New Delhi, Apr 14 (Agency) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday cancelled grade X exams and postponed grade XII exams amid alarming rise in Corona cases. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the examinations to be held at various levels in view of the developing Corona situation.
Earlier, the CBSE Classes 10 and 12 board exams were scheduled to commence from May 4. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, School and Higher Education Secretaries and other top officials attended the meeting. The Prime Minister reiterated that the well being of the students has to be the government’s topmost priority. He also stated that the Centre would keep in mind the best interests of the students and ensure that their health is taken care of without harming their academic interests.
The pandemic situation in the country is seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 positive cases in many states, with a few states having been affected more than others. In this situation, schools have been shut down in 11 states, the Education Ministry said in a statement. Unlike State Boards, CBSE has an all-India character, and therefore, it is essential to hold exams simultaneously throughout the country.
Looking to the present situation of the pandemic and school closures, and also taking in account the safety and well-being of the students, it is decided that the Board Exams for Class XIIth to be held from May 4 to June 14 are hereby postponed, the statement read. The situation will be reviewed on June 1 by the Board, and details will be shared subsequently. A notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations, the Ministry said. Results of Class Xth Board will be prepared on the basis of an objective criterion to be developed by the Board. Any candidate who is not satisfied with the marks allocated to him/her on this basis will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams, it added.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the Union government’s decision to cancel CBSE class 10 board exams and postpone class 12 exams amid Covid-19 surge, saying it will provide a great relief to lakhs of students and their parents. In a tweet, Mr Kejriwal said, “I am glad that the exams have been cancelled/postponed. This is a great relief for lakhs of students & their parents.” The Delhi Chief Minister on Tuesday had appealed to the Central government to cancel CBSE board exams and introduce alternatives, to ensure the safety of the children in the country, since these examination centres can become COVID-19 hotspots.
Keeping XIIth students under undue pressure until June makes no sense: Priyanka
New Delhi, Apr 14 (Agency) Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said CBSE has postponed examination for class XIIth, but keeping them under pressure until June makes no sense. The Gandhi scion welcomed the cancellation of Class Xth board exams amid coronavirus surge.
”Glad the government has finally cancelled the 10th standard exams however a final decision MUST be taken for the 12th grade too. Keeping students under undue pressure until June makes no sense,” she wrote in Hindi on her official Twitter handle. ”It’s unfair. I urge the government to decide now,” Ms Vadra tweeted. She said this soon after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cancelled class Xth examination and postponed papers of Class XIIth. The decision on the board exams was taken in a high-level meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per an official release, for Class XIIth examinations, the situation will be again reviewed on June 1 by the CBSE and notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations. The Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) for Classes Xth and XIIth were scheduled to begin from May 4.