Council suggests conduct of CBSE Plus II examinations

KOCHI: With the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cancelling the Class X boards and postponing the same of Class XII, parents and students have been worried. While the class X students are worried about the criteria for admission to Class XI, those in Class XII are at tenterhooks over the uncertainty hovering over the conduct of examinations. Taking into consideration the situation, the National Council of CBSE Schools (NCCS) submitted a few suggestions, after consultations with stakeholders from all over the country, before the Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.  

The board has been doing a lot of things keeping in mind the welfare of the students, said Indira Rajan, secretary-general,  National Council of CBSE schools. "However, with the COVID situation spiralling in the country, one can't blame the parents and students if they feel anxious about their academics," she said. According to her, they opined on the necessity for clarity.

"With the board cancelling the Class X examinations, the schools and also the parents don't have a clear understanding of how to proceed with the admissions for Class XI. So, we suggest it would be good if the board shares the criteria that have to be followed by schools in this regard," she said.

"Also, there is the issue of the Class X certificates, which has an importance in the future of the student. The board should take steps to issue necessary certificates if possible by getting the students' assessments made in the previous years along with supplementing grades based on activities," said Indira.

In the case of Class XII, it is our request to the board that examinations should be conducted, she added. "Of course, the COVID situation in the country is very grim. However, since the Class XII marks is necessary for their higher education, it is necessary to conduct examinations without placing the students at risk. It is the stepping stone to their future career. So, a valid certificate based on a solid assessment is of utmost necessity," she said.

Hence, clarity on the same from the board will be highly appreciated, she added. It will be good to have a blended (offline and online) pattern of evaluation for both Class X and XII, she said. "The board can also boil down the syllabus in tune with the needs of higher education and bring in some standardized procedures for internal assessment," said Indira.

According to her, for the conduct of Class XII boards, the board can consider introducing self-centres with invigilators from other schools. "The examination can also be conducted in shifts. Another suggestion is to hold two exams on a single day. This will half the number of days required for the examinations. Reducing the time gap between examinations can also be done," said the NCCS secretary-general.

Another suggestion made was the introduction of objective evaluation based on multiple-choice questions. "This can be introduced from next academic year," she said.