CBSE Exams Date Sheet, Timetable 2021: Latest Updates

The dates for the CBSE board exams have finally been announced, ending months of uncertainty, doubts and rumors about whether the CBSE board exams will be held this year at all. Now, students all over the country can gear up and get back to studying for the CBSE exams. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank released the much-awaited CBSE class 10 and class 12 exams date sheet on his Twitter account, much to the relief of anxious students.

CBSE class 10 exam date 2021

CBSE board exam date 2021 class 12

What you need to know:

Earlier, Pokhriyal had clarified in a live session conducted on December 22, 2020 between him and teachers that there would be no CBSE board exams till February 2021. Let's look at the latest developments.

CBSE board exam date sheet for download

For the convenience of students appearing for the board exams 2020-2021, the CBSE board exam date sheet is available for download from the official website of the board cbse.gov.in

Exams to be held from May 4 to June 10

The class 10 and class 12 exams will be conducted from May 4, 2021 to June 10, 2021. Schools have been allowed to conduct their practical exams for both class 10 and class 12 students from March 1, 2021 till the last date for conducting theory exams.

Exam timings and rules: (Double shifts)

The exams for class 12 are scheduled to be held in two shifts. The morning shift will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. while the afternoon shift will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. However, as usual, the exams for class 10 will be held in one single shift.

After the question papers are distributed, 15 minutes will be given to students for reading the question paper. Candidates have to write their particulars in the answer book that will be checked and signed by the Assistant Superintendent(s).

"Sufficient time has been given between the examinations of two main subjects in both classes X & XII. This will reduce the stress of the students and help them in better preparations for the examinations." - CBSE

'Physical' mode over 'Online' mode:

Both the Union Ministry of Education and the CBSE have made it clear that no provisions have been made for online tests and that exams will be conducted in examination centers in pen-and-paper mode.

Pokhriyal made it clear that the exams will be held in offline mode (physical mode). He ruled out the possibility of online exams and stated that many schools were located in the rural areas where there is limited to no access to proper electricity and internet. Pokhriyal said,

"We need a laptop and stable internet and electricity for each student which is a challenge. A percentage of students do not have equal access to education. While we have used unique methods to teach students but having such methods for exams might not be fair."

Fewer exam days in 2021:

One notable change seen this year will be fewer exam days. In 2020, the exam schedule was of 45 days. In 2021, the exam schedule is of 39 days.

33 per cent internal choices in the exams:

Students will have a better opportunity at scoring marks with 33 per cent internal choices in the exams. The marks are going to be given on an 80:20 basis where theory papers will consist of 80 marks while the internal assessment will be of 20 marks.

Reduced syllabus and 'notable' changes:

The CBSE has already reduced the syllabus by around 30 per cent. Therefore, there is no plan to reduce the syllabus further. Some changes include internal choices in the question paper (see point no 5); objective type (MCQs - Multiple Choice Questions) questions will play a vital role in the question papers; class 12 Physics question paper will contain assertion and reason, and case-study-based questions; Math question paper will also contain case-study-based questions.

New marking scheme:

Students are advised to take a look at sample papers to understand the new exam pattern and marking scheme by visiting the official website cbseacademic.nic.in.

Practicals in school labs:

During a meeting with principals of different schools, the board had made it clear that practical exams will be held in school laboratories rather than online labs.

COVID-19 and safety measures:

The CBSE has taken all measures necessary to ensure the safety of students appearing for the exams and will conduct the examinations in adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The date sheet has been prepared in such a way that on any given day, the number of students in a exam center will be limited.

CBSE class 10 and class 12 exams: Talking Points

• Class 12 exams to be held in double shifts with the exams to be conducted on the second shift only on four days. Class 10 exams to be held in a single shift.
• In class 10, examinations of 75 subjects and in class 12, examinations of 114 subjects to be conducted.
• Class 12 exams to begin on May 4 with English Elective / Core Paper. Class 10 exams to begin on May 4 with language papers - Odia, Kannada, and Lepcha.

ParentCircle wishes all the students appearing for the exams the very best!

Also read:

CBSE Board Exams: Top Tips From Toppers

CBSE Maths Exam Tips From An Expert

CBSE Board Exams: Class 10, 12 Exams To Be Held From May 4 To June 10

About the author:

Written by Team ParentCircle on February 5, 2021.

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