The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Central Board of Secondary Education on Wednesday. The court sought the board’s response regarding a public interest litigation.
The petition demands permission for Class 12 students to use basic calculators during Accountancy board examinations. It also asks experts to review extending this facility to Mathematics subjects later.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma heard the plea. The bench also sought replies from the Union Ministry of Education and NCERT.
National Assessment Centre PARAKH must also submit its stand within six weeks. The court scheduled the next hearing for January 27, 2027, following CBSE’s request for time.
Advocate Nitin Mangla filed the petition on behalf of the petitioners. Counsel argued that CBSE ignored its own expert committee’s recommendation favoring calculator usage.
CBSE’s counsel informed the bench that the board offers 204 different subjects. The lawyer noted that several subjects involve complex numerical calculations beyond Accountancy.
The board explained that allowing calculators requires thorough evaluation by subject experts. It also involves assessing logistical challenges before implementing any new examination rules.
CBSE’s Curriculum Committee approved basic calculators for Accountancy in November 2024. The committee observed that manual calculations impose unnecessary cognitive load on students.
The Governing Body received this recommendation in December 2024 for final approval. However, the board has neither notified nor implemented the proposed policy changes yet.
The plea argues that permitting calculators aligns with National Education Policy 2020 goals. NEP promotes competency-based learning over traditional rote memorisation methods in schools.
The petition also requests extending calculator access to other disabled student categories. CBSE currently allows calculators only for candidates suffering from Dyscalculia since January 2020.
The petitioners claim that continuing the restriction violates fundamental equality rights under Article 14.
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