The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently implemented a new set of norms for the students appearing for the Class 10 and the Class 12 board examination. The changes are made with an intention to strengthen academic structure, ensure better attendance and enhance the quality of education. Whether you are a student, a parent or a teacher, there must be a clear understanding of these new reforms, for needless last-minute surprises.

Two-Year Continuous Study Period

The major change that has been announced is that for filling an examination form for appearing in the board examinations, a student shall have to complete two continuous years of study. This means that:

• A student who appears for the Class 10 board exam needs to study Class 9 and 10 continuously in a recognized school.
• Similarly, if a student wishes to appear for the Class 12 board exam he or she needs to study Class 11 and 12 continuously.

This provision assures that a student is ensured sufficient time to develop a stronger foundation before embarking on a board level assessment.

Minimum Attendance Requirement

CBSE has set the minimum attendance criteria of 75%. Only students who fulfill this minimum attendance criteria in Class 10 and Class 12 shall be eligible to appear for the board examination. This move seeks to strengthen regular classroom learning and reduce absenteeism which affects an individual’s academic performance.

Internal Assessment Over Two Years

An equally important policy is that of internal assessment over a continuous two-year period. Schools shall assess students’ performance over these two years such that this shall form part of their board results. If students do not sit for internal assessments, they shall not get their board exam results even if they take the final board exam. Hence, continuous effort is rewarded.

Additional Subjects Policy

Some revision has also been done by CBSE in its policy concerning additional subjects:

• Two additional subjects can be opted by Class 10 students.
• Class 12 students have to take one additional subject compulsorily.

This policy is to offer students more freedom and opportunities to explore different academic fields and nurture their multi-disciplinary skills.

Restrictions on Subject Changes

Candidates shall not pursue any subjects which are not of the specified nature without first obtaining permission from the CBSE. Such candidates shall be disallowed from appearing in the Board examination(s). This is to ensure uniformity and discipline in the syllabus being pursued by the CBSE-affiliated schools.

Private Candidate Rules

Private candidates will be allowed to reappear in the Board examination if they have failed (got a compartment) or if they must repeat an important subject. Other violation cases shall not be allowed to appear as a private candidate for other subjects.

Conclusion

By implementing these new regulations, CBSE hopes that discipline, attendance and academic consistency would be instilled in its students. Therefore, students and parents must be acquainted with all of these rules to adhere to them and pave a smoother way for board examinations.