CBSE Clarifies: Punjabi Language Will Feature in Upcoming Board Exams After State Backlash

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The CBSE has issued a clarification regarding the alleged removal of Punjabi from the draft plan for the board exam format, which is set to be held twice a year. The CBSE stated that Punjabi language will be included in the new draft plan for next year, which aims to conduct the board exams twice a year, with a regional and a foreign language as the main subjects.

A senior CBSE official said, "There have been no changes to the subjects presented today. This list is indicative. Punjabi language will be part of the exam next year. All the subjects presented today will continue in both board exams next year." In fact, the new draft rules did not mention the Punjabi language, which was met with strong opposition from the Punjab government.

Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains strongly objected, stating that their government will not tolerate any attempts to remove the Punjabi language. The CBSE has introduced a new change in the examination system, whereby if a student is satisfied with their performance in a subject during the first phase, they can opt out of taking the exam for that subject in the second phase.