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CBSE's two-exam policy: Schools say it's logistically impractical
Noida: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a twice-board exams policy from 2026, but most schools in Noida don't see it as a wise move. Principals noted that the two-exam policy will pose a challenge to the academic calendar.
The main or first examinations will begin from mid-Feb while the second examination will be held in May. So, teachers will be engaged in evaluations and invigilation from Feb-June, leaving limited time for regular academics, according to principals.
"The introduction of two board exams warrants a very honest scrutiny. While the NEP mandates implementing two board exams, starting with Class 10, it poses significant challenges.
A recent poll among Delhi and NCR schools revealed unanimous opposition to this proposal. Logistically, it will be daunting for CBSE and all schools to manage, requiring reassessment of academic calendars and feasible solutions. From February to June, teachers will be heavily engaged in evaluations and invigilation, leaving limited time for regular academics.
This might compromise the curriculum and desired learning standards for other classes," said Asha Prabhakar, principal at Bal Bharti School in the city.
Some principals have said that the move can be beneficial from the students' perspective, but schools will need to put extra effort to complete the syllabus on time.
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"Board exams being one of the crucial milestones for students, a second chance would give them relief to score better. However, for such a system, schools need to complete their academic syllabus by Dec so students get enough time to revise before Feb," said Supriti Chauhan, principal at DPS GB Nagar.
Principals also noted that, with such a system, the number of working days will also be reduced. "I humbly suggest that CBSE reconsiders this proposal, prioritising students' learning standards and a balanced assessment policy. Considering limited number of working days (210), actual instructional days are likely to be reduced to around 180-185 or maybe less," Prabhakar said.
Anju Soni, principal of Shiv Nadar School in the city, said that preparing students for two exams poses logistical challenges for schools.
"Despite this, the policy can offer significant benefits to the students—it may reduce exam stress, promote deeper learning, and offer them a second chance without losing a year. While issues like higher exam fees and increased workload remain, the policy aligns with NEP 2020 and is expected to benefit students in the long run," Soni said.
Meanwhile, principals noted that there still remains confusion regarding the implementation of the policy.
The draft policy released in February stated, "After submission of the list of candidates (LOC), no subject will be changed. If any student wishes to change the subject after submission of LOC, this will only be allowed in the 2nd examination. Such students can opt not to appear in that subject during the 1st examination. If they appear in the 1st examination, they will not be permitted to change the subject in the 2nd examination.
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The final approved release by the CBSE resonates with the same. It read, "Filling the LOC and appearing in the Main/first examination will be compulsory. LOC for the 2nd examinations will be filled in separately. However, no new names will be added to the LOC of the 2nd examination. Subject change will not be allowed from the first examination to the second examination except as permitted as per policy."
Teachers also raised the question that if the LOC is required to be sent prior to the first exam, then it does not seem beneficial, as many students would not know about their performance beforehand and will have to opt for all the subjects.
"Though the policy seems beneficial for students, the timeline for application/declaration by students for the second set of exams is still not clear," said Uttra Singh, principal at SRM School, Noida.
