CBSE, CISCE (ICSE), and State Board Examinations in India 2025 

By 2025, India’s school education system is expected to undergo significant reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on holistic, skill-based learning and reduced exam stress. Here’s a breakdown of key changes:

1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

• Curriculum: Emphasis on competency-based learning (critical thinking, case studies) over rote memorization.

• Exams:

  • Two-Term System: Likely phased out, reverting to a single annual exam with flexible subject choices (e.g., mixing Science with Humanities).

  • 30% Objective + 70% Subjective: Focus on application-based questions.

• New Additions:

  • Vocational Integration: Coding, AI, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) as elective subjects.

  • Internals: 20% weightage to projects, oral tests, and practicals.

2. CISCE (ICSE/ISC)

• Curriculum: Retains rigorous academics but aligns with NEP’s multidisciplinary approach.

  • ICSE (Class 10): Enhanced focus on English proficiency and analytical skills.

  • ISC (Class 12): Introduction of skill modules (e.g., entrepreneurship, digital literacy).

• Assessment:

  • Project-Based Evaluation: Group assignments and research papers for core subjects.

  • Semester System: Piloted for reduced syllabus burden.

3. State Boards (e.g., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, UP)

• NEP Alignment:

  • Regional Language Medium: Mandatory until Grade 5, with optional English integration.

  • Unified Structure: Efforts to standardize syllabus and exam patterns across states.

• Exams:

  • Competency Frameworks: Adopting CBSE-like MCQs and case studies.

  • Local Relevance: Retaining state-specific history/culture in Social Science.

Pan-India Trends for 2025

• PARAKH: A proposed National Assessment Centre to standardize evaluation across boards.

• Reduced Stress:

  • Multiple Attempts: Option to retake exams for improvement (pilot programs).

  • No Board Exams for Grades 5 & 8: Replaced by school-level assessments.

• Tech Integration:

  • Digital Portfolios: Track student progress via AI-driven platforms.

  • Online Exams: Expanded use for practicals/internal assessments.

Challenges

• Equity Gap: Rural vs. urban schools in adopting tech-driven reforms.

• Teacher Training: Upskilling educators for NEP-aligned pedagogy.

By 2025, Indian school boards aim to balance academic rigor with flexibility, creativity, and real-world readiness, though implementation disparities may persist.