Himachal Teachers Seek Test Exemption Amid CBSE Shift in Government Schools

The transition of government schools in Himachal Pradesh to the CBSE system has triggered debate between reform goals and teachers’ concerns over implementation. The Himachal Government Teacher Union has urged the state government to exempt qualified and experienced state board teachers from appearing in efficiency examinations for postings in CBSE-affiliated schools. Union president Virender Chauhan stated that long-serving educators should be assessed based on service record and student results rather than fresh tests, noting that most teachers are unwilling to undergo such assessments.

The demand follows Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s announcement that around 140 government schools will be affiliated with CBSE from the next academic session. In the first phase, 99 schools have already secured affiliation, while the remaining institutions are in process. These schools are currently affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education . The state plans to give CBSE-affiliated schools a distinct identity through a common logo and uniform colour scheme, signalling a shift toward standardised national-level education.

The CBSE transition is part of broader education reforms aimed at improving academic quality, upgrading infrastructure , and aligning government schools with national standards. The move is expected to enhance students’ preparedness for competitive exams , support mobility across states, and promote modern teaching practices. Authorities are also considering specialised cadres, recruitment of subject specialists, and facility upgrades to meet CBSE norms.

While welcoming the new curriculum, the union emphasised that evaluation of principals and teachers should rely on measurable academic outcomes rather than qualifying tests. It has called for filling all vacant posts, safeguarding promotion channels , and creating vice-principal positions in line with CBSE norms to strengthen school leadership.

The union also opposed merging boys’ and girls’ schools, arguing both can be strengthened independently to preserve accessibility and community trust. It stressed that fees should not increase after CBSE affiliation and warned against privatisation in the education sector. As the state advances the transition, the success of the reform will depend on balancing quality benchmarks with teacher morale and administrative practicality while safeguarding the interests of students and educators.