A broad consensus has been reached among the Centre and most States that Class 12 board examinations must be held this year despite the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to senior officials who attended Sunday’s online consultation on the issue. However, the exams are likely to be shorter in duration, exam centres may be expanded, and schedules may be staggered.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who chaired the meeting, has given State governments three more days to offer feedback, asking them to respond in writing by Tuesday, after which a final decision will be announced. With regard to the Central Board of Secondary Education, students will be informed by June 1.
A vocal section of parents and students have been demanding that the exams be cancelled, and a plea has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking cancellation.
However, speaking at the meeting, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ pointed out “the importance of the Class 12 board exams and the All India Entrance exams in shaping the future and defining the careers of students”, a statement said. An “informed, collaborative decision” will be taken soon, he said.
The Centre recommended that exams be only held in about 20 major subjects. It also proposed the duration be halved to 90 minutes with only multiple choice or short answer questions.
The Centre also suggested that students could be allowed to write the examination in their own school premises, officials said.
The State governments of Delhi and Maharashtra have called for alternatives to examinations.
“Keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic situation and the projection that children are vulnerable to new strains of coronavirus, option of a “NON-EXAMINATION ROUTE” for class 12th students should be actively examined,” tweeted Maharashtra Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad.
She suggested evaluation through retroactive grading, and urged a uniform assessment policy. However, the State is yet to take a final decision.
Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia pushed for all students and teachers to be vaccinated before examinations are held and suggested that students be graded based on historical references of the past few years and be given an option of taking the examination at a later date. However, as all Delhi government schools are affiliated to the CBSE, the Centre’s decision is likely to be implemented in the capital.
Several States wished for the option to delay their examinations by several months, if needed. Kerala and Bihar have already held their State board examinations. Chhattisgarh has announced an open book examination to start on June 1, but Central officials warned that the validity of the results may not be accepted by universities.
