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Just as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is about to make some changes to board exams from 2026 onwards, there is a rush among students and parents to get answers to questions such as improvement exams, eligibility after passing Class 12, the number of attempts permitted, and whether the two, board, exam format will be applicable beyond Class 10.

Sanyam Bharadwaj, Controller of Examinations, Central Board of Secondary Education, considered the options available and gave his answers to these FAQs. After passing Class 12, a student has the following options for performance enhancement, Supplementary Examination (July 2026):

A student can only improve in one subject through a supplementary exam at the supplementary examination held after the board exams.

Main Examination Next Year (February session):

Those students who want to improve marks in more than one subject should appear in the main board examination that will be held the following February.

Can Class 12 students also take board exams twice, similar to Class 10?

No. The CBSE has made the ‘two examination’ policy only for Class 10.

Is there an improvement exam for Class 10? If yes, when will the improvement exam forms be released for CBSE 2026?

Yes. In fact, the 2nd board examination is the improvement examination for the students of Class 10 as per the current policy.

It has been decided that as soon as the main examinations will be over, the candidates, based on their expectations about their performance in the first examination, can submit their candidature for the second. This window will be open for about 10 days.

Once the result of the first examination is declared, the students can apply for the improvement examination based on their actual performance.

In the case of the second window, it is candidates those who applied after the examination and those who submitted their candidature after the result was declared that will be required to pay the fee. Those who pay the fee alone will be allowed to take the second examination.

Then, at what time will the CBSE Improvement Exam Form be released in 2026 for Class 12 students?

As per the policy of the Class 12 board, CBSE has only permitted the Improvement of one subject. The test date is 15th July 2026. Students can apply for the improvement and compartment exams as soon as the result is out. In May 2026, at the time of announcement of results, CBSE will issue a detailed circular.

Suppose a private candidate opts to appear for only two subjects, then how the final percentage would be calculated?

CBSE only mentions the marks on the Marksheet.

The CBSE is not calculating the percentage. Further, the calculation of percentages, etc., depends on the rules of higher education institutions or the organisations selecting people for the job. They will calculate the percentage as per their own eligibility criteria.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department is planning to carry out competency assessments in more than 14, 000 government primary schools in the third week of February 2026.

Per a memo from the director of elementary education, student basic competencies in Tamil and English reading skills and in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were tested in 4, 552 schools during the last academic year.

The School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was invited through a social media post to have a look at the T Pudhur Panchayat Union Primary School in Anekollu, Krishnagiri gone viral by headmistress K Valarmathi to the school students learning level assessment in her post on November 4, 2024.

Following this, headmasters and teachers from 4,552 primary schools sought inspections by district education officers (elementary), and the department gave these schools 100 days to prepare students, with the deadline ending in April 2025.

After the 100-day period, the school education secretary asked schools to invite district-level officials, including the collector and education officers, along with local representatives such as panchayat union presidents, school management committee members and PTA members, to assess students’ reading and arithmetic skills.

Continuing the initiative this year, the circular stated that more than 14,000 government primary schools have expressed willingness to participate.

However, unlike last year, the circular does not mention the involvement of collectors or elected representatives in the assessment process. Instead, the assessments will be carried out by block resource teacher educators (BRTEs), block educational officers and district educational officers.

The officials have been asked to check a minimum of five students from each class during the assessment which will be carried out using the tools prepared by SCERT. Assessment for classes 1-3 will be held on February 18, and for classes 4-5 on February 20.

Located in the heart of Hazratganj, Lucknow, St. Francis' College stands as one of Uttar Pradesh's most prestigious all-boys senior secondary schools. Established in 1885 by The Catholic Diocese of Lucknow, this CISCE-affiliated institution (Nursery-Class 12) blends 139 years of tradition with modern education, creating disciplined young men who excel academically, athletically, and morally. Parents searching for "best boys schools in Lucknow" or "top CISCE schools Hazratganj" consistently rank St. Francis' at the top.

