The past decade has witnessed the emergence of a new trend in Jammu and Kashmir as an increasing number of educational institutes are transferring their allegiance from Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Although the process of transformation is slow, progressive change poses questions about the future of education in the region that stood unanswered for the students, teachers, and the entire educational ecosystem of the region.
Historically, the JKBOSE has been the principal examination board for schools in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been the driving motivational force in developing educational experiences for generations of students across time.
However, in recent years, the ‘temptation’ of CBSE in JK has been gaining ground. Now, educational institutions seem to be moving toward this mission of the national curriculum.
Accepted all over the country and many students dream of getting higher education in the top-class colleges or universities in India and across the globe.
The same curriculum across the nation also helped those students prepare better for competitive entrance exams like the JEE, NEET, and various entrance tests because they all adhere to the CBSE syllabus.
CBSE seems to have grabbed the attention of students with regard to holistic approach of learning particularly in analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. JKBOSE is localized, but one of the perennial charges it faces is that of not being flexible in changing curricula.
Even if it possesses all these, aligning students with national and international standards and gives access to even more opportunities in future academic and professional dimensions, there are challenges that have to be addressed quite cautiously.
A seamless transition process must be provided with education institutions, policy makers, and also constituents involved with that specific process. In all cases, the richness of this cultural identity must not get diluted.
