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A row has been sparked by a Class 10 question in Assam, which has been accused of communal bias. The Education Minister is backing the question and calling it harmless. The SEBA has been criticized for how it handled things, with calls for increased scrutiny. Students and teachers have spoken out in anger and dismay, with some calling for increased sensitivity and inclusiveness in school material. An investigation is ongoing, and previous years' question papers can be downloaded from the SEBA website.

In response, the state’s education minister has claimed the question was meant to test if students knew that India is a secular country.

The question in SEBA's social science exam for Class 10 students conducted on Thursday was: "Suppose, the government has established a hospital in a village named Dambuk. The hospital gives free treatment to the Hindus. The people of other religions have to pay for the treatment themselves. Can the government do this in a nation like India? Give your opinion".

The question had three marks. Following a group of social media users accused it of promoting religious divisiveness, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu reacted by terming the debate "unnecessary."

Constitution Preamble does not permit any discrimination. Without discrimination to anyone, we are following the policy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas'. Now, one has to try and check whether students possess that information or not, that there is no discrimination permitted on grounds of religion, caste or language in Assam. There is nothing to argue or get offended about," he added

Science and social science can either be a single question paper with an additional set of questions for the advanced level or two different question papers for both levels in the 2028 Class 10 board examination

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement two-tier difficulty levels—standard and advanced—science and social science for class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session and class 10 in the 2027-28 session.

From 2026, students of class 9 will be learning two levels — standard and advanced for science and social science. These students will learn both levels in the same subject in class 10 and appear for board exams in 2028," CBSE chairman Rahul Singh told PTI on Tuesday.

The decision came after CBSE's governing body approved its curriculum committee's proposal to introduce the two levels.

Science and social science can either have one question paper with a special set of questions for the advanced level or different question papers for both levels in class 10 board exams of the 2028 batch, as said by Singh.

The two levels are consistent with the National Education Policy 2020, which suggested that "all subjects and related assessments, starting with mathematics, could be made available at two levels, with students taking some of their subjects at the standard level and others at a higher level."

The CBSE has been providing two streams of mathematics in class 10 from 2019-20. The standard and basic mathematics syllabi are identical. They vary as per the level of question difficulty in board exams.

The board has asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to release new Class 9 and 10 science and social science textbooks with an added section including material for the advanced level. "We are hoping that NCERT will be able to provide new textbooks to class 9 students by next year," Singh stated.

The NCERT published revised textbooks for classes 1 and 2 in 2023, then classes 3 and 6 in 2024 according to the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. It is going to publish new textbooks for classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 for the 2025-26 session and class 9 prior to the 2026-27 session.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the draft scheme for conducting board exams for Class 10 students twice a year from 2026 at its website, cbse.gov.in, and invited stakeholder feedback. If implemented, this will bring important changes to the current system.

Here's everything students and parents should know about the proposed scheme-

Since there will be two board exams, the fee will be higher. Both examinations will have fees collected by CBSE when schools provide Lists of Candidates (LOCs) for final exams.

No passing document will be issued by CBSE after the first exam result. The individuals who do not want to take the second exam can utilize the performance details being made available via DigiLocker for admission to Class 11. Pass certificates will be provided only after the second exam result.

The Marks sheet-cum-pass certificate will display marks obtained in the first and second exams, marks obtained in practical exam/internal assessment, and grades. The higher of the two marks will also be included. Even though there will be two theory exams, the board will hold the practical exam/internal assessment only once. Those students who fail in the first examination can be given provisional admission to Class 12. Their admissions will be confirmed on the basis of their second examination result.

Students will have to pass all five subjects in order to be declared as pass. Those who fail in the first examination will be put on the improvement list for the second examination.

Subject change for the first exam after submitting the LOC will not be allowed by CBSE. The candidates who want to change the subject after submitting LOC can do it for the second exam only. The students like this can decide not to take the first exam in that subject. If they take the first exam, then they will not be allowed to change the subject for the second exam.

CBSE won't hold any further tests for the students appearing only for the second test. They can give the first test in the following year. In case the board alters the syllabus next year, they have to give the test on the basis of the new syllabus only. CBSE will consider the policy after receiving feedback. If necessary, the policy will be updated and finalized thereafter. The board will modify examination-bye-laws

A 150-year-old school in Sion, Mumbai, is under investigation for allegedly using an unapproved facility for its operations. St. Mary's High School is the subject of an inquiry by the Education Department that may result in sanctions or potentially the school's recognition being revoked.