About St. Francis' College Lucknow

Founded as St. Francis' School and Orphanage in 1885, the college began with just two students under Father Norbert's guidance. Named after St. Francis of Assisi, it initially served Catholic boys while preserving their religion, language, and culture but today welcomes students from all communities. The Anglo-Indian minority institution occupies a spacious campus on Shahnajaf Road, Hazratganj, Lucknow's posh central locality. Artistic buildings, tree-lined boundaries, and extensive playgrounds create an ideal environment for learning and growth, making it highly convenient for city parents.

Ranking and Achievements

St. Francis' College enjoys premier status among Lucknow schools, competing favorably with India's best institutions. The college boasts consistent 100% ICSE/ISC pass rates and strong Council exam performance. Its sports legacy shines brightest, city and state championships in basketball, volleyball, football, hockey, cricket, and athletics. The swimming pool (inaugurated 1994) produces competitive swimmers, while NCC, Scouts, and cultural events showcase well-rounded talent. Centenary (1985) and Quasquicentennial (2010) celebrations highlight its enduring legacy.

Courses Offered and Fee Structure

St. Francis' provides continuous CISCE education from Nursery to Class 12:

• Nursery-KG: Foundation skills (₹60K-70K annual)
• Class 1-8: Core subjects (₹75K-85K annual)
• Class 9-10 (ICSE): Science/Commerce (₹90K-1L annual)
• Class 11-12 (ISC): PCM/PCB/Commerce (₹1.1L-1.25L annual)

Promotion criteria: 33% pass (Class 1-9), 35% (Class 11). Unit tests, half-yearly, and finals carry equal weightage. Results published online via student portal.

Eligibility Criteria

The college maintains clear academic standards. Students failing two consecutive years face withdrawal. Class 9-11 requires minimum marks in seven subjects including English. Council rules govern Class 10/12 promotions. Parents receive report cards; answer scripts not retained post-distribution. Discipline violations (idleness, misconduct) may lead to detention, suspension, or expulsion at Principal's discretion.

Admission Procedure

Admissions follow a straightforward process. Nursery accepts children aged 3+ by March 31. KG-Class 11 requires prior marksheets, birth certificates, photos, and affidavits. Written tests + interviews determine selection (KG+). Forms available from college office; one month's written notice required for withdrawal, or fee in lieu. No collective petitions—approach the Principal individually. Private tuitions from staff prohibited without permission.

Infrastructure and Campus Life

St. Francis' world-class facilities rival elite schools:

• Academic: Smart classrooms, modern Physics/Chemistry/Biology labs, senior/junior computer labs, well-stocked library.
• Sports: Swimming pool, basketball/volleyball courts, football/hockey/cricket grounds, athletics track, wooden-floor gymnasium, indoor badminton/table tennis.
• Other: OCH Hall auditorium, dispensary, kids' park.
• Campus life emphasizes discipline: English-only policy, absolute silence during classes, respect for property, no unapproved gadgets. Students uphold high moral standards through NCC, Scouts, debates, drama, sports days, and festivals.

Faculty Quality

Experienced CISCE-trained teachers deliver value-based education emphasizing intellectual excellence, moral growth, and social responsibility. The faculty enforces strict discipline including posture, cleanliness, politeness, honesty. Class monitors maintain order during teacher absence. Staff cannot offer private tuition without Principal approval (discontinued pre-exams), ensuring fair academic support.

Who Should Take Admission

Ideal for:

• Parents in Hazratganj/Gomti Nagar appreciate the central location.
• Families in need of catholic discipline + contemporary CISCE education.
• Boys who are interested in competitive sports (swimming/basketball elite).
• Students aiming at medicine/engineering/commerce through ISC.
• Parents more concerned with character development + academic rigour.

Who should not take admission?

Consider alternatives if:

• Child must be co-ed (all boys only)
• Favours relaxed discipline (English-only, no-talk rules, etc.)
• Financial limitations (₹1L+ yearly commitment)
• Eager to obtain IIT-JEE coaching emphasis (CISCE academic priority).

