Government Schools Shine in CBSE Results, Break Stereotypes on Quality Education

New Delhi, July 2 — In a remarkable turnaround that challenges long-held notions about public education, government and government-aided schools have emerged as strong performers in the CBSE Class X and XII board exams this year. According to data released by the CBSE, schools under the Delhi government, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) have posted impressive results, with several outperforming national averages.

Experts attribute this success to a combination of well-planned pre-board exams, capacity-building programmes for teachers, and the increasing use of competency-based learning and assessment methods. Academic interventions such as remedial classes, after-school coaching, and mock assessments have helped reduce dependence on private tuition and made public education more effective and equitable.

Breaking the Perception Barrier

Historically, government schools have faced criticism over poor infrastructure, unmotivated teachers, and inconsistent quality. Yet, with more than 1.4 million schools and over 230 million student enrollments—most of whom attend government institutions—the latest CBSE results suggest significant strides in quality and outcomes.

Speaking to Education India

, Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, highlighted the key differences in the approach taken by KVS and JNVs. “Teachers here are recruited through a rigorous process. Besides CBSE-led training, these schools conduct their own capacity-building programmes. Their structured administrative setup ensures academic monitoring and targeted intervention in lagging schools,” he said.

Unlike many private schools that prepare their own exams, KVS and JNVs follow centrally prepared question papers aligned with CBSE standards. This has led to better consistency and learning outcomes across schools.

NEP 2020 and SCERT Support

The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has further bolstered the progress in government schools. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has played a key role at the state level in supporting curriculum development, teacher training, and academic planning. “CBSE has also introduced enrichment activities across the country to raise educational standards,” Bhardwaj noted.

Delhi government schools showed remarkable improvement in the 2023-24 academic year, with a Class X pass percentage of 94.2% (above the national average of 93.6%) and a Class XII pass rate of 96.99%, significantly higher than the national average of 87.98%.

Ajay Kumar Choubey, principal of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi, credited focused efforts in Maths and Science and comprehensive vocational counselling. “Higher education leadership provides structured question banks, worksheets, mock tests and personal learning plans to help each student prepare effectively,” he said.

JNVs and KVS Maintain Lead

In Class X results, JNVs and KVS once again stood out, recording a 99.09% pass rate. JNVs scored 99.14% last year, and KVS followed closely at 98%. In Class XII, the Central Tibetan School Administration (CTSA) emerged at the top with 99.23%, followed by JNV (98.90%) and KVS (98.81%).

Kendriya Vidyalayas focus on completing the syllabus by October, leaving time for extensive pre-boards and remedial classes. “We use autumn and winter breaks for intensive revision and conduct special tests for meritorious students,” said Indra Mani Upadhyay, PGT Hindi, KV CRPF Bijnaur, Lucknow. KVS also develops its own study material, reducing reliance on external coaching.

He added that the academic focus is often reinforced by families, especially since many KVS students are children of transferable government and paramilitary personnel, who place high value on education.

The Teacher Advantage

“Teacher quality is central to the success of KVS,” said Cicy Roy Mathew, former principal of KVS Pangode, Kerala, and now chairperson of The School of the Good Shepherd. “Well-paid, regularly trained teachers ensure low attrition and high performance. Slow learners receive extra attention while gifted students are challenged to raise the school’s academic index.”

KVS and JNVs maintain a uniform academic system across the country and conduct surprise inspections to ensure quality compliance. The absence of rigid cut-offs for science and humanities also makes these schools more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

As public education continues to evolve in India, the outstanding board results of 2024 reflect the power of sustained investment, academic innovation, and dedicated teaching in transforming perceptions—and realities—of government-run schools.