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CBSE to Roll Out Open-Book Assessments for Class 9 from 2026-27

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Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students. The move, approved by the board’s Governing Body in June, is based on a pilot study that tested the feasibility and acceptance of the format in schools. The initiative aims to shift the focus from rote learning to competency-based education, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this system, students will be allowed to consult textbooks, class notes, and other approved materials during exams. The format will be applicable to core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science, and will be integrated into the three pen-and-paper tests conducted in each term. While CBSE will issue standard guidelines, schools will have the option to adopt the format. The decision follows a pilot project conducted after its approval in December 2023, which tested OBAs in Classes 9 to 12. Results revealed a performance range of 12% to 47%, highlighting difficulties in applying resources effectively and grasping interdisciplinary concepts. However, many participating teachers expressed confidence in the system’s potential to boost critical thinking skills. CBSE has previously experimented with similar formats, introducing the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) in 2014 for Classes 9 and 11. In that model, students received reference materials months ahead of exams, but it was discontinued in 2017-18 due to limited success. To ensure smoother execution this time, the board plans to provide model question papers, detailed guidelines, and training for schools. Officials believe these measures will help students develop analytical and problem-solving abilities, aligning assessment practices with NEP 2020’s vision for future-ready learning. Source: NDTV

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CBSE Unveils Career Guidance Dashboard and Mental Health Support Network for Schools

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In a significant step towards student empowerment and well-being, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched two major initiatives for the academic year 2025-26 — the CBSE Career Guidance Dashboard and the Counseling Hub and Spoke School Model. Announced on August 7 at the CBSE Integrated Office in Dwarka, these initiatives aim to equip students with both future-ready career planning tools and robust psychosocial support systems within schools. The Career Guidance Dashboard, accessible at cbsecareerguidance.in, is a digital platform offering students a wealth of resources for exploring career options in a structured and informed manner. It is designed to support students at various academic levels as they make decisions about their future educational and career paths. Complementing this, the CBSE Counseling Hub and Spoke Model introduces a community-based approach to mental health support. Under this model, selected CBSE-affiliated “hub” schools will serve as training and resource centres, offering guidance and best practices to surrounding “spoke” schools within their region. This connected network encourages collaboration, peer learning, and the development of emotionally resilient school environments. “The hub and spoke model is not just about guidance — it’s about creating a culture of care and shared learning among schools,” CBSE stated in its official communication. The launch event drew participation from over 500 school leaders, wellness coordinators, and counselors from across the country. During the event, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, IAS underscored how these initiatives reflect the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, especially in making education more inclusive, student-centric, and technology-enabled. CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, IAS also highlighted the urgent need for a more structured approach to mental health in schools and commended institutions that actively help students navigate academic and emotional challenges. A detailed session on the Counseling Hub and Spoke Model outlined its implementation roadmap, including roles, responsibilities, training protocols, and evaluation strategies to ensure consistent and measurable impact. The event also featured a keynote by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations, who elaborated on the board’s post-NEP 2020 reforms. Panel discussions brought together voices from diverse schools, offering real-world insights into integrating career counseling and mental wellness into school systems. CBSE reaffirmed its commitment to holistic student development and called for stronger collaboration among educators, administrators, and mental health professionals. “With these initiatives, CBSE is reinforcing its mission to nurture not just academically successful students, but also emotionally and socially balanced individuals,” the Board said in its official statement. Source: Indian Express  

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CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Result 2025 Declared: 48.68% Students Clear Compartment Exam

