The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Bihar has officially released the date sheet for the half yearly examinations for students of Classes 1 to 8 studying in government schools across the state. According to the schedule, the examinations will be held from 10 September to 15 September 2025 in two shifts daily. Over 1.5 crore students are expected to participate in this massive academic exercise. The examination pattern, subject allocation, and logistical planning have been structured to ensure a smooth and transparent assessment process.

Exam Format for Classes 1 and 2

For students of Class 1 and 2, the half yearly examination will be conducted in an oral format. These oral assessments will be carried out directly by the class teachers in their respective classrooms. The subject-wise question sets for these classes will be made available through the e-Shiksha Kosh Portal. Teachers will use these standardised question papers to conduct oral evaluations on the scheduled dates. The decision to use oral evaluation aims to make learning assessments age-appropriate and reduce exam-related pressure on younger students.

Exam Structure for Higher Classes

From Class 3 onwards, the examinations will follow a written format. SCERT has specified that for Class 3 students, subjects such as Physical Education and Wellness and Art Education will be assessed at the school level. The grading for these subjects will also be done internally. For Class 6 students, Physical Education and Wellness, Vocational Education, Computer Science, and Art will also be assessed at the school level with internal grading.

All other subjects for Classes 3 to 8 will follow a state-prescribed question format and be conducted in two shifts per day. The examinations will be supervised by teachers deputed from schools other than the ones where the exams are held. This measure has been put in place to maintain fairness and discipline in the evaluation process.

Detailed Exam Schedule from 10 to 15 September 2025

According to the released timetable, the exams will be held over six days in two separate shifts each day. The schedule is designed to evenly distribute subject loads and ensure sufficient preparation time for students.

On 10 September, in the first shift, the Environmental Studies paper will be conducted. The second shift will feature the Science and Social Science exam for Classes 6 to 8.

On 11 September, the first shift will have the Hindi exam for Classes 3 to 8. For non-Hindi speaking students, second language options will be offered. The second shift will be dedicated to the Mathematics exam for Classes 3 to 8.

On 12 September, the first shift will again focus on Hindi or Bengali for Classes 3 to 8, while the second shift will feature the Sanskrit paper, applicable only for Classes 6 to 8.

On 13 September, the first shift will include English for Classes 1 and 2. The second shift will continue with the English paper for Classes 3 to 8.

On 14 September, only one shift has been designated. It will include the Urdu exam for Classes 3 to 8.

Finally, on 15 September, the first shift will have students of Classes 1 and 2 appearing for Hindi, Urdu, or Bengali, depending on their language medium. The second shift on the same day will conduct the Mathematics paper for Classes 1 and 2.

Preparation and Distribution of Question Papers

The SCERT has also issued detailed instructions for the timely preparation and delivery of question papers and answer sheets. According to the directives, Block Education Officers (BEOs) will receive all question papers and relevant exam materials by 3 September 2025. These materials include both the printed question papers and the required number of answer booklets.

Each school will receive its set of materials through the BEOs and District Education Officers. Schools are required to ensure that examination conditions are met and that all arrangements are in place prior to 10 September.

The evaluation of answer sheets will take place at the block headquarters level. Teachers will be assigned from one school to another to monitor and invigilate the exams. This approach ensures a transparent and malpractice-free environment, encouraging honest performance and integrity during assessments.

Role of Teachers in Monitoring and Evaluation

One of the key aspects of the SCERT guidelines for the half yearly exams is the deployment of teachers from outside the exam-conducting schools. This means that a teacher from one government school will be deputed to supervise exams in another school. This cross-school deployment is meant to eliminate any potential for bias, maintain discipline, and ensure fair evaluation practices.

The emphasis is also on the timely checking of answer sheets, with an aim to provide students and parents with results soon after the exams conclude. Proper records will be maintained at the block level and forwarded to district authorities for centralised data compilation.

Significance of the Half Yearly Evaluation

The half yearly exams are not only important for assessing academic progress, but they also serve as a basis for future curriculum planning. The SCERT’s evaluation framework is structured to give equal importance to both academic and co-curricular subjects. This includes attention to sports, arts, and computer science, helping to promote holistic development in students.

By evaluating students across multiple disciplines, the state education department aims to improve the overall quality of education in Bihar. The focus is also on helping students become comfortable with structured assessments, an essential skill for higher classes.

These exams also provide a structured opportunity for teachers to assess the effectiveness of teaching strategies used in the classroom. Based on student performance, teachers can modify lesson plans, introduce remedial measures, and bridge learning gaps, particularly for students from marginalised backgrounds.

Digital and Logistical Support

For Classes 1 and 2, the use of the e-Shiksha Kosh Portal is a key innovation. It allows the digital distribution of question papers, reducing the need for physical logistics and enabling remote schools to access standardised materials efficiently. This step aligns with the state’s ongoing push for digital integration in education and paves the way for further use of technology in school-level assessments.

Administrative Communication

The SCERT’s Joint Director (Administration), Sushma Kumari, has issued formal communication to all District Education Officers (DEOs) and District Programme Officers (EE and SSA). The letter outlines all procedural and operational details regarding the half yearly exams. Clear instructions have been given for materials procurement, teacher deployment, exam monitoring, and reporting systems.

This high-level coordination reflects the department’s commitment to strengthening the primary and middle school education system. The department has made it clear that any deviation from the prescribed plan will be addressed seriously.

Bihar’s decision to conduct the half yearly examinations for Classes 1 to 8 between 10 to 15 September 2025 marks an important step in standardising school-level assessments across the state. With over 1.5 crore students expected to participate, the scale of the evaluation highlights the growing emphasis on structured and meaningful academic reviews.

By focusing on fairness, teacher accountability, and logistical preparedness, the Bihar Education Department aims to raise the quality of government school education. The structured exam plan, detailed subject division, digital support tools, and transparent monitoring systems all contribute to this mission.

As the state prepares to execute this large-scale evaluation exercise, all stakeholders—students, teachers, and administrators—are expected to contribute sincerely to ensure its success. The half yearly exams of 2025 will not only assess what students have learned but also reflect the evolving capacity of Bihar’s school education system to implement wide-reaching reforms with precision and purpose.