Class 10 exams cancelled, class 12th exams postponed by Ministry of Education

New Delhi, 14 April (HS): The Ministry of Education has cancelled the 10^th class of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations that were scheduled from May 4 to June June 14 this year. Similarly the 12^th class examinations that were also scheduled from May 4 to June 14, have been postponed.

The decision has been taken in a high level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The meeting was held to review the examinations under existing pandemic situation. The meeting was attended by Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, School and Higher Education Secretaries and other top officials were also present during the meeting.

During the meeting PM Modi reiterated that the well-being of the students has to be the top priority for the Government.  He also stated that the Centre would keep in mind the best interests of the students and ensure that their health is taken care of at the same time their academic interests are not harmed.

The concerned officials gave an overview on the X and XII board exam that are going to be held from next month.  The Board exam for class X and XII conducted by CBSE are scheduled to begin from 4^th May, the official said.

The situation in the country is seeing a resurgence of COVID 19 positive cases in many states, with a few states having been affected more than others. In this situation, schools have been shut down in 11 states. Unlike State Boards, CBSE has an all-India character, and therefore, it is essential to hold exams simultaneously throughout the country.

“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 that the board exams for Class XII^th to be held from May 4^th to June 14^th, are hereby postponed. The situation will be reviewed on 1^st June 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,” the official said.

“Secondly, the board exams for Class X^th to be held from 4^thMay to June 14^th, are hereby cancelled. The results of Class X^th 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,” the official further said.