Understanding the Shift from Compartment to Supplementary Exams in CBSE
Compartment vs. Supplementary Exams Explained
Introduction to Exam Terminology: The terms 'compartment exam' and 'supplementary exam' are often used interchangeably in the context of assessments conducted by the CBSE and various state boards. This raises the question: Are these two types of exams distinct? If not, why do we have two different names? Let's delve into the evolution of supplementary exams and their increasing prevalence.
Exam Differences:
In essence, compartment exams and supplementary exams refer to the same process. Historically, the CBSE administered compartment exams, but it has transitioned to using the term supplementary exams. Thus, the compartment exam has been rebranded as a supplementary exam.
Eligibility for Supplementary Exams:
As per the updated CBSE guidelines effective from 2023, students categorized under 'compartment' and those seeking 'improvement of performance' will now participate in an annual 'supplementary examination' following the main exams. Therefore, students who were preparing for compartment exams will now do so under the new designation of supplementary exams, with no changes to the examination format or procedures.
Reason for the Change:
The CBSE's decision to rename these exams aligns with the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020). The board believes that changing the terminology will alleviate the mental burden associated with the term 'compartment,' making the new term 'supplementary' appear more encouraging and approachable for students.
Timeline of the Decision:
This change was proposed during the Examination Committee meeting on December 2, 2022, and received approval from the Board's Governing Body on December 28, 2022. As a result, the examination will officially be referred to as the 'supplementary examination' starting in 2023.
Benefits for Students:
Experts view this change as a significant move towards alleviating student anxiety. The term 'compartment' often carried a stigma of failure for both students and their families, whereas 'supplementary' conveys a more positive connotation. This shift is in line with the new educational policy's goal of reducing student pressure and offering better opportunities.