In 2020, the schedule for the board exams was disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic and followed lockdown. Now, as the usual exam season is coming closer, students of the CBSE board are waiting for the update on their exam and the dates for the new academic session.
CBSE has already announced the dates and schedule for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. The Class 10 examination of the CBSE will be conducted from May 4 to June 7, 2021, while the Class 12 exam will be conducted from May 4 to June 11, 2021, in offline mode.
Now, the board has directed schools under it to take steps to identify and resolve learning gaps, and then conduct examinations for Classes 9 and 11 by following COVID-19 safety protocols.
The board has also recommended that the new academic session begin from April 1.
Schools were shut in March last year as a precautionary measure following the outbreak of the coronavirus. During the subsequent nationwide lockdown, students moved to online classes. But as restrictions were gradually eased from June last year, schools reopened partially in a few states from October 2020 onwards.
"For Classes 9 and 11, schools should take steps to identify and remedy the learning gaps and thereafter, conduct examinations by strictly following COVID-19 safety protocols as per the Examination Bye-Laws," the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Controller of Examination Sanyam Bhardwaj said in a letter to school principals.
The board, however, has not announced the date and schedule of Class 9 and 11 exams, as the task is done by the schools.
"While holding examinations/classes, COVID-19 safety protocols should be followed strictly. It would be appropriate to start the academic session 2021-2022 from April 1 to the extent feasible subject to the instructions of state governments."
(With inputs from PTI)