Major CBSE Announcements for Schools in 2024
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant updates for schools, aimed at improving exam integrity, student preparedness, and overall educational infrastructure. These changes, which include modifications to board exams, security enhancements, and regional office expansions, are set to impact schools in India and abroad.
Changes to CBSE Board Exams
Competency-Based Questions for Class 10 and 12
CBSE has revamped the question paper format for the 2025 Class 10 and 12 board exams, introducing more competency-based questions. These questions focus on practical application, requiring students to solve problems using real-world scenarios. This change aligns with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP), emphasizing critical thinking over rote memorization.
CBSE Board Exam Schedule 2025
- Class 10 Exams: February 15 to March 18, 2025
- Class 12 Exams: February 15 to April 4, 2025
The exams will be conducted in India and across 26 other countries, with over 44 lakh students expected to participate.
Attendance Norms for Board Exam Eligibility
CBSE has made 75% attendance mandatory for students appearing in the 2025 board exams. Exceptions of up to 25% are granted for valid reasons, including medical conditions or participation in sports events, provided appropriate documents are submitted.
Students failing to meet the minimum attendance requirement will not be allowed to sit for the exams.
Enhanced Security Measures for Exams
To curb impersonation and ensure fair practices, CBSE plans to implement biometric authentication during and after exams. The initiative includes:
- Digital fingerprinting and photography of candidates.
- Face matching using scanned photographs.
The system will cover all 1,200-1,300 examination centres and is expected to cost ₹20 crore. A specialized agency will manage candidate verification, ensuring secure and transparent processes.
Mandatory CCTV Installation in Exam Halls
All CBSE exam centres will now require CCTV cameras for enhanced security. Schools must comply with detailed camera placement guidelines to monitor exams effectively. This step aims to prevent malpractices and create a secure environment for students.
New Regional Offices for CBSE
Sub-Regional Office in Agartala
CBSE will establish a sub-regional office in Agartala, Tripura, to improve education management and address concerns about poor exam performance in state-run schools. The new office is expected to boost infrastructure and facilitate better communication with schools in the region.
Regional Office in Dubai
CBSE has opened its first Regional Office (RO) and Centre of Excellence (CoE) outside India, in Dubai. This office aims to enhance the quality of Indian education for schools in the UAE and surrounding regions.
Addressing State-Run Schools’ Challenges
In Tripura, the performance of CBSE-affiliated state schools has been a concern. Recently renamed as Vidyajyoti Schools, these institutions adopted CBSE’s English-medium curriculum but faced low pass rates in board exams.
- Class 10 Pass Rate: 61%
- Class 12 Pass Rate: 59%
To address these issues, the state government has allocated land for the new CBSE office, which will temporarily operate from a Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya facility.
NEP 2020 Alignment and Vision
CBSE’s recent changes reflect its alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By prioritizing competency-based learning, fair evaluation, and accessible education, CBSE aims to create a robust and equitable education system for students across India and abroad.
