Tag: NEP 2020

EduConnect

CBSE Announces Two Board Exams a Year for Class 10 from 2026; Best Score to Be Retained

allycaralgoa

In a landmark shift aimed at reducing exam stress and promoting student well-being, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 board exams will now be conducted twice a year starting from the academic session 2026. This student-centric reform aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and holistic development in school education.

Under this new system, students will have two opportunities in an academic year to appear for their board exams. The better of the two scores will be retained and considered as the final result. This move is intended to give students another chance to improve performance, without the pressure of a one-time high-stakes examination.

Key Highlights:

  • Implementation Year: 2026 (for students entering Class 9 in 2025)
  • Applies to: Class 10 board exams (Class 12 may follow later)
  • Exam Frequency: Twice a year – most likely in March and July
  • Scoring: Students can appear in one or both attempts; best score will be counted
  • Curriculum: The syllabus will be divided semester-wise, reducing load in each term

Why the Change?

This initiative is a part of CBSE’s broader efforts to:

  • Reduce academic pressure and exam anxiety among students
  • Encourage continuous learning rather than rote-based, last-minute preparation
  • Give students more chances to succeed, similar to global education systems
  • Align assessment practices with NEP 2020’s vision of formative and flexible evaluation

Students will no longer have to depend on a single exam to determine their academic fate. With two chances, they can learn from the first attempt and work toward improvement. Parents can expect a more balanced academic year, where performance is tracked in phases rather than all at once.

Educationists and school principals have largely welcomed the decision, calling it a progressive and inclusive move. However, they also emphasized the need for adequate planning, curriculum restructuring, and teacher readiness to ensure smooth implementation.

CBSE is expected to release a detailed framework and guidelines later this year, including exam schedules, syllabus structure, and assessment patterns. The board may also conduct orientation sessions for schools, teachers, and students to familiarize them with the new format.

EduConnect

CARES Goa Launches Elective Curriculum 2025–2026: Powering Practical Learning for a Future-Ready Generation

allycaralgoa

Goa, June 2025 — In a significant step towards transforming classroom learning into real-world experience, Coding And Robotics Education in Schools (CARES) Scheme, under the aegis of the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Goa, has launchedts Elective Curriculum for the academic year 2025–2026. This initiative continues to empower school students with future-ready skills through practical, tech-integrated education.

The latest edition of the curriculum is being implemented across 206 lead schools and is set to benefit over 17,000 students, with a focused rollout for students of Classes 6th, 7th, and 8th. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and applied technology.

One of the key highlights of this year’s offering is the introduction of in-house designed robotics hardware kits, coupled with the in-house developed GOVIN IDE — a user-friendly coding environment that enables students to write, test and deploy code for their projects. This integration gives students early access to industry-relevant tools in a school setting, fostering a deeper understanding of robotics and embedded systems.

The elective modules introduced in the CARES  curriculum for 2025–2026 span a diverse range of emerging and impactful domains. Students will explore cutting-edge technologies. The curriculum also includes practical exposure to Plug and Play units creative exploration through Digital Design and Fabrication, and socially conscious learning via Community Innovation Projects. Each module is thoughtfully designed to blend theory with hands-on application, enabling students to understand and innovate within real-world contexts.

With project-based assessments, teacher training support and interactive digital content, the elective curriculum aims not only to enhance technical proficiency but also to build life skills like teamwork, communication and creativity.

The 2025–2026 launch reaffirms CARES Goa’s mission to make education more engaging, relevant, and future-forward—ensuring that Goan students are not just learning about the world, but actively shaping it.

EduConnect

Hindi Made Mandatory as Third Language in Maharashtra Schools for Classes 1 to 5

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, June 2025 – In a significant step towards promoting multilingual education and national integration, the Government of Maharashtra has announced that Hindi will be made a compulsory third language in all schools across the state for students from Classes 1 to 5, starting from the upcoming academic year.

The directive, issued by the Maharashtra State Education Department, applies to all government, aided, and unaided schools, including those affiliated with state, CBSE, ICSE, and international boards operating within the state.

Implementation and Language Structure

Under the three-language formula, students will now study:

  • First Language: Regional language (Marathi, in most cases)
  • Second Language: English or another language as per the school’s existing policy
  • Third Language: Hindi (now compulsory for Classes 1 to 5)

The initiative aims to provide students with foundational knowledge of Hindi, one of the official languages of India, during their formative years.

Rationale Behind the Move

Education officials stated that the move is part of an effort to strengthen national language literacy, ensure smoother inter-state communication, and foster cultural understanding among young learners. It also aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multilingualism and a deeper connection with the linguistic diversity of India.

Government’s Statement

A senior education official commented,

“The ability to understand and use multiple languages, especially Hindi as a link language, will equip our children to engage better in a diverse, interconnected country like India. This move is also about inclusivity and national unity.”

Response from Stakeholders

While the decision has been welcomed by several educators and policymakers as a step toward greater linguistic inclusivity, some parent groups and educational institutions have expressed concerns over curriculum load and language flexibility in non-Hindi-speaking regions. The state government has assured that teacher training and support materials will be provided to ensure smooth implementation without overburdening students.

What’s Next

  • Textbooks and learning aids in Hindi for Classes 1–5 are being developed.
  • Training programs for teachers are being rolled out in collaboration with academic bodies.
  • Monitoring mechanisms will be put in place to ensure quality language instruction.

Conclusion:
The decision to mandate Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra schools underscores the state’s commitment to a well-rounded and inclusive education system. As the policy unfolds, it is expected to pave the way for stronger linguistic skills, better inter-regional communication, and enhanced national integration among the next generation of students.