Starting from the school year 2025-26, students will get the chance to appear for their Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year. This exciting news was shared by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the launch of the PM SHRI scheme in Chhattisgarh.
Easing Academic Stress
Minister Pradhan emphasized that the new National Education Policy (NEP), introduced in 2020, aims to reduce stress on students. Allowing them to take board exams twice a year is one of the ways to achieve this goal.
The PM SHRI scheme, focusing on upgrading 211 schools in Chhattisgarh, was officially inaugurated at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the education system.
Minister Pradhan introduced the idea of having 10 bag-less days in schools every year. These special days will focus on engaging students in various activities related to art, culture, sports, and more. It’s a step towards providing a holistic learning experience beyond textbooks.
What is the PM-SHRI scheme?
According to the Ministry of Education, the program will encompass 14,500 current schools that will be refurbished to meet the essential aspects of the new National Education Policy for 2020. The concept of establishing the PM SHRI scheme was originally discussed with state and union territory education ministers at a conference organized by the Ministry of Education in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in June.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan then stated that the proposal would be implemented after consultation with states. Pradhan further stated that, while there are excellent institutions such as Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, PM SHRI will serve as NEP laboratories.
NEP 2020’s Impact
The NEP 2020, introduced by the Ministry of Education, includes the New Curriculum Framework (NCF). As part of this framework, students will now have the option to take board exams twice annually. This approach aims to give students ample time and opportunities to showcase their best performance and retain their highest scores.
Minister Pradhan, while addressing students at the event, asked if they were happy with this decision. He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity by securing their best marks in both attempts. The focus is on empowering students to perform well without the burden of excessive stress.
PM Modi’s Vision
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined in the NEP, Minister Pradhan highlighted the goal of providing stress-free education. The vision is to enrich students with quality education, connect them with their culture, and prepare them for a successful future. Minister Pradhan expressed confidence that these changes would contribute to India’s development by 2047.
Positive Takeaway
The move to allow students to take Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year is a positive step towards creating a less stressful and more empowering education system, aligning with the larger vision for the country’s growth.
How PM-SHRI Benefits Schools and Students:
1. Model Schools with NEP Essence:
Under the PM-SHRI scheme, schools developed will be ‘model schools,’ embodying the essence of the National Education Policy (NEP). This ensures a transformative and modern approach to education.
2. Holistic Learning Focus:
The schools will adopt a holistic approach, emphasizing discovery-oriented and learning-centric teaching methods. Smart classrooms, sports, and the latest technology will be central to providing a comprehensive learning experience.
3. Upgraded Facilities:
The schools will be upgraded with modern facilities, including labs, libraries, and art rooms. They will also incorporate eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, waste recycling, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
4. Green Schools with Organic Lifestyle:
PM-SHRI schools aim to be green schools, integrating water conservation, waste recycling, and an organic lifestyle into the curriculum. This ensures a sustainable and environmentally conscious learning environment.
5. Preparation for the Future:
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, PM-SHRI schools will prepare students for the future. These schools will serve as laboratories for the implementation of NEP 2020, offering leadership to other schools in the region.
6. Joyful Learning Environment:
Aligned with NEP’s vision, PM-SHRI focuses on providing high-quality education in a joyful and inclusive school environment. It caters to the diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and varying academic abilities of children.
7. Student Participation in Learning:
An essential aspect of PM-SHRI is ensuring that students actively participate in their learning process. This approach promotes engagement and empowers students to take ownership of their education.
