The Debate: Reform Vs Risk

By: Javid Amin | 01 October 2025

Jammu & Kashmir at an Educational Crossroads

On September 30, 2025, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Union Secretary of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, unveiled a proposal that could fundamentally reshape the school education landscape in Jammu & Kashmir.

He suggested abolishing the Class 11 board examination, citing the need to:

• Reduce academic pressure on students.

• Streamline assessment methods.

• Align state education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The move has sparked wide debate: Is it a forward-looking reform in line with global best practices, or does it carry risks that could undermine academic rigor?

The Review Meeting: A Policy-Shaping Forum

The high-level review meeting brought together senior stakeholders:

• JKBOSE representatives (Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education)

• SCERT officials (State Council of Educational Research and Training)

• Directors of School Education from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions

The gathering underscored the seriousness of the discussion, reflecting a push for systemic reform across school education in the region.

Analyzing Both Options: To Abolish or Retain Class 11 Board Exams?

Option 1: Abolishing Class 11 Exams

Pros:

1. Reduced Academic Pressure: Students face high-stakes exams in Class 10 and Class 12; Class 11 exams add unnecessary stress.

2. Continuity in Learning: Without a disruptive board exam, learning flows smoothly from Class 10 to Class 12.

3. Focus on Holistic Development: Students can engage in projects, vocational courses, extracurricular activities, and skill-building.

4. Alignment with NEP-2020: Encourages competency-based, continuous assessment, reducing rote memorization.

5. Flexibility for Schools: Schools can innovate with internal evaluation methods, enhancing learning outcomes.

Cons / Challenges:

1. Student Motivation: Without a board exam, some students may treat Class 11 casually, affecting performance in Class 12.

2. Assessment Standardization: JKBOSE must develop robust evaluation systems to ensure consistent standards.

3. Teacher Preparedness: Continuous assessment demands teacher training, mentoring skills, and mindset shifts.

4. Parental Concerns: Parents may question scholarship eligibility, college applications, and academic rigor.

5. Equity Concerns: Rural and under-resourced schools may struggle to implement high-quality continuous assessment.

Option 2: Retaining Class 11 Board Exams

Pros:

1. Accountability and Discipline: Board exams create a structured academic checkpoint.

2. Preparation for Class 12: Provides students with exam experience and time management skills.

3. Uniform Evaluation: JKBOSE can ensure standardized grading and performance tracking.

Cons / Challenges:

1. Added Academic Pressure: Multiple board exams can increase stress, anxiety, and burnout.

2. Limited Value: Class 11 results have less impact on college admissions, raising questions about the exam’s relevance.

3. Rote Learning Focus: Emphasis on board exams may shift learning toward memorization, undermining holistic education goals.

4. Resource Intensity: Organizing Class 11 exams requires staff, infrastructure, and administrative effort that could be redirected to skill-based programs.

Key Highlights of Sanjay Kumar’s Recommendations

1. Boosting Student Enrolment in Government Schools

Declining trust in public schools has pushed many parents toward private institutions. Kumar emphasized:

• Modernized classrooms

• Smart labs and digital tools

• Engaging pedagogy to retain students

2. Mainstreaming Out-of-School Children (OOSC)

Conflict, migration, and socio-economic factors have kept many children away from school. The Secretary proposed:

• Special bridge programs

• Flexible schooling options

• Incentives to re-engage students

3. Strengthening Pre-Primary Education

Early childhood education is foundational. Recommendations included:

• Dedicated pre-primary sections in every school

• Activity-based, play-oriented teacher training

4. Expanding Vocational and Skill-Based Learning

Kumar urged integration of:

• Hospitality, IT, agriculture, and life skills

• Practical, hands-on learning to improve employability and entrepreneurship

5. Human Resource & Infrastructure Upgrades

• Teacher training for continuous assessment methods

• Rational staff deployment to avoid overstaffing or understaffing

• Upgraded physical and digital infrastructure for equitable access

Voices from the Ground

Teachers’ Concerns

“Class 11 is already treated lightly. Without a board exam, it may become a lost year unless strong internal assessments are designed.”

Parents’ Reactions

Some parents welcome stress reduction, others worry about college eligibility and academic discipline.

Students’ Views

“We already stress about Class 10 and Class 12. Removing Class 11 exams will let us focus on skills, competitions, and entrance exams.”

Global Comparisons: Learning from Best Practices

1. Kerala, India: Streamlined assessments with strong internal exams; Class 11 prepares students for Class 12.

2. Delhi, India: NEP-inspired competency-based assessment; Class 11 functions as a preparatory year.

3. Finland: No standardized exams until higher secondary; continuous teacher-led evaluation ensures depth.

4. Singapore: Balanced national exams at key stages; emphasizes skills, projects, and holistic assessment.

These examples show Class 11 exams are not essential if robust alternative assessments are implemented.

Challenges Ahead

1. Assessment Framework: How to ensure standardized, fair evaluation without board exams?

2. Teacher Preparedness: Teachers must adapt to continuous, competency-based assessment.

3. Risk of Academic Laxity: Students may deprioritize Class 11 without clear incentives.

4. Equity Concerns: Rural schools may struggle to implement consistent high-quality assessment.

Recommendations for Effective Implementation

1. Develop Strong Internal Assessments: Regular tests, projects, and practicals must carry weight.

2. Teacher Training in Competency-Based Evaluation: Shift culture from “examiners” to “mentors.”

3. Bridge Class 11 and 12 Curricula: Ensure continuity without redundancy.

4. Flexible Learning Options: Vocational modules, online learning, skill courses.

5. Parent Awareness Campaigns: Build confidence in the new system and its credibility.

Implications for Students & Parents

• Students: Relief from stress, more space for holistic learning and skill acquisition.

• Parents: Initial apprehension about college readiness and accountability.

• Schools: Need to restructure curriculum, evaluation, and pedagogy.

Bottom-Line: Reform or Experiment?

The proposal to abolish Class 11 board exams is radical yet NEP-aligned.

• If executed well, it can reduce stress, promote skills, and nurture holistic growth.

• If poorly implemented, it may dilute academic rigor, create gaps, and cause confusion.

Ultimately, this decision will shape the educational journey of thousands of students in J&K, defining a future where learning extends beyond exams into real-world skills, creativity, and personal growth.