Gold Standard in Boys Education at Lucknow.

The College Hazratganj of St. Francis embodies 139 years of unquestioned record of discipline in boys, academic performance, sports stars, character. To parents in Lucknow who want safe, central, elite education, this CISCE jewel, managed by the Catholics, offers unparalleled quality. The Hazratganj landmark has remained a major influence on future leaders with its tradition, facilities, and undeterred standards.

The Delhi government has introduced 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana', essentially a revamped Ladli Scheme, that lays down a well structured financial support plan for girls right from birth to graduation.

The scheme intends to avert the problem of school dropouts due to financial difficulties by associating the installments with prescribed educational milestones and by digitally transferring funds to the beneficiaries.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta disclosed the plan and revealed that the new structure has settled the issues which were obstacles in getting benefits under the older model and at the same time ensuring timely and transparent disbursal through direct digital transfers.

"The intention is obvious, " said the Chief Minister at the launch of the scheme, "no girl should quit studies just because there are no funds."

What is the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana?

The upgraded programme provides phased financial assistance at key stages of a girl’s education. The government will deposit up to ₹56,000 over the years. With accrued interest, the total is expected to exceed ₹1 lakh by maturity.

All funds will be credited directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Why Ladli was overhauled

Launched in 2008, the Ladli Scheme aimed to support girls’ education. However, officials said serious implementation gaps surfaced after the new government took office.

According to official data, more than 1.86 lakh maturity accounts remained unclaimed for years, delaying payments to beneficiaries.

The government has since begun clearing the backlog:

₹90 crore has been disbursed to around 30,000 beneficiaries

Another ₹100 crore will soon be released to 41,000 more girls

In total, ₹190 crore is now being delivered to eligible beneficiaries

How the money will be disbursed

Under the revised structure, assistance will be released in instalments tied to education milestones:

• ₹11,000 at birth

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class I

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class VI

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class IX

• ₹5,000 on passing Class X

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class XII

• ₹20,000 in phases during graduation or diploma courses

The accumulated amount will earn interest and mature into over ₹1 lakh.

Funds can be withdrawn after:

• The beneficiary passes Class 12 and turns 18, or

• She completes her graduation or a diploma course and turns 21

If the beneficiary does not meet the prescribed milestones, such as failing to complete Class 12 by 21, the deposited amount, along with interest, will be returned to the government.

Who is eligible?

The revised eligibility criteria include:

• The girl child must be born in Delhi

• The family must have lived in Delhi for at least three years

• Annual family income must be below ₹1.20 lakh

A maximum of two girl children per family can apply

Registration can be completed:

• Within one year of birth, or

• At admission to Class 1, 6, 9, 11, or a recognised graduation/diploma course

The scheme now covers girls pursuing higher education in government-recognised institutions across India, including UGC-affiliated colleges. Special relaxations apply to girls in government-protected child care institutions.

When are they going to start?

The whole operation is going to be carried out on the web, so that you won't have to go to the government offices physically. The launch is scheduled for April 1, with a first phase budget of 160 crore and an option to raise the amount if necessary.

The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana is focused on setting up a clearly defined safety net for the girl children in Delhi, starting from birth till the completion of their higher education, through linking the disbursal of financial assistance to educational milestones and making a shift towards fully digital transfers.

Lucknow parents searching "best ICSE girls school Lucknow" discover Loreto Convent Intermediate College consistently ranking at the top. Founded in 1872 and managed by the renowned Loreto Sisters, this premier institution at 99 Mahatma Gandhi Marg delivers 153 years of academic excellence from Nursery to Class 12 for girls of all faiths.

About the School

Established in 1872 under the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters), Loreto Convent traces its global legacy to Mary Ward's 1616 vision for girls' education. The Lucknow branch became Uttar Pradesh's oldest continuously operating girls school, accepting students of all denominations while prioritizing Catholic girls.

