The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is ready to conduct the much-anticipated board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 from February 15, 2025. With the exam date just around the corner, students are diligently preparing for these significant assessments. To help alleviate any anxiety surrounding the examination process, CBSE has released a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its official website. This initiative seeks to clarify rules and provide guidance to students, ensuring they feel supported as they approach the exam.
Beginning with the basics, the board exams for Class 10 are scheduled to conclude on March 13, 2025, whereas Class 12 exams will end on April 2, 2025. Each exam will be conducted during a single shift, running from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The CBSE has made admit cards available for download, allowing students to easily access this important document from the official website.
Students often have questions about the impact of pre-board exams on their eligibility for the board exams. According to CBSE, the scores attained during pre-board exams do not contribute to the final board examination marks. This encourages students to approach pre-boards as practice opportunities rather than sources of undue stress. CBSE emphasizes: "No, the marks obtained in the pre-board examination are not added or included in the Board examination marks."
Many students also wonder about the rules surrounding marks deductions for exceeding the word limit or making spelling errors, particularly in language papers. CBSE clarifies, "No marks are deducted for exceeding the word limit, but marks for spelling mistakes and other errors are deducted in the Language Papers." This reassurance allows students to focus on crafting their responses without the fear of losing marks for minor infractions.
Exam day will bring questions about the materials allowed during the tests. CBSE has specified, "Use of whitener is not permitted." Students are advised to use blue or royal blue ink gel pens for their answers, and are permitted to take extra sheets if needed. The guidelines explicitly state, "You may attempt those questions you know best first, but be sure to write the correct question number," and advise against omitting any questions. "Never omit an entire question," stresses CBSE, acknowledging the importance of time management and thoroughness during the exams.
Another aspect of concern is the passing criteria. Candidates must receive at least 33% marks not only overall but also separately in theoretical and practical components for subjects with practical work. "Qualifying marks in each subject of the external exam are 33 percent," the board confirms.
Preparation is key, and students frequently express anxiety about their peers' study patterns. CBSE encourages students not to engage in comparison but to stick to their revision plans. Consistency and structured study habits emerge as central themes to facilitate efficient learning and retention. The board advises students to create and follow daily timetables, which can assist them significantly.
The exam can also present frustrations relating to writing speed. Students who struggle with this are urged to practice and improve their writing efficiency continuously. "Write the answer and practice so your speed improves," CBSE advises. Organizing thoughts before writing and presenting answers as bullet points can help manage time effectively during exams.
Lastly, as the examination date approaches, students are advised to remain calm and collected. Rumors about potential paper leaks or unverified information can lead to unnecessary panic. CBSE reassures students of its well-established, foolproof system of conducting examinations and encourages them to report any suspicious activity. "If such information about leaks arises, it should be reported to CBSE immediately," they advise.
With these guidelines and reassurances from CBSE, students are urged to enter their examinations with confidence. The board's FAQs offer clarity on all common concerns, aiming to make the examination process as smooth as possible for all participants. CBSE aims to support students at every step, helping them navigate this pivotal moment with peace of mind and clarity.