrating this new structure into our academic planning. .." But on ground, teachers already anticipate the ripple effects. A Powai-based teacher said, "We are yet to understand how students will navigate the academic calendar between the two phases. We're waiting for the standard operating procedures to see how feasible it really is." Others said the model isn't entirely new. "It's like old wine in a new bottle," said a principal. "Earlier, students who failed could reappear a few months later. Now, the language has changed—we've taken away the word 'compartment', which carried shame, and replaced it with choice. That matters."
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Unsafe' school vans are back, no action from RTO, say bus owners
Mumbai: As schools reopened this week, 'unsafe' school vans are back across the city, members of the School Bus Owners' Association said on Wednesday. Its president, Anil Garg, informed the media that the small vans do not follow school bus safety rules, have no woman attendants, and carry more children than permissible. Alleging inaction by RTO regarding 'unsafe' school transport vehicles, the association said it will petition the govt in this connection. The number of illegal vehicles operating without valid permits has risen significantly. Unlike bus contractors who operate under school oversight and accept responsibility, the situation with vans lacks clarity, he said. The association has already moved Bombay high court on the issue of 'illegal vans'. According to school bus operators, the number of vans and private vehicles ferrying school children has increased by 2.5 times the number of legitimate school buses currently operating in Mumbai. Association members said that in some photos already taken, they discovered several vans operating with expired PUC, fitness certificates, no permit, and lacking vehicle insurance. For many school leaders, the familiar sight of small vans weaving through narrow gullies is less a compromise and more a necessity in some cases. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 마지막으로 2025년 최고의 좀비 게임을 무료로 즐기세요 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo "They serve a purpose," said Francis Joseph, executive director (India) of GEMS Education, "especially when schools are tucked deep inside neighbourhoods where full-sized buses simply can't go." Parents, too, aren't just making economic choices when they pick these smaller vehicles. "They like that these vans drop their children right at the doorstep," Joseph said. "There are fewer kids, the routes are shorter, and the ride is quicker." But even in their convenience, these vans must not be above the rules. "Safety norms and regulations are non-negotiable," he added. Parents say a flat bus fee pinches those who live close by. "We too want our children to travel by school bus, but it is prohibitively expensive," said Natasha Parikh. "It is sad that some parents pool 5/6 kids into one rickshaw, some are cramped in vans... parents know these options are not the best, but what other option do they have?"
