CBSE Mandates Examiner Undertaking for Practical Marks: Ranchi Schools Step Up
CBSE's New Rule: Examiners Must Vouch for Practical Marks

Schools in Ranchi affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are intensifying their groundwork following a crucial new directive from the board. The rule mandates that both internal and external examiners must submit a formal undertaking, certifying the accuracy of marks awarded during practical examinations.

What the New CBSE Directive Entails

Introduced ahead of the practical exams for Class X and XII, commencing January 1, this measure is designed to enhance accountability and ensure error-free data submission. Under the revised guidelines, examiners are now required to officially declare that the marks uploaded to the CBSE portal are correct, thoroughly verified, and free from any discrepancies.

Commenting on this development, Niraj Kumar Sinha, Principal of Firayalal Public School, stated that the undertaking acts as a formal assurance. "It confirms that a student's performance has been recorded accurately," he explained, adding that it helps prevent errors that could potentially impact final board results. CBSE officials have emphasized that this step is vital for maintaining the fairness and integrity of the entire evaluation process.

How Ranchi Schools Are Responding

In response to the board's directive, educational institutes across the city have launched multi-pronged preparations. A key focus has been on reorganizing science laboratories and skill-based practice rooms to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of practical tests.

Many schools are conducting rehearsal sessions and mock practicals. These initiatives aim to familiarize students with revised timelines and any procedural changes. Simultaneously, staff orientation meetings are being held to brief teachers and external examiners on the undertaking requirement and the mandatory verification protocols for mark submission.

Logistical Overhaul for Accuracy

To manage the new requirements efficiently, several institutes have established dedicated examination control rooms. They have also trained specific staff members for precise data entry on the CBSE portal and allocated buffer days to recheck and verify all marks before the final submission.

Lalan Kumar, Principal of Sarswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, highlighted another significant adjustment. "Schools are realigning their academic calendars to finish coursework earlier," he said. This shift allows students sufficient dedicated time for practical preparation, ensuring they are not rushed.

The collective effort by Ranchi's CBSE schools underscores a significant shift towards greater transparency. As the January 1 start date for practicals approaches, these preparations aim to seamlessly integrate the new accountability measures within the framework of the dual-board examination system.