Grading system in, CBSE boards out?

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is all set to roll out its grading system with a continuous and comprehensive evaluation package and make Class X exams optional. CBSE is also formulating a detailed plan for accreditation of schools by an agency prior to CBSE affiliation — all this while almost all the state boards voiced reservation and concern over making Class X board exams optional.

Speaking to TOI on the sidelines of the annual conference of Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE) in the Capital on Tuesday, CBSE chairman Vineet Joshi said all the apprehension of the state boards are uncalled for as CBSE had prepared a detailed blueprint for the changes and all their concerns were adequately addressed in it. ‘‘We, at CBSE, have decided to go the CCE way soon, as it won’t be a huge problem implementing it since the methodology of teaching we practice at Class X is same in Class VI and VII. So, if we introduce CCE at Class IX and X, it too will have the trickle-down effect,’’ said Joshi.

Source: TOI

But it was the issue of making Class X board exam optional, which faced a lot of opposition at the COBSE meeting. Dispelling any fears, Joshi said the COBSE conference managed to address most of the concerns of the state representatives. On the issue of creating two categories of students, one who took the Class X boards and another who didn’t, Joshi said: ‘‘First of all, it is to provide flexibility to students and de-stress the education system. But at any point of time if a student wants to test himself, he/she can go for the ‘online on demand assessment test’. The test is equivalent to that of the Class X board exam and thus if a student need any certification, that test would suffice.’’ Moreover, CBSE is also preparing an aptitude test that students can take to test their understanding of the study done during Class X days.

Meanwhile, in order to ensure credible internal evaluation, all new schools need to be accredited by an agency for three year before CBSE affiliates them. The existing affiliated schools also need to be accredited
within three years.

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