Panel examines 11th Board exams abolishing
Srinagar, Oct 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) announced on Friday that it will begin distributing free textbooks up to 8th standard by the end of November, ensuring all deserving students receive them by the first week of December.
Addressing a press conference, BOSE Secretary Ghulam Hassan Sheikh acknowledged delays last year, citing shifting academic sessions and factors beyond the board’s control. “This year, we will ensure timely delivery across Kashmir,” he said.
On the proposal to abolish 11th class board exams, Sheikh said BOSE has formed a committee to examine the academic implications. “If it benefits students, the change will be implemented; otherwise, it may not be pursued,” he added.
Sheikh noted that the academic calendar had been disrupted by adverse weather conditions. In response, the board received multiple representations requesting syllabus relaxation, leading to a 15 percent reduction in exam content for annual regular board exams, primarily affecting Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu. He explained the relaxation in marks: for subjects with 100 marks, students need to attempt only 85 percent of questions; for 80-mark papers, 68 percent; for 70-mark papers, 60 percent; and for 50-mark papers, 43 percent.
BOSE has enrolled nearly 95,000 students for 10th class exams, 82,000 for 11th, and 70,000 for 12th, establishing 994, 760, and 682 exam centers respectively. Exam schedules have been announced in advance: 10th standard exams start on November 3, 12th on November 8, and 11th on November 19.
Sheikh emphasized that the board is working hard to implement government directives, including the shift of the academic session to November-December, ensuring smooth conduct of exams and timely delivery of textbooks.
