 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with India and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (November 2015) |
In India, board examinations refer to the public examinations that are conducted at the completion of secondary and senior secondary education.
The 10th Grade board examinations are conducted by the state board (SSC/SSLC), the Central Board of Secondary Education (All India Secondary School Examination) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE). 10th Grade board exams are important for the continuation of senior secondary education. On completion of the 10th Grade board exam, students are enabled to choose a singular ‘stream’ of subjects such as science, commerce and arts (humanities) to study at the senior secondary level.
The 12th Grade board examinations are conducted by the state board (HSC), the Central Board of Secondary Education (AISSCE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ISC). The scores achieved in the 12th Grade board exams are considered very important for receiving admission into major professional courses, training programmes or institutes of national importance such as AIIMS, NIT, IIT, IIIT and IIM through competitive examinations like JEE, NEET, CLAT, CUET and various entrance tests conducted by various universities in India.
Due to the implementation of NEP 2020, board exams are planned to be conducted twice a year, from the academic year 2024–25 onwards. The ‘multiple board’ format was previously conducted in the academic year 2021–22.