Reports of Syllabus Reduction by 15%
Media outlets earlier reported that CBSE had decided to cut the syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 by 15% starting from the 2025 board exams. These claims were attributed to CBSE Regional Officer Vikas Kumar Agrawal, who allegedly made the announcement during a school principals’ summit in Indore. The purported change was presented as part of the board’s efforts to emphasize in-depth learning, align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and reduce rote memorization.
However, CBSE clarified that no such reduction has been planned or implemented. The board has denied issuing any notifications regarding syllabus changes and maintained that all official decisions would be communicated through its website or authorized channels.
The Open-Book Exam Controversy
In addition to the syllabus reduction claims, reports suggested that CBSE was considering implementing an open-book exam format for select subjects like English Literature and Social Science. The move was purportedly aimed at reducing exam stress and promoting analytical skills over memorization. Open-book exams, as discussed, would allow students to consult their textbooks during the examination to focus on understanding and application.
CBSE dismissed these claims as well, confirming that no such change to the examination policy or format had been decided upon for 2025.
Official Clarifications by CBSE
In an official statement, CBSE addressed the misinformation, stating, “The board has neither issued any such notice nor made any changes to the evaluation system or examination policy.” It reiterated that all official updates would be published solely on its official website.
Implications of the Controversy
The controversy has sparked discussions about the need for verified communication regarding significant educational changes. While many welcomed the idea of reforms promoting critical thinking and practical learning, CBSE’s clarification highlights the risks of misinformation in education.
Conclusion
Though no changes have been confirmed, the episode underscores the growing demand for education reforms aligned with modern pedagogical standards. CBSE’s clarification also reinforces the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information about policy updates