Kota suicides spark discussions on 'Dummy Schools' and education policy reformation

• Education Minister announces the introduction of optional biannual board exams for Class 10 and 12 students
• New Curriculum Framework (NCF) aims to provide students with more opportunities to excel and retain their best scores
• Concerns about student suicides in coaching hub Kota prompt discussions on addressing the issue of 'dummy schools' and the reconstitution of the CABE

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has revealed that Class 10 and 12 students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year, similar to the engineering entrance exam JEE. This move aims to alleviate student stress associated with single attempts at these crucial exams.

The New Curriculum Framework (NCF) announced by the Ministry of Education in August seeks to hold board exams biannually, giving students more opportunities to excel and retain their best scores. Pradhan received positive feedback from students on this plan and aims to implement it from 2024.

The minister also expressed concern over student suicides in Kota, a coaching hub for competitive exams. Pradhan emphasized the need for a serious discussion on the issue of 'dummy schools,' where students enroll only for board exams without attending full-time schools, often leading to isolation and stress.

He mentioned the government's effort to ensure students do not require coaching and the reconstitution of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) to align with the new National Education Policy.