CBSE Board Exams Postponed For Class 12, Cancelled For Class 10: Education Ministry

CBSE board exams postponed: The Ministry of Education has postponed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams for class 12 students and cancelled them for class 10 students, reports said Wednesday. This decision comes following public outcry by students, parents and politicians wary of the physical conduction of board exams in the midst of a deadly COVID-19 surge.

The written board exams at allotted centres were to be held between May 4 and June 14 for students of classes 12 and 10.

As per the Education Ministry, the circumstances will be reviewed on June 1 to take a call on class 12 boards. Students will be notified of any developments at least 15 days in advance.

As far as class 10 students are concerned, results will be prepared basis internal assessment, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' told news agency ANI. Students dissatisfied with the assessment can opt for exams when the COVID-19 situation is contained better.

CBSE Board Exams Postponed After Centre Reviews Decision

The centre met for a review meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday to evaluate the situation. The attendees reportedly agreed that considering students' health was priority.

The Board's decision to conduct final exams for the two classes had come under extensive scrutiny, especially as India battles a sharp spike in coronavirus cases. Students had signed petitions for the postponement or complete cancellation of boards this year.

As of April 14, the country has recorded 13,65,704 active cases with Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala leading the tally.

Opposition leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Priyanka Gandhi had rallied behind students to appeal for board exams or the mode of it to be reconsidered. Following the centre's decision on Wednesday, their parties are urging for class 12 exams to be given similar treatment as class 10.

"Like Class 10 students, I appeal to the govt to promote Class 12 students on the basis of internal assessment," Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia said.

"Glad the government has finally cancelled the 10th standard exams however a final decision MUST be taken for the 12th grade too. Keeping students under undue pressure until June makes no sense," Gandhi

Glad the government has finally cancelled the 10th standard exams however a final decision MUST be taken for the 12th grade too. Keeping students under undue pressure until June makes no sense.

It’s unfair. I urge the government to decide now.#cancelboardexam2021

Glad the government has finally cancelled the 10th standard exams however a final decision MUST be taken for the 12th grade too. Keeping students under undue pressure until June makes no sense.

It’s unfair. I urge the government to decide now.#cancelboardexam2021

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 14, 2021