In the bustling neighborhood of Pitampura, a group of parents and students found themselves grappling with a significant issue: the time-consuming nature of manual calculations in subjects like Mathematics and Accountancy during Class XII board exams. Vishal Dua, a resident of Pitampura, was one of the petitioners who, along with nine other parents, decided to take action. They approached advocate Nitin Mangla to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court. The PIL sought permission for Class XII students to use basic calculators in their board exams, arguing that the current system was not only time-consuming but also potentially unfair, as it could disadvantage students who struggle with manual calculations.
The petitioners pointed to a significant piece of evidence: a decision made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) itself. In November 2024, CBSE's Curriculum Committee had approved the use of basic calculators in Class XII Accountancy exams. This decision was a clear indication that the board recognized the benefits of such a change. However, the petitioners noted with frustration that despite this approval, the decision had not been implemented. By the time the PIL was filed, nearly two years had passed, and the change had not been notified or brought into effect.
Delhi High Court seeks CBSE, NCERT replies on PIL to allow calculators in class XII board exams report by @prashantjha996 https://t.co/RQCPEZf1bL
On November 4, 2026, the Delhi High Court issued a notice on the PIL, directing the CBSE, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Central government to file their responses within six weeks. The court's decision to intervene was a significant step, as it highlighted the perceived inaction of the CBSE and the need for a clear resolution.
They point to the fact that the recommendation was placed before the CBSE Governing Body in December 2024, yet no action has been taken since.
CBSE, for its part, has maintained a neutral stance. The board has acknowledged the petition but has yet to issue a formal response. The petitioners argue that CBSE's own Curriculum Committee had already approved the use of basic calculators, making the current inaction puzzling. They point to the fact that the recommendation was placed before the CBSE Governing Body in December 2024, yet no action has been taken since.
Delhi High Court Seeks CBSE, NCERT Replies On PIL To Allow Calculators In Class XII Exams. Read More: https://t.co/Sem8P1mf8Y https://t.co/Sem8P1mf8Y
Vishal Dua, one of the petitioners, expressed his frustration and disappointment. He stated, 'The Petitioner has made every possible effort to find out whether this proposal has since been finally notified or implemented but no such information is available anywhere in the public domain. The plain fact is that CBSE's own Curriculum Committee has already approved this change in writing, in its own official record in November 2024 and this record was placed before CBSE's own Governing Body in December 2024, and CBSE has simply not bothered to notify or implement a decision that its own Committee has already taken, for nearly two years now.'
The Delhi High Court's role in this matter is to ensure that the CBSE acts on its own decision. The court's notice serves as a reminder that the decision-making process is not just about making a choice but also about implementing it. The six-week deadline is a clear indication that the court expects a resolution within a reasonable timeframe. The petitioners hope that the court's intervention will prompt the CBSE to take action and finally implement the approved changes.
The issue of allowing basic calculators in Class XII exams goes beyond the immediate concerns of the petitioners. It touches on the broader question of how educational institutions balance the need for accuracy and fairness with the practical challenges faced by students. The use of calculators could potentially reduce the time spent on calculations, allowing students to focus more on understanding concepts and applying them in a broader context. This could have significant implications for the overall quality of education and the learning experience of students.
As the six-week deadline approaches, all eyes are on the CBSE. The board is expected to provide a detailed response, outlining its stance and the steps it plans to take to implement the approved changes. The petitioners remain hopeful that the court's intervention will lead to a resolution that benefits not just the students involved but the education system as a whole. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar issues in the future, potentially influencing how educational boards handle similar proposals and ensure timely implementation of decisions.
The Delhi High Court's intervention in this case underscores the importance of timely implementation and the role of judicial oversight in ensuring that educational policies are followed. As the CBSE prepares its response, the fate of basic calculators in Class XII exams hangs in the balance, with the future of many students and the broader education system at stake.