The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made a big change regarding the board examinations of class 10th and 12th. Now students will not have complete freedom in choosing additional subjects. Under the new rules, only 2 additional subjects will be allowed in class 10 and only 1 additional subject in class 12. Not only this, it will be mandatory to study the chosen subject for two consecutive years, only then the students will be able to take the board exam of that subject. This rule will directly affect those students who wanted to make their studies more comprehensive by taking different subjects.
New guidelines on additional subjects
CBSE has made it clear that class 10 students will be able to choose only 2 additional subjects apart from their 5 main subjects. At the same time, class 12 students will be allowed only 1 additional subject. Apart from this, just choosing the subject will not be enough, but the students will have to study that subject continuously for two full years. That is, to take the class 10 board exam, the student will have to study that subject in both class 9 and 10. Similarly, the subject chosen in class 12 will be required to be studied in both classes 11 and 12. Only then it can be included in the board exam.
School permission and necessary facilities
CBSE has also clarified that any school can offer an additional subject only if it has got the approval of the board. Apart from this, it is also necessary to have qualified teachers, laboratory and other necessary facilities in the school for that subject. If a school has not taken permission or does not have the resources available, then its students will not be able to take that subject in the examination. This rule has been made so that students get quality education and they are not taught the subject only to complete the formality.
Options for compartment and private candidates
CBSE has also given an option for those students who fail in an additional subject and are put in the compartment or essential repeat category. Such students can appear for the examination of that subject again as a private candidate. Private candidates do not need to take admission in any school. They can prepare from home and directly appear in the board exams. This provision will prove helpful for those students who need a second chance due to some reason.
