

Allow Basic Calculators in CBSE Class XI–XII Accountancy and Statistics Exams
The Issue
Accountancy and Statistics exams are supposed to test whether students understand accounting principles and statistical methods — not how fast they can multiply five-digit numbers by hand.
Right now, students spend a huge chunk of their exam time on repetitive arithmetic instead of showing what they actually understand. A student can know exactly which depreciation method to apply or which statistical test fits the data, and still lose precious minutes to manual calculation. That's time taken away from analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving — the skills these subjects are meant to build.
This isn't about making exams easier. Mathematics already exists to build mental calculation skills, and subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can keep their current rules. This is specifically about Accountancy and Statistics, where the real skill is reading a balance sheet, applying the right method, and interpreting results — not arithmetic speed.
To keep things fair and prevent misuse, CBSE could:
Permit only basic, non-programmable calculators (no storage, no graphing, no programming)
Issue identical approved calculators to every student, or build one into computer-based exams
No professional accountant or statistician multiplies numbers by hand at work. They use tools — and their value lies in knowing what to calculate and why. Our exams should start measuring the same thing.
We're asking CBSE to review, consult on, or pilot a policy allowing basic calculators in Class XI and XII Accountancy and Statistics exams — so students are graded on understanding, not calculation speed.
Sign this petition if you believe exams should measure what students know, not how fast they can do arithmetic.

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The Issue
Accountancy and Statistics exams are supposed to test whether students understand accounting principles and statistical methods — not how fast they can multiply five-digit numbers by hand.
Right now, students spend a huge chunk of their exam time on repetitive arithmetic instead of showing what they actually understand. A student can know exactly which depreciation method to apply or which statistical test fits the data, and still lose precious minutes to manual calculation. That's time taken away from analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving — the skills these subjects are meant to build.
This isn't about making exams easier. Mathematics already exists to build mental calculation skills, and subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can keep their current rules. This is specifically about Accountancy and Statistics, where the real skill is reading a balance sheet, applying the right method, and interpreting results — not arithmetic speed.
To keep things fair and prevent misuse, CBSE could:
Permit only basic, non-programmable calculators (no storage, no graphing, no programming)
Issue identical approved calculators to every student, or build one into computer-based exams
No professional accountant or statistician multiplies numbers by hand at work. They use tools — and their value lies in knowing what to calculate and why. Our exams should start measuring the same thing.
We're asking CBSE to review, consult on, or pilot a policy allowing basic calculators in Class XI and XII Accountancy and Statistics exams — so students are graded on understanding, not calculation speed.
Sign this petition if you believe exams should measure what students know, not how fast they can do arithmetic.

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Petition created on 7 September 2026