Assam 12th board exam postponed due to surge in Covid-19 cases

GUWAHATI: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) has postponed the higher secondary first year final examination, 2021 scheduled from May 4, due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation. The decision was taken in the council meeting held here on Wednesday.
Though there was speculation that the state board will also announce its decision on the Class XII examination scheduled from May 11, AHSEC chairman Dayananda Borgohain said a decision on that will be taken by the first week of May.
“To ensure quality, we have not cancelled the Class XI final examination like last year. If the Covid situation allows, we may decide on the new dates. The exam has only been postponed,” Borgohain said.
Even as the CBSE has postponed Class XII board examination, he said the AHSEC will announce its decision on the matter by May 5. “After the election process gets over on May 2, some direction may come from the new government on conducting Class XII state boards,” Borgohain said, adding that the final exam will certainly be held.

The Class XII exam was likely to be held in February-March, but as per the directive of the state government, in view of the state elections, the schedule was reworked from May 11.
“Despite the Covid situation, we are ready for the exam, provided the situation improves. About 50 additional exam centres have been earmarked to maintain distancing in exam halls,” Borgohain added.

In several districts of Assam, educational institutions will remain closed till May 12, as announced by the respective district authorities, in view of the surging Covid cases. This can also pose hurdles for the AHSEC in conducting the exam.