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Is Calculator Allowed in Class 12 Board Exam: In an important update for students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to allow basic calculators for Class 12 Accountancy exams starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This step is part of CBSE’s efforts to make exams easier and more student-friendly. This decision was taken during the 140th meeting of the CBSE Governing Body and is part of a larger effort to revamp assessment systems, improve syllabus structure, and align Indian education with global standards.
This new initiative answers a long-standing question among students and educators: Is calculator allowed in Class 12 board exam? The answer is yes, but under specific conditions, starting next year.
What Kind of Calculators Will Be Allowed Board Exam Class 12?
The answer to the question that, is calculator allowed in Class 12 Board exam is that CBSE has clarified that only basic, non-programmable calculators will be permitted in the board exam, and these calculators must be limited to simple functions such as:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Percentage calculations
Scientific or programmable calculators, or those with graphing capabilities, will not be allowed under any circumstances. To avoid confusion and misuse, the board will release a list of approved calculator models well in advance. This will ensure fairness and uniformity across all CBSE-affiliated schools.
Why This Move Matters: Purpose Behind the Decision
The CBSE’s decision to allow calculators in exams is not just about convenience. It serves multiple educational goals:
- Supports NEP 2020: The new education policy (NEP 2020) wants students to understand concepts and think clearly instead of just memorising things. Using calculators helps support this goal.
- Makes Learning Easier: Since calculators can do basic math, students don’t have to spend time on simple calculations. This lets them focus on understanding the topic better and thinking more deeply.
- Follows Global Practices: In many countries, students already use calculators in certain subjects. Now, CBSE is doing the same to keep up with international standards.
Introduction of Digital Evaluation: On-Screen Marking (OSM)
CBSE is also planning to start a new way of checking answer sheets called On-Screen Marking (OSM). This means answer sheets will be scanned and checked on a computer instead of by hand.
At first, this will be used for:
- Science and Math supplementary exams
- Rechecking (revaluation) of answer sheets for Class 10 and 12
This digital method will help reduce mistakes and make the checking process faster. CBSE plans to fully start this system from the 2024-25 session.
Revised Re-evaluation Process for Fairer Results
From the 2025 board exams onward, CBSE has introduced a streamlined re-evaluation process. Students who feel that their marks don’t reflect their performance will now have access to a transparent and efficient mechanism for re-checking their answer sheets. This new system is designed to:
- Build trust among students and parents
- Minimize result-related stress
- Ensure a more accurate representation of a student’s knowledge
Changes in Skill-Based Subjects & Curriculum Design
CBSE is also focusing on vocational education as part of its larger reform strategy. For subjects that are skill-based, the board will collaborate with an independent agency that specializes in vocational training and industry standards. This step aims to:
- Improve the quality of vocational assessments
- Prepare students for real-world job markets
- Bridge the gap between school education and employability
Standard and Advanced-Level Exam Options for Class 10
Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, Class 10 students will be given a new choice when it comes to their Science and Social Science exams. They will have the option to take the exam at two different levels on the same day:
- Standard-Level Exam: This version will be suitable for most students. It will test basic understanding of topics and is designed for those who want a general overview of the subject.
- Advanced-Level Exam: This version will have more difficult and detailed questions. It is meant for students who have a strong interest in the subject and may want to study it further in higher classes or choose a related career path.
Final Thoughts: Is Calculator Allowed in Class 12 Board Exam?
The question, “Is calculator allowed in Class 12 board exam?”, can now be answered with a confident yes – but only for Accountancy and only basic models. This move reflects CBSE’s effort to modernize education by reducing pressure on students and encouraging deeper understanding of concepts.
These reforms show a shift in how academic success is measured—not just through memorization but through reasoning, analysis, and application. With more transparency in evaluation, the use of technology, and a clear focus on student well-being, CBSE is setting a progressive path for the future of Indian education.
FAQs About Is Calculator Allowed in Class 12 Board Exam
Is calculator allowed in Class 12 board exam?
Yes, CBSE will allow the use of basic, non-programmable calculators for Class 12 Accountancy exams starting from the 2025-26 session.
Is scientific calculator allowed in board exam 2025-26?
No, only simple calculators with basic arithmetic functions are allowed. Scientific, programmable, or graphing calculators are strictly prohibited.
Will calculators be allowed in other subjects too?
As of now, this rule applies only to Accountancy in Class 12. No announcements have been made for other subjects.
When will On-Screen Marking (OSM) be implemented?
OSM will be rolled out for supplementary and revaluation cases in Science and Math starting from the 2024-25 academic year.
How will I know which calculator is approved?
CBSE will release an official list of permitted calculator models closer to the exam dates to avoid any confusion.
