The Supreme Court has turned down the plea filed by six CBSE and ICSE students pleading for a hybrid model of exams and directed the two boards to conduct offline exams only, as it would not be appropriate to make last-minute changes.
The top court observed that the CBSE had already begun conducting exams in minor subjects and the ICSE would be doing so from November 22. The solicitor general from the board said that taking the exam online at this stage would be a tough task. Already, student capacity in classrooms had been reduced from 40 to 12 and the number of examination centres have been increased from 6,500 to 15,000. Social distancing measures were already being taken.
When the FPJ asked students about the apex court’s decision, most seemed satisfied with the decision. “Last year’s situation was different and online exams were okay. But now, cases are decreasing, so it is fine that the board conducts exams offline and yes, I am sure all precautions will be taken by the school for the same,” said Sanyukta Mokashi, Omkar English School, Mumbai.
“If you are well-prepared for the exam, it is just fine whether you give it online or offline. I favour the decision because the chances of students cheating are less,” says Atharv Jadhav, Class 10 student, Mumbai. “Besides, students take offline exams more seriously than online exams,” he added.
However, there were some students who were disappointed with the decision taken by the court. Milonee Warde said that for the last two years “we were having classes online and suddenly, they are asking us to take exams offline in this Covid situation, which could lead to problems if precautionary measures are not taken.”
