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Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:54 AM

School Education

CBSE Mandates First Board Exam for Class 10; Introduces Optional Second Attempt in Select Subjects

Starting from the academic year 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a dual-board exam system for Class 10 students, with the first exam being mandatory for all. The second exam will serve as an optional chance for students to improve their scores, but only in up to three subjects from science, mathematics, social science, and the two language papers. Previously, CBSE allowed students to reappear for improvement in just two subjects. Under the new framework, that number increases to three, offering more flexibility while still maintaining academic discipline. CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh explained that making the first exam compulsory and restricting the second exam to three subjects is meant to encourage students to treat the initial attempt seriously. He emphasized that the second exam is not an alternative, but an “additional opportunity” for enhancement. If a student skips three or more subjects in the first round, they will not be eligible for the second attempt and will have to reappear the following year under the ‘essential repeat’ category. However, exceptions will be made for students in winter-affected regions like Ladakh, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. These students can opt to appear only for the second set of exams, as heavy snowfall may hinder participation in the February session. The timeline for the two exams is as follows: the first board exam will be conducted from mid-February, with results declared in April. Based on their performance, students can choose to take the second exam in May, and the best scores from either attempt will be considered final. The second round results are expected by June 30, a shift from the earlier system where improvement results were released in August. Students who fail to clear the first exam will be able to appear in the second round as ‘compartment’ candidates. This two-exam system may eventually be extended to Class 12 as well, with similar timelines to ensure college admission deadlines are met. Earlier this year, CBSE had released a draft proposal for this policy and sought public opinion. According to Singh, 64% of students expressed support for the new format. Notably, the initial draft had not made the first exam compulsory or set a cap on the number of subjects for the second attempt — both key changes in the final version. Source: Indian Express

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Govt Forms Panel to Probe Coaching Dependency and Fairness of Entrance Exams

The Ministry of Education has constituted a nine-member committee to investigate the growing dependence of students on coaching centres, the phenomenon of ‘dummy schools,’ and the integrity and fairness of competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET, officials confirmed. Chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, the committee will delve into systemic shortcomings within the school education framework that push students towards coaching hubs. The panel will examine the limited emphasis on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, innovation, and conceptual understanding in traditional schooling — factors that fuel rote learning and, in turn, coaching culture. One major concern to be addressed is the rise of ‘dummy schools’ — institutions where students enroll merely for board exam eligibility while devoting their full attention to intensive coaching. These setups allow aspirants to bypass classroom learning altogether, focusing solely on entrance exam preparation. Many also exploit state domicile criteria through such enrollments to gain regional admission advantages, such as eligibility for the Delhi state quota in medical colleges. “The committee will study how dummy schools undermine formal education and promote exclusive dependence on coaching. It will recommend ways to address this growing issue,” a senior ministry official said. The panel will also scrutinize the current model of entrance exams to assess their fairness and relevance in the context of mainstream schooling. It will investigate whether the absence of formative assessments and a weak focus on concept clarity in school systems are inadvertently supporting the proliferation of coaching institutes. Another key focus area is the imbalance between the rising demand for quality higher education and the limited seats available in top institutions — a gap that often drives students toward costly and stressful coaching environments. The panel’s mandate also includes evaluating students’ and parents’ awareness of diverse career opportunities beyond elite engineering and medical colleges. It aims to assess the status of career counselling mechanisms in schools and recommend strategies to enhance career guidance systems nationwide. Alongside Vineet Joshi, the committee comprises the CBSE chairperson, joint secretaries from the school and higher education ministries, representatives from IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, NIT Trichy, NCERT, and principals from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a private school. This initiative follows increasing concerns over the coaching industry’s practices, including rising student suicides, fire hazards, inadequate infrastructure, and questionable teaching methods. The government hopes the panel’s findings will lead to more balanced, student-centric reforms in education and examination systems. Source: PTI

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Delhi Govt Expands Vocational Education: Skill-Based Courses Introduced in 257 More Schools

