CBSE Exams in Winter Blamed for Ladakh’s Declining Class 10 & 12 Results |

Updated: February 22, 2026 09:30

Image Source: WOWNEWS24X7

Officials in Ladakh attribute the steep decline in Class 10 and 12 pass percentages to the timing of CBSE exams during harsh winters. Pass rates fell from 81% under JKBOSE in 2023 to 48% under CBSE in 2025. Authorities cite logistical challenges, shorter academic sessions, and adaptation issues.

The Union Territory of Ladakh is grappling with a significant decline in student performance after transitioning from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Officials have pointed to the timing of CBSE exams in winter as a major factor behind the drop in pass percentages for Classes 10 and 12.

In 2023, under JKBOSE, Ladakh’s Class 12 pass rate stood at 81%. By 2025, after adopting CBSE, the figure plummeted to 48%, sparking concern among educators and parents. Class 10 results showed similar declines.

Key highlights of the issue include:

Winter challenges: Exams scheduled during Ladakh’s severe winters disrupt preparation, with snowbound roads and freezing conditions affecting attendance and study continuity.
Logistical hurdles: Transporting exam materials to remote areas like Kargil has proven difficult, often delaying distribution and adding stress for students.
Academic mismatch: CBSE’s competency-based exam pattern differs significantly from JKBOSE, leaving students and teachers struggling to adapt within Ladakh’s shorter academic year.
Government response: The Union Ministry of Education acknowledged the decline, noting that results are expected to improve as schools and students adjust to CBSE’s system.
Local concerns: Parents and educators argue that Ladakh’s unique geography and climate require tailored exam schedules to ensure fairness and accessibility.

Officials emphasize that while the transition to CBSE aligns Ladakh with national standards, the region’s distinctive challenges must be factored in. Shorter teaching periods, coupled with harsh winters, reduce effective classroom time compared to other states.

Education experts suggest measures such as rescheduling exams to summer months, increasing teacher training, and providing additional resources to bridge the gap. They argue that without such interventions, Ladakh’s students risk being disadvantaged despite their potential.

The issue highlights the broader challenge of implementing uniform education policies across diverse regions. For Ladakh, balancing national integration with local realities remains critical to ensuring students succeed under the CBSE framework.

Sources: The Indian Express, Kashmir Life, Koshur Samachar

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