CBSE Class 10, 12 exams 2018 to begin in March not February; focus on 'error-free evaluation'

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams will take place in March instead of February, sources said on Tuesday. The Central Board of School Education is also working out on a formula to reduce examination period from 45 days to a month.

“We are hoping to start the exams by March first week. Due to Holi, the exam might not start from March 1 but these things are being finalised. We are trying to conduct the exam in a shorter time period to give the evaluation process more time,” a senior CBSE official said.

No official statement about the board exam dates has been released by CBSE yet.

Earlier in June, CBSE was planning to advance the cycle of exams and related activities from 2018-19 as a part of reforms focused on "error-free evaluation".

“At present, the exams start on March 1 and usually go on for a month. This also coincides with the start of summer vacations and hence, a number of teachers go on leave during that time. Due to this, we get ad-hoc and contractual staff for the evaluation that affects quality,” said a source.

"This would also advance the date of declaration of results, which generally come around the third or fourth week of May," said CBSE chairman RK Chaturvedi.

"By April, vacations begin and the experienced teachers are not available. Therefore, advancing evaluation to mid-March will ensure we have the best teachers checking the answer scripts," Chaturvedi added.

CBSE announced setting up of two committees to review the evaluation process after which, "The board has taken a prompt decision to set up two committees comprising senior officers to look into the problems related to the evaluation processes being followed," a senior CBSE official said.

"The two committees will submit their report within two and three months respectively. On basis of the findings and suggestions of the committees, major changes may be introduced in the evaluation process," the official added.

Also Read: CBSE Class 10, 12 board Exam 2018 to being from Feb 15