Curriculum and Structure 

In Class 12, the school only provides Nursery to Class 12 to girls in Science, Commerce and Humanities segments. Annual fees are to be expected based on ICSE girls school in Lucknow: Nursery-KG is expected to range between 60 thousand to 80 thousand rupees, Classes 1-5 are expected to range between 70 thousand to 90 thousand rupees, Class 6-10 should be between 85 thousand to 1 lakh rupees and Classs 11-12 should be between 1 lakh to 1.2 lakh rupees. 

Eligibility Criteria

The admission is in a way based on Catholic girls and then the other Christian denominations and then merit based admission to all religions. Nursery will be needed by children of 3 years and above on March 31, whereas Class 1 and above will need former school Transfer Certificates. ICSE performance and interviews are required in Class 11 ISC admission. All boards are open to girls and this makes Loreto a choice to CBSE transfers who want ICSE rigour.

Admission Procedure

Application forms are filled in Nursery-KG during November-December through the school office or via their official website. Documents such as birth certificates, Baptism certificates as a priority, previous class report cards and Class 2+ Transfer Certificates are necessary. Written tests and interviews are done in Classes 1-9, and Class 11 merit lists are published at the end of the May-June after the ICSE results. Call 8009881030 for exact 2026 deadlines.

The Infrastructure and Campus Life.

The green campus boasts of a basketball court, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer laboratories, library, auditorium, assembly field, park, ground and chapel. Everyday routine has morning meetings, inter-house sporting events, value education, and spiritual training. The recent activities such as Inter House Basketball and Kho-Kho indicate that campus life is active leading to physical fitness of students as well as team spirit.

Faculty and Leadership

Loreto Sisters offer spiritual and administrative guidance coupled with practised ICSE faculty which are trained in current teaching practices. The administration at the school focuses on moral development by attending a chapel every day and getting an education that is based on values. The website has Community Leader, Principal and Head Girl messages, which lead parents to the holistic philosophy of the school. Faculty focus is a balance between academic rigour and character formation that is necessary in good citizenship. 

Who Should Take Admission

Excellent to Lucknow parents in search of:

• ICSE curriculum for girls
• 150+ year legacy
• Values Catholic (any faith is welcome)
• Hazratganj location
• Sports + academics balance

Who Should Not Take Admission

Consider alternatives if:

• Need co-education
• Prefer CBSE curriculum
• Budget below ₹60K/year
• In search of huge campus amenities.

Loreto Convent Intermediate College is a college that enjoys both tradition and modern ICSE education in the heart of Lucknow for 153 years. It has established sports success, ideal location, and values-driven education, which makes it the best girls school in Lucknow. For more information, check the school website or visit the campus. 

The Board of Secondary Education Assam has started the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations in all the districts of Assam with very tight security arrangements. The highest ever number of 4, 38, 565 students have appeared this year.

Officials informed that the Class 10 board exams are being held at 1, 046 exam centers in the state. Authorities have been compelled by the huge number of students to lay down an intensive supervision system in order to prevent any cheating during the examinations and to make sure that the exams are conducted smoothly.

Multi-Layer Security Measures

To maintain transparency and curb cheating, SEBA has introduced multiple security layers including:

• CCTV surveillance at exam centres

• Flying squads and inspection teams

• Restricted entry zones around centres

• Ban on electronic devices inside premises

• Strongroom monitoring for question papers

District administrations and police personnel have also been deployed outside centres to manage crowds and maintain law and order.

Focus on Fair Examination Process

Officials tirelessly emphasize that strong measures are essential if we want to keep the HSLC exam trustworthy, a major point that significantly decides the route of students' academic life to the higher secondary education streams.

Parents, together with guardians, should please refrain from crowding in the vicinity of the exam centers, and students are advised to adhere strictly to the rules, officials have said.

Over the next few weeks, the exams are slated to go on, and it is SEBA's hope to see the entire procedure completed without any hiccups and at the same time being fair to the huge number of candidates taking the exams across Assam.