In a significant move to reduce academic stress and provide enhanced opportunities for students, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that students will have the option of appearing for 10th and 12th class board examinations twice a year starting from the academic session 2025-26. This initiative is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) unveiled in 2020, with the aim of fostering a more student-friendly and enriching educational environment.
The Education Minister made this announcement during the launch of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme in Chhattisgarh. The scheme, which focuses on upgrading schools, particularly 211 schools in the state in the first phase, aligns with the government’s commitment to providing quality education and reducing stress on students.
Pradhan emphasized the importance of introducing 10 bag-less days in schools annually, encouraging students to engage in activities related to art, culture, and sports. The minister highlighted the government’s dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined in the NEP – promoting stress-free learning, providing quality education, fostering cultural connections, and preparing students for the future.
According to the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) announced last year, board examinations will be conducted at least twice a year, allowing students ample time and opportunities to showcase their academic performance. Students will also have the option to retain their best scores from the multiple attempts.
During the launch event, Pradhan sought feedback from students on the decision, urging them to keep their best marks obtained after appearing in both exam sessions. He reiterated that the NEP’s goal is to ensure a stress-free educational experience and prepare students for the challenges of the future, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047.
The PM SHRI scheme’s first phase involves the upgrade of 211 schools in Chhattisgarh, following a ‘hub and spoke’ model. The mentor institution, or ‘hub,’ centrally guides mentee institutions, or ‘spokes,’ to facilitate self-improvement through provided services.
As the education sector gains prominence in Chhattisgarh under the BJP-led government, Pradhan applauded the efforts and criticized the previous Congress government for not prioritizing education.
Looking ahead, Pradhan expressed the nation’s ambition to bid for hosting the 2036 Olympics Games, with an expectation that 10% of the medals should come from Chhattisgarh athletes. He urged the initiation of preparations from this year itself.
In attendance at the event were Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, School and Higher Education Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, and other senior officials.