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the Class 10 supplementary examination results on August 5, 2025. Students who appeared for the compartment exams can now access their results via the official portals — cbse.gov.in, cbseresults.nic.in, or on the DigiLocker platform. To check the results, students need to enter their roll number, school number, admit card ID, and security pin. The verification and revaluation process will commence from August 8. This year, out of the 1,43,648 students who registered for the CBSE Class 10 compartment exam, 1,38,898 appeared, and 67,620 managed to pass. The overall pass percentage stands at 48.68%. Girls outperformed boys, achieving a pass percentage of 51.04%, compared to 47.41% among boys — a lead of 3.63%. Steps to Check CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Result 2025: Visit the official CBSE website – cbse.gov.in. Click on the link for Class 10 supplementary results on the homepage. Enter your login details, including registration number and date of birth. Your result will appear on the screen. Download and save the result for future reference. Regular students will receive their mark sheet cum passing certificate at their respective schools. Private candidates will receive theirs at their designated exam centres in Delhi or at the addresses mentioned in their application forms. The supplementary exams were held from July 15 to 22 across 15,495 schools and 970 examination centres in India and 26 other countries. In the regular board exams conducted earlier this year from February 15 to March 18, 2025, a total of 23,85,079 students registered, with 23,71,939 appearing for the exams. Out of them, 22,21,636 passed, bringing the overall pass percentage to 93.66%. Results for the main exams were declared on May 13. For comparison, CBSE declared the supplementary results for Class 10 on August 5 in 2024, August 4 in 2023, and September 9 in 2022. Source: Indian Express  

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Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data

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Despite a 39% surge in MBBS seats over the last few years, 2,849 undergraduate medical seats remained vacant in the 2024–25 academic year, according to the latest figures from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The data was shared in the Lok Sabha on August 1 by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, in response to an unstarred question posed by TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar. India’s MBBS seat count rose from 83,275 in 2020–21 to 1,15,900 in 2024–25, driven by the establishment of new medical colleges and enhanced infrastructure and faculty availability. However, vacancies in undergraduate medical admissions (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER) peaked at 4,146 in 2022–23 before decreasing to 2,849 this year. The NMC has introduced the Minimum Standard Requirement Regulations, 2023, to ensure that institutions maintain robust standards in infrastructure, clinical materials, faculty strength, and other essential facilities. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat accounted for the highest number of medical seats in both 2020–21 and 2024–25. To further boost medical education, the government has implemented a centrally sponsored scheme to upgrade district and referral hospitals into medical colleges, especially in underserved regions. Of the 157 medical colleges approved under this initiative, 131 are currently operational. Additionally, another centrally sponsored scheme is focused on expanding the capacity of existing state and central government medical colleges by strengthening infrastructure and increasing both MBBS and postgraduate seats. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), 75 Super Speciality Block projects have been approved to upgrade government medical colleges, with 71 already completed. Under the central sector initiative to establish new AIIMS, 22 institutes have been approved, and undergraduate courses have started in 19 of them. Source: Indian Express

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Delhi University Allows Pause and Resume Option for UG Students under NEP 2020 Guidelines

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In a landmark step towards making higher education more flexible and inclusive, Delhi University (DU) has rolled out a new academic policy allowing undergraduate students to pause and resume their degree programmes. The change comes under the Multiple Entry and Exit (ME-ME) system, introduced as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and implemented through the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022. The ME-ME system enables students to exit a programme after completing any even-numbered semester and rejoin within a defined period—without losing their earned academic credits. The move is expected to particularly benefit students facing interruptions due to personal, financial, or professional commitments. What the New System Offers: Exit after 1st Year (Semester II): Undergraduate Certificate (minimum 44 credits) Exit after 2nd Year (Semester IV): Undergraduate Diploma (minimum 88 credits) Exit after 3rd Year (Semester VI): Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 132 credits) Continue till 4th Year (Semester VIII): Bachelor’s with Honours/Research/Entrepreneurship (minimum 176 credits) Students re-entering the programme must do so within three to four years, depending on the exit level, and within an overall seven-year cap. The credit system is based on classroom and lab hours, with one credit representing one hour of teaching or two hours of lab/field work per week. DU has clarified that students must apply for an official exit before the next academic session begins. If a student exits mid-session, only the qualification corresponding to the last completed academic year will be recognised. Any disputes related to the new system will be resolved by the Vice Chancellor. Additional rules regarding lateral admissions from other universities or institutions are expected in the coming months. Why It Matters In an era where student priorities are increasingly shaped by internships, entrepreneurial pursuits, competitive exams, or family responsibilities, this move brings Indian higher education in step with global norms. The modularity of the ME-ME system recognises academic effort at every stage and ensures students do not have to abandon their goals due to temporary setbacks. With this reform, Delhi University is not just reducing dropout rates—it is reimagining higher education for the 21st century. Source: TOI

