Amid growing clamour for postponing exams, CBSE and govt ‘rethink’ Board dates

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 13

Amid the growing clamour for postponing the examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE and the government appear to be “rethinking” on Class X and XII Board exams scheduled to begin from May 4. 

The fresh surge in the Covid pandemic has resulted in increasing demands for rescheduling/postponing of Boards from students, parents, and teachers as well. While “there are no plans to either cancel the Boards or make the exams online at present”, officials say “discussions are being held on the situation regarding rescheduling the dates”.

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“At present, the only point of discussion is the dates. However, no decision has been taken so far. In case of any change, students will be informed well in advance,” they said, adding that the Education Ministry is “monitoring” the situation and is also in regular touch with the CBSE on the issue. “Both the Ministry and CBSE officials are considering whether the exams need to be deferred. There is still some time. All factors are being discussed. The safety of students and teachers will not be compromised,” they said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also appealed to the CBSE to cancel the board exams. “Around six lakh children will write these exams and 1 lakh teachers will be involved. The examination centres can become hotspots. The health and well-being of children are very important. 

“I appeal to CBSE with folded hands that the exams be cancelled. Some other methods of evaluation can be thought of, either online or internal assessment perhaps. But cancelling these exams is crucial. Many countries have also cancelled exams, some Indian states have done it too. These exams should be cancelled too,” Kejriwal said. Notably, Maharashtra has already postponed the state board exams and so has the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad.