Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils New Curriculum Framework: Board Exams Twice a Year, Best Scores to Count

Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, has unveiled the finalized curriculum framework in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this new framework, textbooks corresponding to these changes will be created and introduced for the academic session starting in 2024.

According to the NCF, board exams will now be held twice a year, allowing students to retain their best scores. This adjustment aims to provide students with ample time and opportunities to excel academically. It empowers students to choose when to sit for board exams in subjects they feel confident about.

The focus of these board exams will shift towards assessing students’ understanding and competency rather than encouraging rote learning and memorization. Another significant change is that students in classes 11 and 12 will be required to study two languages, with at least one being an Indian language. The traditional limitations on subject choices based on academic streams will also be eliminated, granting students more flexibility.

Moreover, there are plans for school boards to eventually offer ‘on-demand’ exams. Additionally, those involved in designing and evaluating board exams will need to complete university-certified courses to enhance their skills in this area.

Furthermore, the new framework discourages the practice of covering textbooks in classrooms, emphasizing the need to optimize textbook costs. These changes signal a comprehensive transformation in the education system, with a focus on holistic learning and flexibility.