SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department will take a final decision on the continuation of Class 11th board examinations next year, Financial Commissioner (Additional Secretary) Higher Education Shantmanu confirmed while speaking to the media.
He stated that very few states in India conduct board exams for Class 11, and Jammu and Kashmir will review the necessity of these exams after this academic session concludes.
According to him, the decision to hold Class 11th exams this year was made because the process was already underway and all necessary preparations had been completed. However, the department will assess the outcomes of these exams before deciding whether to continue them in the coming years.
Explaining the rationale behind introducing Class 11th board exams, Shantmanu said the move was intended to encourage students to take their studies more seriously from the very beginning of higher secondary education.
The Higher Education Department believes that holding board examinations at the Class 11 level could help create academic discipline among students and prepare them better for Class 12 board exams.
Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is conducting the Class 11th board exams under the Uniform Academic Calendar in line with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). The results from this year’s exams will play a significant role in shaping future decisions regarding their continuation.
While some education experts have supported the idea of reviewing the 11th board exams policy, others believe that consistent assessment helps students stay focused throughout both years of higher secondary schooling.
The government, however, has clarified that no immediate change will be made this year, and a comprehensive review will be undertaken after the completion of the current exam cycle. —(KSA)
