After the outcry of students across the country demanding cancellation of exams due to pandemic, the government announced cancellation of CBSE Class 10th Board exams. Further, the government also said that Class 12th exams will be postponed.

Details:

A high-level meeting regarding the matter of CBSE 10th and 12th exams was conducted today. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and other education officials.

After the meeting, the Education Ministry issued a statement which stated, “Looking to the present situation of the pandemic and school closures, and also taking in account the safety and well-being of the students, it is decided as follows. The Board Exams for Class 12 to be held from May 4th to June, 14th, 2021 are hereby postponed. These exams will be held hereafter.”

Govt. to review situation after 1st June

Moreover, the ministry’s statement also said that after 1st June the situation regarding the pandemic will be reviewed by the CBSE and details pertaining to the conducting of examination will be shared. The ministry also assured people that students will be given a notice of 15 days before the beginning of the examination.

“Indian government will keep in mind best interests of students”: PM Modi

Meanwhile, PM Modi, who chaired the meeting issued a statement that said that the Indian government will keep in mind the health and best interests of students. At the same time, the government will make sure that the students’ academic interests are not harmed.

Students of class 10th to be promoted on internal assessment basis

Meanwhile, students of class 10th will be promoted to 11th on the basis of their internal assessment. The Union Education Ministry’s statement sated that, “The results of Class Xth 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 to him/her on this basis will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams.”

Background:

Amid several state CMs and students calling out for cancellation of 10th and 12th class due to the COVID-19 pandemic, news agency ANI reported that PM Modi will be meeting with Education Minister to discuss the matters.

In a tweet, ANI wrote, “PM to hold a meeting with Education Minister, Secretary & other important officials at 12 noon to discuss the issue of CBSE Board Exams: Govt of India Sources.”

Class 10th exams were scheduled to be held between May 4th and June 6th. Class 12th students were going to sit for their exams between May 4th and June 15th.

However, due to the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 cases, several ministers and students were urging the government to cancel the exams.

Just last week, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi urged Ramesh Pokhriyal, Union Education Minister, to nudge CBSE whether it’s a good decision to go ahead with the exams.

On April 13, 2021, AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also urged the Centre to cancel the exams or postpone it. Mr. Kejriwal said that around 6 lakh students from Delhi will be giving their CBSE exams which would also involve 1 lakh teachers.

He said that due to such high numbers, regions around the exam centers can become COVID-19 hotspots.

“I appeal to CBSE with folded hands that the exams be cancelled. Some other method of evaluation can be thought of — online or internal assessment perhaps. But cancelling these exams is crucial. Many countries have also cancelled exams; some Indian states have done it too. These exams should be cancelled too,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

Reactions:

After the news of the cancellation of 10th exams and postponement of 12th exams broke, leaders from political parties reacted favourably.

“I am glad about the decision. As a parent and education minister, I believe students will get some relief. The decision is however not in favour of the class 12th exam. This will add up to their anxiety. Class 12th exams should also be cancelled. I request the Centre to take a similar decision for the class 12th students too,” Deputy CM of Delhi, Manish Sisodia was quoted saying.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who earlier yesterday asked the Centre to cancel/postpone the exams also approved of Centre’s decision.

“I am glad that the exams have been cancelled/postponed. This is a great relief for lakhs of students and their parents,” Mr. Kejriwal tweeted.

BJP’s National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya too approved CBSE’s decision and lauded PM Modi and Education Minister for taking the step.