In a significant push towards integrating vocational training into mainstream education, the Delhi government has approved the rollout of skill-based subjects in 257 additional government schools starting this academic session, as per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education on May 23. These skill subjects fall under the Samagra Shiksha initiative and aim to equip students in Classes 9 and 11 with hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills alongside their regular curriculum. Each school can enroll up to 50 students per subject, encouraging broader participation in career-oriented learning. To guide students in making informed decisions, schools have been asked to conduct counselling sessions detailing the benefits and future prospects associated with these vocational courses. Notably, students entering Class 11 can opt for a skill subject even if they haven’t studied it in the earlier grades, thanks to the policy’s flexible multi-entry and multi-exit structure. However, participation in these skill subjects remains optional, not mandatory. Schools can offer these courses as additional learning avenues without making them compulsory for all students. As per CBSE norms, schools do not require separate permissions to introduce new vocational subjects. They simply need to update the necessary information on the CBSE portal. The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) subjects being offered include practical disciplines such as Information Technology, Retail, Healthcare, and Beauty & Wellness—all designed to boost employability and prepare students for real-world careers. Source: PTI (Image: AI generated)    

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Previewing the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 to be held on 3rd May 2024 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

In a world constantly evolving, education stands as the cornerstone of progress, shaping minds, and molding futures. As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st century, the need for innovative, forward-thinking education has never been more pressing. Embracing this spirit of change and advancement, ArdorComm Media Group proudly presents the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024, set to take place in the vibrant city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on May 3rd, 2024. Pioneering Education in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, emerges as a beacon of educational excellence within India. With Coimbatore, a bustling educational hub in South India, as its backdrop, the summit promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and insights. Students flock to Coimbatore from every corner of the nation, drawn by its esteemed educational institutions and unwavering commitment to quality education. A Convergence of Minds The summit serves as a Knowledge Forum, bringing together luminaries from various spheres of the education ecosystem. Academicians, educators, edupreneurs, innovators, industry experts, and government dignitaries will converge to share their experiences, expertise, and accomplishments. With over 50 speakers, representing a diverse range of perspectives, the event promises enriching discussions and thought-provoking insights. Our Sponsors and Partners The 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 is proud to announce its esteemed partners, each contributing to the event’s success and impact. LinkedIn, as the Presenting Partner, brings its unparalleled networking platform to foster connections and collaboration. Samsung, the Powered By Partner, infuses the summit with cutting-edge technology and innovation. D2L, the EdTech Partner, provides expertise in learning management systems, driving continuous improvement in education. Intercell, the Mentoring Partner, offers guidance and support to empower future leaders. Teachmint, the Connected Classroom Technology Partner, facilitates seamless integration of technology into the learning experience. DigitalEd India and SAS, as Associate Partners, bring their respective expertise to enrich discussions and insights. Finally, Kalorex, the School Partner, represents excellence in education, embodying the summit’s mission to pioneer educational advancements. Together, these partners form a formidable alliance dedicated to shaping the future of education. Celebrating Excellence Central to the summit is the ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2024, a testament to the tireless dedication and innovation driving the education community forward. This prestigious accolade honors individuals, educational institutions, EdTech pioneers, and startups whose unwavering commitment has propelled the sector to new heights. Through recognition and celebration, the awards aim to inspire further excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the education landscape. The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2024 will recognize excellence across six segments, including Higher Education, School Education, Preschools, Skills & Training, Corporate, and Startups. By honoring the trendsetters, innovators, and education leaders of today, the awards aim to inspire future generations and catalyze positive change within the sector. Exploring the Key Discussion Points The summit will delve into a myriad of key discussion points, addressing the evolving needs of the 21st-century learner. Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and outcomes. Skills for the Future Workforce: Strategies for integrating employability skills and career readiness into educational programs. Sustainable Education Practices: Integrating sustainability education into the curriculum to foster responsible citizenship. Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity in Education: Building digital literacy skills among educators and students to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. Global Collaboration and Partnerships in Education: Harnessing the power of international collaboration and partnerships to enrich teaching and learning experiences. The summit will also witness two insightful Leadership Talk Sessions Samsung Sponsored: Leadership Talk Session – A Roundtable Discussion  Topic: Experience unlimited learning possibilities with Samsung: Future trends and  innovations in technology to ensure education institutions represent the future of classrooms. D2L Sponsored –  Leadership Talk Session – A Roundtable Discussion Topic: Adapting to Change: Future-Proofing Education with Innovative Technologies and Continuous Improvement in Learning Management Systems A Call to Action As we stand on the cusp of a new era in education, the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 serves as a rallying cry for progress and transformation. Together, let us unlock the boundless potential of education, shaping a future where every learner has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Join us tomorrow, 3rd May’24 in Coimbatore as we embark on this transformative journey, charting a course towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from the summit. For more details, visit https://ardorcomm-media.com/elsacoimbatore/ Follow #ELSATamilNadu #ELSACoimbatore #ArdorComm #NewNormal for the latest updates and insights.