Founded in 1869, St. Mary's High School has been a household name for generations. Recent complaints, however, indicate that the school has breached building laws, and its legality is now in question. The authorities acted on complaints of illegal construction on the school grounds. The Education Department has now initiated an investigation to check if the construction was done according to legal procedures.

Official will see documents and authorization pertaining to school infrastructure and study if the school building was properly built with needed permissions. The school may be subject to severe sanctions or could be refused recognition if it violates any rules. Many have questioned how these kinds of facilities have been permitted to function without adequate approval after the case exposed flaws in monitoring school structures.

Education officials caution that illegal construction is a safety hazard for students and teachers. The incident has also highlighted the necessity of greater monitoring of school buildings in Mumbai to prevent violations of safety and legal standards. In spite of increasing worries, the school administration has not made any official statement about the charges or the current investigation. Now, local parents and citizens are waiting for the Education Department's final decision, which is expected to be made shortly.

The inquiry will decide if the school can proceed with operations or undergo severe action for non-adherence. The case has also generated debate on the need for regulation enforcement to avoid such offenses in other schools

The government of Punjab initiated the "Schools of Eminence" (SoE) program to offer government schools international-standard education as part of its ambitious plan to overhaul its educational system. At the initiative of the Department of School Education, the curriculum is designed to emphasize the all-round development of students to equip them for the challenges of the twenty-first century.

By equipping schools with state-of-the-art laboratories, sports complexes, libraries with ample resources, and intelligent classrooms, the SoE program is intended to offer a better learning experience. In addition to promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, the program also focuses significantly on learner-centered teaching methods. To ensure that children receive a balanced, future-proof education, teachers who take part in this program are trained in innovative teaching methods.

The process of admitting students for 2025-26 is still open. It is available to students who have to undergo an aptitude test, followed by a screening process, to find a place in the program. Registration started on January 24, 2025, and the entrance examination will be conducted on March 16, 2025, for Class 9, and April 6, 2025, for Class 11. The process of admission in a systematic manner makes sure that meritorious students from all walks of life are given quality education.

Aside from academics, the SoE program integrates arts, culture, moral values, life skills, and sports into the curriculum to facilitate students' holistic development. The program also encourages community engagement, encouraging collaboration among schools, parents, and local stakeholders to create a supportive learning environment that fosters students' development and well-being.

With the introduction of Schools of Eminence, Punjab is making a gargantuan leap towards academic excellence. The SoE not just aims to give government schools the push to compete at the global level but also aims to reduce the quality difference between government school and private school education. Because the state is still pouring funds into education facilities, the SoE program has the potential to be the catalyst for future education reform plans in India.

Through a focus on comprehensive learning, high-quality infrastructure, and creative pedagogy, Punjab is setting the pace for an innovative, inclusive, and excellence-driven education system, an ideal that other states need to emulate.

The curriculum at Cambridge School Noida now includes music, emphasizing its contribution to social, emotional, and cognitive development. By offering a methodical music education, this school, which has state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled personnel, hopes to foster children's creativity and individual expression.

The principal of the school noticed that music is not only an extra-curricular activity but part of the learning process. The process of learning is so structured that students learn to think, cooperate, and acquire such vital skills as discipline and communication.

Scientific research and studies for years have emphasized the vital role played by music in the development of intellectual and emotional intelligence. Some of its most important advantages are:

Enhanced cognitive skills, including improved memory, better language skills, and enhanced problem-solving skills.

Improved creativity and self-expression, allowing students to create their own unique artistic voice.

Increased academic performance, especially in areas such as mathematics and reading.

Improved emotional intelligence and social awareness, allowing students to develop empathy and communicate better.

With the inclusion of music in its curriculum, Cambridge School Noida is preparing its students for an equilibristic future. Outside of the classroom, music fosters qualities like resilience, teamwork, and determination—skills that are essential in today's society. Students will undoubtedly have the intellectual and creative skills necessary to thrive in all facets of life since the school is always refining its comprehensive learning methodology.