What to Read in The Hindu Editorial (Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: The CBSE’s ‘two-exam scheme’ overcomplicates things

 

Context

 

The CBSE's proposed plan for Class 10 students appears forward-thinking, but a deeper analysis reveals challenges related to implementation, cost, and teaching methods.

 

Introduction

 

The CBSE's draft plan proposes that, starting in 2026, Class 10 students can take their board exams twice in a school year—once around February/March and again in May. This change, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to reduce student stress, give them a chance to improve their scores, and promote a more well-rounded evaluation system. While it seems like a positive step, a deeper look reveals challenges in execution, costs, and teaching methods, which could make the system more complicated rather than truly beneficial.

 

Shift Towards Conceptual Learning vs. Logistical Focus

• NEP 2020 promotes conceptual learning and competency-based assessment.
• CBSE’s draft policy mainly emphasizes scheduling and logistics.
• Though board exams aim to test core competencies instead of rote learning, the implementation remains unclear.
• Risk: Multiple exams may still encourage coaching-driven preparation rather than true understanding.
• Instead of reducing stress, students might end up preparing intensely for two exams rather than one, increasing pressure.

 

Logistical Challenges of Multiple Examinations

• High Number of Students:
  1. 26.6 lakh students expected for Class 10 exams in 2026.
  2. With two cycles, answer scripts will exceed 1.72 crore.
• Evaluation Challenges:
  1. A large number of evaluators needed.
  2. Uniform grading standards must be ensured.
• Overlap with Class 12 Exams:
  1. 20 lakh Class 12 students in 2026 will also take exams.
  2. Schools must manage multiple test dates, secure papers, and ensure fairness.

 

Factor	Class 10	Class 12	Total
Students Appearing	26.6 lakh	20 lakh	46.6 lakh
Answer Scripts (approx.)	1.72 crore	Significant	Very high

 

Limited Time for Remedial Learning

• Students failing in February will have only two months before the next attempt in May.
• This short gap may not allow for genuine conceptual improvement.
• Without proper school support, students may resort to rote memorization instead of fixing learning gaps.
• This goes against NEP 2020’s goal of reducing dependence on rote learning.
• While the policy intends to improve learning, it may increase student stress and create logistical challenges.
• Without clear implementation strategies, the shift towards competency-based assessment remains uncertain.

 

The issue of examination fees and equity

1. Financial Burden on Economically Weaker Students
   • Increased Examination Fees:
   • Policy mandates non-refundable fees covering both attempts.
   • Even students attempting only one exam must pay for both.
   • Impact on Marginalised Students:
   • Higher costs may become a barrier to education.
   • Contradicts NEP 2020’s goal of equitable access.
   • Coaching Centre Influence:
   • Private institutes may offer specialised coaching for the second attempt.
   • This could widen the gap between affluent and underprivileged students.

Issue	Impact on Students
Mandatory Double Fee	Unnecessary financial burden
Effect on Marginalised Groups	Limits access to education
Coaching Centre Influence	Increases inequality

 

2. Impact on School Calendars and Class 11 Admissions
   • Delayed Results: If second attempt results are declared by June-end, admission cycles may be compressed.
   • Disruptions in Academic Calendar: Schools usually start Class 11 in April/May.
   • Late results may delay stream selection and admissions.
   • Challenges for Students & Schools: Could lead to uncertainty in subject choices.
   • Poses difficulties in States with competitive admissions.

Factor	Usual Timeline	With Two-Exam System
Class 11 Admission Starts	April-May	Delayed till July
Impact on Students	Smooth transition	Confusion & delay
Impact on Schools	Planned schedule	Compressed academic cycle

What should be done

1. Need for Effective Implementation of Competency-Based Assessment
   • Beyond Logistical Changes: CBSE should focus on actual learning improvement rather than just restructuring exams.
   • Structured Remedial Support A remedial programme between the two exams is necessary.
   • Helps students address conceptual gaps instead of just retaking the test.
   • Revised Examination Fee Structure: Students opting for only one attempt should not be penalised financially.

 

2. Importance of Pilot Studies and Phased Implementation
   • Ongoing Pilot in 30 Schools: Covers Science and Social Science subjects.
   • Students assessed internally at two levels based on choice.
   • Need for Wider Pilot Programmes: Expansion to more schools in different regions for diverse feedback.
   • Helps identify logistical challenges and refine the process.
   • Phased Implementation Strategy: Policymakers should analyze pilot outcomes before full-scale implementation.
   • A gradual rollout prevents disruptions in the examination system.

