The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken significant steps to ease the academic burden on students. Starting with the 2025 academic session, the syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 will be reduced by 15 percent. In addition, the internal assessment component will hold a more substantial weight, comprising 40 percent of the overall grade.
Key Announcements at the ‘Bridging the Gap’ Summit
These updates were revealed by Vikas Kumar Agrawal, CBSE’s Regional Officer for Bhopal, during the ‘Bridging the Gap’ Principals’ Summit at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore. The event was reported by The Times of India and brought attention to CBSE’s commitment to creating a more balanced and supportive examination system.
Increased Focus on Internal Assessments
Under the revised structure, internal assessments will significantly influence a student’s final performance, marking a departure from the traditional heavy reliance on written exams. Now, 40 percent of the final grade will be derived from these assessments, with the remaining 60 percent based on conventional written exams. This new method aims to foster a holistic evaluation process that offers students multiple ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Introduction of Open-Book Exams
In another progressive change, CBSE will introduce open-book exams for select subjects, including English Literature and Social Science. This format allows students to use their textbooks during exams, pushing them to move beyond memorisation and engage in critical thinking. These assessments will evaluate students’ abilities to apply, analyse, and interpret information, promoting deeper engagement with the material.
Emphasis on Practical Learning
Aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the CBSE is shifting its exam pattern towards practical knowledge and skill-based learning. By the 2025 board exams, 50 percent of the questions will be designed to assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. This change supports the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving away from rote learning.
Future Examination Structure
For the 2024-25 academic session, the single-term examination system will continue for Classes 10 and 12. However, starting from the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE plans to reinstate a two-term exam structure. This approach involves conducting board exams twice a year, offering students additional opportunities to demonstrate their progress over the academic year. The move aligns with CBSE’s goal of implementing a more consistent and adaptive evaluation system.
Conclusion
These changes reflect CBSE’s ongoing efforts to reduce academic pressure and promote practical learning in line with NEP 2020 guidelines. By integrating a 15 percent syllabus reduction, a greater focus on internal assessments, and introducing open-book exams, CBSE aims to create a more student-friendly and comprehensive evaluation process. The planned two-term examination structure set for 2026 further indicates CBSE’s commitment to continuous assessment and holistic learning.
