Covid-19 disrupts CBSE exams plan
Students and educators in the UAE have been left in a state of flux as India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Grade X and Grade XII exams were cancelled and postponed, respectively.
Many have expressed relief, while others have said they are confused.
The decision was taken after a high-level meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and CBSE board officials. It came in response to an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases in India.
Principals in the UAE have urged pupils to remain calm and focused. They said they are yet to receive instructions on how to assess the students, but believe it will be done based on internal assessments and marks in pre-board examinations.
The postponement of Grade XII examinations will impact NEET and JEE entrances as well. Mohammad ali Kottakkulam Principal, Gulf Indian High School Dubai
Principals in the UAE have urged pupils to stay calm after India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced a decision on the exams on Wednesday.
Grade 10 and Grade 12 board examinations have been cancelled and postponed, respectively.
The decision was taken after a high-level meeting was chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and CBSE board officials. India has been reporting an unprecedented surge of fresh Covid-19 cases, which are over 175 per cent higher as compared to last year.
CBSE’S board examinations were slated to start from May 4.
Annie Mathew, principal of Gulf Model School, said that considering the situation in India, cancelling and postponing the exams was a wise decision. “The move would impact CBSE schools in this part of the world in many ways. Plans are afoot to start Grade XI classes immediately,” Mathew said. “Pupils need to stay focused as the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us to be resilient and adaptable.”
Though the board has not disclosed the promotion criterion yet, UAE school heads are expecting that it would be based on ‘internal assessments’.
Arogya Reddy, Principal, Ambassador School Sharjah, said: “It appears that the results will be declared based on internal assessments, and marks in pre-board examinations. Most of the CBSE schools in the UAE conduct at least two preliminary exams, if not more. An average of all things combined will be considered for the final evaluation.”
Principals said pupils and teachers had been working hard, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The call to postpone the high-stakes Grade 12 CBSE examinations, and the ambiguity around it, could be unsettling for candidates.
Mohammad Ali Kottakkulam, principal, Gulf Indian High School Dubai, said: “The postponement of Grade 12 examinations will impact NEET and JEE entrances as well. Indian expatriate pupils and families, who were preparing to move back to India on completion of their Board examinations, could find it difficult to extend their stay further due to visa rules.”
The Grade 10 exam cancellation, on the other hand, has had a bittersweet impact, said Nargish Khambatta, principal of GEMS Modern Academy. “Some felt relieved and others disappointed. The focus will now shift to the result declaration as the objective criterion is under construction.”
Dr Brian Gray, principal of Springdales School, Dubai, said: “This decision does have additional academic, administrative and operational impact. Teachers already have a commitment in their timetable with existing pupils. To provide continued support will mean more contact time.”
A part of me is happy and relieved and part of me is sad. I have done well in my prelims and was looking forward to the boards..” Iditri Datta, Grade 10 student
I am happy. It is a smart and bold decision by Indian Prime minister narendra modi. he has kept the student welfare in mind.” Niranjana Vijayaraghavan, Grade 10 student
It is good that at least some concrete decision is taken, and there is no argument of postponing it like in the case of Grade 12.” Aileni Rajitha, mother of a Grade 10 student
students have been looking for closure to be able to move on to a university, but this decision has just added to their frustration level.” Indrani Bhattacharya, mother of a Grade 12 student
We have to submit final marksheets to universities. how can we do that if the examination board doesn’t take a firm stand? .” Maha Sweetha, Grade 12 student