Decision evinces mixed response

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 2

The decision to cancel the Class XII board exams has evinced mixed response from teachers as well as students. Parents, however, have heaved a sigh of relief that health has been given a priority. Meanwhile, everyone’s eyes are now on the evaluation criteria, which is yet to be decided.

The academicians feel this decision was the only option left during unprecedented times, but it would definitely give a free pass to those who did not study at all during the year.

Upasana Mehra, principal, Senior Study II, said: “I don’t think it’s the best decision to scrap exams altogether. Students who had prepared well throughout the year despite the challenge of the pandemic and online classes definitely will be disappointed. It will also have an impact on those planning to take competitive exams or applying for foreign universities.”

Anjana Gupta, principal, DAV International School, too, feels that this was the most plausible solution under given situation. “The health of students had to be kept as a priority and so, despite whatever challenges that might arise in future, a decision had to be made. We can understand that this might create unfair advantage for some, but it’s a small price to pay under the given circumstances.”

Students, too, were divided over the decision, as they hoped the admission process for colleges, too, would be considered.

“I think it was a fair decision to not go ahead with the exams given the risk it will bring along. I am glad this decision was made. The next important thing to look out for will be the evaluation criteria because that essentially decides how we will go about with our admissions,” said Pushti Seth, a student of Spring Dale Senior School.

Mannat Dashmesh, a student of Dalhousie Public School, Badhani, said she had to change her entire plan for higher education due to the pandemic. “It has been difficult to cope with academics during the pandemic. According to the situation, the decision might seem best, but for me, it means that now I will have to apply overseas to pursue the course of my choice. I had earlier planned to apply in DU colleges that already have very high cut-offs. With scrapping of exams, whether a good student or not, everyone has been put on the same pedestal.”