Delhi Govt Asks CBSE to Postpone Board Exams to May 2021; Syllabus Reduction in Demand

Government of Delhi has written a letter to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) seeking postponement of CBSE board exams for Standards 10 and 12 to from March 2021 to May 2021. Delhi government has also requested the education board to reduce the board syllabus further for respective classes on account of schools being closed during COVID-19 pandemic. This year the academic session began later than usual owing to the pandemic. To reduce the burden on schools and teaching faculty, CBSE decided to reduce the portion of Classes 9 to 12 by 30%. However, as schools in Delhi continue to remain closed till October 31, 2020, the state government is requesting a further reduction in the board portion.

Schools and educational institutes have remained closed for seven months since March 2020. As part of staggered reopening of the economy, the Central Government has permitted the reopening of schools while maintaining social-distancing norms. However, states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, etc have decided to keep schools closed till October 31, even for students of standards 9-12. Delhi has also decided to follow the footsteps of these major states. With most schools in Delhi affiliated with CBSE, the Delhi Government has written a letter to the education board seeking more time for board exam preparation.

According to the letter, the government has continued online/virtual, semi-online teaching activities through live-sessions, worksheets, etc. However, these measures cannot compensate for the effectiveness of physical education. DoE further requested CBSE to extend the respective academic session to May 2021 to provide ample time for students to study in schools. Subsequently, the next academic year shall commence from July 2021. Coincidentally, this letter comes after reports suggesting that CBSE and CISCE may further reduce the portion and delay exams by 45-60 days.

Delhi Government has further requested CBSE to reduce the syllabus to accommodate in the improvised teaching pattern. Along with this, CBSE is also requested to create boards 2021 sample papers according to the revised portion. The government’s letter also acknowledged that CBSE had already reduced the board portion by 30% in anticipation of the academic year beginning by July 2020. However, schools have continued to remain closed in various parts of the country in October 2020. To counter these issues, the letter requested CBSE to further reduce the portion and provide sample papers following this new syllabus.

CBSE has also been requested to provide a set of guidelines to conduct practical exams before the board examination. If not practical exams, CBSE may also provide an alternative to not affect the students’ overall board percentage. Every year, board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are conducted from February to April. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is speculated that board exams may be pushed to may 2021.