With a day left for a final decision from the Central government, over 14.30 lakh students are eagerly waiting for some clarity regarding Class 12 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations. Students are hoping for a decision in their favour in terms of cancellation of exams due to Covid-19 risks.
Students from different states have demanded cancellation of CBSE Class 12 exams asking the board to devise innovative assessment methods based on assignments, internal tests and previous performance. Ridhima Malik, a student from Karnataka said, "On one side, the central government is warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is not over and we should not let our guard down while on the other, they are mulling over the conduct of CBSE Class 12 exams for over 14 lakh students. How is this justified?"
Amitabh Ghoshal, a student from West Bengal said, "If the CBSE had the logistics to conduct Class 12 exams via online mode completely, they should have done it by now instead of postponing and delaying the academic year. We have been studying for more than 12 months now and yet we do not know even if our exams will be conducted, cancelled or postponed. The central government should cancel the exams and consider alternative methods for assessment."
Dimple Saraswat, a student from New Delhi, said, "No examination is the safest bet because places such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a nightmare in the recent days with the surge in Covid-19 cases. I have already lost my grandfather due to Covid-19. I do not want to risk anyone else."
Hitesh Mehta, a student from Maharashtra, said, "The lockdown restrictions in Maharashtra is being extended every 15 days. The situation is not at all safe to risk the lives of students, teachers and staff. CBSE Class 12 exams should be cancelled."
All states were informed to submit their suggestions to the Union Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank by May 25. Final decision regarding conduct of CBSE Class 12 exams will be taken by June 1 by the Union Ministry of Education.
