The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set the educational scene abuzz with its recent release of the detailed timetable for the board exams in 2025. Both Class 10 and Class 12 students can now mark their calendars, as the exams are scheduled to begin on February 15, 2025. The Class 10 exams will wrap up by March 18, 2025, while those in Class 12 will continue until April 4, 2025. This early announcement, made 86 days ahead of previous years, is intended to give students ample time to prepare and approach the exams with confidence.
Key Features of the 2025 Exam Schedule
Exam Timings and Practical Exams
Students will have to rise early as all exams commence precisely at 10:30 AM IST. The duration of the exams varies from 2 to 3 hours, depending mainly on the subject matter. For practical exams, the schedule is thoughtfully adjusted. Schools in winter-bound regions will start these from November 5 to December 5, 2024, owing to potential January closures. Other schools will follow with practicals starting January 1, 2025.
Alignment with NEP 2020
One might wonder about the focus of this year's examination pattern. Well, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has shifted its stance from rote learning to a more competency-based approach. This means students can expect questions that assess their critical thinking capabilities and practical application of knowledge rather than mere memorization.
Smooth Exam Coordination
To ensure a smooth transition during this period, careful deliberation went into the exam scheduling. Interestingly, CBSE considered over 40,000 subject combinations to avoid any clashes and to accommodate students' diverse academic pursuits. Additionally, Class 12 exam dates have been strategically planned, keeping in mind major entrance exams like JEE and NEET. This plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary stress among students juggling both their board exams and entrance prep.
Guidelines and Preparation
Preparing and Following Exam Guidelines
With the clock ticking down to the big days, CBSE has laid out specific guidelines for the students to follow on exam day. Entry to the examination hall means having your admit card and ID proof in hand, using only transparent stationery pouches, and carrying water in transparent bottles. Leaving gadgets at home is essential, and only blue or black ink pens are permitted. Notably, students will have a 15-minute window before the exam to sift through the question paper, allowing them to strategize effectively.
All these measures are in place to create a stress-free environment, emphasizing fair practices and equal opportunities for all students. Both detailed subject schedules and sample papers are readily available on the official CBSE site, allowing students to access and utilize resources for adequate preparation.
