The Council of CBSE Schools Kerala (CCSK) has raised concerns over the proposed two-board exam policy for Class X students, scheduled to begin from the 2025–26 academic year. In a letter to the Union Minister of Education, CCSK highlighted potential issues with the policy and suggested an alternative two-semester system instead.
Concerns Raised by CCSK
CCSK conducted an extensive survey among its 1,500 member schools that cater to over 28 lakh students. The survey revealed significant concerns about the impact of the two-board exam system on students, teachers, and the academic structure.
1. Increased Stress on Students
According to CCSK, the two-board exam policy will place students in a continuous state of exam preparation from January to May, increasing stress and contradicting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP aims to reduce examination pressure, but the proposed schedule would have the opposite effect.
“The requirement to apply for both exams in advance compels students to make uninformed decisions regarding their performance,” said Indira Rajan, secretary-general of the National Council of CBSE Schools (NCCS). She noted that students would not have the flexibility to opt for the second exam after receiving their first results, which goes against NEP 2020’s goal of offering more flexibility in the examination process.
2. Violation of Kerala High Court Directive
The Kerala High Court has explicitly prohibited conducting vacation classes after 10:30 am during the summer months of April and May due to extreme heat. Conducting board exams during this period would contradict this order and could pose health risks to students.
3. Increased Workload for Teachers
The two-board system would increase teachers’ workload significantly, as they would need to manage invigilation, evaluation, and administrative duties from March to May. This would leave little time for recuperation and preparation for the next academic session.
Additionally, teachers would face difficulty supporting students for improvement exams while managing board-related responsibilities.
4. Operational and Academic Disruption
Kerala’s academic calendar follows a March examination schedule with schools reopening in June. The proposed schedule would disrupt this system, forcing schools to divert resources toward examination duties instead of focusing on academic planning and student support.
CCSK noted that 89% of surveyed schools expressed concern over the logistical challenge of accommodating two exams without compromising the quality of regular education.
Proposed Alternative: Two-Semester System
CCSK has suggested implementing a two-semester system aligned with NEP 2020’s recommendations:
| Semester | Duration | Study Leave | Exam Period | Result Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | June 1 – September 30 | October 1–15 | October 16–31 | December |
| Second Semester | November 1 – February 28 | March 1–15 | March 16–31 | May 2 |
This approach would provide a more balanced academic structure, allowing students to focus on coursework without prolonged examination pressure.
Conclusion
CCSK’s letter underscores the potential challenges of the two-board exam policy for Class X students in Kerala. It highlights increased student stress, disruption of the academic calendar, and logistical difficulties for schools. The suggested two-semester system offers a practical alternative that aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on reducing examination stress and providing students with greater flexibility.
