A high-level meeting of Union Ministers was conducted on Sunday following which, the CBSE proposed two alternatives to conduct the postponed Class 12 Board exams. As per reports, a broad consensus is evident among states about conducting the Class 12 Board exams for all boards including CBSE, CISCE and State Boards.
Central Education Minister, R.P. Nishank announced in a video message that states are in a broad consensus about conducting the Class 12 board exams in 2021. The Minister added that an informed and collaborative decision will be taken in this regard by June 01, 2021. While some states, like Delhi and Maharashtra, has opposed the decision of conducting board exams, they have been directed to submit alternative proposals by May 25, 2021, as per the latest reports.
A broad consensus essentially indicates that the high profile meeting has ended with a positive inclination toward conducting Board exams this year from most states. Thus, unlike the Class 10 board exams, which were cancelled this year, the states are in agreement with the decision of holding Class 12 exams.
There have been exceptions like Delhi and Maharashtra as stated here. Manish Sisodia, Education Minister (Delhi) has urged to think “like a parent” and ensure that all students are vaccinated before conducting the exam. On the other hand, the Maharashtra Head of School Education Department, Varsha Gaikwad has proposed a retroactive assessment model of Class 12 exams since for admission to higher education courses, entrance examinations are usually held to assess the merit of candidates.
CBSE has proposed two alternatives for conducting the Class 12 board exams in 2021. The first option is to hold an examination in regular centres for all the 19 major subjects only. Students will be assessed for the minor subjects based on performance in the major subject exams. The entire process will take around 3 months and while the exam is expected to be held in July-August 2021, the results will be announced by September 2021.
The second option suggested by CBSE is to hold exams at respective schools where students are enrolled. However, the exam will be held only for one language subject and three elective subjects only. Furthermore, the duration of the exam will be reduced and the question paper will only consist of MCQ or short answer type questions. The merit of candidates in the fifth and sixth subjects will be determined on the basis of performance in the language and elective subjects.
It may be noted that although a broad consensus among states is evident, a final decision regarding the conduct of the board exams is awaited. Union Education Minister has assured the student community that a decision will be taken by June 01, 2021.
