The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially dismissed rumours of a 15% syllabus reduction for classes 10 and 12, labelling such claims as unfounded. In a recent statement, CBSE emphasised its focus on overhauling assessment methods to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding among students.

CBSE clarified that no decision had been made to reduce the syllabus. Instead, the board is concentrating on enhancing competency-based education by reshaping assessment patterns to minimise rote learning and stress while encouraging a deeper understanding of concepts. In a major development, CBSE plans to incorporate open-book exams to assess students' ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. The board believes this shift will reduce the focus on memorization and encourage critical thinking.

According to Mint reports,CBSE has proposed significant changes to its evaluation system: 30-40% of exam questions will focus on testing problem-solving and analytical skills. Schools will conduct internal evaluations for continuous assessment of students' progress.

Educators and students have welcomed these initiatives, citing the benefits of reduced academic stress and a more meaningful learning experience. Many believe these changes will align Indian education standards with global practices, preparing students for real-world challenges.

CBSE plans to release detailed guidelines for implementing open-book exams and the revised assessment framework. Stakeholders, including schools and educators, are encouraged to prepare for this transition by updating teaching methods and resources. This progressive step reaffirms CBSE's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, competent individuals ready for future challenges. Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative phase in Indian education!

In K12 education, innovation in personalised learning has been enhanced through AI-powered adaptive systems that are now implemented in schools nationwide. These tools enable a tailored approach to meet individual student needs. In STEM education, new initiatives aimed at increasing diversity have been introduced, with special programs created to support underrepresented groups in gaining access to these fields.

As per Stanford Report, Virtual reality (VR) technology has also been adopted in educational settings to provide immersive field trip experiences. This approach is being utilised across various subjects, such as history, science, and language arts, to boost student engagement and accessibility. Efforts to expand mental health support in schools have resulted in the prioritisation of programs that address student well-being, including mindfulness training, counselling services, and social-emotional learning.

To bridge the ongoing digital divide, which affects an estimated 17% of students in the U.S. who lack internet access at home, schools have initiated several solutions. Measures include the distribution of 1:1 devices to students, provision of low-cost internet plans, and the establishment of community tech hubs to provide connectivity.

In a feature on innovative educators, Sarah Johnson, a 5th-grade teacher, has been highlighted for her use of gamification and real-world applications in maths, an approach that has received positive responses from her students.

Student achievements are being celebrated with the announcement of National Science Fair winners, a record number of students taking Advanced Placement exams, and scholarship opportunities available for graduating seniors. In addition, several key educational events are approaching, such as the National Education Conference (March 15-17), the STEM Festival (April 22), and Teacher Professional Development Workshops (May 1-3).

Additional resources for K12 educators and families have been made accessible, including educational apps designed for learning on the go, online safety guides for parents, and teacher training webinars.

In a significant development for the local chess community, Taranga Banerjee, a former Hoogly district age group winner, has made impressive strides with the Bandel Chess Academy. Banerjee established the academy, which has rapidly become a prominent institution in the region’s chess scene, reflecting his deep passion for the game.

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