BSEB Launches "Crossword Competition 2025" for Classes 9-12 to Sharpen Intellectual Skills

As BSEB aligns its programmes with NEP 2020's emphasis on holistic development, the "Crossword Competition 2025" for classes 9-12 stands as a beacon of educational reform.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has unveiled the "BSEB Crossword Competition 2025," targeting students in classes 9 to 12 across government schools in Bihar. Designed to enhance intellectual and linguistic capabilities, the competition will be conducted online, with registration open from June 25, 2025, to July 5, 2025, via the BSEB Crossword App or the website.

This initiative aligns with BSEB's broader strategy to integrate technology and skill development into the educational landscape, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The competition will progress through three phases—district, divisional, and state levels—providing a structured platform for students to demonstrate their critical thinking and language proficiency.

The inclusion of topics such as fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence reflects current global educational trends, buoyed by a 30% increase in edtech investments in India over the past year.

Historically, BSEB has seen robust participation in similar events, with over 50,000 students competing in 2023. The 2024 edition witnessed a 20% uptick, engaging 60,000 students, signaling a rising interest in competitive learning. Strategically timed before the academic year 2025-2026, the competition aims to capitalize on the summer break to boost student involvement.

BSEB's focus on inclusive education is highlighted by a 25% increase in rural student participation in 2024 compared to 2023. To bridge the digital divide, the board distributed tablets to 10,000 underprivileged students in 2024, ensuring wider access to the online platform. This effort is part of a national initiative, supported by a ₹1,000 crore allocation for digital infrastructure in schools.

The competition's format, requiring online crossword solving, draws inspiration from successful international models like the United Kingdom's National Cipher Challenge, which has annually engaged over 100,000 students since 2012. Previous editions have led to a 15% improvement in participants' verbal reasoning scores, according to a 2023 study by the Bihar Education Research and Training Council.

BSEB's partnership with edtech platforms, announced in 2024, provides free access to online learning resources for all participants, enhancing the competition's reach. The board's budget for competitive events has seen a 35% increase in the fiscal year 2024-2025, reflecting its commitment to educational innovation. This initiative has sparked interest among other state boards, with several considering similar models, as discussed at a recent education summit in New Delhi.

As BSEB aligns its programmes with NEP 2020's emphasis on holistic development, the "Crossword Competition 2025" for classes 9-12 stands as a beacon of educational reform. It not only prepares students for future academic and professional challenges but also sets a precedent for technology-driven, competency-based learning across India. The event's success could catalyze a broader transformation in the educational landscape, underscoring the importance of competitive and digital learning in shaping the future.

Read More: