Central govt cancels CBSE Class 12 exams
Modi says health of students is of utmost importance: CISCE also scraps its Class 12 board exams
NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday cancelled the CBSE Class 12 examinations to ward off the threat of coronavirus infections, ending months of uncertainty for more than 1.4 million students who were to appear for their school-leaving tests.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday amid appeals by students, who feared the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exam could infect them because those under 18 aren’t currently eligible for vaccination.
“After extensive consultations, we have taken a decision that is student friendly, one that safeguards the health as well as the future of our youth,” Modi tweeted.
Hours later, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) also scrapped its Class 12 exams or ISE exams. “The board has decided to cancel class 12 exams in view of the pandemic situation. We will soon come up with an alternative assessment criteria,” said Gerry Arathoon, chief executive of CISCE.
The CBSE Class 10 board exams were cancelled in April.
“Health and safety of our students is of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect,” Modi said.
In the meeting, which saw detailed presentations on consultations with all stakeholders and state governments, the government also decided that CBSE will take steps to compile the results of Class 12 students as per a “well-defined objective criteria” in a timebound manner. Students will be provided an option to appear in exams later if they want.
Haryana board follows suit
The Haryana government also cancelled the Class 12 exams conducted by the state board. The decision came shortly after the central government announced cancelling the CBSE Class 12 board exams amid the COVID-19 pandemic.