Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wednesday took to Twitter announcing that Class 10 CBSE exams had been cancelled, while the Class 12 exams were being postponed. Over the last few weeks, as COVID-19 cases rose steadily and parts of the country went back under lockdown, Opposition leaders, academicians and students alike had called for a postponement of board exams. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the Education Minister and other top officials.
No date has officially been announced for the rescheduled Class 12 examinations, and the situation will depend wholly on how the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic plays out. However, going by Pokhriyal's tweets, the exams are certainly not happening before mid-June. Earlier, the exams had been scheduled to take place from May 4 to June 14.
"The situation will be reviewed on 1st June 2021 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 Education Minister has assured.
While the government has given to indications that it plans to cancel the Class 12 examinations, many Opposition leaders are calling for such an outcome. "I am happy that Class 10 exams are being cancelled and dates are being rescheduled for class 12 exams. Like Class 10 students, I appeal to the govt to promote Class 12 students on the basis of internal assessment," remarked Delhi Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia.
"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," urged Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.