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Kendriya Vidyalayas See Sharpest Drop in Fresh Admissions in Five Years

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Fresh admissions to Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) have dipped to a five-year low for the 2024–25 academic year, with only 1,39,660 new students enrolled, as per data presented by the Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha. This marks a steady and concerning downward trend in both new enrolments and overall student numbers in India’s flagship network of centrally run schools. A Downward Spiral in Enrolments Responding to a question in Parliament, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided year-wise figures highlighting the consistent drop in KV enrolments. New admissions have declined from 1,95,081 in 2020–21 to 1,39,660 in 2024–25 — a fall of nearly 29%. Meanwhile, the total student strength across all KVs also saw a dip from 14,29,434 in 2021–22 to 13,50,518 in 2024–25. Academic Year Fresh Enrolments Total Student Strength 2020–21 1,95,081 13,87,763 2021–22 1,82,846 14,29,434 2022–23 1,57,914 14,24,147 2023–24 1,75,386 13,89,560 2024–25 1,39,660 13,50,518 Though there was a temporary recovery in enrolments during 2023–24, the overall trajectory has remained downward, with this year witnessing the most significant fall in both fresh admissions and total enrolment figures. Structural Strains in a National Network Established to cater primarily to children of Central Government employees — particularly those in transferable jobs within Defence, Paramilitary Forces, PSUs, and autonomous institutions — the KV system currently operates 1,280 schools across India. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and admission bottlenecks, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, are beginning to strain the system. Expansion Despite Falling Numbers Despite the declining enrolment trend, the Central Government approved the setting up of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in December 2024, aimed at boosting capacity in the Civil and Defence sectors. Additionally, a KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka, is being expanded by adding two new sections per class. The initiative carries a total budget of ₹5,872.08 crore — ₹2,862.71 crore allocated for capital projects (including construction) and ₹3,009.37 crore for recurring expenditures. However, actual implementation remains slow due to challenges such as: Delays in land transfer and legal ownership Approval processes for building designs and cost estimates Fund disbursal lags Administrative clearance delays at the local level These procedural hurdles often stall the timely launch of new schools or the expansion of existing ones. Decoding the Decline Experts attribute the drop in admissions to several key factors: Overcrowding: Many KVs have hit their capacity limits, especially in cities, making it harder for new students to secure seats. Construction delays: Several approved schools are yet to become operational due to incomplete infrastructure. Emerging competition: An increase in affordable, private CBSE schools in smaller towns may be attracting families away from KVs. Policy ambiguities: Unclear guidelines in certain regions are adding to confusion over eligibility and admissions. Rethinking the Road Ahead While the government continues to emphasize the ongoing expansion of the KV network, the sharp drop in enrolment calls for an urgent review of operational and policy priorities. Education experts suggest the need for swift action to improve school infrastructure, accelerate construction timelines, digitize admissions, and invest in teacher training. With public demand for affordable, quality education still high, the future of Kendriya Vidyalayas may well depend on how effectively these systemic issues are addressed. Source: TOI

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CBSE, UNESCO Scale Up Health and Wellness Education to Impact 30,000 Schools Nationwide

