CBSE directive on Class X, XII board exams get mixed reactions from students, teachers

CBSE directive on Class X, XII board exams get mixed reactions from students, teachers

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:16.03.2021

The latest directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), cancelling Class X board exams and postponing Class XII board exams due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, has received mixed reactions from both students and teachers.

Exams for Class XII were to be held from May 4 to June 14, and for Class X from May 4 to June 7. While Class X students are worried about how they will be marked in the finals, those in XII are confused about college admissions. “I have an entrance test on April 29, and the college usually starts the admission process by June. But the CBSE will be reviewing the situation only on June 1. We have no clarity on how everything will work out,” said KR Pratik, a Class XII student who has applied for BBA. Similar are the concerns raised by others as well.

T Hema, another Class XII student said they also wanted to be done with the boards.

Sreeram Ramakrishnan, a Class X student raised concerns on how he will be evaluated in his finals. “Our teachers haven’t told us if they will review our internals or preboards or will be taking in other tests as well.”

Bhavani Shankar, principal of Lalaji Memorial Omega International School said that they are waiting for instructions on evaluating Class X results. The principal said many of the school’s teachers are disappointed with the directive. “They feel that further postponement of exams will only disrupt continuity in preparations. And over a period of time, it might become difficult to engage students’ productivity and capability,” he said.

Mita Venkatesh, principal of Sankara Senior Secondary School, said that despite the uncertainty parents seem largely happy with the decision, “They were apprehensive about sending children to exam centres, given the spike in Covid cases,” she said.

Kuldeep Thadani, parent of a Class X student said the authorities should have made this decision long ago since the chances of exam centres turning into clusters are high. “Even if they follow all safety protocols, the chances of children contracting the virus are not nil. Their health and safety is most important,” he said.

PMK welcomes decision

Chennai: PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss has welcomed the decision to cancel CBSE Class X exams and postponing Class XII exams. “This is a right decision keeping in mind the welfare of students’ at a time the country is in the midst of a second wave.” In a series of tweets, the leader said the decision by the central government is welcome. The PMK leader has also called for cancellation of Class XII exams in the state. TNN