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NCERT Announces Revision of CBSE Syllabus for Classes 3 and 6 from 2024-25 Academic Session

The National Council of Education Research (NCERT) is set to introduce revised syllabi for Classes 3 and 6 of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. These changes are scheduled to take effect from the academic year 2024-25. A notice issued by NCERT outlines the plan for implementing the revised curriculum, emphasizing the need for adjustments to school timetables to accommodate the changes. Collaboration among CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) is deemed essential for the successful implementation of these modifications. The notice highlights the importance of proactive communication from CBSE to school heads, teachers, and parents regarding the updated syllabi and recommended time allocations for Grades 3 and 6. It underscores the significance of engaging students in playful and activity-based learning, aligning with the holistic approach advocated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. To facilitate a smooth transition for students, NCERT will provide a syllabus bridge program for Grade 6 and clear guidelines for Grade 3. These initiatives aim to acquaint students with new pedagogical perspectives and areas of study, including Arts, Physical Education, Vocational Education, and The World Around Us. The revised Grade 3 syllabi encompass a diverse range of topics, reflecting contemporary educational perspectives. NCERT is developing activity books and textbooks tailored to the updated curriculum to support students’ learning experiences. Schools are urged to disseminate this information to all stakeholders and adopt a proactive strategy to ensure students’ seamless adaptation to the revised syllabi. By fostering awareness and collaboration among educators, parents, and the wider community, NCERT aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education delivery in line with evolving educational standards and objectives.

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Major General (Dr.) Mandip Singh, SM, VSM, President Strategic Alliances, DroneAcharya, Shares the USP of the Company

“We want to train any youth who wants to fly a drone,” says Major General (Dr.) Mandip Singh, SM, VSM, President Strategic Alliances, DroneAcharya, in an Interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSANewDelhi #ELSAGurugram How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Delhi? It’s truly amazing. In fact, I am so glad that we got an opportunity to come here. It’s something that I think the idea has come, and I’m so glad that the new education policy, which is focusing so much on skills, is being actually talked about at length in this seminar and gathering, both at the university level and at the school level. As far as we are concerned at Dronacharya, we are basically a company that is into training and services, and our view is that we must inculcate the idea of aviation and drone technology at the school level, starting from class six. So I am here to propagate this idea. You must be aware that the Prime Minister has a mission and vision that India must be the global hub of drones by 2030. So, we would like to actively contribute to that vision. What’s the USP of Dronacharya? Dronacharya is a training company, it’s derived from guru ‘Dronacharya’ in the Mahabharata who was the guru of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. We picked up from there, and that’s how we are into training. We want to train any youth who wants to fly a drone. Today, it’s very simple. If you want to drive a car or a scooter, you need a license. Similarly, if you want to fly a drone, you need a license. We are a qualified RPTO (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator), and we provide DGCA-certified training. Once you complete the course, you get a qualified DGCA certificate and a license to fly a drone for 10 years. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group on its 2nd anniversary? More power to ArdorComm Media! If this is the second anniversary, let’s hope that every year it only improves and gets better. Thank you so much for inviting me; it’s been a pleasure to interact with you.

Major General (Dr.) Mandip Singh, SM, VSM, President Strategic Alliances, DroneAcharya, Shares the USP of the Company Read More »