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In a significant step toward integrating holistic health education into India’s school system, CBSE, UNESCO, and NCERT are expanding their collaborative School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) to 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across the country. The initiative, which began under the Ayushman Bharat mission in 2020, aims to positively influence the lives of nearly 15 million students by promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Building a Network of Master Trainers Throughout June and July 2025, over 290 school leaders—comprising principals, teachers, and administrators—from 22 states and five union territories participated in a comprehensive training workshop held in Delhi. These individuals will serve as master trainers, cascading their knowledge and tools to educators across India to deliver health and wellness content effectively. The training sessions emphasized early intervention and the importance of understanding students’ socio-emotional environments. Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, stressed that many student challenges originate outside the classroom. With proper training, teachers can better identify these issues and respond with empathy and support. A Curriculum Rooted in NEP 2020 Values Speaking at the workshop, Anandrao V Patil, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education, underscored how wellness and inclusive education go hand in hand, echoing the core principles of the National Education Policy 2020. He described educators as catalysts of social change, pivotal in shaping compassionate and resilient individuals. UNESCO’s South Asia Director, Tim Curtis, reinforced the belief that health and education are deeply interconnected. “Every trained teacher and every wellness conversation is a step closer to learner-centered systems,” he said. Multilingual Learning Tools for Lifelong Impact To support the initiative, NCERT and UNESCO have co-developed a 24-hour wellness curriculum, featuring training modules, handbooks, animated videos, and comics. These resources focus on 11 essential wellness themes—including mental health, gender sensitivity, online safety, and reproductive health—and are available in English, Hindi, and nine regional languages to ensure wider accessibility. Since 2022, NCERT has conducted eleven intensive five-day workshops, resulting in 970 trained master trainers. These professionals are now instrumental in guiding teacher development across CBSE’s regional Centres of Excellence. To date, over 40,000 teachers have been trained through more than 750 workshops nationwide. Rather than treating health education as a supplementary activity, SHWP is helping schools embed wellness into the very fabric of everyday learning—redefining education as a means to nurture both the mind and the heart. Source: India Today

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Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Says Education Ministry

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In a significant crackdown on textbook piracy, the Ministry of Education revealed that over 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024. This update was shared in a written response by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, during a Rajya Sabha session on Wednesday. “Reports of NCERT textbook piracy have emerged from various parts of the country. From 2024 to 2025, enforcement teams seized around 4.71 lakh counterfeit books in multiple operations carried out in different states,” said Chaudhary. He emphasized that piracy is largely driven by the profit motives of unauthorized operators. NCERT’s mission, Chaudhary reiterated, is to provide high-quality educational resources at minimal cost to students across India, functioning on a no-profit, no-loss model. Highlighting recent efforts to combat the menace, he informed that in the past year alone, NCERT conducted raids on 29 locations linked to the production and distribution of pirated books. These included premises using unauthorized NCERT watermarked paper and illegal printing setups. Assets and equipment worth over ₹20 crore were seized during these raids. To address the root causes of piracy, several measures have been implemented, including a 20% price cut on textbooks, improved paper and print quality with advanced machinery, faster and timely textbook production, and expanded online availability through e-commerce channels. In a tech-driven approach, NCERT also tested an innovative anti-piracy mechanism—developed and patented by IIT Kanpur—on one million copies of a Class 6 textbook, aiming to deter counterfeit reproduction through secure tracking technology. Source: PTI Image Credit: iStock  

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CBSE Mandates Audio-Visual CCTV Installation in Schools to Enhance Student Safety

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In a significant move to reinforce student safety on school campuses, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive requiring all affiliated schools to install high-resolution CCTV systems with audio-visual recording capabilities in strategic areas of their premises. As per the latest amendment to the CBSE Affiliation Bye Laws-2018, schools must ensure that classrooms, corridors, staircases, libraries, and other common zones — excluding toilets and washrooms — are under continuous surveillance. These systems must also maintain a minimum 15-day backup of recorded footage, accessible to authorities when needed. This initiative, aimed at safeguarding students from bullying and other potential threats, is in line with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s 2021 safety manual, which highlights the need for both physical and emotional security in educational settings. CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta emphasized that children have a constitutional right to a safe, respectful learning environment. He stated, “The safety has two aspects- a)unscrupulous un-societal elements, b) safety for the overall well being of the children with reference to bullying and implicit threats. All of such probabilities can be prevented with the usage of the latest technology.” Source: New Indian Express

