Assessing the Future Significance of CBSE Board in the Era of CUET

The CBSE Board is currently one of the prominent education boards in India, conducting examinations for secondary and senior secondary classes. Its curriculum is widely recognized and accepted by various educational institutions and universities across the country. While there have been discussions and proposals for changes in the education system, it is uncertain how they will impact the relevance of the CBSE board.

It is always advisable to stay updated with the latest news and official announcements from relevant authorities to have accurate and current information on educational policies and entrance examinations.

Education experts have been speculating about the future relevance of the CBSE board following the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2022. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on the CBSE board’s significance. Experts are questioning whether the CBSE board’s continuous assessment will continue to hold value primarily for students aiming to compete in exams such as JEE, NEET, or pursue higher education at esteemed institutions like the IITs.

The basic eligibility criterion for university admissions remains consistent, requiring candidates to have successfully completed their class 12 examination from a recognized board or its equivalent. It’s important to note that the specific marks required for eligibility can vary depending on the program and university.

Furthermore, while the board examinations serve as an “achievement test,” the CUET functions as a “selection test.”

Therefore, it is highly unlikely that board examinations at the class 12 level will become obsolete or lose their significance. Students have a multitude of options beyond solely relying on entrance exams for admission to the 90 central universities, including 19 private ones. Education experts suggest that while the CBSE board and continuous assessment still hold importance for students aspiring to compete in exams like the Joint Entrance Examination, National Eligibility Entrance Test, or for IITs, the significance of these exams has been reduced.

Going forward, the class 10 exam will be the primary milestone for students. Class 11 and class 12 are pivotal periods during which students delve deeper into their chosen subjects. With the introduction of the Central Universities Entrance Exam, the education system is undergoing a positive evolution. Additionally, due to the pandemic, board exams were conducted in two parts. The focus of schools remains on class 11 and 12, albeit with some changes, ensuring a holistic approach to education.

Challenges Persist Despite Central Universities Entrance Exam Implementation:

Despite the implementation of the Central Universities Entrance Exam, concerns regarding high cut-off scores during seat allocation persist. The demand for seats exceeds the available supply, with approximately 1.5 lakh seats in competition. Furthermore, some universities have begun registration for undergraduate courses for the 2023-2024 session, potentially disadvantages CBSE students if the university’s deadline falls before the declaration of CBSE results.

Examination Pattern and CBSE Advantage in Central Universities Entrance Exam

CBSE board students potentially benefit in the Central Universities Entrance Exam due to the influence of the National Council of Educational Research and Training, despite officials affirming the incorporation of syllabus content from 20 state boards across India, as suggested by education experts.

Impact of Central Universities Entrance Exam on State Boards and Cultural Subjects

An educationist highlights that around 22,000 schools in India adopt the CBSE curriculum, while the majority follow state board syllabi. This difference suggests that if the Central Universities Entrance Exam predominantly aligns with the National Council of Educational Research and Training approach, it has the potential to affect state boards and their students’ education in a less favorable manner. While subjects such as English, Mathematics, Physics, and science-related disciplines exhibit minimal disparities, it is important to acknowledge that subjects like political science and history often embrace and showcase the culture and ethos of individual states.

Impact of CUET on School Education and Admissions:

The introduction of CUET for college/university admissions is shifting the focus of students away from their school exams, which were previously crucial for meeting college cut-off requirements. With the lower requirement of 50-60% in board exams to appear for CUET, students are now prioritising the preparation of logical reasoning and other MCQs.

As a result, colleges and universities may fill their vacant seats with students who simply meet the eligibility criteria of writing the CUET exam and applying for admission. This change has led to a perception that board exams are losing their significance compared to the competitive exam. However, students still acknowledge the need to study for board exams to meet the minimum marks requirement for appearing in CUET. The concern that CUET could undermine the importance of school education, especially in the context of international universities considering class 11 annual scores and predicted scores for class 12, which might not hold the same value in Indian universities.

The Importance of Board Exams and the Impact of CUET:

The introduction of CUET does not diminish the significance of board exams. The pressure exerted by parents and society on students to excel in board exams remains constant. Only a small percentage of students study solely to pass exams, while the majority strive to perform well and boost their confidence through their hard work and dedication.

The Syllabus Similarity and Student Preparation for CUET:

The similarity between the syllabus of CBSE 12th board exams and CUET exams is another crucial factor. As students prepare for their 12th board exams, they simultaneously equip themselves for the CUET UG exams. Consequently, students who excel in their board exams are likely to perform well in the CUET exams. To support our students, we have initiated guidance programs that focus on CUET, including explaining the exam pattern, syllabus, logical reasoning questions, and more. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the CUET exam among students and inspire them to put in their best efforts.

Conclusion:

The Central Universities Entrance Test for Undergraduate (CUET-UG) complements board exams rather than replacing them. CUET-UG is a selection test that offers students the flexibility to choose subjects and universities to assess individual interests and talents. It reduces the pressure of securing extremely high marks in board exams for university admissions. The UGC aims to standardize the evaluation process and eliminate the need for excessive coaching through CUET-UG.

Reference : 

• https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/erosion-of-education-say-experts-will-cbse-board-become-irrelevant-after-cuet-1975368-2022-07-14
• https://theprint.in/india/cuet-ug-not-to-make-board-exams-redundant-ugc-chairman-jagadesh-kumar/1579009/