CBSE, CISCE delaying board exams to April-May
Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE and Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations, CISCE – the two national boards, are considering reduction of syllabus of Classes 10 and 12 Board Examinations 2021 further. As the schools remain closed, the boards are reportedly considering reduction of syllabus to 50 per cent or even consider extending the academic year and delaying Board Exams 2021 by 45 – 60 days.
CBSE, CISCE and other State Boards have already reduced the syllabus by 25 to 30 per cent in July 2020. The schools, however, have remained closed and only online classes have been possible. Though the permission to reopen schools from October 15 has been granted under Unlock 5.0, the attendance remains dismal. Many states have also decided against reopening the schools just yet, raising concerns for the national boards.
"Post 30% reduction in July, there has been no normal classes and if the situation continues like this, there is likelihood of further reduction of the syllabus for the Board exams. The Board will take a call soon whether the exams are to be conducted based on 70% or 50% of the syllabus," a Senior CBSE official spoke to TOI.
As for the academic year, the CBSE may consider delaying the Board Examinations 2021 to April so as to make room for some physical classes before the exams.
"The standards for online classes vary from school to school or from urban to semi-urban and rural areas and therefore we are expecting some physical classes to happen before the exams. We will have to wait for it to happen and review the situation. Therefore, in all likelihood the Board exams may have to be shifted to April or beyond to accommodate classroom teaching and completion of the syllabus. Schools are also asking us to defer the dates as well as reduce the syllabus by 50%," he added
Gerry Arathoon, chief executive, CISCE, in conversation with the leading daily also voiced similar concerns "Given the present scenario, there is a possibility of further reduction of the syllabus. Though, one cannot say right now to what extent it could be slashed for the 2021 exams."
The decision however would be taken only after direction from the centre in regards the academic year. CBSE and CISCE both would take the final call on reduction of syllabus or shifting board examinations after assessing the situation.
The disruption of classes due to pandemic has cast a long shadow on the 2020 academic year. While the schools were able to begin the classes online, there is no actual parity and the loss of physical lectures has been acutely felt. More so in rural areas where online classes were a challenge.
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