CBSE exam dates

Months after it was decided at a meeting chaired by none other than Prime Minister Modi himself to cancel the CBSE Board examinations because of the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the announcement of dates by the Central Board of Secondary Education for holding the Class X and XII exams in November-December will come as a positive development, though not without its share of challenges. The second term examinations are scheduled for February-March next year. The importance of board examinations cannot be underestimated, for it is important for admission to higher education courses. The CBSE has come up with directives on taking precautionary measures at examination centres to rule out any possible spread of infection. This is sure to put a huge responsibility on the educational institutions to ensure the safety of students. Also, unlike last year when the students and parents had requested for the cancellation of examinations, no such request has been forthcoming this year. Last year, the board had to rely on internal assessments and marks obtained in school tests to grade the students, and had to get its plan vetted by the apex court. This year, too, the schools have been holding pre-board exams and the CBSE has divided the annual exams into two terms to be able to deal with eventualities arising out of any possible re-emergence of the infection.

The pandemic affected the education sector with a major switch to online mode of learning. Despite offline classes being resumed, attendance in schools is far from optimum, with the pandemic testing the adaptability of the students to the changing environment. It has also meant having a relook at the priorities. The changeover back to the offline mode of examination will also entail gauging the learning gap in students and trying to bridge it accordingly.

Covid-19 affected regular studies and also prevented the students from carrying out lab experiments and reduced social interaction and physical activity amid uncertainty. While the board exams will mean a return to the traditional method, it might also indicate the change that has come among the students, throwing up new prospects and challenges.