Lakhs of candidates appeared for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination across the State on Thursday.
For a majority of them, this will be the first of many board exams in their academic life. For some, however, it is a gateway to a potential job or a higher salary and designation.
In the run-up to the exam, several candidates in their 30s and 40s opened their school textbooks for the first time in nearly two decades, and juggled work and family responsibilities to prepare for it.
For a job
The first day went well for C.P. Jyothibai, who came out of a centre with a smile. She quickly made a phone call to her husband who had encouraged her to open her books after 13 years. “I discontinued my studies in high school as I decided to act in films. Now I want a job. I also want to learn so that I am capable of teaching my children,” said the homemaker, who did not want to divulge her age. She took tuitions with her children and devoted a few hours every day to prepare for the exam.
For Anitha L., 33, passing the exam could yield more employment opportunities. The class eight dropout said she managed to study with the help of her nephew and nieces who were also preparing for the boards.
Some candidates, who are already employed, hope to clear the exam so that they can rise up the ranks. “I do the same job as a clerk but I get the salary and designation of an attender. That’s why I decided to appear for the exam,” said Shashikala Venkatesh, 41. Although this is her second attempt, she is determined to crack it this time as she spent several months burning the midnight oil.
Officials left stumped
Images of Thursday’s SSLC question papers started circulating on online messaging platforms around 12 noon in Raichur. The exam was scheduled to end at 12.30 p.m., and the development left Department of Public Instruction officials stumped.
The department in a statement stated that the question paper may have been circulated by students who left the centre before the completion of the exam. A complaint was registered with the Lingsugur police.
Three malpractice cases were registered in Bagalkot, according to the statement.
The SSLC exam started with an “easy” first language paper. Of the 7.89 lakh candidates who had registered for it, 7.64 lakh appeared.