Implementation Strategy	Benefits
Structured remedial support	Ensures real learning improvement
Revised fee structure	Prevents financial burden
Wider pilot studies	Identifies challenges early
Phased implementation	Reduces administrative issues

 

Conclusion

The idea behind this reform is good, but good intentions alone are not enough. A big change like this needs proper planning, clear communication, and a real effort to improve how students are assessed in a meaningful way. Right now, the CBSE’s plan for two board exams could end up being just another complicated rule that adds confusion without solving the main problems in India’s school exam system.

Editorial 2: The role of communities in conserving water

 

Context

 

Water policies should prioritize community input in decision-making.

 

 

Introduction

 

On March 22, World Water Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to save water for both the present and future generations through collective efforts. On the same day, the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025, highlighting the importance of community involvement in water conservation.

 

Panoramic View of India’s Rural Water Policies

• Need for Recalibration: Emerging environmental challenges and evolving understandings of ecosystems highlight the necessity for revising rural water policies.
• Policymakers must address critical gaps to ensure effective water management in rural areas.

 

Key Considerations for Policymakers

 

1. Community Participation and Ecological Practices
   • Policies must actively engage local communities in water management.
   • Indigenous communities possess extensive knowledge of their ecosystems.
   • Current policies allow limited participation, primarily in managing water sources.
   • Decision-making authority remains centralized with state authorities.
   • Existing frameworks impose uniform governance practices rather than recognizing diverse ecological methods.

 

2. Challenges in Existing Participatory Mechanisms
   • Water User Associations (WUAs) were introduced in various states in the 1990s for participatory irrigation management.
   • Farmers, as members, manage irrigation sources but lack decision-making authority.
   • The limited scope of their role contradicts the goal of effective community participation.

Key Issues

Aspect	Current Policy Approach	Challenges Identified
Community Involvement	Participation limited to water source management	Decision-making powers rest with state authorities
Ecological Practices	Uniform water governance methods imposed	Local knowledge and practices remain unrecognized
Water User Associations (WUAs)	Farmers manage irrigation sources	Lack of authority in key decisions

 

Key Considerations for Water Policies

 

1. Addressing Vulnerability in Water Policies
   • Disproportionate Impact: Certain social groups are more vulnerable to environmental crises.
   • Marginalised Groups:
   • Economically disadvantaged individuals face greater risks.
   • Those at the intersection of social and economic marginalisation are most vulnerable.
   • Policy Considerations:
   • Must prioritise the interests of vulnerable groups.
   • Recognise their role in water management.
   • Ensure active participation in decision-making.

 

2. Overcoming Fragmentation in Water Management
   • Current Issues: Different ecosystem components (forests, water, land, biodiversity) are governed by separate policies.
   • This fragmented approach fails to account for interdependencies, leading to ineffective results.
   • Need for Integration: A holistic approach is essential for sustainable water management.
   • Some efforts exist, but they remain limited and ineffective.
   • Example of Integrated Approach:
   • Orans (Sacred Forests) in Western India:
     • Serve both religious and environmental purposes.
     • Enhance water conservation through tree and grass cover.
     • Trap surface runoff and support rainwater harvesting.

 

Aspect	Fragmented Approach	Integrated Approach
Policy Oversight	Separate policies for forests, water, land, biodiversity.	A unified policy framework considering interdependencies.
Effectiveness	Policies often conflict and hinder each other’s impact.	Holistic policies ensure sustainable outcomes.
Example	Lack of coordination in water and land management.	Orans in western India, which integrate biodiversity and water conservation.

 

4. Adopting a More-Than-Human Perspective in Water Governance
   • Concept:
   • Recognising the intrinsic value of the non-human environment.
   • Policies should account for nature’s rights in governance.
   • Judiciary’s Role: Courts have upheld legal frameworks recognising the rights of nature.
   • Challenges in Water Policies: Current policies focus solely on human water needs.
   • Example from Local Communities:
   • Water Governance in Western India:
     • Water allocation is balanced between human irrigation needs and availability for animals.
     • A holistic governance model supports ecosystem sustainability.

 

5. Climate Change and Water Security
   • Impact of Climate Change: Rising global temperatures will worsen India’s water crisis.
   • Water shortages are expected to increase.
   • Policy Recommendations:
   • Water Policies:
     • Develop climate-resilient water systems.
     • Strengthen resilience of existing water infrastructure.
   • Climate Policies:
     • Adaptation policies should focus on ecosystem resilience to water scarcity.

 

Conclusion: Beyond the rhetoric

A key takeaway from these suggestions is that local and indigenous communities, along with their practices, play a vital role in effective water management. Therefore, rural water policies should actively involve communities in meaningful ways. This requires going beyond mere promises of engagement and truly incorporating their voices in decision-making. However, it is also important to recognize that some traditional practices may have limitations, which should be addressed through awareness programs and capacity building when necessary.