Students of Assam need to wait only a little while longer to know what will happen to their board exams. The Education Board of Assam has announced that the final decision regarding the class 10 and 12 board exams is expected on or before May 25, 2021.
If the exams are not cancelled, then for the rescheduled exams, the revised date sheet is expected to come out around the same time. The same was confirmed by the Education Minister of Assam, Ranoj Pegu. Previously, the education board postponed the SEBA HSLC and AHSEC HS i.e., Class 10 and 12 board exams for the ongoing academic year 2021-22. Furthermore, Mr. Pegu stated that students might get the option of appearing for only three subjects if the board exams are not cancelled.
Currently, the state education department is looking into the possibility of conducting board exams for students of Class 10 and 12. However, this entirely depends on whether the state health authorities permit the conduction of exams by following all the SOPs and guidelines related to COVID-19. He further stated that the board is prepared to conduct the board exams with a 15-day prior notice. However, conducting exams will not be possible without the full cooperation of students and parents as well. Furthermore, the decision shall also depend on whether the situation improves or not, clarified Mr. Pegu.
Another possibility being considered is to let students appear for three exams instead of six as the COVID-19 situation is not likely to improve immediately. This is solely done to reduce the duration of exams and prevent any disruptions in the academics of students.
By implementing this change, board exams for the current academic year shall be completed within 10-12 days. The Assam state government also announced the digitisation of textbooks to help students study online without any disruptions. While these steps are benefitting students, they are still requesting the cancellation of board exams.
In the first week of May 2021, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) and Secondary Education Board Assam (SEBA) had postponed the Class 10 and 12 exams to a later date. The decision was taken due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state. Furthermore, multiple students and parents were also requesting the government to postpone the exams. The board exams were postponed to a later date and no further clarification was provided about the tentative schedule.
The state education department had decided to promote Class 11 students to Class 12 directly without conducting any final exams. Under the current circumstances, conducting full-fledged board exams is a huge risk, considering the health and safety of students. While the final decision is expected by May 25, 2021, cancellation of Class 10 exams is a huge possibility. Various central and state education boards have taken a similar decision. However, Class 12 board exams are likely to be conducted once the situation stabilises.
