39,940 write PU II exams in DK, Udupi

Mangaluru: As many as 39,940 students from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts appeared for the English subject of II Year Pre- University Course examinations on Thursday.
The examination was postponed due to pandemic lockdown. Of the total of 39,940 students present for the examination, 26,286 were from DK and 13,454 were from Udupi district. While there were 466 absentees in DK, the number was 163 for Udupi district. Of the 26,286 students who attended the examination, 1,137 were from Kerala.
Primary and secondary education minister Suresh Kumar in a virtually held press briefing said two students with health issues appeared for the examination in DK, while nine students appeared for the examination from the containment zone in Udupi and one candidate had health issue. Overall in Karnataka, 223 students from containment zones and 20 with health issues wrote the examination. In all 1,889 students from outside the state appeared for examination. If inter-district movement of students within the state for the exam is considered, out of 20,406 students scheduled to write the exam, 18,517 students appeared for the exam.
All students from Kerala appear
The Dakshina Kannada district administration and officials of PU department successfully facilitated as many 1,137 students from border state Kerala to appear for examination in the district.
As many as 760 students alone queued up at Talapady, one of the major entry points, at 7am. After thermal screening, candidates who wore masks and carried sanitisers were sent to their respective examination centres in buses arranged by the district administration. They were given separate rooms to write examinations and after which again dropped back to Talapady. Like Talapady, other border points were notified in DK, located at Vittal, Mudipu, Sullia and Puttur. “When students come in a large number, social distancing goes for a toss. However, we have done our best to ensure their safety,” said PU official in-charge of Kerala PU students.
The parents and students lauded the district administration for conducting examinations smoothly. “We were not allowed to mingle for last minute studies and entered the examination hall 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time,” said a student.
Students who appeared for the last exam said the paper was very easy and they will be able to score well.