The controversy between the Matriculation and School Final Examinations is approaching a satisfactory end. The Bombay University and the Bombay Government have both agreed upon the principle of appointing a joint board to which will be made over not only the functions of conducting the two examinations as a single whole, but also the duty of recognizing schools which prepare candidates for these examinations. At present the University which conducts the Matriculation examination is debarred by statute from any but nominal control over the schools while the educational department which is charged with the supervision of the schools is without a voice in ordering of examination which determines the teaching in them. The Board combine powers vested in the University as well as those devolving on the educational department and will thus be able to determine the direction as well as to ensure thoroughness of instruction given in high schools. There was some amount of strong feeling in the Bombay University Senate against leaving the power of withdrawal of recognition from a school entirely to the Joint Board, and the question was should there be an appeal to the Syndicate against the withdrawal. The University will be represented by a majority of members on the Board. The Joint Board will have more powers than the University or the Education Department as it will combine powers and prestige of both. After five years the whole scheme will be reconsidered in the light of the experience gained.
