CBSE Board Exams: Changes introduced for this session, next academic year

CBSE will conduct exams for Classes 10 and 12 from February 15 onwards. The board has introduced multiple changes — be it the marking scheme or the announcement of results. The Education Minister has earlier announced two board exams, however, there are no official updates on whether this will be implemented for the next academic session, that is, 2024-25 or later. Many social media influencers and portals have mixed these announcements, thereby confusing the parents.

We will explain what are the changes introduced for this session (2023-24) and the next academic session (2024-25).

CBSE new rules applicable from the 2023-24 session onwards
Some of the changes have been released by the CBSE and will be applicable from this session onwards. Here is a complete list in detail.

CBSE Class 12 Accountancy paper
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to discontinue the use of answer books wherein tables were provided on the subject of Class 12 Accountancy paper. This announcement was made by the CBSE in October in a letter addressed to principals of all schools affiliated with CBSE.

“It is informed that from Board Examination, 2024 CBSE based on feedback received from stakeholders has decided to do away with the Answer Books wherein tables were provided in the subject of Accountancy. From Examinations-2024, normal lines Answer Books as provided in other subjects in Class 12 will be provided in Accountancy subject also,” the official notification stated.

Every year, CBSE conducts special exams for those who have flunked in a subject or more. These tests were called compartment exams, however, last year, the board announced that these exams will now be called supplementary exams. These exams are conducted usually in July and the results are released by August. This change is based on recommendations made in the NEP 2020.

Special exams for students participating in international events
After receiving multiple requests, CBSE has decided that for students who are participating in national or international sports events or international olympiads and might not appear for their CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exams (February-April), the board will conduct special exams later.

ADVERTISEMENTThis decision is taken to promote sports and other educational competitions among the youth. However, the sports must be recognized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) and the Olympiad recognized by the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE).
The concerned schools will have to send applications to the regional office with the recommendation of the Sports Authority of India and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education respectively by December 31. A certificate of participation will have to be issued by the nodal officers of the concerned organizations.

Also, these students will not get any special board examination opportunities for the compartment and practical exams.

The exam schedule has not been announced yet. Indianexpress.com will keep you posted once the dates are released.

CBSE exams twice a year? Formal announcement awaited
The Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had announced that the board exams will be conducted twice a year and students will be allowed to retain the best score. However, a statement in this regard is awaited from the ministry. No final decision has been made yet by the government so far.

Additionally, Class 11 and 12 students will have to study two languages from now on and at least one language must be an Indian language choices of subjects will not be restricted to streams, students will get flexibility to choose.

There are more changes proposed by the CBSE for the addition of languages etc, however, no official announcement has been made. In case, you wish to read those changes