In a major development, the Centre today decided to cancel CBSE Class 12 exams in the view of COVID-19 pandemic. The high level meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting it was also decided that CBSE will take steps to compile the results of class XII students as per a well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner.
During the meeting, PM Modi said the decision on Class 12 CBSE Exams has been taken in the interest of students. He said that COVID-19 has affected the academic calendar and the issue of board exams has been causing immense anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end.
He said that the pandemic outbreak is a dynamic situation across the country. "While the numbers are coming down in the country and some states are managing the situation through effective micro-containment, some states have still opted for a lockdown," he added. PM said that students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation.
The PM also stressed that the health and safety of the students is of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect. He said that in today’s time, such exams cannot be the reason to put our youth at risk.
He said that all stakeholders need to show sensitivity for students. The PM directed officials to ensure that the results are prepared in accordance with well-defined criteria, in a fair and time-bound manner. Besides, Mr Modi expressed appreciation that a student friendly decision has been reached after consulting all stakeholders from across the length and breadth of India. He also thanked the states for providing feedback on this issue.
The Prime Minister had earlier held a high-level meeting on May 21 which was attended by Ministers and officials. Thereafter a meeting under the chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh was held on May 23 which was attended by the education minsters of states.
