Concerns over likely schedule as CBSE puts off Class 12 exams

Several parents in Qatar have raised concerns about the decision of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India, to postpone the Class XII examinations.

The CBSE yesterday also cancelled the Class X exams in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in India. Examinations for both Class X and XII were to be held in May-June and hundreds of students from Indian schools in Qatar were preparing to take the examinations along with their peers from India and around the world. Though several students and parents welcomed the decision to cancel the Class 10 exams, it is the postponement of Class 12 that has worried many.

The CBSE circular said: “The Board Exams for Class XII to be held from May 4 to June 14, 2021 are hereby postponed. These exams will be held hereafter. The situation will be reviewed on June 1, 2021 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.”

Some parents feel that if the examinations are held in JuneJuly, there might be some difficulties for some of the students for their higher education.

“My child is planning to go to Canada for higher studies and we have made the arrangements accordingly. The examinations are already delayed by a couple of months as they used to be completed by March-April in the earlier years. If the exams are delayed, obviously the results also will be delayed and we are not sure whether it will be possible to submit the results on time for the admission process,” a parent said.

“Instead of postponing the examinations, CBSE should think of awarding the marks for students depending on their internal assessments as well as other examinations conducted by the schools. Several countries are following this method due to the Covid-19 scenario. This also ensures that the results are published on time. CBSE should try this method to avoid unnecessary hassles for the students,” he said.

Another parent said that it can cause more stress for the students as they have to go through the agonising process of ‘wait and watch.’

“We are not sure whether the situation will improve by June. The students are already undergoing a lot of stress and tension due to the prevailing situation and the lack of sufficient physical interaction with their peers and teachers. The mental health of the students can be further affected by the postponement of the examination as it creates extra pressure for them. The board should take a decision about Class XII examinations on the similar lines of Class X,” he noted.

The Class X Board Exams were scheduled from May 4. According to the CBSE, “the results of Class X 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 on this basis, will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams,” CBSE added.