Redefining India's School Boards: NCERT's Visionary Plan for the Future of Learning

In a move that could reshape the landscape of school education across India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled a groundbreaking report outlining a transformative vision for the country's board exam system.

At the heart of this proposal is a shift towards a more holistic and integrated approach to student assessment.

Gone will be the days when a child's entire academic future hinged on a high-stakes Class 12 board exam. Instead, the new system will factor in 15% of a student's Class 9 performances, 20% of Class 10, 25% of Class 11, with the remaining 40% based on the Class 12 exams.

But the reforms don't stop there. The report, developed by PARAKH (a regulatory center set up by NCERT), also recommends a stronger emphasis on vocational and skill-based subjects.

Subjects like Data Management, Coding, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Music, and Arts & Crafts will now be made mandatory across all education boards, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020's vision of promoting 21st-century competencies.

To further enhance the flexibility and portability of the education system, the NCERT proposal introduces a credit-based learning model. Students will need to earn a certain number of credits through a mix of traditional subjects, online courses and community-based projects, with the remaining credits allowing for customization and exploration.

"This credit system will be a game-changer in terms of inter-board mobility and ensuring that students' hard work is properly recognized”. "It will also encourage learners to explore a diverse range of subjects and activities beyond the conventional academic path."

While the Class 12 board exams will continue to play a crucial role, the new system will place greater emphasis on student portfolios, project-based learning and teacher assessments, ensuring a more comprehensive and holistic evaluation.

As NCERT collaborates with various state boards to streamline the implementation process, the future of school education in India is poised for a major transformation.

"By moving away from the high-stakes, rote-learning approach, NCERT is setting the stage for a more dynamic, student-centric system that celebrates the diverse talents and interests of our young people. It's an exciting time to be a student in India."