90% students from outside opt to not take SSLC exam on coast

Mangaluru: SSLC candidates from other districts studying in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, who earlier said that they could appear for the exams here itself, have now reportedly opted out, due to an increase in Covid-19 cases here. As on Friday, Udupi has recorded 768 total cases and Dakshina Kannada 143 cases.
The last date to make changes in the examination centres was May 30. Malleswamy, DDPI, Dakshina Kannada,said that out of 1,500 SSLC students from other districts in Dakshina Kannada, 1,328 candidates have said that they want to take the examination in their hometowns. A majority of these candidates hail from North Karnataka and were studying in private as well as government schools in Dakshina Kannada. The candidates also include children of migrant labourers.
As many as 29,000 students from Dakshina Kannada, including 400 students from Kerala, will appear for the SSLC examination, which will commence on June 25. The examination for students of 511 schools in the district will be held at 95 centres.
Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board had given the option to take the examination from wherever the student wishes to do so. Malleswamy said that initially students had said that they would return to Dakshina Kannada and take the examination. “According to me, their decision was changed after Covid-19 cases went up every day in the coastal districts. Students have been influenced by their parents, and have preferred to take the examination in their hometowns, ” said Malleswamy.
Nearly 95% students from outside opt not to take SSLC in Udupi
Udupi DDPI Sheshashayana Karinja said that out of the 600 students from other districts, 589 candidates have decided not to return to Udupi to take the SSLC exam. However, 85 students who are studying in other districts have opted for Udupi to take the examination. “According to parents, the option to appear for the exam from wherever they are is less risky, as they need not travel back to Udupi, and stay here for six days and again go back,” he added.
The candidates who have opted out from taking the exam in Udupi, can get their hall tickets from the school they studied in or the examination centre they have now opted to write the exam from, or from the BEO of the respective examination centre, said the DDPI.