Credit System in School For The First Time: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the education system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formulated a plan to implement a credit system in schools from the academic session 2024-25. Under this system, students from classes 6 to 12 can earn 40 credit points upon completing a minimum of 1200 hours of learning in each class.
These credits will be awarded upon passing examinations in all subjects, reflecting on the student’s mark sheet. Additionally, the student’s Academic Bank of Credit (Digi Locker) will record and accumulate these credits. This credit system, already prevalent in higher education, facilitates students in seamlessly transitioning between institutions or courses.
According to senior officials at CBSE, the credit system helps establish an academic equilibrium between vocational and general education. If a student wishes to shift from vocational to general education or vice versa, the process can be easily facilitated through credit transfer, providing flexibility in choosing educational pathways.
Understanding the Credit System
The credit system, widely adopted in developed countries’ education systems, measures the workload a student undertakes during their learning journey. It considers not only academic subjects but also factors in skill acquisition, extracurricular activities, and non-academic engagements.
Implementation Details for the Current Academic Session
If the credit system is implemented from the ongoing academic session 2023-24, students in classes 9-10 will earn a total of 40 credits, with 7 credits for each subject (including two languages), 2 credits for Physical Education, and 1 credit for Art Education. Similarly, students in classes 11-12 will earn 40 credits, with 6 credits for language subjects and 7 credits for other subjects.
Credit Score System in Secondary & Senior Secondary
| For Class 9 to 10 | ||
| Subjects | Hrs | Credit |
| Language – 1 | 120 | 4 |
| Language – 2 | 120 | 4 |
| Language – 3 | 120 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 150 | 5 |
| Science | 150 | 5 |
| Social Science | 150 | 5 |
| Environmental Education | 120 | 4 |
| Vocational Education | 150 | 5 |
| Physical Education | 60 | 2 |
| Art Education | 60 | 2 |
| Total | 1200 | 40 |
| For Class 11 to 12 | ||
| Subjects | Hrs | Credit |
| Language – 1 | 180 | 6 |
| Language – 2 | 180 | 6 |
| Subject – 1 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject – 2 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject – 3 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject – 4 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject – 5 | 210* | 7* |
| Total | 1200 | 40 – 47* |
Semester System and Board Examinations Preparation
CBSE is also considering introducing a semester system for classes 10-12, allowing students to appear for board examinations twice during the academic year. This initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students’ understanding and knowledge.
Mandatory Subjects at Secondary and Senior Secondary Levels
As per the National Credit Framework, students passing the 10th standard will be assigned Credit Level-3, and those passing the 12th standard will be assigned Credit Level-4. Students at the graduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels are designated as Credit Levels 6, 7, and 8, respectively. Starting from the next academic session, students in classes 9-10 and 11-12 will have mandatory subjects reduced to 10 and 6, respectively.
At the secondary level, students will be required to study three languages, including two Indian languages, along with a provision for an additional optional subject. At the senior secondary level, students will have the option to choose an extra academic subject, or opt for skill-based learning, or engage in non-academic activities like NCC, NSS, Olympiads, sports, music, and drama to earn additional credits.
This move is expected to bring a paradigm shift in the education system, providing students with more flexibility and a holistic learning experience.
Note: The implementation details and specifics are subject to the official announcement by CBSE.
Source: Dainik Bhaskar (05-02-2024)