CBSE vs GSEB: Who's Truly the Better Board for Gujarat Students?
With the NCERT syllabus widely recognized for its comprehensive approach, many students and educators in Gujarat are often faced with a dilemma: which board is better, CBSE or GSEB? After sharing my personal experiences and insights, I am convinced that CBSE is the superior choice for every student, irrespective of the medium of instruction.
Board Exam Results and Medium of Instruction
Board exam results have been consistently disappointing for the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Board (GSEB). The marked disparity in scores between English and Gujarati-medium students has ignited a debate about the fairness and quality of the examination process. For instance, English-medium students often struggle to achieve high marks, whereas their Gujarati counterparts excel more frequently.
One stark example is the 2020 results where only a mere 100 students from the science stream received an A1 grade, a significant contrast to the substantial number of A1 grades awarded by the CBSE. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of the GSEB in providing a fair and inclusive examination process.
Quality of Resources and Teachers
The quality of resources and teachers is a critical factor in determining the success of a board. GSEB's YouTube channel, GSHSEB, is a case in point. The channel primarily caters to Gujarati-medium students and lacks comprehensive resources like English-language videos or study materials. Moreover, the outdated content and lack of updates suggest that GSHSEB might be lagging behind in modern educational technology. This scenario stands in stark contrast to the sophisticated resources available through platforms like Unacademy and Vedantu, which cater to English-medium students.
The disparity in resources further exacerbates the challenges faced by English-medium students. The question that arises is why GSHSEB does not provide similar state-of-the-art resources to English-medium students.
Low Teacher Payment and Political Influence
One of the major factors contributing to the lower quality of education in GSEB is the low payment to teachers. A simple comparison of salaries between CBSE and GSEB teachers reveals a significant difference. This issue is not just about the financial aspect but also reflects the lack of motivation and commitment to education within the GSEB system.
The political influence on the education system in Gujarat is another alarming factor. For instance, the current Education Minister, Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, who is a BJP minister and has recently had his election declared void, still maintains his position as the education minister. This raises concerns about the politicization of the education system.
Yó?k-up Changes and Lack of Transparency
Recent changes in the syllabus and paper patterns by GSEB have been criticized for their lack of transparency and unpredictability. The abrupt changes in paper patterns have left students unprepared and disheartened. For example, after declaring a new pattern for a subject, the paper pattern was changed just a few months later, not giving students ample time to adjust their study strategies.
These changes have had a profound impact on students, leaving them with hard-earned time and effort wasted due to sudden changes in the examination format. The responsibility and accountability of the board should be questioned in such a scenario. The board should be working in the best interest of over 3 lakh students in the science stream rather than catering to the needs of a specific group.
The lack of timely and transparent communication regarding syllabus changes is a critical issue. While CBSE is known for its prompt and clear updates, GSEB often falls short in this department.
Conclusion: One Nation, One Board
In conclusion, the disparity in the quality of education and resources available to students in different mediums within the GSEB has led to a call for a unified national education system. The need for ldquo;One Nation, One Boardrdquo; has never been more evident. Students in Gujarat deserve the same quality of education regardless of their medium of instruction. It is time to prioritize the needs of all students and ensure a fair and transparent educational system.