CBSE's Controversial Draft Norms on Class 10 Exams Face Backlash Over Punjabi Language Omission

The CBSE's draft norms for Class 10 board exams, omitting Punjabi as a subject, stirred controversy in Punjab. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains accused the board of marginalizing Punjabi. However, CBSE clarified no subject will be dropped. The draft allows exams twice a year starting 2026.

The Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) draft norms for conducting the Class 10 board exam have ignited controversy due to the exclusion of Punjabi from its subject list. Punjab's Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, voiced his concerns and accused the CBSE of disregarding the Punjabi language.

Bains emphasized the importance of recognizing Punjabi, asserting its prevalence across various Indian states. He expressed the Punjab government's strong opposition to the perceived threat against the language's prominence and stressed that Punjabi should be acknowledged as a primary regional language.

Despite the uproar, CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj assured stakeholders that the subject list is merely indicative and no subjects will be removed. The draft policy aims to offer students two opportunities for the board exam per academic year, enhancing their chances of improving scores without the pressure of supplementary exams.

(With inputs from agencies.)