Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that students will not be required to appear for class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year, and this option is being introduced to alleviate the stress caused by the fear of a single opportunity. Pradhan emphasized the need for a serious discussion on the issue of 'dummy schools.'
Under the new plan, students will have the choice to take the (class 10 and 12 board) exams twice a year, similar to the engineering entrance exam JEE. However, this will be entirely optional, with no compulsion. Pradhan explained that this option is aimed at reducing the stress that students often experience, fearing they may have missed an opportunity or could have performed better. If a student feels adequately prepared and satisfied with their first set of exam scores, they can choose not to appear for the next exams; nothing will be mandatory.
The Ministry of Education's New Curriculum Framework (NCF), announced in August, includes the provision for board examinations to be held twice a year. This change is intended to provide students with more time and opportunities to perform well and retain their best score. Pradhan reported receiving positive feedback from students regarding the plan to conduct board exams twice a year, and efforts are being made to implement this from 2024.
Regarding the concerning issue of student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, Pradhan expressed that it is a sensitive matter, and every effort should be made to prevent such tragedies. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility to ensure students are free from stress. Kota sees over two lakh students migrating annually to prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
Pradhan also addressed the issue of 'dummy schools,' emphasizing the need for serious discussions and deliberations on the subject. The central government is working towards a system where students do not require coaching, and measures are being taken to address the concerns related to 'dummy schools.'
The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) has not convened for the last three years, but Pradhan revealed that it is being reconstituted to adapt to the demands of the evolving education system, especially with the new National Education Policy (NEP) in place.
Furthermore, Pradhan mentioned that two IITs, Delhi and Madras, are in the process of establishing offshore campuses, and discussions are ongoing with several other countries interested in such collaborations. Guidelines for foreign universities to set up campuses in India are also under deliberation and will be notified soon.
Regarding the decision of states like Karnataka and West Bengal not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), Pradhan noted that their objections are primarily political rather than academic. He pointed out that West Bengal's alternative document is nearly identical to the NEP, with a 99 percent similarity.
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