Kolkata: The CBSE's proposal to conduct the Class X board exams twice a session from 2026 is aimed at offering candidates the chance of improving their scores in the second round but educators in the city have raised concerns about the practicality of such a system.
According to the proposal, which is currently open for public consultation, outlines plans for holding the exams in two phases, the first one from mid-Feb the second one in May. Every student can appear for both the rounds—the tests will be held on full syllabus both the times—or they can choose certain subjects in the two rounds. The proposed system is aimed at offering candidates the chance to improve their scores and also, those missing out the first dates for some emergency can appear the second time. If implemented, the system will not allow separate supplementary exams.
But several principals expressed their apprehension about the impact the two-phase exams might have on the teaching-learning process. Birla High School principal Loveleen Saigal said, "Teaching time will be vastly reduced as teachers will have to go for corrections of answer scripts twice in the same session. The entire school calendar will be disrupted."
The summer schedule of the second phase has emerged as another concern. Sushila Birla Girls' High School principal Koeli Dey said, "Teachers will have to dedicate their time for exam supervision and paper assessment twice a year. Furthermore, the second phase, proposed in May, will coincide with the harsh summer, when the teachers will have to forgo their summer holidays to perform the duties."
Some teachers also pointed out that several schools started Class XI classes before Class X board results were announced. Under the proposed system, it would be difficult as many students would still be preparing for the second phase of the Class X boards, they said.
But Indus Valley World School's vice-principal and administrator Madhumita Seal maintained the dual boards would be beneficial to students because those missing the first exams for some reason, would have the second chance. At the same time, those looking to improve their marks, could opt for the second round, she said. "The concern is the teachers' involvement. But in the second phase, the number of candidates will be fewer and so, the number of papers to be corrected will be automatically fewer than that in the first phase," Seal said. "But the results will be declared on time and students will not face trouble while seeking college admission."
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