Srinagar, Nov 29 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has announced a major academic reform by proposing the introduction of a two-level Mathematics examination Basic and Standard for Class 10 students, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The initiative as per officials is aimed at reducing exam pressure and ensuring that assessments match the future academic interests of students.
As per the notification issued by the Director Academics, Dated, 28-11-2025 as per news agency JKNS, the initiative aims to make Board exams less stressful and ensure that students are evaluated based on their future academic choices, especially those planning to pursue Mathematics at the Higher Secondary level.
JKBOSE has proposed that there will be a single Board examination for Mathematics which will be offered at two levels Mathematics-Standard and Mathematics-Basic. Students appearing for Class 10 exams will have the freedom to choose either of the two levels.
The Board clarified that the difficulty level of Mathematics-Standard will remain the same as the current exam format, whereas Mathematics-Basic will be comparatively easier. The idea behind two levels is to avoid testing students in higher-level skills when they do not intend to study Mathematics after Class 10.
The Standard Level is meant specifically for students who plan to opt for Mathematics in Class 11 and 12, while the Basic Level is designed for students who do not wish to take Mathematics at the Higher Secondary stage.
To ensure equal exposure, JKBOSE stated that the syllabus, teaching methodology, and internal assessments will remain the same for both levels. This will enable students to study all topics and later make an informed choice regarding the level they wish to attempt in the Board exam.
Students choosing Mathematics-Standard who fail the exam will be allowed to appear in the Bi-Annual Examination for either Mathematics-Basic or Mathematics-Standard, depending on their preference.
If a student opts for Mathematics-Basic, passes the exam, but later decides to pursue Mathematics at the Higher Secondary School level, they will be permitted to appear in the Mathematics-Standard Compartment Examination to meet the eligibility criteria.
To ensure transparency and wider acceptance of the reform, JKBOSE has invited suggestions, opinions, and feedback from all stakeholders, including parents, students, civil society members, teachers, academicians, and scholars. Views can be submitted within 10 days of the issuance of the notification.
Stakeholders can share their views via email at, • directoracad@jkbose.co.in , • dydirectoracad_kd@jkbose.co.in ,• dydirectoracad_jd@jkbose.co.in ,• gayoomaliya@gmail.com
Speaking to news agency JKNS, Secretary BOSE Ghulam Hassan Sheikh explained that the Board is proposing two levels of Mathematics for Class 10.
He said, “There will be two levels. The first level will be similar to the current syllabus, though I believe one or two chapters may be removed. The second level will be a standard, advanced version designed for students who want to pursue higher secondary education in Mathematics. This will help students who have higher potential those who aim to join engineering fields or computer-related areas where Mathematics is essential. Our idea is to strengthen their base at the Class 10 level so that when they enter Classes 11 and 12 or later pursue professional courses, they do not face difficulties.”
Sheikh further added that the basic level is meant for average students who do not wish to take Mathematics in higher classes. “For such students, the basic level will be sufficient, and they will not have to bear unnecessary academic burden. It will also make it easier for them to pass the subject. Because if we impose standard Mathematics on average learners, it will be difficult for them.”
He explained that students with strong aptitude and interest in Mathematics, or those wanting to build a career in the subject, should have the option of a stronger foundation. “This is an opinion-based approach to help such students.”
Sheikh said the proposal has now been placed in the public domain. “We want feedback from educationists and scholars. We want to know whether this step by the Board is right or wrong, whether it meets our larger objectives, or whether something else needs to be done such as reducing the content load or bringing in new suggestions. We have also invited views on what further steps are required to develop the standard Mathematics level for capable and serious students.”
He added that the Board has requested all suggestions to be submitted through its official email IDs and contact numbers. “A committee will examine all the suggestions and conduct a detailed analysis. After that, we will decide the next steps based on what is in the best interest of students and the Board’s academic design. The majority expert opinion especially from those who understand Mathematics, education trends, and employment markets will guide our decision. This is our intention behind the proposal,” Hassan said.
In 2018, the School Education Department proposed a review of the existing mathematics curriculum after concerns were raised about increasing student dropouts.
Concerns were first highlighted in 2018 regarding the rising number of students leaving school prematurely.
The department found that many students especially girls tended to discontinue their studies after completing Class 8, largely due to difficulties with mathematics.
In response, a committee was set up to recommend a dual-textbook system for mathematics: one labeled basic and the other standard.
The basic mathematics textbook was intended for students who did not plan to pursue the science stream after Class 10, while the standard version was meant for those aiming for science subjects at the higher secondary level.
However, the committee’s efforts did not yield any effective outcome, and dropout numbers continued to increase.
With the latest initiative introduced by JKBOSE, students are now expected to have the freedom to choose the level of mathematics according to their preference and future goals. (JKNS)
