Concerned over the impact of COVID-19 on students and education, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to promote class 9 and 11 students on the basis of school-based assessments. In the newly released press release, the board explained that in most of the schools the exams have been held and the process of evaluation and promotion has been completed. However, considering all the schools in which assessment has been hindered due to coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown board decided to scrap the exams for these class and promote students based on assessments.
Now, the promotion of the students depends on the project work, periodic tests performance, term examinations, etc. Under this situation, if a student was unable to clear the internal assessment then the schools have been asked to utilise this period for providing remedial interventions. The schools have the freedom to hold online or offline test(s) for these students.
CBSE uploaded the press release, on cbse.nic.in, to communicate their one-time measure, that must be taken due to the increasing cases of COVID-19. The exams are yet to be conducted in many Kendriaya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, state/ UT government schools, private schools, schools located in India and abroad, etc. Hence, the board issued the orders to sort down the process.
This is not the first time in history that mass promotion of school students is carried out, without the exams. In the state of Gujarat, the same was done 4 times in the past, in the need of hour. This happened in 1974 during the Navnirman agitation, in 1985 during the anti-reservation riots, in 2001 after the severe earthquake and in 2002 after the post-Godhra riots.
Most of the states and national level board are taking this escape route. Also, given the uncertainty looming over the situations and adverse effects on education, the board has come up with the best solution it can. Seems like this is the only way to put a stop at sabotaging of the academic year for many students.
CBSE has done the same for class 1 to 8. Just like CBSE various other state board like Gujarat and Karnataka’s are also following the same guideline. However, class 9 and 11 form the base for board classes which are class 10 and 12. Hence, the question arises is it a feasible step in long term.
As apt the decision might seem but on the downside, it allows easy promoting of undeserving students. This can eventually become a problem for these students, as they are not ready for advanced level studies of these two classes. The concepts taught in class 9 and 11 are the base for board studies, hence, it is crucial that students understand these step by step.
Contradicting the central board, Maharashtra board has decided to conduct the exams from class 9 to 11 after April, depending on the situations. However, looking at daily increasing COVID cases, it seems that the situation will prevail the same until May end or even June. Hence, the board will be delaying school education.
Right now, the scenario is such, that none of the boards is unfair in their approach. The impact of the decisions made today will define the future of generation to come. Collectively we can make it make better by maintaining social distancing, taking precautions, and reporting the symptoms on time. Stay indoors, stay safe, and save the future of your and million other children.
Read the press release by CBSE to promote students of class 1 to 8 – Click here
