New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has flagged a significant gap between curriculum design and its implementation for students in Classes 9 to 12, stating that the non-availability of textbooks and application-based Board examination patterns are causing academic stress and confusion among students, particularly those appearing for Classes 10 and 12 examinations.
The observations are part of the Tenth Report of the Committee on Estimates (2026-27) on “Budget and Policy Aspects for Providing Affordable and Quality Education in the Country, including Review of CBSE.” The report was presented in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
The committee noted that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has adopted the curriculum framework for Grades 9 to 12 in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.
However, the panel highlighted concerns over the gap between the new curriculum framework and its implementation on the ground. The shortage or non-availability of prescribed textbooks, along with changes towards application-based examination patterns, has added to students’ academic pressure, it said.
The committee stressed the need for better coordination between curriculum development, textbook availability and examination reforms to ensure a smoother transition for students and reduce unnecessary academic stress.
