Appearing for Class 10, 12 board exams twice a year won't be mandatory: Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Pradhan introduces option of appearing for Class 10 & 12 board exams twice a year to reduce stress. Option is optional, no compulsion.

Appearing for Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year will not be mandatory for students and the option is being introduced to reduce stress caused by the fear of single opportunity, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said.

In an interview to PTI, Mr. Pradhan said the issue of ‘dummy schools’ cannot be ignored and the time has come to have a serious discussion about it.

“The students will have the option of appearing for the [Class 10 and 12 board] exams twice a year just like engineering entrance exam JEE. They can choose the best score... but it will be completely optional, no compulsion.

“The students often get stressed thinking they lost a year, their chance is gone or could have performed better... the option is being introduced to reduce the stress caused by the fear of single opportunity,” Mr. Pradhan said.

“If any student feels that he is completely prepared and is satisfied with the score in the first set of exams, he can choose not to appear for the next exams. Nothing will be mandatory,” he added.

According to the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) announced by the Ministry of Education in August, board examinations will be held twice a year to ensure that students have enough time and opportunity to perform well and get an option to retain the best score.

Mr. Pradhan said he has received positive feedback from students on the plan to conduct board exams twice a year.