CBSE Exams Post February 2021, Dates Not Decided Yet: Ramesh Pokhriyal

In a live interaction with the teachers, Union Education Minister Ramesh Phokhriyal highlighted that the class 10 and 12 board exams will not be held in January or February. Moreover, the exams will not be conducted online, children will have to give the exam in the physical mode.

Pokhriyal said that the board exams will have 33 percent internal choice as well and 30 percent of the syllabus has been reduced. The reduction isn't limited to CBSE and CISCE boards, other state boards are also expected to follow the same. Furthermore, he said that there could be an alternative to practical exams due to the pandemic.

Also Read: BSEB inter exams 2021: Bihar board sends revised timetable  for class 12th

What You Should Know

• No board exams would be held till February.
• Final exams for class 10, 12 to be held in offline mode.
• Syllabus cuts not to be restricted till CBSE and CISCE, state boards are also expected to follow the order.
• CBSE exams will have the internal choice, as per rules.

In addition to a few important declarations, the minister also responded to questions of stakeholders. One of them asked, “when the classes are being held online, why can’t exams are held online?” Answering his question Pokhriyal said that there is still a small percentage of students who don't have equal access to education. The unique methods used for teaching can't be extended to exams as it wouldn't be fair. Conducting an online exam would require a laptop, stable internet, and electricity for every student which isn't possible.

Pokhriyal also brought up the issue of lack of access to the internet. He discussed how due to insufficient access to the internet teachers in some remote areas are teaching through loudspeakers. He said, "We are aware of your challenges and the determination you have to overcome these challenges, and your concern for these children is valid. Though we have come up with different modes like TV, DTH services, community radio, etc. We have covered a lot and are working in this regard. I believe we will soon get a solution to these infrastructural issues."

Regarding the JEE Main 2021, Pokhriyal said that more internal options have been introduced. Students will now have to answer only 75 questions. Students whose boards have reduced syllabus by 30 percent will have lesser choices but they will not be at any loss. Thus students can prepare as per their own boards, said Pokhroyal.

Also Read: UPSC Exams: What’s Allowed, What’s Not Allowed?

Sanskriti Tiwari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.