New Delhi: The government on Tuesday decided that class XII board exams of CBSE and ISC would not be held this year in view of the uncertain conditions due to COVID-19 and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders.
The government said that CBSE will take steps to compile the results of class XII students as per a well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner. It was also decided that like last year, in case some students desire to take the exams such an option would be provided to them by CBSE as and when the situation becomes conducive.
The decisions were taken at a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the class XII board exams of CBSE.The Prime Minister said that the decision on class XII CBSE exams has been taken in the interest of students.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Tuesday also said that the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Board examinations of Class 12 have been cancelled.
Speaking to ANI, Dr G Immanuel, Chairman, Council for CISCE said, "Indian School Certificate (ISC) Board examinations (Class 12) have been cancelled. The final decision on compiling results is yet to be taken."
The Prime Minister said COVID-19 has affected the academic calendar and the issue of board exams has been causing immense anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end.
Acoording to a PMO release, the Prime Minister said that the COVID-19 situation is a dynamic situation across the country.
While the numbers are coming down in the country and some states are managing the situation through effective micro-containment, some states have still opted for a lockdown. Students, parents and teachers are naturally worried about the health of the students in such a situation.
The Prime Minister said that students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation.
He stressed that the health and safety of students "are of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect" and added that in today's time, such exams cannot be the reason to put the youth at risk.
The Prime Minister said that all stakeholders need to show sensitivity for students, and directed officials to ensure that the results are prepared in accordance with well-defined criteria, in a fair and time-bound manner.
"In view of the uncertain conditions due to COVID and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it was decided that Class XII Board Exams would not be held this year. It was also decided that CBSE will take steps to compile the results of class XII students as per a well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner," the release said
"It was also decided that like last year, in case some students desire to take the exams, such an option would be provided to them by CBSE, as and when the situation becomes conducive," it added.
Referring to the wide consultative process, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation that a student-friendly decision has been reached after consulting all stakeholders from across the length and breadth of India. He also thanked the states for providing feedback on this issue.
The Prime Minister had earlier held a high-level meeting on May 21 which was attended by ministers and officials. Thereafter a meeting under the chairmanship of the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held on May 23 which was attended by education ministers of states. Various options for conduct of CBSE examinations were discussed in the meeting and feedback obtained from the States and UTs.
The government had earlier decided to cancel the class X board exams conducted by CBSE.
Today's meeting was attended by Union Ministers of Home, Defence, Finance, Commerce, Information and Broadcasting, Petroleum, and Women and Child Development. Principal Secretary to PM, Cabinet Secretary and secretaries of School Education and Higher Education Departments and other officials also attended the meeting.
Indian PM Narendra Modi says of the move: "Decision to cancel Class-12 CBSE exams taken in interest of students."