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Big Four Slash Graduate Hiring as AI and Global Shifts Redefine Consulting Talent Models

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The world’s leading professional services firms—Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG—are significantly scaling back entry-level hiring in 2025, reflecting a profound shift in how the consulting sector operates in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and rising cost pressures. According to fresh insights reported by The Guardian, graduate job postings across the Big Four have declined by 44% this year. This contraction coincides with a broader downturn in the UK white-collar job market, where vacancies have fallen 43% since 2022, as outlined in McKinsey & Company’s June 2025 labour market study. AI Reshapes the Foundations of Consulting Work The move marks a major disruption to the traditional consulting model that heavily relied on recruiting large numbers of fresh graduates. Instead, generative AI and intelligent automation tools are now performing much of the analytical, research, and presentation work previously assigned to junior consultants. “This isn’t a case of automation replacing repetitive work—it’s smart technology doing a significant chunk of high-cognitive tasks once reserved for entry-level roles,” a former Big Four strategist told the Financial Times. “The economics of graduate hiring have shifted.” This transformation is prompting firms to move from the traditional pyramid structure—where a broad base of juniors supports senior staff—to what’s now being described internally as a “diamond model,” characterised by a slimmer base, a stronger mid-tier, and expert-led teams augmented by AI. Offshoring and Structural Adjustments Gain Momentum Alongside AI adoption, the Big Four are accelerating offshoring to optimize operations and reduce costs. Talent advisory firm Patrick Morgan highlighted the following workforce realignments between 2023 and 2024: Deloitte reduced staff in the Netherlands by 5%, while expanding its Malaysian workforce by 9%. KPMG downsized in the UK by 7%, while growing its presence in Pakistan by 10%. EY trimmed German headcount by 6%, offset by a 7% rise in Indonesia. PwC cut 18% of its staff in Australia, shifting 12% of roles to Mexico, following a major misconduct investigation. “This isn’t just cost-cutting—it’s a strategic restructuring,” explained Dr Charlotte Moore, a labour economist at the University of Leeds. “Firms are recalibrating how and where work gets done amid technological disruption and global wage dynamics.” Market Shocks and Emerging Competition These structural overhauls come amid reputational turbulence. Firms like PwC have been entangled in controversies—including misuse of confidential government data in Australia—that have triggered client exits and internal shakeups. At the same time, private equity firms are backing leaner, tech-native consultancies. According to Bloomberg, PE investments in European consulting and accounting firms surged to nearly 200 deals in 2024—up from just 20 in 2022—indicating a growing appetite for agile challengers to the Big Four. “These new players are built for a digital-first world,” said James O’Dowd of Patrick Morgan. “They’re fast, focused, and often operate with flatter hierarchies—something legacy firms are struggling to adapt to.” What This Means for HR and Future Talent Strategies The shift is forcing HR and talent leaders to reimagine early-career pathways. With AI now capable of replicating much of the output expected from junior hires, traditional graduate recruitment models are becoming obsolete. Future-focused strategies now include: Developing graduate roles that build uniquely human, high-value skills. Promoting AI literacy across all departments, not just technical teams. Integrating automation into training programmes to strengthen human-AI collaboration. Restructuring global talent pipelines to balance local expertise with offshore operations. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) confirmed that firms are reallocating budgets to upskilling existing staff in AI tools and methods, often reducing graduate intakes as a result. “We’re witnessing a strategic reset—not a breakdown,” said Dr Moore. “The future of consulting lies in how effectively firms—and the next generation of professionals—can adapt to a human-plus-AI model.” Source: peoplematters

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