In a major academic shift, the Andhra Pradesh Board of Intermediate Education will conduct public exams in February 2026, a month earlier than usual, aligning with the CBSE calendar.

Officials say the change will ease academic pressure and allow colleges to resume regular classes by April. A new “one exam per day” policy has been introduced to prevent subject clashes and give students more preparation time. Science papers will be held first, followed by languages and arts.

The Board has also launched a new MBiPC group and now allows flexible subject combinations, promoting interdisciplinary learning. “It’s a welcome move towards global academic models,” said N. Kishore Kumar, Principal of Sarada Junior College.

Syllabus revisions are another key reform. The curriculum is now fully aligned with NCERT standards. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology will have 85 marks for theory, with practicals in the second year. In Biology, Botany will carry 43 marks and Zoology 42. One-mark questions have also been introduced to test conceptual clarity.

Officials are yet to decide whether practical exams will be held before or after theory papers. Students are reacting with mixed feelings—some welcome the changes, others seek more support to adapt.