School
Representation Image

ICSE Board Examination: Uncertainty looms over the fate of the ICSE 10th-grade board examination in 2025. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has initiated training programs for schools on the implementation of the National Education Policy in Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani. However, the decision to hold the 10th-grade examination will depend on the Central Education Minister.

The CISCE conducts the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) exams in their accredited schools. Nevertheless, whether the 10th-grade examination will be held remains uncertain and is subject to the decision of the Central Education Minister.

During the meeting, the issue of whether the 10th-grade examination would be conducted in schools as an internal assessment or by the board was raised with CISCE’s Executive Secretary, Jerry Arathoon. He mentioned that the final decision lies with the Central Education Minister.

The ambiguity has arisen due to the National Education Policy’s recommendation in 2020 to have a single board examination in schools. This proposal suggested that the board examination for the 10th-grade would be abolished, and instead, the 10th-grade examination would be considered as the school’s annual exam. This matter was earlier raised during a training session by CISCE’s head for the 10th-grade examination. However, Jerry Arathoon clarified that the Central Education Minister would take the ultimate decision.

Apart from the uncertainty over the 10th-grade examination, some changes are being introduced in the ICSE and ISC exams from the academic year 2024. Notably, there will be an addition of 10 marks for critical thinking in all subjects. This addition aims to assess how deeply students understand the subject matter and how articulately they can express their understanding.

The CISCE’s inclination towards self-reliant learning or rote learning has also been a topic of discussion. In 2011, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had declared the 10th-grade examination as optional. However, it became compulsory again for the 2016-17 academic year. During the pandemic, CBSE, CISCE, and ISC exams were also made optional. Nevertheless, the sudden cancellation of the 10th-grade exam did not occur.

The CISCE and other states will have to follow the same path as the Central Board if the 10th-grade examination is made optional again. However, states will have some autonomy in subjects included in the joint list of subjects. Ultimately, the final decision will be taken by the Central Education Minister, which will determine CISCE’s course of action.

In conclusion, as of now, the fate of the 10th-grade ICSE board examination in 2025 remains uncertain, and the decision will rest with the Central Education Minister. Any further updates will be disclosed as and when the situation unfolds.