The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has written to all Chief Ministers asking that its schools be allowed to reopen partially for Class 10 and 12 students from January 4, 2021. This is needed for students to be able to complete project and practical work, and clear doubts with their teachers before board exams, said a statement from the Council’s chief executive and secretary Gerry Arathoon.
It added that exam dates would be decided after taking into account the April-May election schedule. The CISCE conducts the ICSE or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education examination for Class 10 and the ISC or Indian School Certificate examination for Class 12 students.
In his statement, Mr. Arathoon noted that schools had been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but most schools affiliated to the Council had continued with the teaching-learning process in an online, offline or blended manner. As the academic year draws to a close, the Council has requested the Central Election Commissioner to share the election dates of States due to go to the polls in April-May 2021 to ensure there is no clash with examination schedules.
“For the final run-up to the examinations, the CISCE has requested the Chief Ministers of all State governments/Union Territories to allow schools to reopen partially,” said the statement, adding that if permitted to open, schools will follow all COVID-19 safety protocols. “With the students physically attending school, this time will be utilised for practical work, project work, SUPW [or Socially Useful Productive Work] and for doubt- clearing lessons. This will be extremely beneficial to the students who will now get the time to interact directly with their teachers,” said Mr. Arathoon.
Although the Centre had permitted schools to reopen from mid-October, few State governments have taken the decision to allow school students to return to physical classes.
Although the Centre had permitted schools to reopen from mid-October, depending on local conditions, few State governments have taken the decision to allow school students to return to physical classes.