The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new policy to implement biannual board exams for Class 10 students starting in 2026. This initiative is intended to alleviate the stress associated with high-stakes testing by providing students with two opportunities each year to take their exams. However, the decision has sparked significant criticism from educators across the country. Many school principals and teachers have voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts on academic schedules, increased teacher workload, and student mental health.

Educators argue that the introduction of biannual exams could disrupt the academic calendar, leading to longer exam periods that might interfere with regular teaching schedules. This disruption could result in less instructional time, thereby affecting the overall quality of education. Additionally, teachers are worried about the increased workload that comes with preparing and grading exams twice a year, which could contribute to professional burnout.

The mental health of students is another major concern. While the policy aims to reduce stress by offering more flexibility, educators fear that frequent exams might actually heighten anxiety levels among students who feel pressured to perform well in both sessions. The continuous cycle of preparation and examination could lead to exhaustion and diminish students’ enthusiasm for learning.

In response to these concerns, some educators have proposed alternatives such as online exams and enhanced internal assessments. These methods could provide a more balanced approach by maintaining educational standards while offering flexibility. Online exams could reduce logistical challenges and allow for more personalized assessment timelines. Internal assessments, on the other hand, could focus on continuous evaluation throughout the academic year, thus reducing the pressure of final exams.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how CBSE will address these concerns and whether adjustments will be made to ensure that the new exam policy benefits both students and educators without compromising educational quality.