In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it was decided that the class 12 board exams would not be held this year. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, saying that the decision was taken in the interest of students.
“Health and safety of our students is of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect. Anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end. Students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation. All stakeholders need to show sensitivity for students,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
The decision was taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a meeting with union ministers, cabinet secretary and other stakeholders to discuss the situation of Class 12 board exams and review all the possible options on the exam.
The meeting was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Chairman Manoj Ahuja, among other officials.
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The PMO release informed that CBSE will be taking steps to compile the results of class 12 students according to well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner. An option would also be provided to students who desire to take the exams as and when the situation becomes conducive.
The decision to cancel the exams this year comes two days ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the matter and the Centre is expected to file its reply on a plea seeking exactly this. The court had, on May 31, adjourned the hearing to June 3 after the Centre sought time to make a decision.
On May 23, the CBSE had proposed to hold the exam between July 15 and August 26 and presented two options: regular exams in 19 major subjects at notified centres, or shorter-duration exams at schools where the students are enrolled in.
Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal informed after the meeting that a majority of the states expressed their opinion in favour of holding the exam.
