The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a two-level system for science and social science in classes IX and X, starting the 2026-27 academic session. This initiative mirrors the existing dual-level approach in Mathematics, offering students a choice between ‘standard’ and ‘basic’ levels. It aims to reduce academic pressure and cater to diverse learning abilities, but experts have raised concerns about potential challenges in its implementation.
Aligning with the NEP 2020
The dual-level system aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes curricular flexibility and inclusive learning. This initiative is designed to:
- Make academic subjects more accessible to students with varying interests and capabilities.
- Equip students aiming for competitive exams, such as JEE, with advanced-level content.
- Offer foundational knowledge to students pursuing non-technical career paths.
Pavanesh Kumar, former Controller of Examinations, CBSE, explained:
“This approach is particularly relevant for social science, as it makes the subject more inclusive for international students who may not require in-depth knowledge of Indian history.”
Lessons from Mathematics
CBSE introduced a dual-level system for Mathematics in the 2019-20 academic session. Since then, the same syllabus is taught at both levels, but the examination questions differ in difficulty. In 2023-24, approximately 15 lakh students opted for standard Mathematics, while 7 lakh students chose the basic level.
The results of the Mathematics initiative show reduced failure rates and increased student confidence, particularly among those who found the subject challenging.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite its benefits, the introduction of the two-tier system in science and social science faces significant hurdles:
- Lack of Separate NCERT Textbooks:
As with basic Mathematics, there are no separate books for the basic levels, which creates confusion for teachers and students alike.Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, New Delhi, stressed the need for timely textbook development:
“Separate materials are essential for effective implementation, as the system involves major administrative and logistical challenges.” - Inadequate Training for Teachers:
Teachers need to be trained to handle two levels of complexity in the same classroom. - Infrastructure Deficiencies:
Especially in rural areas, limited classrooms and resources could hinder effective implementation. - Concerns Over Early Specialization:
Some educators worry that introducing differentiated levels at this stage might force students to narrow their academic focus prematurely.
Advantages of the Two-Tier System
While challenges exist, the dual-level system has clear advantages:
- Inclusivity: Standard levels prepare students for technical careers, while basic levels focus on foundational knowledge, catering to diverse academic goals.
- Reduced Stress: Students can select a level that matches their abilities, easing pressure and boosting confidence.
- Adapted Assessments: For example, science at the standard level will emphasize experimental concepts, while the basic level will focus on practical applications.
Acharya added:
“The two levels allow for tailored learning experiences, encouraging critical thinking at the standard level while simplifying concepts for the basic level.”
Future Steps
CBSE plans to finalize the implementation strategy after consultations with stakeholders. A proper framework will determine whether to introduce separate textbooks or maintain the same curriculum with differentiated assessments.
New NCERT materials for science and social science aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 are also expected by 2025-26, paving the way for a smoother rollout of the initiative.
