CISCE to Introduce Specialized Curriculum for Talented Students in Sports and Arts

In a landmark move, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is working on a dedicated academic pathway for students who demonstrate outstanding abilities in fields such as sports, music, dance, and other creative arts. This initiative aims to provide a more flexible and supportive learning environment for such students, who often find it challenging to balance rigorous training or practice schedules with conventional academic demands.

Set to be introduced by 2027 for students appearing in Class 10 and 12 board exams, the proposed curriculum will feature a revised subject structure. While foundational subjects will remain common for all students, those in the specialized stream will have the option to choose subjects that reflect their area of talent and interest.

The council intends to use verified credentials—such as certificates or performance records—to identify eligible students. According to the CISCE leadership, the goal is to offer a curriculum that aligns with the student’s strengths, without compromising on academic standards.

School leaders across various institutions have responded positively to this development. One school head shared that this kind of academic flexibility is long overdue, especially for students who are already performing at competitive levels in sports or cultural fields. Currently, many such students struggle to keep up with regular school schedules due to external commitments.

A principal from a school in Shyamnagar recounted how one of their students, a promising football player associated with a well-known club, frequently misses school due to practice and tournaments. A curriculum designed to accommodate such cases would help students maintain both academic progress and excellence in their chosen fields, without feeling forced to abandon one for the other.

While the move has been widely welcomed, some educators stressed the importance of ensuring that the alternative academic stream is fully recognized by colleges and universities. They hope the CISCE will work closely with higher education bodies to ensure smooth admission processes for students coming from this new stream.