Will cancellation of board exams compromise the academic future?

The decision of CBSE exams getting scrapped has evoked a mixed response from teachers and students.

CB Sharma, professor of Education, IGNOU and former NIOS chairman, New Delhi, says alternative options are needed. "The cancellation of the pending board exam is not a permanent solution to the problem. Instead of cancelling it, the Board could have thought of some other alternative method. On-demand exam similar to offered by the NIOS, online testing and interviews, home assignments to test student’s intelligence are some of the prominent alternatives that can be considered to assess the abilities of students. It is time to think of new practices as the country is in a new situation. Assessment based on internal exams might lead to a compromised academic future for meritorious candidates. Education-related decisions should not be taken in a hurry," he said.

Madhav Deo Saraswat, principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior, says board was left with limited options. "The Board was quite honestly left with nothing but the Hobson's choice. In view of the pandemic, the kind of pressure that was on the CBSE, they have taken a reasonable decision for the well being of students. Also, the board's decision to allow candidates to appear for the class XII exam later if they are not satisfied with the assessment based on the previous exam is a fair approach. The fact that there was little clarity from decision-makers on CBSE exams and its impact on higher education and students also compelled the board to go for cancellation of the exams. Of course, we understand that students and their competencies are assessed based on the examination so as to provide a direction to their future endeavours. However, the current situation left the Board with limited options," he said.

Nikitha Sreekantha, HOD, Department of UG programmes, Dayananda Sagar Business Academy, Bengaluru, says cancellation of board exams is sensible decision. "Looking at the current situation it is sensible to assess the students based on the internal exams. Of course, it is always good to either have a continuous assessment or conduct final exams so that students will be mentally prepared and can give their best. But assessment based on the internal exam should not become the standard always for all schools or colleges. The current situation warrants cancellation of pending board exams because of uncertainty and grave concern over health and safety," said Nikitha.

Maitrayaee Dass, student, Loreto House, Kolkata, said it's an appropriate decision. "In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board has taken an appropriate decision to cancel the pending examinations. Initially, I was sulking as the final exam was an opportunity for me to improve in the subjects where I did not do well during pre-boards. Although, the increasing graph of the patients made me realize that it is in the best interest of the students. With the situation getting worse across the country, appearing for the board exams would have been worrisome for both students and parents. The cancellation of exams has now brought a sigh of relief," said Maitrayaee.