Bittersweet emotions for Grade 10 pupils

While Grade 12 CBSE students studying in Indian schools are facing uncertainties about their final exams, Grade 10 students are largely relieved and thankful for cancellation of their board examinations this year.

“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 which are usually easier than the prelims. A good score in board examinations gets you some bragging rights. But then again, I think in the current situation it is better to cancel the exams and send a message that health of students, teachers and parents is more important,” said Iditri Datta from Our Own English High School.

Her friends and the Grade 10 student community at large in the UAE felt the same way. “I am happy,” said Niranjana Vijayaraghavan with a hint of glee in her voice on the phone. “It is a smart and bold decision by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has kept the student welfare in mind. For more than a year, we have had a vigorous routine, sitting in front of computers to attend our online classes. We can now concentrate on our physical and mental health,” said Niranjana.

Parents have mixed feelings but are still pleased with the decision. “The last few months have been a waste of time and energy for students. My son had completed the syllabus twice over and preparations had been in full swing for these exams, and now we are told they won’t happen. These results don’t matter much anyway, but it puts students under a lot of stress. 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,” said Aileni Rajitha, mother of a Grade 10 student.