New Delhi, Feb 26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has drawn criticism over its draft norms for the Class 10 board examination, as the document does not explicitly mention Punjabi in its list of subjects. Punjab’s Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, has strongly opposed the omission, alleging an attempt to erase the language.
Bains asserted that Punjabi should remain a primary language in Punjab and also be recognized as a regional language across India. "We strongly object to the CBSE's new exam pattern scheme, which attempts to erase Punjabi. Any attack on Punjabi will not be tolerated," he stated in a video message on X.
In response to the concerns, CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj clarified that no subjects are being removed. "The list in the draft policy is indicative. All subjects currently offered will continue in the Class 10 board exam in both phases," he confirmed.
The draft policy, approved by CBSE on Tuesday, proposes conducting the Class 10 board exam twice a year, beginning in 2026. Students can either appear in both exams—one scheduled between February 17 and March 6 and another between May 5 and 20—or choose to take only one. The system aims to reduce pressure by offering flexibility, aligning with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) recommendation to eliminate the "high stakes" nature of board exams.
Additionally, students will be permitted to skip specific subjects in the second attempt if satisfied with their performance in the first. The CBSE also confirmed that no separate supplementary exam will be held, as the second phase will function as an improvement opportunity.
With the draft norms now open for public feedback until March 9, stakeholders have the chance to submit their inputs before the policy is finalized.
Last updated by a enewsx: