CBSE Class-10 Exam cancelled, Class-12 Exam postponed

Bhubaneswar:  In view of increase in daily counts in COVID cases across the country, the Centre decided to cancel the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class-10 Examination-2021 and postpone the annual Class-12 Examination-2021.

The move came after a high level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and other senior officials in the Ministry on Wednesday in New Delhi.

“Today Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiJi chaired a high-level meeting to review the examinations to be held at various levels in view of the developing Corona situation. Honourable Prime Minister reiterated that the well-being of the students has to be the top priority for the Government. He also stated that the Centre would keep in mind the best interests of the students and ensure that their health is taken care of at the same time their academic interests are not harmed,” Pokhriyal tweeted. 

In a series of tweets, he said, “Looking to the present situation of the pandemic and school closures, and also taking in account the safety and well-being of the students, it is decided as follows:

1. The Board Exams for Class XIIth to be held from May 4th to June, 14th, 2021 are hereby postponed. These exams will be held hereafter.

The situation will be reviewed on 1st June 2021 by the Board, and details will be shared subsequently. A notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations.

2. The Board Exams for Class Xth to be held from 4th May to June 14th, 2021 are hereby cancelled. The results of Class Xth Board will be prepared on the basis of an objective criterion to be developed by the Board.”

“Any candidate who is not satisfied with the marks allocated to him/her on this basis will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams,” the Minister further said.

Taking cognizance of various political leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, raising voice to postpone board exams amid spike in COVID cases, Prime Minister Modi held a virtual meeting with Pokhriyal, Education Secretary, CBSE officials and other senior officials concerned today.

The CBSE Board exams were scheduled to be held from May 4 to June 7. The results were to be announced by July 15. Over 30 lakh students of Class 10 and 12 were to participate in the examinations this year.

Many politicians and other stakeholders were demanding for cancellation of board exams with suggestions to conduct it online.

On Tuesday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had appealed to the Centre to cancel the exams, saying, “some alternative methods could be thought of. Children can be promoted this time on the basis of either an online method or internal assessment. But CBSE exams should be cancelled”.