All over India, students appear for 10th and 12th examinations conducted by boards like CBSE and different state boards. However, before India’s independence in 1947, the system was quite different. At that time, there was no single National Education Board, and school examinations were conducted by a combination of British-era regional boards and universities.
Role of University in preliminary examinations
In the early colonial period, the university played an important role in conducting school level final examinations. Major institutions such as Calcutta University, Bombay University and Madras University were responsible for the matriculation and intermediate examinations. These examinations were usually held at the end of school and opened the way to higher education.
oldest education board
A major change came with the establishment of the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh in 1921. It became the first and oldest school education board in India. UP Board used to conduct both high school and intermediate examinations. For many years, its jurisdiction extended beyond today’s Uttar Pradesh to parts of Rajputana and Central India.
What was CBSE called before independence?
CBSE existed even before independence, but under a different name. On July 2, 1929, the British Government established the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Rajputana. This board was created mainly for those students whose parents were in the service of the Central Government and who were often transferred to different places.
Where were the examinations held in the beginning
Rajputana Board initially conducted examinations in Rajputana (modern Rajasthan), Ajmer-Merwara, Central India and Gwalior. Its purpose was to ensure uniformity in education and examinations for students studying in different parts of British India but following the same syllabus.
Changes in CBSE after independence
After independence, significant reforms were made in the education system. In 1952, the constitution of the Rajputana Board was amended, and it was renamed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Later, in 1962, CBSE was reorganized and expanded to function as a national level board.